PRAISING, LEARNING, SHARING
2014 A Year in Review
FROM FATHER JOHN
Wide Branches Need Deep Roots
As we begin our second century, God is calling us to be “church” in ways we know well and in ways
we’re just beginning to know fully. We’re sent both to those seeking a traditional expression of a Christian
worshiping community and to those who distance themselves from organized religion. We’re like a
life-giving tree God has planted in Brookside – the mustard tree from Jesus’ parable (Matthew 13:31-32).
It starts small; but, once it grows, God calls the tree to bless the world around it as “the birds of the air
come and make nests in its branches.”
That’s an image of the kingdom of God, but it’s also an image of St. Andrew’s – a life-giving tree with wide
branches and deep roots. Nurturing the tree and extending its reach is the point of our Gather & Grow
initiative. Over the past year, we’ve done the hard work of listening to God and each other, discerning
how we’re being called to advance God’s mission in our second century. That work has led us to set these
missional priorities:
Evangelism: We’re continuing to improve our regular Sunday worship offerings, especially musically;
we’re incorporating newcomers better; and we’ll keep finding ways to make traditional worship
experiences spiritually rewarding yet fun and invitational. To build church in new ways, we’re
developing a new community of spiritual pilgrims in Brookside, enhancing adult formation in
both familiar and new ways, and planning to offer Morning or Evening Prayer through the week.
Empowering Young People: We’re strengthening our current children’s and youth ministries,
and we’re connecting them more intentionally with our Scouting program. To build church
in new ways, we want to develop musical opportunities for kids and youth in the community,
welcome kids and families for open play and team practices, offer small-group conversations for
high-school youth, and offer parenting and relationship classes for young adults.
Entrepreneurship for Social Change: To build our outreach ministry in new ways, we’ve
established an incubator relationship with top students in social entrepreneurship from UMKC’s
Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership. We want to offer office space for these students as they
graduate and, more important, help them develop mentoring relationships with experts in our
parish and the larger community.
Events and Engagement that Build Community: St. Andrew’s is blessed with the spiritual gift of
hospitality, and we want to use that gift to open our doors wider to the community. We want to
invite community groups more intentionally to use our facilities for meetings and other activities,
and we want to provide space for our neighbors’ events and celebrations.
These are the ministry priorities of our Gather & Grow campaign, which will kick off in mid-February
as Lent begins. But to grow the mustard tree of our parish, in ways both familiar and new, we have to
fertilize our soil and deepen our roots. So as we prayerfully consider our response to God’s missional call,
during Lent and through 2015, we’ll also consider God’s claim on us as members of this church family.
What does it mean to be a disciple? What are our commitments to God and each other? What does
church membership look like? God is calling us to grow in every sense – as individual disciples, as a
spiritual family, and as a church connecting with the community around us.
As we step into our second century, St. Andrew’s is called to be “church” in ways that build on who God
has already made us to be. As Jesus says, we’re called to bring God’s kingdom to life “like the master of a
household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old” (Matthew 13:52). The commitment
of your heart to St. Andrew’s – in time, talent, and treasure – will help this tree’s roots grow deep and its
branches wide.
FROM MOTHER ANNE
FROM FATHER MARCUS
In July, I celebrated seven years of ministry with this church family—how blessed I’ve been
to serve here at St. Andrew’s. Thank you! Over the years, my work has morphed from a
specific ministry emphasis on Parish Life’s hospitality and pastoral care ministries to
Associate Rector with more generalist responsibilities, including coordination of pastoral
care and hospitality, overseeing our worship and liturgical arts as clergy liaison, and
performing administrative tasks in concert with the rector. This past year I was privileged
to take a leadership role through the four months of Fr. John’s sabbatical, and I appreciate
the kind and patient spirit of this congregation, the wisdom and support of our Senior and
Junior Wardens (Steve and Mary), and the perseverance of the staff as we kept the ship
cruising forward even through occasional choppy water. I likewise enjoyed my work in the
wider church with the Commission on Ministry and the Spiritual Wellness board of Saint
Luke’s Hospital.
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father, and from Jesus Christ his Son, our Risen
Lord and Reigning Savior.
A Collected Body of Disciples
Hospitality and Worship: I refer you to the reports of Mary Heausler and Kathy Fowler
(Hospitality and Worship respectively) for activity details, but I do wish to take this
opportunity to thank all who serve on those commissions for their dedicated and faithful
service when it might surely feel like an endurance test at times. My primary goal for 2015
is to seek a wider, inter-commission/committee synergy as well as to discern our respective
roles in the parish mission to “gather and grow.” How, we might ask, are we to participate
creatively, efficiently and responsively to God’s call to us as individuals and as a collected
body of disciples? How are we to extend our joy-filled welcome to people in the community.
Parish & Community Care: 2015 will bring about some important changes for what has
been traditionally known as Pastoral Care. First, our name is changing to reflect a renewed
and wider reach of God’s love and care by our church: Parish & Community Care (PCC).
We shall continue to care for the spiritual needs of our own during life’s changes and crises,
but we shall also expand our vision to include those in our neighboring community who
likewise experience change and crisis but without benefit of a spiritual connection. Deacon
Bruce Bower will lead us in this community focus, while also visiting our members and
enhancing the pastoral leadership within our church by recruiting, training and empowering
others to serve alongside the clergy. He will serve as chaplain to the OSL prayer ministry
(Meg Townsend is convener) and help prepare the Prayers of the People for Sunday worship.
Our pastoral ministry is not, however, solely clergy initiated! Without the unwavering
ministry of our SweeneyCare telephone callers (Peg Ruth and team), Loaves & Fishes
ministry (Ann Renne and team), Cards & Notes ministry (Ann Spicer) and Community of
Hope Chaplains and Eucharistic Visitors (Joel Nelson, Charlie and Sarah Johnson, Joanna
Martin, Ann Rainey, Debby and John Walker, Donna Adam, Mary and Ron Spradley, Dana
Williams) many homebound would feel disconnected from their church. There’s much to
do! Please join us and see how your faith is enriched in the process!
