Weekly Word

We belong.

“Knowing we belong to God completely changes our reality. It liberates us from the gnawing question of how well we fit in with people around us. When you belong to God, you are in God’s family, so you belong with God’s other children, even if you can’t always see the family resemblance.” –Rev. Dr. Diane Janssen Hemmen

At the Mission Campus, Pastor Diane offered a touching sermon on “belonging.” Find that sermon on our YouTube Channel, here on our website, or download the podcast. Pastor Alice preached on “sanctification” at Antioch Campus. This upcoming Sunday is Youth Sunday, when our young people lead worship at all services; the ‘word of faith’ will be ”wisdom.”

Congregational Meeting

The Village Church Session has called for a congregational meeting to be held Sunday, Sept. 20, following all worship services, for the purpose of electing officers and leaders for the new year, and presenting the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.

Tea Time

On Saturday at the Antioch Campus, more than 40 women gathered for a lovely tea and to plan the program year ahead, including book clubs, service projects, Bible studies, and much more. See photos below. We know that ”where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Look for other women’s ministry events and gatherings in the Weekly Word, bulletins, Facebook, and on our website.

Serve

Blood Drive Today – Donate between 1-6 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Room 132 (Mission Campus). Sign up HERE and enter the group code BT. Walk-ins are welcome. The blood-mobile will also come to the Antioch Campus parking lot on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 3-6 p.m. Donors are desperately needed during the summer when the supply wanes.

Cross-Lines Volunteer Opportunity – Every month, Village Church serves a meal to 100-150 people at the Cross-Lines Kitchen. Join us on Friday, Sept. 11, to serve lunch to our neighbors in need. Learn more and sign up HERE. Questions? Contact Jim Bolton.

Books for Young People Needed – Last call! This month we are collecting books for pre-K children through young adults for Front Porch Alliance. Donations can be placed on the white bookshelves at the north and south entrances at the Mission Campus. Thank you!

Excess Produce? During August, please bring excess produce from your gardens to the Antioch Campus and we will deliver it to the Village Food Pantry. Donations can go in the Food Pantry Bins located by the doors.

Engage, Grow, Celebrate

2026-2027 Connect Bible Study: ”Grounded in Grace” – Learn about our Presbyterian roots, history, tenets, sacraments, and much more. This new curriculum was designed and written by Village Church pastors. Connect Groups will begin meeting in September. Contact Carol Solenberger to join a group and learn more.

Village U Community Classes – Please join us for our Fall semester! Explore gatherings and classes for mind, body, and spirit. The catalog is available now and registration for the classes that require them are open Aug. 30. Email Desiree Keyes with any questions.

Seniors Afternoon – 1 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 28, Room 230 (Mission Campus). Enjoy games and social time with other seniors. Bring your own board games, learn to play canasta, and spread the word! Questions? Email Deana Petty.

Lunch with a Pastor – noon, Wednesday, Sept. 9, Antioch Campus. Join Pastor Anna (or occasionally other Village Church pastors) for lunch and a time of casual conversation and fellowship on the second Wednesday of each month. Lunch provided. Please RSVP by Tuesday at noon.

Bad Weather Is Getting Worse: What Will Happen? 7-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, Room 233 (Mission Campus). The U.S. military has recently introduced a resiliency policy that includes how to deal with worsening weather and climate change. The class, taught by Chick Keller, will discuss how America is dealing with the issue.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Grief Support Group – 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, Room 232 (Mission Campus). You are not alone. Members and non-members alike are encouraged to attend our grief support group which meets the first Tuesday of each month. A Prairie Sky Counseling Center therapist facilitates.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Welcome, Laura Strongman! Laura joins Kate Ruecker as a coordinator in our department and will be working with us on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Family Worship until Sept. 13 – We look forward to seeing kids at our kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 13. Until then, kids will worship in church with their families.

international mission

Celebration Dominicana – We hope you’ll attend the annual fundraiser for the Dominican Republic Medical Partnership (DRMP) on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Milburn Country Club for food, drinks, music, a silent auction, and more!

music ministry

Read all about the Fall 2026 Music Series HERE. We are so exicted to tell you about the wonderful music and musicians who will be performing at Village this season!

2nd Thursday Recital: Victoria Botero, soprano & Lamar Sims, piano – 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 (Mission Campus).

women‘s ministry

Circle Bible Studies Begin – Sept. 8 (morning and afternoon options available) at the Mission Campus and Sept. 14 at Antioch. This year’s study is “United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.” Interested in learning more? Contact Dee Couch, Circle Coordinator.

Mahjong Mondays – 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 14 (Mission) and 21 (Antioch). Join us to play Mahjong on the second and third Mondays each month. No need to RSVP. Bring your Mahjojng card (copies will be available).

Young adults

KC Monarchs Game – 6:35 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Meet us out at the ballpark for this family-friendly, young-adult event. $15/ticket, children under 2 are free. Register HERE.

Y.A.M. (Young Adult Ministry) Night – Join us for Wednesdays@Village starting Sept. 16. We’ll share a meal at 5:30 p.m. in Friendship Hall, then most weeks at 6:15 p.m. all 20s and 30s will head to Room 8 for our programming.

Youth

Are you the parent of a freshman? Confirmation classes for 2026-2027 are now open. Students in grade 9 and up are invited to learn more about their faith. Read more HERE.

green tip of the week

Maximize laundry day. A load of laundry uses approximately 40 gallons of water, so make sure you have a full load each time.

Creation justice. One of the initiatives of Presbyterian Church (USA) and several other denominations is the annual Season of Creation: Sept. 1 (World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation) through Oct. 4 (Feast of St. Francis). It is a time set aside to reflect on and celebrate God’s creation with prayer and faithful actions. This year the theme is: “Living Water” based on Ezekiel 47: 1-12, emphasizing ecological healing, the restoration of barren land, and the responsibility to care for the common home as we work together for the renewal of Creation.