Weekly Word

October Sermon Series: “Mere Christianity”

The next sermon series is titled, “Mere Christianty.” C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) was a British writer, literary scholar, and theologian. He is best known for writing the Chronicles of Narnia. Though baptized as an infant, Lewis became an atheist at 15 years old because he was angry at God, both for not existing and for creating such a terrible world. He became a Christian “kicking, struggling, and resentful” at 33 years old, influenced by friends like J.R.R. Tolkien. “Mere Christianity” is Lewis’ compelling apologetic for Christianity. For Lewis, Christianity is not easy or simple; rather, it is demanding and risky. Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore Lewis’ arguments for a Christian faith that is a radical reordering of our lives.

If you missed any of the previous “EPIC Church” sermons, find them online or on our YouTube Channel.

Friendship Hall set to re-open Oct. 5!

Exciting news: We plan to move the Gathering worship service back to Friendship Hall this coming Sunday, Oct. 5. We will meet in the Sanctuary, pray, and then transition to the new worship space! Wednesday family dinner will be served in the hall on Oct. 8. Please be patient as we work out the details about using this renovated space moving forward—and give Rev. Alice Whitson and Kathy Lueckert a big thank you for their hard work steering this project to completion ahead of schedule. It looks fantastic!

We are so excited that Kanbe’s Markets is our Signature Mission partner this year. Kanbe’s is building a more inclusive food system by transforming food loss into food access. They serve the most vulnerable people in Kansas City while keeping healthy produce out of landfills. Through your generosity, we are making a difference in the lives of people in our community. Each gift, no matter the size, combines to create hope, meet needs, and transform lives in ways we could never do alone. Thank you.

Did you miss the Kanbe’s video shown in worship last Sunday? Watch it HERE.

Serve

Mission “Be The Church” Service Night is Sunday, Oct. 19 – Pizza and cookies at 5 p.m. in Friendship Hall, then volunteer from 5:30-6:30 p.m. We have a variety of engaging service projects for all ages! Give back during this annual night that benefits others. Contact Zach Walker with questions.

Antioch “Be the Church” Service Day – 11 a.m.-noon Sunday, Oct. 19. After worship, let’s “do the good that is ours to do.” We will write cards, pack hygiene kits, and hear from Daniel Tucker of labor rights organization Stand Up KC. 

Engage, Grow, and Celebrate

Grandparents for Gun Safety Forum: “Faith and Firearms: Turning Faith Into Action” – 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13 at Rockhurst University. Pastor, author, and social activist John Pavlovitz will provide a national perspective, while KC-area leaders will share how communities are turning faith into action to reduce gun violence. Learn more HERE.

Guns to Gardens – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Central Presbyterian Church, 3501 Campbell St., KC, MO. This second annual gun surrender event provides an opportunity to surrender firearms safely to be dismantled and repurposed into garden tools. Those surrendering firearms will receive a grocery gift card. Last year they collected more than 80 guns—the goal is to collect 200 this year! Learn more HERE. 

Village Golf – We will play Tuesday, Oct. 14, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Falcon Lakes Golf Club in Basehor, Kansas. Cost is $51 including the chance to win end-of-the-season prizes such as golf gloves and balls. RSVP to Brad Steil by Oct. 1.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Benefits of Native Landscape Plants – 7-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, Room 126, Mission Campus. Tracy Twombley, owner of local nursery Sow Wild Natives, will explain why it’s important to include native plants in our home landscapes.

God‘s Love Transcends Borders: Conversations on Immigration – 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 1-Oct. 29, Room 126, Mission Campus. With a new facilitator each week, this course will explore five different topics relating to immigration—ranging from what is it’s like to be an immigrant today to how you can advocate for change.

Men’s Breakfast & Bible with Rodger Nishioka – 8-9 a.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 14-Dec. 2, Friendship Hall. Men are welcome for fellowship, a hot breakfast, and Bible study led by our senior pastor. This eight-week study will explore the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Find all Village U Classes in our Fall 2025 catalog.

40s & 50s ministry

Date & Dance Night! Join us at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 for a free, fun night with a professional dance instructor. Come solo or with a partner and learn something new! We will meet at Cabaret Arts & Social Theater (9050 Metcalf Ave). Sign up HERE.

international ministry

Hit for Haiti is Saturday, Oct. 4 – This annual pickleball and tennis event benefits Higgins Brothers Surgicenter—the only functioning medical center near Fonds-Parisien, which serves about 1,500 Haitian patients each month. Learn more and sign up to play HERE.

music ministry

Wind Symphony – 7 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 5, Mission Campus Sanctuary. The Kansas City Wind Symphony presents “Destinations,” music honoring places we’ve been and places we’d like to go. The free concert will feature music by Hector Berlioz, Percy Aldridge Grainger, and Haydn Wood.

2nd Thursday Recital featuring La Gioia Wind Quintet – 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in the Mission Campus Chapel. Please join us for a noontime recital with a short reception afterward in the Welcome Center to meet the artists. Free admission.

“Together, We Sing” – 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, Mission Sanctuary. Our Mission and Antioch Choirs present Alice Parker’s “Melodious Accord” and Howard Hanson’s “Song of Democracy.” A free-will offering will be taken to support our Village Food Pantry and Clothes Closet.

Pastoral care & Counseling

The last day for All Saints’ Day names is Oct. 24 – Part of our worship services on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 2, is listing names of loved ones we miss. Names of those who passed in 2025 will be listed (if the church was informed). To include additional names, email Linda Alley or call 913-671-2327.

Presbyterian Women

KC Mural Hike – 9 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 4. Enjoy a guided walking tour of some of the beautiful murals that adorn our city. We’ll take a break to enjoy Green Dirt Farm on Oak Street. A few spots left! $35 per person. Email Lisa Harrsion if you have questions.

Wednesday Women’s Fellowship – Optional dinner at 6 p.m., program begins at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8, Room 206. Join us to discuss work-life balance, aging parents, raising kids, all things that are on women’s minds today (topics vary each month). RSVP to Carol Solenberger.

Declutter Your Heart and Your Home – 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, Friendship Hall (Mission Campus). We’ll discuss author Julia Ubbenga’s minimalist philosophy and learn about her spiritual journey toward being “rich in what matters.” Coffee at 9 a.m., program starts at 9:30 a.m. Fee is $16 and includes a copy of the book. Register HERE.

young adults

Parents Group – 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8. Parents and their littles are invited to the Young Adult space on the second Wednesday each month for faith, fellowship, and food with Pastor Maggie.

Fall Retreat – Join other young adults for a weekend outside of Excelsior Springs, MO! On Nov. 7-9, we’ll hike, explore, rest, and examine our faith. Come for a time of laughter, joy, deep questions, and meaningful connection. The cost is $100 for Friday evening through early Sunday afternoon. Sign up HERE.

green tip of the week:

Avoid high speeds when possible. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. Use cruise control on the highway and interstate to save gas. *Village Presbyterian Church is a certified Earth Care Congregation.