In the Service of Christ
It is my privilege to address you in my 18th month as the Pastor for Young Adults and Families.
The past twelve months have seen great partnerships and collaboration in ministry both
inside our community and in our broader neighborhood and city. I continue to be grateful
to God for calling me to serve this community of dynamic young people, faithful and feisty
seniors, and everyone in between. Thank you for partnering with me in this ministry and,
more importantly, for partnering with God as agents for the coming of God’s holy reign.
As I look forward to the year ahead, I am excited about the things that are coming.
Programmatically, we will see the return of popular offerings such as the Spring series of
Heaven and Ale (“In Spirit and In Truth: Exploring Spirituality and Sacred Story in Song
and Verse”) and the continued development of our Saturday Eucharist. Christian formation
will continue to stretch and grow and create disciples of all nations… and ages. Inspiring
preaching, transcendent liturgy, and deep tradition will continue to be a part of this place.
Missionally, 2015 presents us with 12 months to develop new relationships, both within
our parish and out in our community. Instead of focusing solely on “growing the church,”
2015 presents us with 12 months to be the church – a family of spiritual sojourners gathered
around the Risen Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit! The Gather and Grow Ministry
Campaign is about gathering that community in a variety of ways – through innovative
formational opportunities, out-of-the-box community building and fellowship offerings,
fresh and contextual worship, and heartfelt opportunities to seek and serve Christ in all
people loving our neighbors with the life changing love of the Lord Jesus.
When Jesus dispatched the 72 disciples, he told them to go out two-by-two and to travel
light. This story presents us with both a relational and organizational challenge. Relationally,
we are challenged to build relationships that are conducive to the community-organizing
work of the Holy Spirit. Hearing the stories of one another over coffee, a beer, or glass of
bourbon (neat, of course) make ministry and partnership possible. Organizationally, we are
challenged to travel light, to prioritize and focus in order to take the life-giving Gospel into
new corners of our communities.
This is a great time to be in the Church as we reimagine who we are and endeavor to take the
Church to a new level of grace, love, mission, and community.
WARDEN REPORTS
GATHER & GROW
In 2013 we finished with a surplus of $45,000 – the second year in a row with a surplus. The vestry voted to invest that exact sum
in marketing, and we budgeted to spend $45,000 more than our revenue plan in 2014. We finished 2014 by spending $36,000
more than we brought in, or $9,000 ahead of plan.
The Gather & Grow Management Team came together in Spring 2012, and committees met to begin shaping the campaign.
Throughout 2012 and 2013 feedback sessions were held to gather information on what the parish desired as St. Andrew’s looked
to its next 100 years. These feedback sessions and surveys directed us to focus the campaign on investing in HJ’s and other
church gathering spaces. In December 2013 the Vestry adopted ten guiding principles to direct the campaign.
A Message from Steve Rock, Senior Warden
Unlike many churches, we showed growth – and we got that growth with a rector on sabbatical. We have a warm welcome;
great preaching, liturgy and music; and the best parts of a family (love and support) without the worst parts (judgment and
dysfunction.) In short, we do many of the common things uncommonly well. Each person’s contribution has been making
St. Andrew’s a strong spiritual home.
A Message from Megan & Blake Hodges and Sarah & Sean Murray
These guiding principles are based on enhancing St. Andrew’s ministry to parishioners and the greater Kansas City community.
In Spring 2014 Fr. John Spicer authored a paper outlining a vision for St. Andrew’s. This paper identified four emphasis areas:
Evangelism, Empowering Youth, Entrepreneurship for Social Change, and Events. The “4E’s” provide a framework for ministry.
But not all is perfect. Our largest near-term challenge is in how our members choose to connect with our community. The first
manifestation of that connection challenge is in the busy lives we lead, and how easy it is to fall out of the church habit.
Christmas and Easter are like the people exercising in January and just in time for “bathing suit season.” By February and
mid-summer, the exercise habit has faded. Our attendance pattern looks very similar to the local gym’s.
Also during this spring, the committee spent extensive time researching opportunities for the HJ’s property. We investigated selling
or leasing the land. Thorough discussions – using internal and external experts – were held. The Vestry received a full report
and recommendation from the Gather & Grow Management Team to renovate the HJ’s property and to renovate the Undercroft.
The Vestry agreed with the recommendation and voted to move the project forward.
If we figured out how to worship together weekly, the second connection issue would take care of itself. That second issue is
our individual financial relationships with our church. Sixty nine families had not fulfilled their pledges at the end of the year.
12% of the income we expected did not come. (Compared with 3% the year before.) At the first of the year, approximately 90 of
our 314 pledgers in 2014 had not made a pledge for 2015.
The Architecture and Use Committees conducted an architecture selection process in the spring and early summer. After a special
committee interviewed each of the four finalists, the el dorado architecture firm was hired to conduct information sessions and
provide renderings of the renovated spaces. Using the 4E’s, workgroups were formed to identify ministries that would be
utilizing the spaces and how they would use them. The workgroups met several times to create programming plans. El dorado
took this information and created documents identifying activities and where these activities take place – the west side of the
property or HJ’s property. At Christmas, we displayed renderings from el dorado of what the spaces could possibly look like.
The parish was encouraged to provide feedback on the designs.
Fr. John and I are befuddled. We believe that most people are very happy with St. Andrew’s. When we have discussed pledge
payments or missing pledges, the response is typically, “I’m sorry. I was too busy. I forgot.” I certainly understand “busy,” but I
can also remember the Stewardship Chair of my childhood church: “When that day comes, do you really want to explain to God
why you thought your pledge wasn’t a priority?”
Put simply, the leadership of St. Andrew’s cannot responsibly run its finances under this cloud of uncertainty. Next year’s
wardens will need to talk more about money than ever before. It is my hope and prayer that we continue our past conversations
into the future:
St. Andrew’s is a welcoming, nonjudgmental community where we support people in each step of their faith journey.
We strive to live thankfully, and not in fear. No matter what, we will be okay with what we have been blessed with.
There is a spiritual discipline in financial giving and scripture does call for us to give 10% of our income.
