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. If you missed the first sermon in this series, find it on our YouTube Channel.

Don’t curse the darkness;
light a candle.
The Dominican Republic Medical Partnership (DRMP) and Light A Candle Foundation spread hope to those in dire need year-round. This week, a group led by Village Church member Kathleen Kunkler (center, grey t-shirt), is delivering food, medication, feminine-hygiene products—plus hosting dental clinics, offering rapid HIV tests, and more—in four bateyes (sugarcane-cutting villages) near La Romana, D.R. Later this month, Village Church is sending a group of about 30 people of all ages on the annual GivingThanks trip to do more of same.
These opportunities remind us that faith in action brings transformation to each life touched. Your giving helps make trips like these possible. Thank you!
Serve
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.
Food Pantry & Clothes Closet – The Food Pantry is distributing Thanksgiving Baskets soon; gifts of $50 provide a dinner for a family of four and donations are still needed. Day to day needs at the Pantry continue for the food insecure. Consider donating a box or two of cereal. In the Clothes Closet, long-sleeved shirts and sweatshirts would be appreciated. Donate to the general fund HERE. Thank you!
Star Family Holiday Meals – We invite you to make a monetary donation for Operation Breakthrough Star Family meals: $50 will feed a family of four and $100 feeds a family of 5 or more. Send a check to Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208, with ‘Star Family’ in the memo. If you are buying gifts for Star Families, gift drop-off day is Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Mission Campus’ South Parking Lot. Thank you!
Angel Tree Gifts – Make the holidays brighter for a family in need with our annual Angel Tree program benefiting Grace United Community Ministries. The “angels” will be in Antioch’s Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Nov. 16. Gifts, valued at $50 per child, should be returned by Sunday, Dec. 14, gift-wrapped with Angel Tree stickers. Contact Lisa Kelley with any questions. 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.
Dinner Church – 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, Friendship Hall, Mission Campus. Worship at 4 p.m. and then stay to eat around the table with your church family. We will provide turkey and a vegetable; feel free to bring a side dish or a dessert to share!

VERT (Village Emergency Response Team) Training – 6:30 p.m., Nov. 19, Room 232, Mission Campus. Our VERT team is a vital part of worship and provides additional attentiveness for large events. Volunteers will be trained to respond to medical emergencies until professional medical attention arrives. Contact Carol Solenberger to sign up.
Wednesday Family Dinner Annual Thanksgiving Potluck – 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, Friendship Hall, Mission Campus. Chef Teri will provide turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls, and dessert; bring a side dish to share. Costs listed online. Register HERE and if you want to volunteer (and eat free!), send us an email.
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. this 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
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. this 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 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
Online Caregiver Support Gathering – Join others who understand this meaningful, challenging journey on the fourth Monday of each month from 1-2 p.m. Learn more and register HERE.
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
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. Register for the event HERE.
young adults
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.
Y.A.M. (Young Adut Ministry) Night – For November, we’re engaging in a month of service! At 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, meet at TJ Maxx (9650 Quivira Rd.) to shop for our Operation Breakthrough Star Family. NOTE: No Y.A.M. Night Wednesday, Nov. 26.
40s & 50s ministry
Progressive Dinner – 6 p.m. this 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:
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, typically accounting for about 18% of your energy usage. Reduce the cost by using less hot water, turning down the thermostat on your water heater, insulating your water heater and pipes; and/or buying a more efficient model. *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.
Let’s stay in touch.
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