The Messenger
We are all Presbyterian women.
Women need other women.
Women have gathered for centuries for sewing circles, prayer, book clubs, exercise, political movements, and activism. This desire is not simply social—it’s biological, cultural, and psychological. This summer, I had the privilege of meeting Kenyan widows who gathered every day to sit under the shade of trees to weave baskets to sell and to share in each others’ company. Women demonstrate “tend-and-befriend behavior,” a term coined by psychologist Shelley Taylor. Women, especially in times of uncertainty, turn to these sustaining relationships to navigate life’s roller coasters. We long to connect.
Erica Keswin, author of “Bring Your Human to Work,” asks,“Does your calendar reflect your values? A lot of time it doesn’t, not because we’re bad people, but because we have so much on our plates. We’re not connecting when left to our own devices, so schedule time for it.”
At Village Church, we seek to find ways for you to grow in faith, in relationship to God, alongside other people striving to follow Jesus. We know connections matter. This Fall, make a commitment to try something new, or return to practice you have let go. Check out the new Village U classes that begin Sept. 7. Give yourself a break from cooking every Wednesday (starting Sept. 10 in the Welcome Center) and dine with your church family. Chef Teri is a wonderful cook and even with Friendship Hall under construction, we are offering inventive ways to feed you.
Pastor Rodger has created a new Connect group Bible study on the Beatitudes, and it is really good. I’ve had the privilege of taking it for a test drive! Reach out to Carol Solenberger if you would like to join others in a Connect group.
And there are all our favorite Village traditions that we look forward to—from the Food Truck festival, Be the Church service night, Tidings of Joy concert, Advent Celebration, poinsettia delivery, and more. Re-examine your calendar, invest in connections, and see what the Spirit will do with it!
Fondly, Michelle O’Neal
Senior Content Editor and PW Messenger liaison
Sept. 23: Mingle & Bingo
All women are invited Tuesday, Sept. 23 to O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar at 9417 Mission Road, Leawood, KS, starting at 6:30 p.m. We will mingle, catch up, play Bingo, and hear from Pastor Maggie. The cost $15 per person and includes appetizers. There will be a cash bar also. Bingo cards will be available for purchase ($5) with proceeds going to Village Food Pantry and Clothing Closet. Limited to 50 people. RSVP to Becky Anderson.
Oct. 4: KC Mural Hike
We’ll gather at 9 a.m. and finish up by noon—walking to see and learn about some of the beautiful murals that adorn our city. We’ll take a break to enjoy Green Dirt on Oak Street. Contact Lisa Harrison for details. Space is limited to 20; $35 per person. Register HERE.
Oct. 18: Declutter Your Heart and Your Home
Fall Kickoff – We are bringing in local author and minimalist-living coach, Julia Ubbenga, to speak about her book, “Declutter Your Heart and Your Home.” A small fee will cover the event ($16)—and includes a copy of her book! Coffee begins at the Village Child & Family Development Center (9900 Mission Road) at 9 a.m.; the program starts at 9:30 a.m. RSVP HERE. Learn more about Julia on her website.
Growing Compassion
Jot down these dates for the popular gathering first Wednesdays at 10 a.m. with Ginger Rothhaas of Compassion Fix in Room 309—where we learn how to be more compassionate to ourselves one breath, one tool, one practice at a time—and therefore, make God’s world a little more loving and healed at the same time. Invite someone to join you!
More Save-the-Dates:
PW Coffee & Connection – Saturday, Aug. 23, 9-10:30 am. Rooms 232/233. Join us for coffee and to learn more about getting connected with other women at Village.
The Artist’s Way with Jen Wewers – Executive director of Prairie Sky Counseling Center, Jen Wewers, will teach a class on reconnecting with your creative and spiritual self using the book “An Artist’s Way” at noon on Fridays beginning Sept. 12. Learn more HERE.
Circle Bible Studies Launch – Antioch Campus begins Monday, Sept. 8 and Mission Campus begins Tuesday, Sept. 9: “Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ” by Rhashell Hunter. Interested in finding out more about Circle groups and this year’s study? Contact Dee Couch.
MOTS (Moms of Teens) – 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Young Adult Space (Mission Campus).
Advent Celebration – Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Book Clubs
Love to read? The 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. Here are our upcoming book picks!
- Sept. 3 – “March” by Geraldine Brooks
- Oct. 1 – “Unsheltered” by Barbara Kingsolver
- Nov. 5 – “The Emperor of Gladness” by Ocean Vuong
- Dec. 3 – “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi
- Jan. 7 – Meeting to choose books for 2026
Antioch quarterly book club– meets at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room. At our November gathering, we’ll discuss books for 2026. Join us!
- Aug. 26 “A Slender Thread” by Katherine Davis
- Nov. 25 “The Midwife of Auschwitz” by Anna Stewart
Doing the Good
Look for upcoming ‘Village Serve’ dates each month HERE.
Habitat KC Women’s Build – Our next Women Build opportunity: Thursday, Sept. 11. A few spots remain. Contact Lisa Harrison.
Warm Welcomes – We’re looking for friendly volunteers to serve as ushers to welcome guests and help with the offering on Sunday mornings. It is just a 2-4 hour commitment per month. Contact Carol to help out.
Help Host at Memorial Services – Helping families when they have lost a loved one is a gift from the heart. If you could usher or host at a memorial reception, we would appreciate it. Volunteers serve as their schedules permit—helping for about 2-4 hours at the most. Contact Linda Alley at 913-671-2327 or send Linda an email.
Mission Sewing Needs Fabric – Hospitals need blankets for adults receiving chemo. Mission Sewing is asking for cotton prints of assorted designs (a minimum of 1 yard), clean and unused. Drop off at the south entrance at the Mission Campus.
Needing Support?
Our wonderful partner, Prairie Sky Counseling, with main offices based out of our Antioch Campus, has a new counseling space located at the Mission Campus on first floor near the Mission Sewing Room. Therapy is an empowering tool for anyone seeking personal growth and clarity. Seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. If you or someone you know is considering therapy, Prairie Sky’s therapists are an excellent, affordable option and are currently accepting clients. And while their offices are located in churches, their values and services are not ‘church-y,’ which they know could be a barrier to some people.
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