St. Andrew’s is a well-run organization and family of people growing in faith. Continuing with the family theme, I grew up in a
family that never talked about money. Those conversations now occur because they need to. There is a bit of conflict in those
conversations, but it is going to be okay. It has been making us a stronger family. St. Andrew’s will grow through tough conversations.
The time is now for this church family to talk about the world we live in, the faith we must grow together every week, the people
we are called to serve, and the role of money in our individual and collective lives.
A Message from Mary Heausler, Junior Warden
As my term as Junior Warden comes to an end, I look back with a feeling of accomplishment, and forward with much excitement
and anticipation for the future. This was an amazing time in the life of St. Andrew’s to be a member of the Vestry and Jr. Warden
in particular. Much deferred maintenance, new renovations and improvements marked our transition into the next century.
I had a lot of help, support and guidance as we moved through the challenges of change, and I want to recognize a few of those
key individuals. First the members of the Facilities Commission itself: Randy Bredar, Bill Fowler, Morgan Olander, Melissa Rock,
Gordon Gilpin, Charlie Penner, Frank Julian and for two years, Connie Smart. My partners on staff: Peggy Wright, Mary Sanders,
Fr. John, Mtr Anne and our wonderful Sexton, Robert Tillman, who really holds this building together! Finally a thank you to
the Vestry, and my close partner, Steve Rock. Thank you for putting your faith and support in me at all times in this position.
Looking toward the future, I am excited for all the possibilities as we pursue our mission in the world outside these walls. So
many people have stepped up and worked hard to form what we will look like and how we will accomplish our goals in the next
century. I look forward to being a part of that process.
2015 will be an exciting year. The actual capital campaign will occur during Lent. Additional renderings and initial site plans
will be presented for parish input. New ministries and uses have been defined, and current ministries will be enhanced. We
appreciate everyone’s involvement and encourage those who have not yet been involved to get involved now. Parishioner
participation to date has made this project successful.
WORSHIP COMMISSION
A Message from Kathy Fowler
It has been an exciting and very busy year for the ministries of St. Andrew’s that make up the Worship
Commission. The Altar Guild, Eucharist Ministers, Acolytes, Music and Worship Arts, Ushers, and
Lectors integrated with pastoral care ministries including the Order of St. Luke and Eucharistic Visitors
all work together to support the worship experience in our parish. All of these ministries welcomed new
members this year and we are very grateful for the contributions of each and everyone in the parish who
helps sustain and support these ministries.
St. Andrew’s continues to provide and support both traditional and newer expressions of worship
honoring both St Andrew’s deeply rooted traditions and exploring new ways to express and experience our
Episcopal tradition. In 2014 we tried different expressions of the liturgy and music for both the 10:15 and
8:00 am services and listened intently for feedback. St Andrew’s also began exploring ways to expand our
worship experience in other forms and styles. Of particular note - this year marks the one-year anniversary
of the launch of the Take5 Saturday evening service!
One of the commission’s priorities this year was to develop and implement a different approach to the
Prayers of the People, long a part of our traditional liturgy. Working in conjunction with the Order of
St. Luke, we began incorporating prayers written by Mother Anne and Deacon Bruce Bower into the 10:15
worship service with members of OSL delivering these prayers from the congregation. This has been very
well received and we are continuing to develop this ministry as a vital part of our worship experience.
Parishioners have expressed an interest in creating the prayers and we are happy to welcome them into
this endeavor.
Dr. Tom Vozzella joined St Andrew’s as our new Director of Music one year ago and immediately began
developing and implementing a plan for St Andrew’s Worship Arts program designed to take our music
experience to new levels with events and programs designed to support the current programs as well as
introducing new offerings. The music prepared and performed for Easter, Christmas Eve and our new
MASSterful Carols Christmas Cantata event created a joyous and vibrant experience for all and provided
a glimpse of what is possible as we continue to grow and develop these programs. The Parish Choir has
added new members and under Dr. Vozzella’s creative and lively direction, continues to explore additional
music styles and genres for both hymns and service music to enhance the worship experience at St. Andrew’s.
Our Acolyte Guild also welcomed new adult sponsors this year as Jean and Paul Long took on the leadership
role, and the response of both young people and their parents has been rewarding. Active participation
by children and youth remains an ongoing goal of the Worship Commission. Programs that we’re
considering include: children’s choir, children’s usher corps and junior altar guild participants. These
programs offer a wonderful way to actively involve our youth and children in worship.
1,478 total number of members
20 baptisms (all ages)
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ADULT FORMATION
A Message from Glenn Crawford
Last January at the national Episcopal educators’ conference, we joined forces with the Children’s Ministry
and Youth Ministry to create a Formation Team, under the direction of Fr. Marcus. The resulting synergy
has given us greater depth, width and resources to bring to our model of “life-long, life-wide Fformation.”
This has enabled us to grow our already established programs (the weekly Bible Study has nearly doubled
in size; Cafe 9:15 has tripled), as well as developing and offering new options, including some intergenerational activities. Some examples of the latter include:
• A multi-generational Lenten series on keeping Sabbath
• A multi-generational study and workshop on Anglican prayer beads
• A new plan for aligning Adult Confirmation prep with Youth Confirmation prep
• Involvement in planning the youth retreat to Washington D.C.
• Participation in the new Heaven and Ale program
We have broadened adult formation both structurally and spiritually. The Adult Formation Commission
is now comprised of three times as many parishioners as it was, with most members taking an active part
in leading or facilitating a class. One of the most innovative new offerings has been contemplative spirituality
with the introduction of the lay-led Sacred Spaces each Thursday night, and it’s incorporation of community
members not involved at St. Andrew’s in any other way.
Our other lay-led offerings (such as Mary Circle, Brown Baggin’ & Books, Living With Spirit, Foundations of
Christianity, etc.) continue to thrive, and new offerings (such as Sophia) will be launched in 2015.
Special offerings such as the series on “Understanding Islam” and “Christian Response to Hate-Crimes”
brought record turn-out to the Sunday morning between-services class (a trend which it appears is
continuing in 2015 with the “The New Jim Crow” conversations with a panel of speakers from the community).
