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Growing into “the full stature of Christ” (Ephesians
4:13) is a process that never ends, at least not on this side of
eternity. No matter where we are in our spiritual journeys, God
calls us always to learn, to change, and to align our wills more
closely with the will of Jesus Christ.
That’s why we take seriously the spiritual needs of adults
at Saint Andrew’s. Maybe you’ve been part of “Christian
education” that ended with high-school graduation, if not before.
But adults need an environment where they can continually grow more
and more to be of the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, regardless
of where they are in their spiritual walk.
 2nd
Friday Film Series
2nd Fridays - “Heights of the Human Spirit” Film Series
Come to be inspired! Bring your friends to the 2nd Fridays Film Series on the second Friday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Jewell Room. The films we view show the heights of the human spirit confronting difficulties and transforming the world. At 2nd Fridays all are welcome: St. Andrew's members, non-members, residents of the neighborhood! Wine, cheese, and refreshments are served. After the feature film, we enjoy an open forum to discuss the film.
Films we've viewed throughout this series:
* Rules of Engagement is an exciting, suspenseful movie showing the excruciating decisions people have to make defending our country – killing or not killing, when to shoot and when not to shoot, what is national interest and what is not.
* In 1982, Gandhi, a 3-hour epic starring Sir Ben Kingsley, won 8 Oscars. Today, Gandhi is just as compelling and relevant in presenting one of the great spiritual leaders of all time. Come and be inspired. Let yourself be lifted up to live out your unique potential!
* Emmanuel's Gift, an inspiring story showing “heights of the human spirit” overcoming obstacles and transforming the world. Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah from Ghana – born with one leg…..rides a bike throughout Ghana on one leg, becomes a hero and works to change laws for the disabled.
* Weapons of the Spirit--a 1989 documentary about a French Huguenot village of 5000 sheltering 5000 Jews from the Nazis during WWII. Includes a Bill Moyers interview with the director Pierre Sauvage. Called “a conspiracy of goodness.” What does this challenge us to do today? What motivates people to do good?
* Amazing Grace-- the 2007 film about William Wilberforce -- his spiritual and political leadership in Parliament and his influence on public opinion that led to the 1807 vote to abolish slavery. Why did England take that step almost fifty years ahead of the U.S.? What were the moral and spiritual forces at work?
* Romero-- the 1989 film about Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero and his leadership in work for the poor, involvement in “liberation theology,” and his assassination. What is the effect of his martyrdom? What are the sources of courage?
* Hotel Rwanda--the 2004 film about how a Rwandan hotel manager’s life-threatening moment-to-moment actions sheltered and saved thousands during the country’s genocide. What can one person do? What does it mean to “rise to the occasion?” What is the meaning of genius?
* Joyeux Noel--a 2005 film set on Christmas Eve 1914 on the Western Front of World War I. French, Scottish, and German soldiers find a way to come together in No Man's Land to bring about a moment of peace and humanity in that awful conflict. We'll discuss how everyday people can be peacemakers in even the unlikeliest of situations.
* Beyond the Gates of Splendor--What did the women do after their 5 husbands were speared by the Auca Indians in the eastern Amazon rain forest in Ecador in 1955? They went with their babies and Jesus' message of forgiveness and lived among the Indians, considered by anthropologists among the most violent on earth. In two years, killings by spears were down 90% and the tribe was saved from extinction. 50 years later, one of the tribe, renamed Waodoni, is flying a plane to nearby villages with medical supplies. Heart warming on every level - love stories of the couples, miracles, God at work in tangible ways!
* The Power of Forgiveness, 2007 Sun Valley Best Documentary, by Martin Doblmeier. EXPERIENCE HOPE in stories of people from all over the world –stories of forgiveness transforming lives and saving lives. See the impact on individuals, families, gangs, schools, communities, war torn cities, even countries. This will lift you up!
Discussions will be held after each film - please join us!
