Weekly Word

From Wounds to Wisdom

“In the midst of pain and suffering and sadness, the question is profound: Does God see this? Yes. The answer is yes. And because God sees all that is happening, Jeremiah is able to say, ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.’” –Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Oct. 18, 2026

Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka preached a moving sermon last Sunday titled, “From Wounds to Wisdom.” If you missed the third sermon in the series, find it on our YouTube Channel, download the podcast, or watch on our website. Pastor Rodger is drawing on theologian 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.”

This Wednesday is Festi-Fall!

This week is an “All-In” Wednesdays@Village (third Wednesday of the month). Everyone is invited for a free Oktoberfest Buffet at 5:30 p.m. and for ”Festi-Fall” afterwards—fun, fall-themed activities, including pumpkin and face painting, games, a photo booth, and a bounce house. Costumes are encouraged. We will have chairs, tables, and blankets outside to enjoy the great autumn weather (in the south parking lot), but consider bringing some of your own folding chairs, too.

Pray with us on Election Day

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, we will have brief prayer services at 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel at the Mission Campus and at noon in the Sanctuary at the Antioch Campus. The worship spaces will remain open all day for personal prayer with prayer guides available.

Serve

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

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

The Food Pantry has launched its annual drive for Thanksgiving baskets; a $45 donation funds a turkey and all the fixings for a family of four. Thank you for sponsoring a family’s meal this November! The Clothes Closet needs gently-used jackets and coats as well as household items like silverware, plates, cookware, and small kitchen appliances.

Village Serves in November – Join folks from Village on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 9-11:30 a.m. as we volunteer to make Kansas City a better place! This month we serve at Kanbe’s Markets helping sort food to be distributed city-wide. Learn more HERE about this and other monthly opportunities.

Engage, Grow, Celebrate

Trunk or Treat – 1-3 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 25, rain or shine, Fellowship Hall, Antioch Campus. If you can donate candy before Oct. 25, it would be much 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 are optional. This is a great opportunity for service hours for teens! We need 20 stations for a successful event. Questions? Contact Lisa Harrison.

Seniors Afternoon – 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, Room 230. Enjoy games and social time with other seniors. Bring your own board games, learn to play canasta, and spread the word! Questions: Deana Petty.

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

children & family ministry

Calling All Young Performers – Director Jenny Hull could use a few more thespians for the annual Christmas musical which falls on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 9 and 11 a.m. Kids in grades K-6 rehearse Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mission Campus. Sign up HERE.

Holiday Greenery – Troop 91 will be selling holiday greenery from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at both the north and south entrances at the Mission Campus (and between 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the south entrance) Sundays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. Cash or check is accepted or order online HERE. Delivery will be Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. Email Valerie with questions.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Growing Through Grief – All are welcome at this 5-week class—facilitated by Rev. Tim Soule—Wednesdays through Nov. 18 (minus Oct. 28) 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).

Support for Widowers – 9 a.m. Thursdays, Room 132, Mission Campus. If you are grieving the loss of your wife, or if she is battling dementia or Alzheimer’s, you are encouraged to join other men who understand what you are going through. Come for coffee and conversation; all are welcome.

music ministry

Organ Concert – 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, Mission Sanctuary. World-renowned British organist, Richard Gowers, will give a free recital on Village’s beautiful Richards, Fowkes & Co. Opus 22 pipe organ. Learn more HERE.

2nd Thursday Choir Recital – 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, Mission Sanctuary. 2nd Thursday Recital featuring the Liberty High School Choir. Please join us for a short reception afterward in the Welcome Center to meet the students. Free admission.

VILLAGE U

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

Select Parables of a Jewish Rabbi Named Jesus – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Nov. 17, Room 126 (Mission Campus). Guided by the work of Amy-Jill Levine, Biagio Mazza explores how Jesus’ original Jewish audience would have heard and understood these stories, and their connection to the first century Jewish social, religious, and political cultures.

Organizing Photos on Apple Devices – 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 Apple device or use one of our classroom MacBooks. Registration is appreciated.

Great Books Discussion – 2-3:30 p.m. 1st Tuesdays (year-round), Room 124, Mission Campus. This book club tackles classic and contemporary literature from a wide range of authors and is currently reading “The World’s Greatest Short Stories” by Herman Melville. No registration necessary. 

The entire Village U catalog is available online.

women‘s ministry

Faithful Women of Outstanding Service – Nominations are being accepted to honor women who support the mission of Village Church, nurture their faith and that of others, work for peace, justice, and promote an inclusive community through leadership and service. Please send nominations to Carol Solenberger by Nov. 10. Honorees will be recognized in April.

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.

Friendsgiving – 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Save the date! We will meet at Sylvester Powell Community Center (6200 Martway, Mission, KS).

YOUTH

Heartland Youth Bonfire – 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. Village Youth are invited to the Heartland Youth Bonfire, a night to connect and glow! We’ll gather around the fire, roast hot dogs and marshmallows, and enjoy a fun evening together. Transportation will be provided, with drop-off and pick-up at Village Church. Register HERE.

green tip of the week

Smarter tools – Invest in a programmable or smart thermostat. Automatically lowering the temperature when you’re sleeping or away from your home can save up to 10% on your heating bill.