We are looking ahead to a year of continued involvement and empowerment of the laity and broadening
our intergenerational and “life-wide” spiritual formation offerings.
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45 Cafe 915 highest weekly attendance
5 adult confirmations
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
YOUTH MINISTRY
Children’s Ministry was very active during 2014. Together we:
2014 was a year of growth and building for the youth of St. Andrew’s. After welcoming a
new part-time youth coordinator, Mathew Berger and a priest for Youth and Family
Ministries, Marcus Halley, in the last half of 2013, 2014 brought exciting new programs and
great plans for additional growth in 2015. The Youth Commission was instrumental in the
planning and execution of all the youth events during the year. The commission is made up
of Dolly McCarson, Morgan Olander, Jean Long, Terri Long, Frank Julian, Caroline Wake,
Sarah Murray, Courtney Siemens, Amelia Bodde, Emma Olander, Connor McCarson and
Mari Long. Connor McCarson and Mari Long also serve on the vestry as youth wardens.
Connor McCarson, Mari Long and Alex Long represent St. Andrew’s youth at the diocesan
level with the Youth Ministries Council. The youth are also supported by an intern,
Kelly Phelan, who contributes her time, talent and endless enthusiasm to the group. In 2014
Jean and Paul Long were appointed to be the acolyte directors creating a cohesive bridge
between the acolyte and youth groups. Morgan Olander provides Scout representation on
the commission. All of these individuals put in endless hours of time in planning events,
carpooling, providing meals and snacks, cleaning HJs, selling Christmas trees and always
showing up to help with enthusiasm and energy.
A Message from Celeste Kirmer
Purchased materials to fully stock a second Godly Play classroom for the
Kindergarten-2nd grade age group.
Hosted a regional Godly Play Core Training, with seven St. Andrew’s participants
(including Fr. Marcus) in a total of 16 participants from several parts of Kansas and
Missouri and two certified Godly Play Trainers.
Provided consistent lead teachers in all classes with a rotating team of assistants so
that the children experienced continuity in Sunday School.
Hosted traditional events such as a Sunday School Kick-Off Celebration, Boo Bash,
Easter Egg Hunt and a Christmas pageant, this year with a script involving seven
children in speaking roles and two singers. We repeated last year’s inaugural Saint
Nicholas Party.
Offered “Kind Time” Vacation Bible School with 36 kids, and 52 adult and teen helpers.
Participants made 32 blankets and 19 pillows, which were donated to Children’s
Mercy Hospital. Together, we all earned 1,514 kindness badges.
Saw wonderful growth in Children’s Chapel attendance, with a high of 31 and many
Sundays with attendance above 15. Even in the summer months, when we studied
Superstars of the Bible and Church, attendance averaged about 11 children each week.
Created the role of Children’s Chapel Mentors for 4th-6th graders so keep them
engaged and give them leadership experience.
Had a presence in “big church” by singing, being ushers, sharing what we did at VBS,
and baking and processing the bread for the Maundy Thursday service.
A Message from Dolly McCarson
Highlights of the youth events that were accomplished in 2014 include the following:
Super Bowl Party (February), Youth Retreat ski trip to Winter Park (February), Scout Sunday
(February), Shrove Tuesday Pancakes hosted by the Scout Troop (February), Rose Fundraiser
on Mother’s Day (May), End-of-School Party in May, two field trips to Royals Games,
Back-to-School Lock-in (August), Fall Lock-In (October), ice skating at Crown Center
(December), and the Annual Christmas tree sale fundraiser.
Several of St. Andrew’s outh participated in the numerous diocesan events including
Happening, Jr. High Retreat, Camp WEMO, Missionpalooza, Episcopal Youth Event in
Philadelphia, and the Diocesan Youth Event in Springfield.
A new Metro Youth Network was begun representing the Episcopal Churches in the Kansas
City metro area. The first event was a progressive dinner in January where St. Andrew’s
welcomed over 50 metro youth for the soup course.
Confirmation classes were held for St. Andrew’s youth and led by Fr. Marcus Halley and
Mathew Berger. Eleven youth were confirmed on September 14, 2014.
We started 2014 by trying some new things. Donuts for Youth were added to Sunday mornings
with the acolyte program. Youth Group was switched to Saturdays with the junior high age
group meeting monthly on a Sunday. However, due to reduced attendance and comments
from parents, Youth Group was switched back to Sundays at 4:30 in June. Junior high was
scheduled for the first Sunday at 3:30. Dinners were re–introduced as a part of Youth Group
on the first Sundays. Attendance at youth group meetings rebounded after switching back to
Sundays and has been fairly stable for the rest of the year with an average of 10 youth attending
on Sunday evenings.
In 2015, we are looking forward to expanding the offerings for junior high youth and
revamping our organizational structure. Senior high Youth Group will be modified to
include some small group meetings. We will be adding a Civil Rights Tour as a Summer
Youth Event and touring Washington DC for the Winter Youth Retreat on peace and justice.
The Youth Commission is looking forward to continuing its efforts to build the foundation
for the youth programs of St. Andrew’s in 2015.
PARISH LIFE HOSPITALITY
A Message from Mary Heausler
2014 was a year of new events and great fellowship at St. Andrew’s. There were several of our “favorites”
which are always enjoyed and well attended by members: Midsummer Evensong & Feast of the First
Tomato, Blessing of the Pets on St. Francis Sunday and, of course, our St. Andrew’s Day celebration. Even
these “stand by” events had some added features; for example, our blessing of pets coffee hour included
pet-themed treats for human and canine alike, and St. Andrew’s Sunday was highlighted by a very plaid
Scottish theme with lots of shortbread and smoked salmon to accompany our coffee!
We started off the year with a new concept in coffee hour having different members or groups host each
week, and featuring a bio of them in the bulletin in order to get to know each other better. It was an
appreciated success, but we now need to re-evaluate the feasibility after an extended hiatus.