The Chair for “Heights of the Human Spirit” is Ann Hyde, who can be contacted by phone at (913) 980-5555 for more information, to volunteer, and to nominate films to be included in the series.
Adult Forum
Adult Forum meets every Sunday from 9:15 to 10 a.m. (between the
two services) our clergy and special guests teach on a wide variety
of topics related to theology, Scripture, and what it means to be
the Church in today's world. The class sometimes discusses books
(recent titles have included The Meaning of Jesus by Marcus
Borg and The DaVinci Code; other times, the class follows
a lecture-and-discussion format. Contact Fr. Mann (frfred@standrewkc.org).
June 8 - July 27 Adult Forum
Prayer in America
We’ll continue the Sunday Adult Forum each week through the summer, beginning with a series from June 8 through July 27 on prayer and how it has shaped the history and culture of the United States.
The class will use the documentary Prayer in America, which was broadcast on PBS stations in the fall of 2007. In each class, we’ll watch and discuss a short segment of the documentary. Topics will include the immigrant experience and prayer; slavery and prayer; the Social Gospel, the Prosperity Gospel, and prayer; school prayer; science and prayer; war and peace; healing and prayer; and civil religion and prayer. For more information about the documentary, visit the website by clicking here.
The classes will be led by Fr. John and Mtr. Anne from 9:15 to 10:05 a.m. in the Undercroft.
August 17-31 Adult Forum
Prayer and Cathedrals
To finish up the summer, we’ll have a brief series on “Three Great English Cathedrals” on Aug. 17, 24, and 31. Fr. John will talk about Canterbury Cathedral; St. Paul’s, London; and Salisbury Cathedral. The series will be part travelogue, part history, and part reflection on how these places of worship continue to engage the world around them.
Baptism and Confirmation
Adult baptism and confirmation classes are offered each year in
the late winter and early spring to prepare adults for membership
in the Episcopal Church. Intended for adults who have been baptized
as children or who have never been baptized, these classes teach
the basics of what Episcopalians believe and how we worship. Contact
Fr. Fred (frfred@standrewkc.org).
Youth and Adult Confirmation:
Please contact Rachel Chambers (rachel@standrewkc.org
or 816-523-1602 ext. 109) regarding Youth Confirmation or Fr. Fred
Mann (frfred@standrewkc.org
or 816-523-1602 ext. 102) to obtain more information
Brown Baggin’ and Books
Brown Baggin’ and Books meets at noon on the second Wednesday
of the month for lunch and discussion of books with a spiritual
theme, such as Evensong by Gail Godwin and The Return
of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Jackie Gilpin at treblegj@juno.com.
Education for Ministry (EFM)
The EFM group meets weekly as a small community of learning, prayer,
and formation for ministry in the world. EFM is a four-year course
of study for lay people based on an Episcopal seminary curriculum.
Contact Janette Coil at 913-341-1375, or Ann Spicer (aes8468@everestkc.net)
at 913-825-6986.
Episcopal 101
Episcopal 101 is an short, weekly series of meals, videos, and small-group
discussions about the Episcopal Church and Saint Andrew's parish.
It's a great way for newcomers to learn about the Church and for
long-time members to remind themselves what it means to be an Episcopalian.
Contact Fr. John Spicer (frjohn@standrewkc.org).
Men’s
Bible Study
The weekly Men's Bible Study meets at 8 a.m. on Thursdays in the
Auxiliary Room (please use the Wornall Road door to join them).
The group is studying Paul's Letter to the Galatians, and all men
are welcome! Contact Ralph Munyan at (913) 406-8805 or ralph@ralphmunyan.com.
Midweek Bible Study
Midweek Bible Study will be on summer break through the month of August.
Women’s Bible Study
Our Women’s Bible Study meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
for brief worship, teaching, discussion, and prayer. The group includes
women of all ages and different denominations. Contact Debby Walker
at 913-262-0762 or Mimi Eckels at 913-362-2612.
For additional study groups, please visit our Groups & Guilds page; or, for opportunities to get involved in our worship services, click here.
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