Village University ▪ Spring Schedule 2009
Current Issues
Meet Your Neighbor in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic mission of Village Church has been serving the people of La Romana for over 15 years. Today, besides the yearly medical trips, the mission also includes health education and local training and empowerment. Come and enjoy an evening of culture and find out more about the human rights situation in the Dominican Republic, health disparities, and how you can get involved right here at home. Led by Leslie Long, Village Church Director of International Missions. Tuesday, January 20. 6:30-8:00pm. Room 133.
Unplugged: Reclaiming Our Right to Die in America
Medical technology advances almost daily. Soon our country will have 80 million people over the age of 65. Often, modern medicine can deliver amazing results. But sometimes we use medicine and machines because we can, with no one asking whether we should. How can our society best navigate this brave new world where the law, medicine, technology and demographics intersect? Using personal stories, our instructor will seek to understand where we've been and try to provide a map of where we're going. He will provide free “living will” documents for all attendees. Led by Bill Colby, well-known author and Village Church member. Wednesday, February 25. 6:30-8:00pm. Room 132.
Poverty in Kansas City
Learn about persons in our area, both metropolitan Kansas City and Johnson County, who are marginalized and living in poverty and the statistics for these areas. There will be time for participants to ask questions and engage in discussion about this growing problem. We will also find out how the statistics and the rising poverty rate affect the Village Church mission ministries. Led by Christine Germann, Village Church Food Pantry Director. Wednesday, March 25. 6:30-8:00pm. Room 133.
How Can Christians Respond to Troubles in the Holy Land?
This presentation will focus on ways Christians can be involved in helping to find a just peace in the Holy Land. Taught by Doug Whitmore, a lifelong United Methodist who in the past few years began learning about the issues involved in the Palestine-Israel conflict. He lived in the Palestianian village of Jayyous in 2007-2008 as a member of the Ecumenical Accompaniers program. Tuesday, April 21. 6:30-8:00pm. Room 132.
Immigration: Celebrating the Gifts and Dispelling the Myths
When we listen to the TV pundits and radio talk show hosts, we hear that immigration is a net loss for our nation. We are given statistics and projections designed to instill fear of our new neighbors. For two nights our class will work together to 1) examine the myths out there about our immigrant brothers and sisters, 2) see if the Bible could be, as some have said, an immigration handbook, and 3) celebrate the magnificent gifts available to those who are willing to welcome strangers with open arms. Led by Rick Behrens, Pastor of Grandview Park Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, KS. Tuesdays, May 5 and 12. 6:30-8:00pm. Room 132.
Spring 2009 Class Listings