We tried several new celebrations: a Mardi Gras party complete with King (Blake Hodges) and Queen
(Mtr. Anne), boiled shrimp, jambalaya and king cake! About 75 members and guests participated. We
even had mask decorating for the kids and costumes for all prior to entering the serious time of Lent. A
progressive Garden Party was held in June with over 60 guests visiting the beautiful gardens of parishioners
Joy and Bruce Bower, Caroline and George Kroh and Ann and Fr. John Spicer. It was a beautiful evening
with delicious appetizers at each home and much fellowship. The following Sunday’s coffee hour was a
garden party in its own right, here in our own church garden with neighbors invited after the 10:15 service.
There were several additional “special events” that the entire congregation celebrated this past year: the
ordination to the priesthood of the former Deacon Michael Shaffer, the retirement of Deacon Jim Moore,
the return of Fr. John from sabbatical, and the ordination of Bruce Bower to the diaconate. Special
receptions were held for each of these events.
Our year concluded with a special display of Nativity crèche scenes in the Jewell Room during Advent,
offered by several members of the parish as a means of sharing their memories as they and we looked
forward to Christmas. We hope there can be more contributions next year by different parishioners—
a great way to get to know one another and catch a glimpse of each other’s traditions.
All in all, the Parish Life Hospitality Commission provided new ways to join in fellowship and new
opportunities for every commission to get involved in the “hospitality” of St. Andrew’s.
Originally we were to look into the purchase of a Van but after consideration and vote
by our Vestry the plan was voted down. I was able to contact Church Insurance and
receive a list of suggestions to be used as a guideline for basic insurance requirements
for those wishing to transport parishioners to and from Services or special events. I am
currently contacting transportation companies to find out rates and service areas to see
if the church could open an account, after clergy and Vestry approval, to help support
transportation needs of our parishioners.
TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION
A Message from Frank Julian
OUTREACH COMMISSION
A Message from Carolyn Kroh
The purpose of the Outreach Commission is to seek and serve Christ in all people in order to reveal the
kingdom of God. This mission is grounded in Christ’s call that “whatever you do for one of the least of these
brothers of mine, you do for me.” I’d like to share with you two of our many 2014 Outreach projects, the Free
Store and St Paul’s Food Pantry, that highlight the giving hearts of St Andrew’s parishioners.
For over two years parishioners have been volunteering at St. Paul’s Food Pantry. Some work weekly and a
woman’s group (Pantry Partners) volunteers monthly. We serve the homeless, elderly and working poor who
live in the mid-town area. We bag groceries, assemble toiletry packs, and man various work stations where
we have direct contact with the clientele. By volunteering regularly we have opportunities to know more
about each person’s life and struggles because they are familiar with us and feel comfortable sharing. We
learn who has been sick and we try to find ways we can help, even if it’s just giving a listening ear. We learn
their food preferences and oftentimes try to provide a little extra of their favorite. For example, one man
loves coffee, so we try to have extra coffee available to give him. Some clients are Hispanic so we try to
communicate with them in Spanish. Oftentimes we’ll hear comments like, ‘you remembered my name!’ or
‘God bless all that you do for us’ or ‘it sure was great to have someone to talk to. Have a nice day!’ Special
thanks to our coordinators, Cathy Mosely and Lynn Kellen.
We continued our Done in a Day events: packing seeds at the Kansas City Community Gardens, cooking
and attending dinners at Freedom Fire Ministries for youth in the inner city and organizing Halloween
and Mother’s Day projects at Rose Brooks. BackSnacks were filled at Benjamin Banneker School, as well
as a school vegetable garden started and students were tutored at Southwest High School and Gordon
Parks School.
The Kansas City Community Kitchen received funds for food purchases and parishioners from St. Andrew’s
served at the soup kitchen every Friday. Fabric of Life gave 38 quilts to people in need of comfort and has 45
more quilts made and ready to distribute.
Parishioners also used their treasure to support ministries such as St. Augustin’s school and church in
Maniche, Haiti, and the annual Holey Open Golf Tournament which this year had 60 players participate and
raised $13,050. The money benefited teacher projects at Benjamin Banneker and Gordon Parks schools and
The First Tee, an organization which gives golf lessons to disadvantage local area children.
Our primary commission mandate is to implement and oversee volunteer programs to alleviate hunger,
clothe the poor, improve education and strengthen families. This year $124,000 went to our outreach
programs to achieve this mandate. Praise God for our many blessings, for we have learned that one receives
back twice as much as one gives.
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On December 22nd a wonderful event occurred at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Its sanctuary doors opened, 375 people came
through, listened to wonderful music, were fed and given warm clothing. Seventeen members of the St. Andrew’s Order of St. Luke were
there to host tables, listen and pray with the guests. Other members of St. Andrew’s served food and waited on tables. Representatives
from six social services agencies were there to help people and 65 members of our church family worked in the Free Store. There were
grandparents with grandchildren, parents, teens, and children as young as 4. Many of the people who came in for a meal and coat took
the opportunity to send a Christmas card to a loved one. Not only was there a warm meal and a warm coat, but a warm spirit as well.
Special thanks to Melissa Rock for her coordination of the event.
EVANGELISM COMMISSION
A Message from Betsy Allen
The Evangelism Commission began the year with the development of the Ambassadors Ministry. This new
Ministry was formed with the mission of welcoming visitors and new members and offering support in
finding a fit for them within our growing community. Twelve active members were recruited and trained to
begin this important work in February. In May, the Ambassadors met and celebrated at the home of Joanna
and Larry Glaze. In August, Judie Scanlon joined the St. Andrew’s staff to work with Evangelism and the
Ambassadors in engaging new members.
The Mug Ministry, one of the oldest and most successful ministries within Evangelism changed leadership
in 2014 and continues to function as an ongoing welcoming outreach to our visitors.
In September, the Evangelism Commission hosted a party for people who had visited and/or joined St.
Andrew’s within the prior year. The event was hosted at the home of Betsy and Al Stopperan. Clergy and
Senior Warden Steve Rock spoke about membership at St. Andrew’s. Many representatives of St. Andrew’s
ministries were on hand to answer questions and speak to our guests about the specifics of what we do and
how they might get involved.
