Weekly Word

“Seeing with Prophetic Eyes”

“The prophet Amos says: I don’t want your songs, your music. I don’t want your offerings, your sacrifices. I don’t want your rituals, your assemblies. I don’t want any of these of things until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Until you see one another.” –Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Oct. 4, 2026

If you missed this first sermon in the new series, find it on our YouTube Channel and here on our website. Pastor Rodger will draw on Richard Rohr’s wisdom to help us make our way as faithful followers of Jesus Christ in what many feel is an “age of outrage.”

Joyful News

Join us in sending love and well wishes to Rev. Anna Owens and Rev. Owen Gray who were married last Thursday. May their marriage be deeply rooted in their faith, strengthened through every season, and filled with God‘s wisdom and peace. Pastor Anna will be in and out of the building this week as she celebrates the occasion and enjoys a honeymoon in Nantucket. Rev. Maggie Johnson Phillips will help lead worship on Oct. 11.

At their meeting last night, the Session:

• Approved hosting a Heartland Presbytery meeting on Tuesday, May 18 at the Mission Campus
• Approved financial support for Brooke Brundige’s ongoing ordination process and in conjunction with standard Presbytery practices
• Approved that an incoming deacon officer examination be conducted by currently serving deacons during their November meeting
• Approved Endowment Trust Grants for: Prairie Sky Counseling Center, the Mission and Antioch Preschools, Mission Campus Childcare, Fall 2026 large concerts, Sheffield Place, and Emergency Assistance from the Mission Legacy Fund, and the creation of a Sunday School Program Room at the Antioch Campus. 

Upcoming Wednesdays@Village, including Festi-Fall!

This Wednesday, Oct. 7, the menu includes herb-baked chicken, rice, veggies, and salad followed by another class on the Minor Prophet with Pastor Alice and break-out sessions for kids and youth and childcare for the those under age 5. On Oct. 14, come for a Build-Your-Own Mediterranean Pita Bar and the conclusion of the three-part series on Minor Prophets. No childcare will be available on Oct. 21 because it is an “All-In” Wednesdays@Village (third Wednesday of the month). Come for “Festi-Fall” that evening! Everyone is invited to stay after dinner for fun, fall-themed activities, including

• Pumpkin Painting
• Games
• Face Painting
• Photo Booth
• Bounce House

Serve

Be the Church: this Sunday, Oct. 11 – At Antioch: stay after worship and we will gather to do projects in Fellowship Hall at 11 a.m. At Mission: Join us at 5 p.m. for pizza in Friendship Hall, followed by various service opportunities from 5:30-6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome! 

Blood Drive – 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, Room 132 (Mission Campus). Share your strength and save a life in October. Walkins are welcome or sign up here using Group Code BT.

It’s Sock-tober – For the month of October, the Antioch mission committee requests new socks and underwear (all sizes) for Mission Southside in Olathe. Bring donations to the Narthex through Oct. 31. Thank you!

The Food Pantry asks for canned proteins such as chicken, tuna, Spam, beans, etc. The Clothes Closet would love gently-used jackets and coats as well as household items like silverware, plates, cookware, and small kitchen appliances. Thank you.

Engage, Grow, Celebrate

Flu & Covid Vaccine Clinic – 4-7 p.m. this Wednesday, Oct. 7, Welcome Center (Mission Campus). Flu and Covid boosters are available for anyone aged 5 and older. Pick a 10-minute time slot, register, and bring ID and insurance cards when you come. Sign up HERE. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Queering the Apocalypse – Theology Beer Camp is sold out, but at our Mission Campus, we are hosting a two-day, pre-camp event on Oct. 7-8, “Queering the Apocalypse,” which will explore the Book of Revelation through the lenses of inclusion and hope. Learn more and sign up HERE.

Tuesday Lunches – 11 a.m.–1 p.m. starting Oct. 13. Purchase homestyle soup and sandwiches made by Chef Teri in Friendship Hall on Tuesdays. All are invited!

Lunch with a Pastor – noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, Antioch Conference Room. Rev. Anna Owens hosts conversation and fellowship. Lunch is provided. Please sign up by noon, Oct. 13.

