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.

Session Meeting Updates from Nov. 3

• They approved the celebration of communion on the GivingThanks trip to the Dominican Republic (Nov. 21-26).
• They approved Walt Grainger, Donna Patton, and Diane Lawson to attend the Heartland Presbytery meeting on Nov. 8.
• They approved the Youth Chorus of Kansas City to receive monetary and material donations to support Chains of Hope at their Feb. 21, 2026 concert.
• They approved a recommendation from the “Pastoral Care & Counseling Committee” to change their name to the “Pastoral Care committee.”
• They approved the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to eliminate the second associate pastor for pastoral care position. A task force is at work creating the job description for the Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care. 
• They commended the Social Justice Committee and Immigration Advocates for their statement on immigration and encouraged them in their continued work.
• They recommended to the Heartland Presbytery Commission on Preparation for Ministry that Brooke Brundige be enrolled as an inquirer for ordination as a minister of the Word and Sacrament. The Session praised Brooke’s faithful leadership among us and prayed over her as she takes this step toward ordained ministry. 

Serve

Village Serves on Nov. 8 – Join folks on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 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.

Adopt a Star Family – Sponsor Christmas gifts and holiday meals for low-income and unhoused families through Operation Breakthrough. Find the sign-up HERE. Pick up your adopted family’s packet between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 9, in Friendship Hall.

Important Food Pantry Updates – Starting Nov. 1, millions of Americans did not receive their monthly supplemental nutritional assistance program (SNAP) benefit upon which they rely to purchase food. Many federal employees are also 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. Starting this week, Chef Teri Tapscott (director of food services at Village Church) is making  “heat and eat” meals to be picked up by anyone who is a SNAP recipient at the Village Food Pantry at 99th and Mission Road from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursdays (while supplies last). You can donate (any amount) to help purchase meals. Thank you!

Engage, Grow, and Celebrate

Seniors Afternoon – 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, Welcome Center, Mission Campus (2nd Wednesday each month). Enjoy games and social time with other seniors. Bring your own board games, learn to play canasta, and enjoy good company and light refreshments! Invite a friend and spread the word.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

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.

Live a Happier, Longer Life – 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Room 126 (*Note: room change), Mission Campus. Using sources such as Sonja Gupta’s book, “Keep Sharp,” this class will develop an actionable plan to live a longer, happier life and stay mentally sharp. Register HERE.

Basket Weaving – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13 (*Note: date and time change), Room 127, Mission Campus. Join this popular instructor from Arkansas who shares her gifts with our community! Choose: Hearth Basket or Ocean Vibes Basket when you register.

Find all Village U Classes in our Fall 2025 catalog.

children & Family ministry

3rd-Grade Bible Presentation – this Sunday, Nov. 9; 9 a.m. in the Mission Campus Sanctuary and 10 a.m. in the Antioch Campus Sanctuary. Mission Campus Parents: If you haven’t already let the team know, RSVP HERE before Sunday so that we may prepare Bibles for your 3rd graders. There is a reception after worship for students and families in Room 307! Antioch Parents: RSVP to Dr. Aaron Redburn by Thursday afternoon.

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

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. It is not too late to join the chorus! Contact Dr. Joshua Maize to sign up.

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.

“Messiah” Sing-Along – 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, Antioch Campus Sanctuary. We’ll welcome the Kansas City Baroque Consortium to accompany our community of voices this year! A reception will follow after the concert. Optional rehearsal in the Antioch Sanctuary at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

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.

Remember a loved one AND brighten someone‘s day! – A $15 poinsettia donation does two things: a homebound member receives a poinsettia from their Village family and your loved one(s)’ name(s) will be in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Donate HERE or send the name(s) with a check ($15 per person) to Karen Reimer, Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208 by Tuesday, Dec. 2.

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 relationships. 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.

youth ministry

Leftover Halloween candy? We’ll gladly take it off your hands and include it in care packages for college students. If you’d like to contribute, just drop off your extra candy at the south reception desk (Mission Campus).

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:

Avoid idling to warm your vehicle’s engine in the winter. Most manufacturers recommend driving off after about 30 seconds. *Village Presbyterian Church is a certified Earth Care Congregation.