Our Story

St. Andrew’s  Church has been part of the Emporia community for more than 149 years
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church has been welcoming friends and strangers since our establishment in 1870. Since then our congregation has gathered together in community and praise of God in the same location at 9th and Commercial. Many things have changed over time, but our commitment to love God with all that we are and to love our neighbors as ourselves has remained the same.

St. Andrew’s is part of the church that has grown since the time of Jesus Christ
We are an eucharistic community of the Diocese of Kansas, which is part of The Episcopal Church and The Anglican Communion. We are Christians, gathered around the font and the altar to worship, to study, to learn, to pray, and to serve. Come and join us some time. We’d love to meet you.

Exterior view of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Emporia, KS

Staff

Rt. Rev. Daniel R. Genovesi

+Daniel R. Genovesi serves as the Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Emporia, Kansas, and as a Multicultural Pastoral Consultant for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. His ministerial journey, shaped over more than two decades, has been marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering communion and spiritual renewal.

In Argentina, as Rector of the San Marcos community in Hurlingham, he promoted a deep connection between the church, local schools, and the government. There, art and liturgy intertwined to create a space of encounter and transformation. As Bishop in Uruguay, he embraced the values of dialogue and unity, encouraging the church to serve as a bridge amidst diversity. His work as Provincial Secretary of the Province of South America allowed him to build meaningful relationships with communities in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, broadening his understanding of the richness and depth of the Anglican Communion.

With a background that blends spirituality and psychology, +Daniel brings to St. Andrew’s an intercultural sensitivity and practical skills to deepen pastoral care, intentional discipleship, and community-building efforts. A passionate writer and nature enthusiast, he finds constant inspiration and renewal in these pursuits.

For +Daniel, St. Andrew’s is an open home for seekers, dreamers, and believers—a place where questions are welcomed, personal journeys are honored, and every life is valued as part of the unfolding story God continues to write.

+Daniel R. Genovesi sirve como Rector de la Iglesia Episcopal St. Andrew’s en Emporia, Kansas, y como Consultor Pastoral Multicultural para la Diócesis Episcopal de Kansas. Su recorrido ministerial, forjado a lo largo de más de dos décadas, ha estado marcado por una constante búsqueda de comunión y renovación espiritual.

En Argentina, como Párroco de la comunidad San Marcos en Hurlingham, promovió una profunda conexión entre la iglesia, las escuelas y el gobierno local. Allí, el arte y la liturgia se entrelazaron para crear un espacio de encuentro y transformación. Como Obispo en Uruguay, abrazó los valores del diálogo y la unidad, alentando a la iglesia a ser un puente en medio de la diversidad. Su labor como Secretario Provincial de la Provincia de Sudamérica le permitió tejer lazos con comunidades de Europa, África y América Latina, enriqueciendo su visión de la amplitud y profundidad de la Comunión Anglicana.

Con una formación que combina espiritualidad y psicología, aporta a St. Andrew’s una sensibilidad intercultural y habilidades prácticas para continuar profundizando en el cuidado pastoral, el discipulado intencional y la construcción de redes comunitarias. Escritor apasionado y amante de la naturaleza, encuentra en ambas actividades una fuente constante de inspiración y renovación.

Para +Daniel, St. Andrew’s es un hogar abierto para quienes buscan, sueñan o creen. Un lugar donde las preguntas son bienvenidas, los caminos personales son honrados y cada vida es valorada como parte de la historia que Dios sigue escribiendo.

Ministers & Staff

  • The Rt. Rev. Cathleen Bascom, Bishop
  • The Rt. Rev. Daniel Genovesi, Priest
  • Rae Ann Warneke, Parish Secretary
  • Steve Sieger, Organist
  • Mary Austin, Sexton

Vestry

  • Nancy Pontius,  Senior Warden
  • Sarah Harbaugh, Junior Warden
  • Jean Runge, Treasurer
  • Melissa Lowery, Clerk
  • Susan Mai
  • Rick Mitchell
  • Jan Noyes
  • Susan Steffen
  • Pam Scoggins
  • Jennifer Wegener
  • Trish Weidert

Ministry Leaders

  • Trish Weidert, chair of the Altar Guild
  • David Mai, chair of Parish Life Committee
  • Melissa Lowery, chair of Children’s Ministry
  • Jennifer Wegener & Sarah Harbaugh, Delegates to Convocation/ Convention
  • Sarah McDonald, Canterbury Peer Minister
Baptismal font at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Emporia, KS

What we believe

As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.

The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I park?

Our parking lot is on the south side of the church, entered from Commercial Street. You can also park in the angled spaces on Commercial Street or on the curb on 9th Avenue.

What do I wear?

You can wear whatever you like. We have people who wear suits, and people who wear shorts and flip-flops. For your first time, you’ll probably feel most comfortable wearing what you wear to work or school. You may dress up a little, but that is your choice. Women often wear slacks or a skirt, men often wear khakis or dress slacks, and then a top appropriate to the weather. For both men and women, clothing that doesn’t draw a lot of attention is appropriate.

Where do my preschoolers go during the service?

Babies, toddlers — all children are welcome in worship at any time. We have rocking chairs in the back of the sanctuary specifically designed for parents and children. Also, we provide Worship Packets (ask the Greeters), a quiet, educational way for children to participate on their level in worship.

If your child is napping or does better playing in a play area, you are welcome to use our nursery. Our nursery is a clean, well-stocked, quiet place to go if your child is crying or has other needs. Ask the Greeters — or anyone — and they will show you to the nursery.

Welcome, Children of God!

Will you be asking me for money?

As our guest, you are not expected to contribute.

Your donation/tithes and offerings are however appreciated. We collect money to defray expenses and to minister to the community of Emporia and the world at large. At the 9:30 Sunday service, an offering is collected after the announcements, about halfway through the service. The ushers pass plates among the people. The collection is brought forward to the altar to be blessed for its use among God’s people. You may place an offering in the plate if you wish.

People who attend a church regularly often make a promise to support the work of that church. This helps the church plan how to meet expenses (of the building, the grounds, the staff, the computers…all that goes into 21st-century work) and how to distribute wealth in the form of charitable works in the community. This is called a tithe or a pledge. If or when you decide you would like to make a pledge and/or tithe to St. Andrew’s, ask the priest, and he will direct you to the treasurer for the forms. It is usual for a church to ask for new or renewed pledges once a year. We do this in November. This decision is between you and God.

Do you accept LGBTQ+ people?

St. Andrew’s is an affirming church. You are welcome and fully accepted as a child of God.