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Weekly Word

November Sermon Series: “God’s Gift of Generosity”

Rev. Dr. Karl Travis had been healthy all of his life until he embarked upon a painful seven-year struggle to finally discover a diagnosis of a rare disease. He was given a few months to live. As he was writing his funeral service, he picked up a manuscript he had started years ago titled, “God’s Gift of Generosity.” In his preface, he noted how odd it may seem to write about God’s generosity in his condition. But Karl found that as he faced this terminal illness, more than anything, he leaned into the generosity of God. In this sermon series, starting Nov. 9, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will explore the three facets of generosity that Dr. Travis highlights in his book, published last year.

Serve

Village Serves on Nov. 8 – Join folks on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. as we volunteer to make Kansas City a better place! This month we serve at Ronald McDonald House preparing and serving a meal for inpatient families. Learn more and sign up HERE.

Cross-Lines Volunteer Opportunity – Every other month, Village Church serves a meal to 150-250 people at the Cross-Lines Kitchen. Join us on Friday, Nov. 14, to serve lunch to our neighbors in need. Sign up HERE or email Jim Bolton.

Important Food Pantry Updates – Starting Nov. 1, millions of Americans will not receive their monthly supplemental nutritional assistance program (SNAP) benefit upon which they rely to purchase food. Many federal employees who are furloughed during the government shutdown are struggling financially. You can help by supporting the Village Food Pantry. Donate to the general fund HERE. Or you can buy a family of four a full Thanksgiving meal for $50 by donating HERE. Thank you!

Engage, Grow, and Celebrate

2nd Sunday Social – Join us Sunday, Nov. 9, in the Welcome Center after the 9 a.m. service for a special treat and conversation at the Mission Campus— and at 11 a.m. in Fellowship Hall at the Overland Park (Antioch) Campus!

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

The Current Approach to Climate Change in America – 7-9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, Room 126, Mission Campus. Chick Keller discusses the resurgence of the oil and gas industry—projecting nuclear as the long-term solution to climate change and how to adapt until the climate stabilizes.

No Longer Reasoning Like a Child: Growing and Embracing an Adult Faith – 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 5-19, Room 132, Mission Campus. In these classes, Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka will discuss the elements needed to grow into a mature faith. Together, we will explore what that means and how an adult faith is nurtured and lived in all facets of our lives. Register HERE. Find all Village U Classes in our Fall 2025 catalog.

children & Family ministry

New! Childcare on Wednesday Evenings – Childcare is now available for kids 6 weeks-8 years old in Room 109 during Village U classes on Wednesdays (6:30-8 p.m.).

music ministry

2nd Thursday Recital – featuring Jessica Koebbe, piano and Can Balcik-Moretti, violin will be at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, in the Mission Campus Chapel. 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 presents “Lost and Found” – 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Mission Campus Sanctuary. This free concert will feature uncovered gems from the golden age of wind band and beyond—Lincolnshire Posey by Percy Aldridge Grainger and Canzona by Peter Mennin.

Tidings of Joy will be Dec. 14 and to celebrate the 25th anniversary, we have a very special concert planned. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7 p.m. Contact Dr. Joshua Maize to sign up. It is not too late to join the chorus!

Pastoral care & Counseling

Share a Loved One’s Photo – Starting Nov. 2, we invite you to share a photo and/or write the name of a loved one on a heart and post them on the wall in the Mission Campus Welcome Center. This loving tribute will remain on display through Nov. 22. An Antioch, we will place photos on the communion table.

Presbyterian Women

MOTS (Moms of Teens) – 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, Young Adult Room (8). Interested in talking to other moms with teens? Join us for coffee and conversation.

Wednesday Women’s Fellowship – Nov. 12, Room 232. Discuss the book “Declutter Your Heart and Your Home” and discover practical options to get started. Optional dinner at 5:30 p.m., program begins at 6:30 p.m. Email Carol Solenberger to register.

At the annual Advent Celebration on Dec. 2, we will remember Biblical female connections. We need photos of the women in your family for the Sanctuary screen before the Celebration and as a part of table decorations! Email Patty Slentz-Howard photos (.jpg format) by Friday, Nov. 14. Thank you!

young adults

Fall Retreat – Join 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.

Picnic in the Park – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. Young adults with kiddos, bring the whole family to the renovated playground at the Mission Campus for an evening of food, fellowship, and fun. No cost, but sign up HERE. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move inside to Room 8.

40s & 50s ministry

Progressive Dinner – 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. The best event of the season! We’ll progress from house to house for a night of fellowship, fun, and food. Let’s meet at at Wassmer Park (67th & Roe) and begin our journey from there. RSVP HERE and help our hosts prepare enough food.

green tip of the week:

Don’t let the hot water faucet run unnecessarily; take shorter showers, use the cold water setting for laundry, and run the dishwasher only when it’s full. *Village Presbyterian Church is a certified Earth Care Congregation.

Worship Times

9 and 11 a.m. (Sanctuary) and 4 p.m. for the Gathering service (Friendship Hall) at the Mission Campus and 10 a.m. (NEW TIME!) at the Antioch Campus.

the power of

Proximity

What if the key to healing division is just being near one another? Simply being close to those who live, look, think, or believe differently than oneself can dissolve fear and prejudice. When we immerse ourselves in unfamiliar cultures, our assumptions are often challenged and truths about our shared humanity are revealed. Empathy grows in proximity—when we are close enough to see the divine spark in others that mirrors our own.

For decades, Village Presbyterian Church has invested in international mission opportunities that allow people to expand their worldview—and their hearts—through conversation, collaboration, and connection. It’s one of the ways we strive to live toward God’s promised day.

[Photo taken in Thwake, Kenya; June 2025]

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