Weekly Word
We are ‘Here for Good.‘
We have a cherished legacy of 77 years of faith at Village Church, and by God’s grace, we hope to be here for generations to come. To meet the needs of the present and to prepare for the opportunities of the future, our Session has approved a capital campaign beginning this month through 2028. The campaign hopes to raise $8 million dollars to expand and strengthen our mission and ministries, improve and make safe our gathering and learning spaces, be better stewards of God’s creation, and show to all that they are welcome and belong.
Find a comprehensive list of the projects, plus interactive maps, HERE. Find past sermons in this series HERE.
FEb. 18 • ash wednesday
To dust we shall return.
Ash Wednesday is a sacred day of prayer, reflection, and repentance. It marks the first day of Lent, the holy season of 40 days, not including Sundays, that lead to Easter Sunday. During the service, ashes are placed on the foreheads of Christians in the sign of the cross using words from Genesis 3:19, “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These words remind us of our mortality and our total dependence upon the grace of God. Traditionally, these ashes come from the burning of palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday services. Ashes may also be placed on the back of your hand rather than your forehead. The wearing of ashes is a sign of confession for one’s sinfulness and repentance.
Serve
Food Pantry & Clothes Closet – The Food Pantry is grateful for donations of soup, chili, beef stew, and financial gifts. If you missed the new video about Food Pantry volunteers Sharon March and grandson Jack, watch it HERE. Start looking for spring clothing to donate, but hold off on bringing them to us until mid-March. Thank you!
Village Serves – 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. This month we will serve at Newhouse KC domestic violence shelter helping clean their children’s center. Learn more and sign up HERE.
Serve at Ronald McDonald House – 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, Ronald McDonald House. This is a service project for all ages! We’ll be preparing and serving lunch for inpatient families at two locations. Space is limited so register soon. Sponsored by Presbyterian Women.
Cross-Lines Volunteer Opportunity – Serve a meal to 150-250 people at the Cross-Lines Kitchen Friday, March 13, to serve lunch to our neighbors in need. Learn more and sign up HERE. Thank you to our Antioch Campus team (pictured below) who helped serve a delicious taco-salad meal on Feb. 13.
Engage, Grow, Celebrate
Seniors Afternoon – 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 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.
Calling All Artists! Show off your artwork at our 20th Annual Art & Hors d’oeuvres event from 5-7 p.m on Friday, March 6 at the Mission Campus. Artists of all ages are welcome to participate! Interested? Email Carol Solenberger.
Village Connect Group – 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 4-25, Room 124 (Mission Campus). Participate in this year’s Beatitudes Bible study created by Pastor Rodger. Email Carol Solenberger.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Lenten Adult Education Class – 9 a.m. Sundays, Feb. 22-March 29, Antioch Campus Library. Join Rev. Anna Owens as we journey through spiritual practices and the Stations of the Cross.
Who Do You Say That I Am? Special Questions on Christology or a Study of Jesus – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 23-March 16, Room 126 (Mission Campus). Biagio Mazza, Theologian and Scripture Scholar, leads this course to examine the person of Jesus, fully God and fully human. Register HERE.
In the Wilderness Together: A Lenten Journey Toward Healing & Hope – 6:15-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 25-March 25, Room 132 (Mission Campus). In this reflective space inspired by the Lenten journey, Prairie Sky Counseling Center clinicians invite participants to explore what it means to be human, together, and discover the grace that holds us as move toward healing and hope. Please register HERE.
How to Have Hard Discussions: A Practical Workshop on Conflict Resolution and Civil Discourse – 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, Room 126 (Mission Campus). Dr. Leslie Dorrough Smith, of Avila Univeristy, will introduce participants to tried-and-true conflict resolution principles and teach concrete communication techniques essential to civil discourse. Register HERE.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Parents Day Out Enrolling Now – Looking for a safe, loving, and engaging place for your little one during the school year? 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays. For 2- and 3-year-olds at the Mission Campus. Learn more and register HERE.
music ministry
Youth Chorus of Kansas City – 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Sanctuary (Mission Campus). The Youth Chorus of Kansas City, a Village Musical Arts Alliance Member, presents “Goin‘ Home” a free concert. Donations for Chain of Hope (a local animal-rescue organization) will be taken at the door.
Pastoral carE
Does the church have your current phone number, address, and emergency contact information? This is helpful if an injury happens at the church, or we need to contact a family member. Please update Linda Alley, 913-671-2327.
Growing Through Grief Starts March 3 – If you are grieving, come to this five-week class, facilitated by Rev. Tim Soule, every Tuesday from 2–3 p.m. in Room 232 (Mission Campus), March 3-31. Please register HERE or contact Linda Alley at 913-671-2327.
Presbyterian Women
“Motherhood to Matriarch” – 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Friendship Hall. Ginger Rothhaas from Compassion Fix will lead a rich conversation about the journey from nurturing life to shaping a legacy. Please register HERE.
YOUng Adults
Picnic in the Park – 5:30 p.m. this Thursday, Feb. 19. Young adults, bring the whole family to Mohawk Park (67th & Lamar) for an evening of food, fellowship, and fun. No cost, but please sign up. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move to the Young Adult Room!
KC Current Game – 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Help us cheer on the Current in their first match of the season! Tickets are $25 each; limited number available. Grab yours HERE.
youth ministry
Summer Trips – High school students are invited to participate in the Montreat Youth Conference, June 13–20, or the Boundary Waters Trip, July 6–12. Middle school students are invited to participate in the Mission Trip to Denver, July 25–30. These trips offer meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth, service, and fellowship. Learn more HERE.
40s & 50s
Bevs & Bible Night – 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. Join us at the McKees’ House (5268 Somerset Dr.) to socialize and have a Bible study. No matter the depth of your Bible knowledge, this is for you! Contact Rev. Zach Walker for more information.
green tip of the week:
Turn the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) to save energy.
this lent
Tread lightly.
During Lent, we slow down and examine our internal spiritual lives and the way we live out our Christian faith in the world. For each of the 40 days of Lent, this three-page “Tread Lightly for Lent” calendar (see link below) offers earth-care reflections, readings, facts, stories, and actions for individuals and congregations.
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
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