Weekly Word
”Questions Jesus Asked“
Jesus asked a lot of questions. By one scholar’s count, Jesus asked 307 questions recorded in the gospels. Jesus liked to ask questions more than he liked giving answers. As Jesus was both fully God and fully human, you would think he would go around showing off how much he knows, but he did not do that. In fact, we only find eight times that Jesus answered a question asked of him. In this sermon series, we will explore four questions that Jesus asked to better understand Jesus and how he wants us to live today.
Pastoral Care Updates
The task force preparing to search for Rev. Melanie Hardison’s successor greatly appreciates the contributions of Village members over the past three months—by participating in focus groups, individual meetings, or completing the online survey. We have also interviewed seminary professors, staff at other large congregations, and current and former Village employees. It is clear that our congregation desires a pastor who will be a compassionate, caring presence for individuals during times of need, while also demonstrating strong leadership to manage the many caring ministry programs offered here. Communication gaps and underutilized volunteers were recurring themes, including the need for enhanced attention to the Board of Deacons and Stephen Ministry.
A completely new job description was developed, and has been approved by the Village Personnel Committee. We are confident that the workload is manageable for one pastor, and that the person ultimately called to this ministry will thrive. Our request to form a search committee will be considered at the Heartland Presbytery Commission on Ministry meeting on Feb. 3.
Speaking of Pastor Melanie –This Sunday, Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. CST, Rev. Melanie Hardison will be installed at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Rev. Zach Walker will be in attendance and Rev. Brian Ellison, stated clerk of the Synod of Mid-America, will be preaching. You can watch the service on Bryn Mawr’s livestream.
ACT JUSTLY.
Village for Gun Sense
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has committed to leading the national effort to end gun violence—calling 2022–2032, “The Decade to End Gun Violence.” In response, in 2023, Village for Gun Sense formed to advocate against unregulated access to firearms and gathers regularly to address community safety and foster education opportunities.
This year, Grandparents for Gun Safety introduced “Caring Communities,” a new way to support their Annual Community Forum. This sponsorship includes 10 discounted tickets to help more people attend and hear their compelling messages. Village Church’s Social Justice Ministry, a supporter of the “Faith & Firearms; Putting Faith into Action” forum, helped 30 Village Church members attend as part of the new Caring Communities initiative. Read more about local gun-sense legislation below.
Engage, Grow, Celebrate
Village for Gun Sense – The Kansas Legislature is back in session and Village for Gun Sense encourages you educate yourself and add your voice of support for the following bills to let legislators know that you care about children and gun safety. Kansas has three bills ready to move in the House Committee on Federal and State Affairs: HB2167 (regarding safe firearm storage), HB2198 (regarding firearms and restraint orders), and HB2379 (regarding a voluntary do-not-sell firearms list). Thank you.
New Member Luncheons – 11:30-1:30 Sunday, Jan. 25, in the Conference Room (Antioch) and noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, Room 232 (Mission). Interested in becoming a member of Village Church? Email Lisa Harrison (Antioch Campus) or Carol Solenberger (Mission Campus) to RSVP for the luncheons.
Seniors’ Afternoon – 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, Welcome Center (Misson Campus). Enjoy games and social time with other seniors. Bring your own games, learn to play canasta, and enjoy good company and light refreshments. Bring a friend and spread the word!
Understanding Life on the Border – 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, Friendship Hall (Mission Campus). Rev. Mark Adams, of Frontera de Cristo, will share stories of the work on both sides of the border near Douglas, Arizona and Agua Prieta, Sonora. This will be a morning of insight and inspiration for all who share God’s concerns for our immigrant neighbors. Please register HERE.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Media Literacy Class – 6:15-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, Room 230 (Mission Campus). Village Church member and journalism expert Brian Bracco will lead a discussion about where people get their news and how to differentiate fact-based news from other options in our various forms of media. Register HERE.
Men’s Breakfast Gathering – 8-10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, Room 230 (Mission Campus). We’ll enjoy breakfast while we listen to Harry Soyster present on the religious ideas of Carl June and Scott Peck. Suggested donation: $8. Pay online when you register.
Village Connect Group – 6:30-8 p.m., Wednesdays, Feb. 18 to April 1, Room 206 (Mission Campus). Deepen your faith and relationships with others by participating in Pastor Rodger’s Bible study, “Jesus’ Beatitudes: Blessings for Our Life Today.” If you’re interested in this 7-week group, email Carol Solenberger.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Preschool Enrollment – The fantastic preschools on our Mission and Antioch Campuses are enrolling now for next fall. Questions? Contact director Sarah McKee at Mission and Paula Benefiel at Antioch.
music ministry
A Night of Percussion – 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, Sanctuary (Mission Campus). Theo Musick and the Percussive Art Ensemble present works by Reich and Harnesberger, with new arrangements of Trent Reznor, Dead Can Dance, and more. Free admission.
St. Olaf college choir
Premier a cappella
3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, Sanctuary (Mission Campus). Composed of 75 mixed voices, the St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong, is hailed as one of the nation’s premier a cappella ensembles. Tickets are $40 or $10 for students; available to purchase HERE.
Pastoral carE
Widowers’ Support Group Meets Thursdays – If your spouse has died or is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you are not alone. Listen, share, and find fellowship with other men who are walking the same path. Meetings are every Thursday at 9 a.m. in Room 132 at the Mission Campus.
Presbyterian Women
Antioch Campus Book Club – 7 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the Conference Room (Antioch Campus). We are discussing Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See.
Mahjong Mondays – Sixteen women played Mahjong on Jan. 12 at the Mission Campus; it was so fun! The next dates are: Feb. 9 (Mission) and Feb. 16 (Antioch) from 6:30-8 p.m.
Read more in the January Messenger newsletter.
YOUng Adults
Y.A.M. (Young Adult Ministry) Nights are Back – All 20s and 30s are invited to join us every Wednesday as we gather, play games, study Scripture, and celebrate one another. Let’s eat dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Friendship Hall, then head to the Young Adult Room for programming at 6:15 p.m.
40s & 50s ministry
Trivia Night – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28. Flex your trivia muscles with Village Church friends at Charlie Hooper’s (12 West 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO).
green tip of the week:
Get your furnace checked professionally. A well-maintained furnace saves energy. Seasonal inspections can uncover small issues before they turn into major repairs.
Serve
Blood Drive Results – Thank you to all who donated the gift of life on Jan. 13 at our community blood drive. We collected 26 units, which, represents 78 lives saved! The next drive will be April 21.
Food Pantry & Clothes Closet – We are collecting crackers and hearty soups for Souperbowl Sunday (Feb. 8) all month.
Worship Times
MISSION CAMPUS: 9 and 11 a.m. (Sanctuary) and 4 p.m. for the Gathering service (Friendship Hall) Sundays
ANTIOCH CAMPUS: 10 a.m. Sundays
Take the pledge.
Giving isn’t just about money—our time and our talents are also gifts from God meant to be shared. Choose one or more ways to serve your church before March 15. Someone will contact you with more information and next steps!
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