The Messenger
We are all Presbyterian women.
Happy New Year, friends.
I hope you had a wonderful and truly inspiring Christmas, celebrating Christ’s birth with friends and family. Our church, as always, brought us through Advent to Christmas Eve in inspiring fashion. We truly are blessed with incredible pastors and musicians.
On Christmas morning, I took a peaceful walk in the Tennessee woods with my brother and sister. Looking at the sleeping plants, I was reminded of what I once learned about Native Americans‘ view of Winter months as a time for rest and restoration for plants, animals, and humans. It is also a time for social gatherings and strengthening community bonds where elders share their wisdom.
Now that the holidays are behind us, please take time, if only for a while, to slow down. Consider setting aside quiet moments each day to rest, reflect, and give thanks for all you have, and to hopefully hear more easily God’s messages for you. The winter solstice has come and gone, so the length of sunlight each day is increasing. Take advantage of the long winter nights while you can.
Christ’s blessings on you today and throughout the year.
Patty Slentz-Howard, Presbyterian Women Board Chair
Meet Circle 2
Circle 2 gathers the second Tuesday of each month (September–May) from 9:30–11 a.m. This Circle is comprised of ladies who have attended for decades, as well as newer members. Joyce Scammahorn and Dee Gound serve as co-leaders of this Circle. Lisa Schellhorn, Bible study leader, leads a thoughtful and relevant discussion each month. Fay Harrison faithfully serves as the treasurer.
You can find these delightful ladies serving Village Church in many areas at both campuses. They participate in Mission Sewing, are active in Music Ministry, attend Sunday school, volunteer on committees, serve as Deacons, and are members of the PW Board, to name a few!
Even though Circle 2 is one of the larger Circles, members visit and connect before and after the meetings. All members are encouraged to participate in the discussions. Co-leader Joyce Scammahorn describes her Circle as follows, “Our Circle is open to all ladies looking for a monthly group of friendly, supportive women who are involved in many facets of the church. We share our joys and concerns and celebrate our differences.”
The Circle Bible study this year is titled, “Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ” by Rhashell Hunter. Interested in joining a Circle? Email Dee Couch.
Weekly Bible Studies are as follows:
- Alive Now Bible Study – Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m., Room 230, Mission Campus
- Thursday Women’s Bible Study – Thursdays, 1:30-3 p.m., Room 136, Antioch Campus
- Especially for Women Bible Study – Fridays, 9-11 a.m., Room 126, Mission Campus
Coffee & Conversation
The next Coffee & Conversation with Ginger Rothhaas will be Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Friendship Hall, Mission Campus. This season, this group is exploring love through the lens of world religions. If you have missed a session, do not worry. Village Church’s Communications team records each discussion and uploads them to the Village YouTube Channel.
Save the Date:
- Seniors Afternoon – 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, Welcome Center, Mission Campus. Enjoy games and social time with other seniors. Bring your own board games, learn to play canasta, and enjoy good company and light refreshments. Bring a friend and spread the word!
- “Motherhood to Matriarch” with Ginger Rothhaas – 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Friendship Hall (Mission Campus). This discussion will help us ponder a woman’s journey from nurturing life to shaping a legacy.
- Meneilly Visiting Scholar Lectures – Feb. 27 & 28. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III, an engaging, compelling, and passionate advocate of the Gospel, an impactful author, and the Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago—a church that identifies itself as “Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian.” He was recognized by Baylor University as one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English language. Register HERE.
Book Clubs
Antioch Book Club – meets next at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the Conference Room (Antioch Campus). The Antioch Book Club has been meeting quarterly for the past few years but in 2026, we’ve decided to challenge ourselves to meet every other month! We’re working to finalize our titles for the rest of the year, but in January, we’ll read “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See. We hope you’ll join us as your schedule allows. Please put these dates on your calendars: Jan. 20, March 17, May 19, July 21, Sept. 15, and Nov. 17.
Page Turners – 4th Tuesdays. Next one? Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Mission Campus, Room 127) Bring your own lunch!
Amazing Graces Book Club – meets year-round, usually on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Feel free to join us whenever you are able. Bring an appetizer, dessert, or a beverage to share (not required). We meet in homes so please contact Sara Wallace to be added to the email list.
Doing the Good
Village Serves – 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Harvesters (3801 Topping Ave. KC, MO). This month, our church-wide service project will be at Harvesters. See you this Saturday!
Operation Breakthrough needs volunteers to help with year-around tutoring program one hour/week. Volunteers work one-on-one to assist the children with literacy and mathematics. Email Charlotte Davison with questions and to volunteer.
Mission:
Sewing!
Last November, the Thursday Mission Sewing team donated 21 quilts and more than 200 Dream Bags to the Department of Family Services! We welcome new sewists for fellowship and positive productivity from 10 a.m. to noon in Room 15 (located under the Chapel at the Mission Campus). The Tuesday sewing group meets at 9:30 a.m.
Coat and Candle Drive – Through Feb. 2, folks at the Antioch Campus are collecting clean, gently used coats of all sizes, used candles (no glass containers), new or used hats, gloves, scarves, and working flashlights for Uplift.org and the Olathe School District. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Kelley.
Souperbowl Sunday – It is time to collect hearty soups and crackers for Souperbowl Sunday (Feb. 8).
2025-2026 Board members:
- Melissa Anderson, Spiritual Growth Co-Coordinator
- Barb Brown, Secretary
- Dee Couch, Circle Activities Coordinator
- Anne Darby, Spiritual Growth Co-Coordinator
- Sarah Emerson, Village on Antioch Representative
- Kay Findlay, Amazing Graces Representative
- Linda Lieffring, Christian Action Coordinator
- Lisa Mann, Treasurer
- Sharon Marsh, Treasurer-Elect
- Heather McCoy, Membership Coordinator
- Patty Slentz-Howard, Board Chair