Episcopal 101, organized by the Evangelism Commission and facilitated by clergy and volunteers had seven
participants.
A most popular Evangelism Ministry is our Happy Hour Concert Series. In 2014, we have hosted more
than 300 members of our community as well as those from outside. We have attracted local talent as well as
showcasing talent from within. This ministry has a very loyal following.
This year, the Evangelism Commission broadened the scope of participation in the Second Friday Film
Ministry by the addition of movie events geared toward children, families, and youth and scheduled a
culminating “big bash” outdoor movie event at HJ’s in August.
As we look toward 2015, we celebrate joining with the New Ministry Commission in the creation of the
Community Connections Commission. Exciting plans are well underway for events that will engage new
members and reach out to those in the community.
NEW MINISTRY COMMISSION
A Message from Mike Hofmeister
2014 marked the beginning of a brand new commission, New Ministry. We started the year by building a
small team including Laura Iorg, Janet Smith, Lynn Kellen and Breck Mundis to work with Mike Hofmeister,
and Fr. Marcus to explore new approaches to building community at St. Andrews.
In 2015, the Evangelism and New Ministry Commissions will team up strengthen St. Andrew’s
efforts to attract and engage our community. The Communications Commission will also be part
of this new Community Connections Commission. This new group, led by Fr. Marcus, will work
closely with Sarah North, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Judie Scanlon,
New Member Engagement Coordinator, to create an inviting environment for visitors.
{
Through the spring and early summer we met monthly at Bella Napoli on Monday evenings to discuss new
ideas. These included unique concepts: Parishioner ‘Story Corps’, Brookside business leader introductions, and
Sacred Spaced Contemplative Circle (which now takes place Thursdays at St. Andrew’s from 6:45-7:30pm).
As we look toward 2015, we are making some significant changes. First, we’ve combined the Evangelism
Commission and the New Ministry Commission into a single commission named Community Connections.
The purpose of this commission is build and weave relationships among the St. Andrew’s parishioners and
to reach beyond the church to do the same within the broader community St. Andrew’s serves.
We will initiate this event with small group meetings in homes to personally connect with individual
parishioners in one-on-one and one-on-many interactions to invite and inspire our community to enhance
meaning and purpose in our faith journey.
COMMUNICATION
A Message from Meg Townsend
Work in 2014 focused on improving our internal and external communications with
particular emphasis on “branding” the St. Andrew’s experience to increase external awareness.
This work was moved forward by Sarah North, who joined St. Andrew’s as marketing/
communications director in February.
In 2014, her work concentrated on completing work with an outside marketing agency to
define our go-forward external communications strategy, telling the St. Andrew’s story
through improved branding and textual/graphic design, and redesigning the church website
so that it is more visually appealing/inviting.
Through Sarah’s efforts, a significant amount of progress has been made in the past year to
better communicate the joyous energy and caring spirit of St. Andrew’s.
This included:
Creating a color logo for St. Andrew’s to appear on all materials.
Redesigning (with an emphasis on color, photographs and people) internal
communication items, including the Sunday service bulletin, weekly
announcements, CONNECT visitor cards, and materials for internal programs.
Working with commissions and internal groups to develop and design unique
logos and name banners, including Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Simply
Divine, and Fools for Christ.
Reaching out to more than 750 people in the surrounding community through
four, separate postcard mailings.
Incorporating an array of enhancements to the newly designed website, including
more appealing layout and photographic representation, clarification of St.
Andrew’s “story,” automated registration and submission forms, an updated
sermon archive, and integrated social media. Website analytics to date show a
significant increase in unique website visits and social media activity. The
analytics also show heavy viewership of the Our Story, Meet Us and Worship
Services website pages, which would be more likely visited by external audiences.
This summer, we welcomed Judie Scanlon to the marketing team. Her position, new member
engagement coordinator, was created to enhance the visitor experience at St. Andrew’s. She
works closely with Sarah North and Betsey Allen, Evangelism Commission.
In 2015, the Communication Commission will be part of the new Community Connections
Commission, combining the efforts of the Evangelism and New Ministry Commissions. Our
priority will be to continue strengthening the church’s communications vehicles as we seek to
connect with our community - both within and beyond St. Andrew’s walls.
CONNECT
COMMISSION
A Message from Bob Schubert
The Connect Commission has been busy for most of 2014 examining the benefits of “The City”,
which is an add-on program that supplements the software that is already used by our church office
to keep track of members’ information. This add-on program promises to enhance the ability of
our various church groups to communicate with each other, schedule meetings, facilitate a number
of other group activities, as well as a number of other activities that will improve and make more
efficient our group life. The Connect Commission will make its recommendation to the Vestry to
install “The City.”
FACILITIES COMMISSION
A Message from Mary Heausler
The Facility Commission focused on the completion of RRR in 2014, and that successful project came
to an end. We continued to make improvements on our grounds with the city providing some new trees
along Wornall Road, and the completion of the porte-cochere area. The parking lot saw improvements
and we completed the restoration of the Angel window and the chapel window this year. A reserve
remains for the eventual replacement of the AC unit for the Nave when that is necessary.
In addition, HJ’s received a thorough cleaning out thanks to the Youth, Scouts and several other “angels.”
It had become a collection spot for many items we did not know where to drop!
In January, a severe ice storm caused some damage to the West side of the building which required some
roof and gutter replacement. This was covered by our insurance. In the summer, we experienced water
damage on the Nave floor which was a result of deterioration in this same general area of the roof. This
was also covered by insurance, but the stone work was considered a result of long term wear and tear.
The church also purchased new hardware this year for our technology system as we begin our move into
“the modern age.”
In December, we were the recipients of a beautiful new Steinway piano for our Nave from Fr. Mike
and Sally Shaffer and The Wood Family Foundation. Our older piano has moved to the choir room to
enhance rehearsals, and the choir room piano is being donated to a charity that refurbishes pianos to
provide lessons for children. A fabulous end to our year!
Looking ahead, we will be involved with the Gather and Grow plans and implementing a new security
and safety plan for the church. Both will involve many individuals and commissions beyond Facilities.
