A Season to Breathe: Summer at St. Andrew’s
As summer begins and the pace of life begins to shift, we’re entering a new season at St. Andrew’s—one we’re calling A Season to Breathe: Summer at St. Andrew’s.
Summer means many things—travel, busy schedules, or simply a change of pace. But it can also be something more: a chance to open the windows of our hearts and let the Holy Spirit move through. In these months of “ordinary time,” we are invited into a different kind of rhythm—not one of hurry or pressure, but one of growth. Like the green season that surrounds us, this is a time for roots to grow deeper and branches to stretch higher, as we learn to notice God at work in the ordinary rhythms of our lives.
So this summer, we invite you to make space—not just for doing, but for being. To breathe deeply, to give thanks, and to pay attention to what God is already stirring within and around you. Throughout the season, there will be opportunities to rest, to connect, and to serve—simple ways to open yourself to the Spirit’s movement in everyday life.
Whether your days are full or unhurried, structured or spontaneous, may this be a season of renewal. A time to reconnect—with God, with one another, and with your own soul—and to listen for what might be next.
Rest
Make space to slow down and be renewed. Take a walk, sit by the water, or read by the pool—simple ways to breathe deeply and reconnect with God’s presence.
Silent Saturdays
Join us this summer for a peaceful morning of Centering Prayer. We’ll meet from 9 AM–12 PM on June 20, July 18, and August 22 for a series of 20-minute silent sits with short breaks in between. Strengthen your practice and share in the quiet presence of community. Contact Mtr. Rita for more info.
Summer Taizé Worship
Join us for an evening of candlelight, song, silence, and prayer. This contemplative service offers a peaceful space to rest in God’s presence through simple chants and quiet reflection. Tuesdays: June 23, July 28, and August 25.
Back Porch Alliance
Join us Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on HJ’s patio. With no agenda but friendship, no work but to bring your preferred beverage (and, if you like, a snack to share), parishioners gather around the fire pit for fellowship.
Connect
Summer is a time to gather, share life, and grow together. These opportunities create space for conversation, friendship, and discovering where you belong.
Feast of the First Tomato
Celebrate summer’s juiciest gift at our 17th annual Feast of the First Tomato! Join us on Sunday, July 20 for a joyful Evensong at St. Andrew’s, followed by a BLT-filled feast at HJ’s. Bring a side dish to share and help us honor the humble tomato in all its glory.
Summer Adventure Nights
Drop the kids off and enjoy a night off! From 5:30–8:30p.m. at HJ’s, kids (Preschool–5th Grade) will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and themed fun—each night with a playful twist on faith. 3rd Fridays: June 19, July 17, and August 21. Click here to sign up!
20s30s Game Night
Calling all young adults—join us for Game Night on June 27 and Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. at HJ’s! Bring a favorite game to share or jump in on someone else’s. Snacks, laughs, and friendly competition guaranteed.
Men's Lectionary Group
(Thursdays, 7:30 a.m., HJ’s)
Discussion of the upcoming Sunday Scripture readings
Christian History Class
Friday mornings, 10:30 a.m., Church Library
Serve
As we make space in our own lives, we are also called outward. These opportunities invite you to share God’s love in tangible ways and be part of something larger than yourself.
Summer Free Store
June 13th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, St. James Church (55th & Paseo)
Building on the successful 25+ year legacy of Winter Free Store, we are pleased to announce the addition of a Summer Free Store this year on June 14th at St. James Church! We invite you to join us in spreading joy and hope to our neighbors during the summer season.
Consider being a part of this outreach by:
Contributing financially by purchasing new children’s underwear and t-shirts from our wishlist, or giving to support the purchase of hygiene items, and summer reading supplies for the children in our community.
Serving as a volunteer to help set up, distribute items at a table, and more. To express interest, please sign up here.
Praying for the children of Kansas City & their families.
Learning more about the event here, or visit the Jewell Room on June 7th.
Together we can continue to embody the spirit of generosity to support our community!
For more information please reach out to Dana Bartimus at 913-481-3633 or mdb56@hotmail.com.
Volunteer at Pridefest
The Episcopal Church at KC Pride 2026: June 5–7
For a third year the diocese is a sponsor and will have a booth in a Sponsor tent. We need to recruit and train volunteers to hand out literature, SWAG, and most importantly share God’s love with all we encounter. Head to our sign-up genius linked here and on the LGTBQIA+ ministries page to volunteer to help. We are also asking clergy to sign-up to pray and speak with the community. If you have any questions, please contact the Rev. Robin Rusconi at robinrusconi@yahoo.com.
Brookside Farmers’ Market Coffee Tent
Volunteer at Our Brookside Farmers’ Market Coffee Tent
St. Andrew’s is once again hosting a coffee tent during the Brookside Farmers’ Market 2026 outdoor season, held every Saturday morning from April 11 to October 31 at the HJs Community Center parking lot. Please join us as often as your schedule allows, whether once or twice during the season or as a regular volunteer. Enjoy coffee and conversation while building community with the market farmers, guests, and each other! We are looking for volunteers to serve coffee and start conversations in one of two shifts: 7:40 to 9:30 a.m. or 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Two volunteers are needed per shift. To learn more, contact Gina Heise or sign-up here. Thank you!
Help Make Summer Adventure Nights Happen
This summer, children Nursery -4th Grade are invited to St. Andrew’s Summer Adventure Nights, a monthly Parents’ Night Out series filled with Bible stories, games, crafts, music, and fun.
To make these evenings possible, we need volunteers to help with food, crafts, games, group leadership, set-up, and clean-up.
Your support will help children enjoy a fun, faith-filled evening while giving parents with young children a chance to rest, reconnect, or simply enjoy a night out.
Our first gathering, Ocean Adventure: God Is With Us, is Friday, June 19 from 5:00pm-7:30pm
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BAAA82DABFFC61-56873242-parents
Help Children Grow in Faith on Sunday Mornings
Sunday School is one of the first places children hear the stories of our faith, ask questions, build friendships, and discover that they belong at church.
We are looking for volunteers to help with Sunday School and nursery on Sunday mornings. No teaching experience is necessary. Curriculum, supplies, and support are provided. What matters most is a steady, caring presence and a willingness to share your time and faith with our children.
Whether you can serve once a month, occasionally, or on a regular rotation, there is a place for you to help.
Sign up here: Sunday School & Nursery Volunteer Sign-up
Coming Soon: Our Summer Devotional
As we enter this Season to Breathe, we invite you to journey with us through our summer devotional guide. This simple resource is designed to help you slow down and notice God at work in the ordinary rhythms of daily life through Scripture and reflection. Whether you spend a few quiet minutes each day or simply sit with the questions, this guide offers a gentle way to listen for the Spirit’s movement. Watch for your booklet to arrive soon.