Weekly Word

Holiday Hours

Our buildings will not be open on Thursday, Dec. 25. The business office will close early (3 p.m.) on Dec. 26, 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 2. And remember: This Sunday, Dec. 28, there is one service at the Antioch Campus and one service at the Mission Campus—both at 10 a.m. The Antioch Campus is closed the week following Christmas and Pastor Anna will be out of the office from Dec. 29-Jan. 4.

2025 Children‘s Christmas Musicals

At the 9 and 11 a.m services on Dec. 14 at the Mission Campus, the ‘sermon’ was offered by way of 22 children performing “The Nightshift Before Christmas,” a musical about a Bethlehem restaurant that inadvertently becomes part of the miracle of the Messiah’s birth. Children’s Music Coordinator, Jenny Hull, Susan Nagel, and the cast began rehearsing in early October. Susan shares, “This musical was particularly meaningful because of how evenly distributed the parts were (lines and solos). I loved seeing so many of them get special moments!” Gratitude goes to Helen Hofmeister (pianist), Theo Musick (on drums), and Katie Hull who also helped out.

At the Antioch Campus, on the same morning, ten young thespians (under the direction of Dr. Aaron Redburn and Sara Hutsell) performed “The Bells of Glocken” to the delight of all in worship. It was a sweet story of bells of hope, peace, love, and joy which fall silent until the birth of Jesus, when they gladly ring out to proclaim the news of the King of King’s arrival. It couldn’t have happened without Lois and Les Ansay and Susan Pittman (set design), Sue and Will Aronson (set installation and costumes), Sally Downard and Kelly Thomason (on bells), the choir (as villagers), and Dr. Shannon Redburn, Dr. Lauren Tosh, and RuthAnn Wagoner who also helped with music. It takes a village!

May we all—particularly these children—remember the special days when we sang about a baby in a manger and God keeping God’s promises.

Serve

Decorate the Village Trees – Bring hats, mittens, and diapers (all sizes, including adults) to put on and under our Christmas trees at the north and south entrances. They will be donated to the Village Food Pantry & Clothes Closet.

Drivers needed for home-delivered meals – Village has a team of individuals who deliver meals to folks who may not be able to make ones for themselves. We are in need of drivers to commit about two hours on a Wednesday or Thursday each month. Meals are picked up at Matt Ross Community Center. Email Leslie Conrad for more info or call 913-226-7245.  

Food Pantry & Clothes Closet – We could use warm meals for cold days, such as hearty soups, chowders, stew, and chili. Donate an extra winter coat if you have one to the Clothes Closet. Thank you!

Engage, Grow, and Celebrate

Family Dinners –Wednesday Family Dinners will resume on Jan. 7.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Action & Celebration Event – 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Mission Campus. Save the date for the 5th annual community event honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme is “Loving Democracy.”

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Village U 2026 – We‘re looking forward to another community building, faith-filled and educational Village U semester! Village U and Sunday Adult Faith Formation classes begin on Jan. 11. More information will be available Jan. 4.

children & Family ministry

Diapers in December – Help Lighthouse Kids and families collect diapers and baby wipes for the Village Food Pantry during the month of December.

music ministry

Thank you for participating in—and supporting—the music ministry at both campuses throughout the year!

Pastoral carE

New Grief Support Group – 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, Room 232 (Mission Campus). Grief is a natural, complex response to loss—and no two experiences are the same. This monthly group, starting Jan. 6, will provide a compassionate, confidential space to share, listen, and heal alongside others who understand. Facilitated by therapist Ryan Speed, LMSW, the group offers support, reflection, and practical tools for navigating the emotional and spiritual challenges of grief.

We are here for you. Village Church makes caring for one another a priority. Pastoral care is available in your time of crisis; a pastor is on-call 24 hours a day for urgent needs. Call the main number: 913-262-4200 and select 1 for the receptionist. After business hours, calls are forwarded to a person with our answering service. Hospitals no longer let churches know about admissions or transfers, so please call to inform us.

Presbyterian Women

MOTS (Moms of Teens) – 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Are you interested in talking to other moms with teens? Join us for coffee and conversation in the Young Adult Space (Room 8).

YOUTH

Village Voices Alumni Gathering – 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, Young Adult Room. We will mingle and gather with friends old and new and then sing together at the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

Programs on Break Dec. 21-Jan. 7 – We had so much fun this semester and cannot wait to see you after the holiday break.

green tip of the week:

Recycle Christmas lights and real and artificial trees – At recyclespot.org, search on the item (e.g., “holiday lights” or “trees”) and your zip code to find locations where you can responsibly recycle broken holiday lights, compost trees, and more. *Village Presbyterian Church is a certified Earth Care Congregation.