It has been an honor and a pleasure serving as Junior Warden during these past few years with so many
wonderful improvements happening to our beautiful building and grounds. None of it would have been
possible without the help of many devoted members of the Commission,Vestry and you, the members
of St. Andrew’s.
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMISSION
A Message from Cameron Rostron
The Human Resources Commission and/or chair advised on several employee matters during 2014, such as conducting
an internal review of our staff classifications to ensure ongoing compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and providing
support and guidance on a range of employee relations matters in order to help create a positive work atmosphere.
FINANCE COMMISSION
A Message from Jason Angilan
St. Andrew’s has completed and reviewed our financial operations performance for 2014.
Let me share some key factors behind this year’s results:
2014 pledge income was below budget expectations by just over $132,000. This
12% variance is larger than the typical 3% pledge income shortfall we budget for.
Through effective management of expenses by our staff and commissions, we
spent $51,000 less than expected. This represents a 3% favorable result compared
to our annual budget.
The Finance Commission instituted new internal financial controls to promote
greater purchasing and reimbursement transparency.
Based on an outside financial process assessment, our finance leadership and staff
PLEDGES implemented62new banking, credit card and payroll service improvements which
resulted in time
NON-PLEDG
13 and financial savings.
INVESTMEN
13efforts to save the parish money by performing your own meeting setups
Thank you for your
and working to minimize
utility costs. If you would like to contribute your time and talent
OTHER
12
to St. Andrew’s and the Finance Commission, please let me know.
2014 REVENUE
SIMPLY DIVINE GIFT SHOP
PLEDGES
PERSONNE
OUTREACH
FACILITIES
ADMINISTR
OTHER
41
34
12
6
6
NON-PLEDGE REVENUE
INVESTMENT INCOME
OTHER
A Message from Pam Olander
The Simply Divine Gift Shop is an outreach ministry of St. Andrew’s. The shop sell merchandise inspired by the Christian faith. The hope is that the gifts
sold carry a Christian message to the buyers, as well as the recipient. Proceeds from the shop are contributed to ministries and services St. Andrew’s supports
throughout our community. This year we adopted the slogan “Gifts for Good.”
2014 EXPENSES
2014 was another successful year for Simply Divine. In June, we underwent a complete renovation (the first one in 15 years). If you haven’t had a chance to
come see the changes, please stop by any Friday morning or Sunday between services. We hope these updates shop will be recognized as a “simply divine” place
to find unique gifts.
The Simply Divine Holiday Open House remains our premier event. Sales from this event and our weekly revenues have made it possible to give away
thousands of dollars each year. Some of our past recipients include Kansas City Community Kitchen, Kansas City Community Gardens, Gordon Parks School,
Bishop Spencer Place, Front Porch Alliance, Freedom Fire, Bedroll Roundup, Coats for Kids, The Free Store, Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, St. Paul’s
Food Pantry, Haiti efforts and many others.
Pam Olander, Joy Bower, Heather Moser, Julie Bredar, Paula Longan, and Ann Cranor do all the buying and provide leadership for the shop. St. Andrew’s
clergy and staff generously support our efforts. Of course, we couldn’t do any of this without the many volunteers who greet and lend services to our
customers each week. The buyers and volunteers put in more than 1,000 hours of service each year.
PERSONNEL
DIOCESAN
ASSESSMENT
OUTREACH
AND OUTREACH
FACILITIES
ADMINISTRATION
OTHER
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another -John 1:16
PLEDGERS FOR 2015
Special thanks for your continued generous support
Dan & Diana Abitz
Claude & Donna Adam
Marianne Aitken
Bill & Kim Aliber
Jack & Betsy Allen
Cyndee Anderson
Rose Anderson
Linda Anderson-Petty
Jason & Courtney Angilan
Anonymous
Jim & Susan Archer
Lillard & De Ashley
Jan Ashmore
Raymond & Sydney Backstrom
Mark & Karen Bailey
Jon & Pamela Baker
Pat Ballard
David & Kate Banks
Pete & Vicki Barham
Bruce & Gerry Barker
Bryant & Mary Jane Barnes
Tricia Beaham
Charley & Jennifer Benson
Becky Benson
Greg & Nancy Bentz
John & Susan Berry
John Black & Darcy Howe
Sharyn Blond
Corny Boersma
Bruce & Joy Bower
Dorothy Bowlus
Rick & Gayle Boyd
Martha Breckenridge
Randy & Julie Bredar
Jim & Grace Bridgeford, Sr.
Tom & Bridget Brill
Mary Brink
Michael & Rachel Brown
Amanda Buchholz
Jamie & Sara Buck
Steve & Susan Bunten
Mark Burroughs & Allison Fikejs
Claudia Byler
Gwen Caranchini
James & Melissa Carnes
Jim & Nancy Carnes
Sally Cashion
Cookie Cave
Vin & Margaret Clark
Warren & Sherri Cooper
Bert & Jill Cottine
Richard & Alison Coulson
Bill & Rebecca Crain
Glenn & Janet Crawford
Tom & Ellen Cray
Elaine Crider
Robbie & Nancy Cross
Mischel Cummins
Bill & Dorothy Curry
Tim & J.J. Danker
John & Sue Dauner
Mary Dobbins
Shannon & Jef Dover
Albert & Gloria Eddy
Jay & Lillian Edwards
Brian & Susie Egbert
Bill & Kathy Fowler
Frank & Sharon Franke
Chuck & Julie Frisbie, III
Hires & Gail Gage
George & Frances Gerritz
Don & Esther Giffin
George & Julie Gilchrist
Gordon & Jackie Gilpin
Larry & Joanna Glaze
Mary Anna Glenn
Matthew & Blair Gogel
Emilio Granja & Doris McGhie
Sally Gratwick
Jean Hall
Don & Jill Hall, Jr.
Donald Hall
Frank & Carol Hankins
David & Leslie Harris
Jed Harrison & Courtney Siemens
Chuck & Barbara Haviland
Tom & Mary Heausler
Bob & Beverly Hechler
Spence & Susie Heddens, III
Bill & Connie Hesler
Irv & Ellen Hockaday, Jr.