Trunk or Treat – 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, rain or shine, Fellowship Hall, Antioch Campus. If you can donate candy before Oct. 22, it would be appreciated. Extra candy will go to our Food Pantry. People are also invited to host a “trunk” (or, in this case, a themed table). Costumes optional. This is a great opportunity for service hours for teens! We need 20 stations for a successful event. Questions? Contact Lisa Harrison.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Grow Through Your Grief – All are welcome at this 5-week class—facilitated by Rev. Tim Soule—that starts on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 1:30 p.m. Each person receives a free book, “Understanding Your Grief.” Registration is required; questions can go to Linda Alley (913-671-2327).

On Being – 9 a.m. Sundays through Oct. 18, Antioch Library. Life transitions, grieving, and dying are a normal part of the human experience, and yet we can find ourselves ill-equipped when facing change and loss. Taught by Jen Wewers, executive director of Prairie Sky Counseling Center.

music ministry

Passion Week – 7:30 p.m. tonight, Oct. 6, Mission Sanctuary. The Kansas City Chorale and Te Deum join forces to present “Passion Week,” a sweeping journey through the Orthodox Holy Week by Aleksandr Gretchaninoff. Tickets available HERE.

Acer Sonorous Bassoon Ensemble – 12:15 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 8, Mission Chapel. This 2nd Thursday Recital features the Acer Sonorous Bassoon Ensemble. Please join us for a free noontime recital with a short reception afterward in the Welcome Center to meet the artists.

Kansas City Wind Symphony Tribute – 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, Mission Sanctuary. Free admission. The Kansas City Wind Symphony (KCWS) presents “A World in Harmony: Honoring one life. Celebrating many cultures.” A tribute to trumpet player and long-time KCWS member, David Hershberger. The concert will feature a trumpet ensemble of KCWS members, friends, and cohorts of Mr. Hershberger, who lost his life in a plane crash in June 2026. 

VILLAGE U

Village Forum; ”Conspiracy Theories” – 9:30 a.m. Sundays, through Oct. 11, Room 126 (Mission Campus). Dr. Leslie Dorrough Smith of Avila University leads a discussion of the psychology and sociology of conspiracy theories.

Men’s Breakfast & Bible with Rodger Nishioka – 8-9 a.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 13-Dec. 1, Friendship Hall (Mission Campus). Join other men for fellowship, a hot breakfast served by Chef Teri, and Bible study led by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka. (Suggested donation $8, either in person or online when you register.)

Organizing Photos on Apple Devices – 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 13 or 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Nov. 10, Room 230 (Mission Campus). Instructor, Tim Burrow, will show you how quickly photos can be located, sorted, and organized. This class will also provide quick, simple tools for editing and sharing photos. Bring your favorite Apple device or use one of our classroom MacBooks. Registration is appreciated.

The entire Village U catalog is available online. Email Desiree Keyes with any questions.

women‘s ministry

Mahjong Mondays – 2nd & 3rd Mondays: 6:30-8 p.m., Oct. 12, Room 230 (Mission) and Oct. 19 (Antioch). No need to RSVP. Bring your Mahjong card; copies will be available.

Amazing Graces Bingo Night – 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, Sylvester Powell Community Center. Come for a fun night out with BINGO and a chance to connect with other women! $25 per person includes BINGO cards, food, and drinks. Register HERE. Questions? Email Becky Anderson.

Read more about Women’s Ministry, upcoming events, and news HERE.

Young adults

Y.A.M. (Young Adult Ministry) Nights – First, join us for Wednesdays@Village for an intergenerational meal at 5:30 p.m. in Friendship Hall, then at 6:15 p.m. all 20s & 30s will head to the Young Adult Room (8) for our programming.

Picnic in the Park – 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. Young adults with small children are invited to bring the whole family to Taliaferro Park (2900 W. 79th Street, Prairie Village) for an evening packed with food, laughter, and fun! No cost, just sign up.

YOUTH

Impact Gymnastics Late-night Hangout – 9-11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15. We’ll have the gym (formerly Emerald City Gymnastics) all to ourselves for two hours of jumping, climbing, flipping, and having fun together. $20 per student. Register HERE.

Signature, Faith-formation Programs – It’s not too late to join Capstone (for seniors) and Confirmation. Learn more about these programs and register your student/s HERE.

green tip of the week

Fan Fact – When it gets cooler, reverse your ceiling fans. Having them turn clockwise will ensure they push warm air down.