Weekly Word
you are called.
In worship Sunday, we talked about David Brooks’ book, “The Second Mountain,” Jeremiah 1:1-10, and the idea of being called. ‘Being called’ does not mean that you are a pastor or even serve in a church. God calls each one of us into something larger than a career or a relationship. The prophet Jeremiah thought that he was too young to be called. But God answered, “Do not be afraid for I am with you to deliver you.” Let us be attentive so we do not miss holy nudges. If you missed a sermon in this series, find them HERE.
At the Mission Campus, we also welcomed the 2026 confirmation class at the 11 a.m. worship service. See more photos on our Facebook page.
PushPay Help Needed
As we move to our new giving platform, please take a moment to transfer your recurring gift using the instructions in an email from Pushpay so it continues without interruption. Our goal is to have all recurring gifts transferred by May 1. Thank you for your ongoing support! –Bob Sperry, 913-671-2325
Serve
Cross-Lines Volunteer Opportunity – Every month, Village Church serves a meal to 100-150 people at the Cross-Lines Kitchen. Join us on Friday, May 8, to serve lunch to our neighbors in need. Learn more and sign up HERE.
Village Serves on May 9 – 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 9. This month we serve at Kanbe‘s Markets helping sort food to be distributed city-wide. Learn more and sign up HERE.
Antioch Collection of the Month – We are collecting travel-sized shampoos, lotions, and soaps for care kits to distribute to our houseless neighbors. After worship on May 10, we will assemble the kits; a great way to serve on Mother’s Day!
saving lives
One pint at a time
Did you know the average adult has between 9-12 pints of blood? One pint is given in a whole blood donation. Last Tuesday, we hosted a Blood Drive with our mission partner, Community Blood Center, at the Mission Campus. We were able to collect 30 units—representing 90 lives saved! That number included two first-time donors. Every two seconds, someone needs blood. We give thanks for our volunteers and our blood donors!
We are
Here for Good
This family of faith matters. To date, we have received 197 pledges for the “Here for Good” capital campaign. That’s nearly 60% of our goal. These early pledges allow us to get started on some of our projects. This summer, we will begin work on the permanent choir risers in the Mission Sanctuary, securing the preschool and childcare areas at the Mission Campus, and creating a new exit from the nursery. At the Antioch Campus, we can start the renovation of the Fellowship Hall. This is exciting news and we give thanks for your generosity!
Engage, Grow, Celebrate
Nehemiah Action – 6-7:30 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, April 28, at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, hosted by the Good Faith Network (an interfaith justice organization). It’s one of the most powerful ways we can live out our faith alongside others who care about making our community better—particularly around the issues of housing, mental health, and eldercare. Kay Findley, Village Church member, will be offering remarks.
75th Anniversary Parade – Prairie Village is celebrating 75 years with a parade on Mission Road at 10 a.m. this Saturday, May 2 and Village Church is participating with a 1950s-themed float (to honor our founding in 1949). We need 100 volunteers to walk alongside our float handing out candy to the attendees. Email Carol Solenberger if you can help, or simply cheer us on between 77th-83rd Streets!
Village Golf – 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12 at Sunflower Hills. All men and women golfers are invited. Fee is $44 with cart. RSVP to Brad Steil by May 3.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Navigating Transitions: Exploring Practical Tools to Navigate Change with Courage and Grace – 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, May 6, 13, & 20, Room 132, Mission Campus. Drawing upon Dr. Linda Burks’ recent work, we will explore tools for clarifying what truly matters to you, embracing change, and welcoming what’s next. Register HERE.
Foster Care and Building Safe, Healthy Communities – 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, Room 126, Mission Campus. This one-session class with explore trauma and its effects on the work of Cornerstones of Care, families in foster-care systems, and the greater community. Register HERE.
Chuck Gillam Lecture on Earthkeeping: Why Environmental Justice Matters! 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday May 9, Room 126 (Mission Campus). Emma Marshall, MDIV, the national organizer for CANOPY (Creation Action Network of Presbyterian Young Adults) will discuss the longings, hopes, and fears she hears from young adults pertaining to the climate change crisis. A panel discussion follows. Register HERE; Zoom option available.
Special speaker at Village Forum – 9:30 a.m. Sunday, May 10, Room 126, Mission Campus. Poet/historian George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Come learn a bit of history from Shelly Cline of The Midwest Center for Holocaust Education.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Music & Drama Camp – 1-4:30 p.m. June 8-12 plus a performance at 7 p.m. on Friday night. Kids who have completed K-5 are invited for a fun week as we prepare “Are We There Yet?” (a musical about Moses and the journey to the promised land). Register HERE (if your child will be able to participate in the Friday night show).
Stephen ministry
Last Saturday, we had more than 200 folks here all day for a 50th anniversary celebration of Stephen Ministry. The program has enabled thousands of leaders in congregations around the country to walk with persons in times of crisis and need. Village Church has been involved in Stephen Ministry since nearly its beginnings. We are grateful to Linda Alley, Rev. Dr. Diane Janssen Hemmen, and our facilities team for leading and hosting this large event.
Jen Wewers speaks on resilience – 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Room 132 (Mission Campus). Jen Wewers, executive director for Prairie Sky Counseling Center, will talk about resilience and explore its spiritual, psychological, and relational roots. Sponsored by Stephen Ministry; everyone is welcome to attend.
music ministry
2nd Thursday Recital featuring Keith Benjamin, trumpet – 12:15 p.m. Thursday, May 14, in the Mission Campus Sanctuary. Please join us for a free, noontime recital with a short reception afterward in the Welcome Center to meet the artist.
Presbyterian women
Mahjong Mondays – 6:30-8 p.m., May 11, Room 230 (Mission Campus) or May 18 (Antioch Campus). Join others to play Mahjong.
Women’s Build – You don’t need to be comfortable using power tools to help at the Habitat for Humanity build sites. We have two half-day opportunities: May 13 and May 14 from 8-11:30 a.m. in the Lykins neighborhood in KCMO. Register for the May 13 opportunity HERE. For Thursday, May 14, click HERE.
YOUng Adults
Y.A.M. (Young Adult Ministry) Night – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29. All 20s and 30s are invited to dinner and fellowship in Room 8. At 6:15 p.m., we’ll join Rev. Dr. Nishioka’s class on the Gospel of John in Room 132.
Party in the Park – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13. All young adults (individuals, couples, parents and their kids) are invited for a picnic and games at Franklin Park (8706 Roe Ave.) to celebrate a year of growth and fellowship in Young Adult Ministry! $5 per person, please register HERE.
youth ministry
Messy Game Night – 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday, May 3 (Mission Campus). Students grades 7-12: don’t miss our annual evening of big fun and bigger messes! Meet us on the south lawn.
green tip of the week
Have your AC unit(s) professionally maintained, which can save energy and money. A seasonal inspection can uncover small issues before they turn into major repairs.
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
Let’s stay in touch.
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