Weekly Word

Shining our light in the Prairie Village Parade!

We had an incredible time Saturday at the City of Prairie Village’s 75^th anniversary parade. Carol Solenberger and her team led the effort. Many staff persons collaborated on a terrific float that replicated a mini Village Church—complete with steeple, pews, pulpit, choir, and congregants—pulled by our church van. About 60 members and friends of all ages walked alongside the float handing out treats, while “This Little Light of Mine” played from a speaker. A lot of Village folks cheered us on from Mission Road. Joy Biard, daughter of our founding pastor, Dr. Bob Meneilly, played the role of preacher. Priscilla Wilson, age 95, sat in one of the pews; she had never been in a parade and reported that it was great fun!

May 4 Session Round-Up

Last night at their meeting, the Session:

• approved an Endowment Trust grant for the purchase of food for the Village Church Food Pantry and Clothes Closet
• upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, approved the sabbatical leave of Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka from July 1- Sept. 30
• reviewed the Mission Campus Sunday worship times (10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) from May 31 to Sept. 6
• approved the collection of a retiring offering to benefit The Covenant Network of Presbyterians at the July 25 concert offered by First Presbyterian of Davenport, Iowa.

The Second Mountain

We are called to do faith in a way that transforms the world; all of us. This is “second mountain” work, as David Brooks shares in his book of the same name. ‘Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.‘ (from Ephesians 4:7-16) The word saints in that sentence means you and me. If you missed a sermon in this series, find them all HERE.

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.

Donate A Bike! We are collecting bikes to donate to Front Porch Alliance. Someone will fix them up and then they will go to a child who needs one by the end of the summer. Bikes can be dropped off at the South Entrance at the Mission Campus. Email Pastor Zach with questions or for more info.

Engage, Grow, Celebrate

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.

New Member Luncheon – 11 a.m. Sunday, June 7, Room 232 (Mission Campus). If you’re interested in becoming a member of Village Church, you’re invited to lunch. Childcare is available. RSVP to Carol Solenberger.

Trivia Night Fundraiser – 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 4, Friendship Hall (Mission Campus). Hosted by Village for Gun Sense and Grandparents for Gun Safety. Come on your own ($30) or assemble a team of six ($175) and compete to be crowned trivia champs! All monies raised will go toward distributing gun locks in our community. Register HERE.

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. this 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

No Elementary Lighthouse this Sunday – due to Mother’s Day. Kids are invited to worship in “big church” with their 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

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.

Village Brass – 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17, Mission Campus Sanctuary. Our very own, Village Brass, will give a free concert of some of your favorites from Bruckner to Bach, Renaissance to Gospel. Come hear the year‘s “greatest hits.”

International Mission

All-Ages D.R. Mission Trip – Please join the Dominican Republic Medical Partnership (DRMP) for the 7th annual Givingthanks trip from Nov. 19-24 to host free medical/health education fairs in four bateyes (communities of Haitian sugarcane cutters). Cost: airfare + $500 (scholarships available). Contact Rev. Zach Walker.

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.

YOUng Adults

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

Youth Week is June 1-5! We will kick off summer with a fun-filled week of activities and community. This year’s lineup includes World’s of Fun, pickle ball, volunteering, hammocking, a beach day, and more! Register and learn more HERE. Read the May newsletter HERE.

green tip of the week

Mind your thermostat settings. Keeping your system at a steady temp prevents unnecessary cycling, which reduces energy consumption.