February is almost here! For Kansas Citians February can’t come soon enough, especially February 7 when the Chiefs play in their second straight Super Bowl Championship. It was a year ago when rumblings about COVID-19 began. We couldn’t fathom COVID-19 making it’s way to the United States. Last February, St. Andrew’s hosted a Super Bowl watch party and parishioners cheered the Chiefs on to a Super Bowl victory. Then March hit and our world changed, and we have not been the same since. We have faced a host of issues this past year from the pandemic to social injustice, to an extremely divisive election. The past year has been challenging in so many ways and yet a year later, we have something to look forward to, another Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl appearance.  I would argue we have something else to look forward to in February and that is the season of Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. Lent is a time for self-reflection, introspection, and reconciliation. For me, I welcome this season as an opportunity to reflect how the events of this past year have impacted me and how God is calling me to move forward as we shift and adjust to a new normal in our lives. I look forward to slowing down and spending more time in prayer and scripture. I invite you all to find a Lenten discipline that speaks to you. St. Andrew’s has many different class and prayer offerings for this Lenten season. These offerings can be found on the church’s website: https://standrewkc.org/adult/ . Families will receive a Lent at Home bag with readings and activities to do with your children each day of Lent. Youth Group will be following a Lenten Series, “A Journey with Jesus in the 21st Century”.  Our hope is that through all these different offerings you and your family will have a meaningful, holy Lent.

God’s Peace,
Jean Long 
UPDATES ON OUR MINISTRIES
Youth Upcoming Events

Youth Ministries has a ton of awesome in person events planned for all of our students to participate in! Click the link to find out what's coming and when. Check this link and watch the instagram account for changes and more details about each event.
Youth Group Lenten Series
A Journey with Jesus in the Twenty-First Century

As part of youth group each week we will be exploring what it means to be a Christian: what do we think about Jesus, where did Jesus teachings come from, what are we called to do as Christians?
Sunday School

This month in Sunday school we will continue reading stories from the Spark Bible. We will talk about God’s love for each of us and how we can share his love with others. Then, we will begin our lenten journey starting with the story of Jesus on Palm Sunday. 
The Jesus Tree

St. Andrew’s Children’s Ministries will be offering families a Lenten daily devotional and activity called The Jesus Tree.  
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Sunday School
We are continuing Children’s Chapel and Sunday School at 9:45am via Zoom (ID: 454-101-706) in February. You may visit our webpage to access each week’s lessons and activities.

Click here to sign up to receive a Sunday school bag.

If you would like to help deliver Sunday school bags to families, please email Ashley Pindell, aepindell@me.com.
Baptism
at St. Andrew's
Baptisms at St. Andrew’s are currently on hold until St. Andrew’s opens back up for in person worship. If you would like to have your child baptized, please contact Jean Long at jean@standrewkc.org so she can contact you when the next baptism is scheduled.
Welcome Baby Ministry
If you have recently had a baby or you are expecting, please let us know! St. Andrew’s Welcome Baby Ministry provides a basket of goodies for you and your newborn. Contact Jean Long @standrewkc.org to let us know.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Group Events
The youth group has fun events planned for both in person and online and we would love to have you join us! A list of events is below, click the link for more details about each event.

Sunday, January 31: Ice Skating at Crown Center at 11:30am
Saturday, February 6:Top Golf from 11am to 1pm
Monday, February 15: Chicken n Pickle from 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Sunday, February 21: Lenten Series Kick Off 3:30pm outside at HJ’s
Student Leadership Team Application Available
The Student leadership team is open to students who will be in 10th through 12th grade in the fall of 2021 and have a desire to strengthen their leadership skills and grow in their faith. The team helps plan and lead Youth Group each week. The team also meets monthly for planning, fellowship and fun. Interested youth should apply by clicking on the link below. Application deadline is March 15. Questions? Contact Jean Long
Acolyte Beadle Application Available
If you have a child who will be a junior or senior in the Fall of 2021, he/she may apply to serve as a leader in the St. Andrew’s Acolyte Guild. Applications are now available for the Beadle Acolyte Position. The beadle helps lead the acolyte guild on Sunday mornings by helping the younger acolytes prepare for the worship service. Interested youth may apply here. Application deadline is March 15. Questions? Contact Jean Long