The Messenger

A place for all

Hello again, friends! It is an exciting time of the year as the church ramps back up into its fall rhythms, weekly classes and dinners return (in new formats), and we witness renovations and modern upgrades throughout our buildings. As Village continues to evolve and engage with new generations, we are seeking language that more clearly communicates who we are and who is welcome. For that reason, you might notice that we are increasingly using the term “Women’s Ministry.”

This change is not about leaving behind our heritage. We remain deeply grateful for the legacy of Presbyterian Women at Village Church and the many generations of women whose leadership, service, and advocacy have strengthened our church and community. Their contributions continue to shape our vibrant ministry today.

At the same time, the term “Women’s Ministry” is immediately understood by people both inside and outside the church. For someone visiting for the first time, “Presbyterian Women” may sound like a separate organization or a group intended for long-time members. Women’s Ministry more clearly communicates that this is a venture focused on supporting and connecting all women. The shift in language reflects our desire to be more welcoming and inclusive. We want women to know that there is a place for them, regardless of how long they have been connected to Village Church, their age, their denominational background, or where they are in their faith journey.

Since our beginnings in 1949, this simple message remains the same: You are welcome here. You belong here.

Over the past 18 months, the Presbyterian Women Board has transitioned to a committee structure with the goal of continuing to provide events and programs for all women (i.e., Advent Celebration, Celebration of Faithful Women, Horizon Bible Studies and more) while adding some new opportunities, too. If you are interested in serving and being a part of Women’s Ministry at Village Church, please contact Carol Solenberger. There are a variety of ways to get plugged in: event planning, service projects, and small groups.

Please look for women’s ministry opportunities in the Weekly Word, the Bulletins, Facebook, and Instagram. We appreciate your grace, flexibility, and open mindedness as we continue to grow in faith as children of the living God.

Carol Solenberger, director of engagement

Kick-off Tea at Antioch Campus

Meneilly Visiting Scholar

Exciting 2027 News

Village Presbyterian Church is delighted to announce that the 25th Anniversary Meneilly Visiting Scholar will be Barbara Brown Taylor! For years, she’s been the #1 requested speaker on program evaluations, so we are thrilled to welcome her. Read more about this celebrated author and speaker HERE. Barbara will speak Saturday morning, April 17, 2027, and also preach at two morning worship services the Mission Campus on April 18. Save the dates and pick up one or more of her books (below) to prepare yourself for this enriching weekend.

• “Always a Guest” (2020)
• “Holy Envy” (2019)
• “Learning to Walk in the Dark” (2014)
• “An Altar in the World” (2009)
• “Leaving Church” (2006)
• “Homy By Another Way” (1997)

Weekly Women’s Bible Studies

• 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

Book Clubs

Page Turners Book Club – Room 127, Mission Campus. Visitors and new members are always welcome to join our lively discussions on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December). Please feel free to bring your own lunch and stay for informal fellowship time. For more information, contact Barbara Lee or Ann Raikula. Our next books will be:

• 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 – “The Queens of Crime” by Marie Benedict

Antioch Book Club – The Antioch Book Club has been meeting quarterly for the past few years but in 2026, we challenged ourselves to meet every other month! We hope you’ll join us as your schedule allows. We meet at 7 p.m. in the Antioch conference room.

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 – “Theo of Golden” By Allen Levi

Amazing Graces Book Club – We meet 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.

2026-2027 COMMITTEE members:

• Melissa Anderson
• Barb Brown
• Dee Couch
• Anne Darby
• Sarah Emerson
• Kay Findlay
• Linda Lieffring
• Lisa Mann
• Heather McCoy
• Patty Slentz-Howard