Blake & Megan Hodges
Mike & Brigitte Hofmeister
John & Cecile Holliday
Kenneth & Nancy Holm
Brad & Colleen Honnold
Ozelle Horner
Charlie & Mary Kay Horner
Bruce & Debra Hoskins
Harold & Beverly House
Graham & Judy Hunt
David Hunt & Amy McAnarney
Robert & Anne Hutcherson
Ann Hyde
Laura Iorg
Leonard & Grace Jackson
Sue Jarvi
Art & Fran Jenny
Charlie & Sara Johnson
Chris & Cece Johnson
Adeline Johnson
Todd & Patsy Johnson
Kevin & Nancy Jones
Bernie Jones
Frank & Kate Julian
Richard Keene
Don & Linda Keith
Lynn Kellen
Phyllis Kerr
Jean Kiene
Sean Kim
Bill & Susan Kircher
Carol Kirila
Scott & Celeste Kirmer
Sarah Knight
Mary & Bob Knighton
Tom & Lora Kokjer
Jerry & Brenda Kolb
George & Carolyn Kroh
Paul & Joy Krug
Sandy Lambert, Jr.
Peggy Lane
Asher & Audrey Langworthy, Jr.
Bill LaRue
David & Blythe Launder, Sr.
Kenneth & Deborah Lawrence
Betty Lees
Vicky Leonard
Fred & Laura Lintecum
Jim & Laura Lloyd
Claire Logan
Bruce & Priscilla Long
Paul & Jean Long
Terri Long
John & Paula Longan
Sue Luger
Fred & Janice Lutz
John & Daisy MacDonald
Roland Manbeck, Jr. & Janice Angers
Mary-Lucille Mantz
Lynnly Marcotte
Terry Martin
Joanna Martin
Ric Mason & Cindy Pitts
Warren & Mary Massey
Jan Matchette
Kent Maughan
Ken & Dolly McCarson
Charlie McCord
Bob & Dahlgren McElwain
Tom & Charlotte McGahan
Bill & Pamela McKee, Jr.
Bill & Joan Meeker
Dusty & Barbara Milledge, Sr.
Doug & Susan Miller
Jerry & Brigitte Miller, Jr.
Steve & Joyce Miller
Phil & Maggie Miller
Warren & Mary Dian Molton
Jim & Pat Moore
Jennifer Moore
Jack & Betsey Moreland
Steve & Erin Mos
Richard & Cathy Moseley
Tom & Heather Moser
Mary Murdock
Sean & Sarah Murray
Ruth Myers-Melching
Joel & Linda Nelson
Mary Nesselrode
Charlie Newell
Sarah & Aaron North
Tina Norton
John Norton
Steve & Cindy Obenhaus
Morgan & Pam Olander
Randolph & Marty Oliver
Norm & Liz Olson
Carol Owen
Major & Judy Park
Connie Parrott - Coldsnow
Ron & Lynda Partee
Zane & Lee Peavey
Keith & Margi Pence
Bruce & Liz Pendleton
Charlie Perdue
Bill & Margaret Peters
Edie Peterson
Jean Dooley Peterson
Joe & Ashley Pindell, II
Bev Platt
Charlie & Susan Porter
Peter & Cappy Powell
Matt & Jennifer Pratt-Hyatt
Bud & Carol Price, II
Lynn Price
Jean Rademacher
Bill & Ann Rainey
Walt & Alison Randall
Robert & Laura Redmond
Bob & Ann Regnier
Grant & Ann Renne, III
Ryan & Sara Reynolds
Mike & Catherine Roberts
Scott & Blythe Robertson
Stephen & Melissa Rock
Merideth Rock
Charlie Rogers
Kevin & Peggy Rooney
Cameron Rostron
Cindy Roth
Rich & MaryAllan Roysdon
Richard & Beverly Rush
Kyle & Rhonda Russell
John Russell
Peg Ruth
Matt & Kirstin Salzman
Mary Sanders
George & Lois Satterlee
Bill & Jan Sayler
Kim Schinkel
Paul & Louise Schloerb
Robert & Linda Schroeder
Bob & Beck Schubert
Mary Lynn Schwalbach
Nicholas & Adele Scielzo
Jewel Scott
Bill & Jeanne Scroggin, Jr.
John & Helen Shackelford
Stan & Kathy Shaffer
Joyce Sharp
Norma Sherman
Patsy Shy
Wil Siemens
Bob Smart
Robbie & Julie Smart, Jr.
Chris & Angela Smart
Pat Smith
Gaylord & Kit Smith
Janet Smith
Van & Lindsey Spake
Shirley Spann
John & Ann Spicer
Ron & Mary Spradley
Ben Stark & Mollie Carter
Leslie Stelzer
Al & Betsy Stopperan
Joey Straube
Bob & Anita Strohm
Dick & Lanna Strong
Rick & Sally Stuart
Steve & Tami Sutton
Vivian Swyden
Steve & Janice Talge
Frank & Sandy Terrell
Malcolm & Mary Ann Teschan
Terry & Gretchen Thum
Humbert & Carol Tinsman, Jr.
Marcia Tonkin
Mark & Meg Townsend
Sally Tudhope
Pamela Turner
Katie Vogel
Tom & Cathy Vozzella
John & Caroline Wake
John & Debby Walker
Edgar & Jane Walsworth
Walt & Sandra Walton, Jr.
David & Janet Watkins
Warren & Connie Weaver
Wes & Debbie Welch
Dave & Peggy West
Bob & Sally West
Howard & Carol Williams
Dana Williams
Susan Williams
Tom & Madalene Woodbury
Tom & JoLetta Woolwine
Priscilla Woolwine
Bill & Libby Worley
Ralph Wright
Sandy Wurth
Paul Wurth
Mary Yanics
Hugh & Eulalie Zimmer
Thank you for supporting God’s
mission through St. Andrew’s!
6401 Wornall Terrace · Kansas City, MO 64113
Office: (816) 523-1602 · www.standrewkc.org