Weekly Word

25th Annual Tidings of Joy

Tidings of Joy was magnificent! The thoughtful planning and leadership of Drs. Elisa Bickers and Josh Maize, along with the gifted musicians and voices of the Village Choirs and orchestra, lifted us all. Selections included “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi and “In Terra Pax” by Gerald Finzi. Our special guests were Dr. Ryan Board, Ida Nicolosi, Cameron Rolling, and Dr. Matthew Christopher Shepard. A free-will offering was taken to benefit this year’s Signature Mission, Kanbe’s Markets, and as of Monday, donations totaled more than $3,800. If you missed the concert, you can watch it on our YouTube Channel. More photos are on Facebook.

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. And for the Clothes Closet, donate an extra winter coat if you have one. Thank you.

Engage, Grow, and Celebrate

Holiday Family Dinner – 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Friendship Hall (Mission Campus). This will be our last dinner of 2025. Join us for some holiday fun and a visit from Santa Claus! Register HERE. Email engagement to volunteer. Regular 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

What Are You Waiting For? 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Room 132, Mission Campus. Join Rev. Dr. Diane Janssen Hemmen to explore what this season of waiting and longing has to offer us for the faithful living of our days.

Coffee & Conversation – 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, Library, Antioch Campus (with Dr. Kate Unruh). Grow in our compassion for the shared human experience and discuss issues facing us today.

Village U – 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

Te Deum Concert – 7 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 16, Sanctuary (Mission Campus). Te Deum presents “Carols of Olde,” celebrating the enduring magic of early Christmas music. Find tickets HERE.

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. After business hours, calls are forwarded to 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).

Read the December issue of the Messenger online to hear about (and see photos from) the Advent Celebration and learn about upcoming events, book clubs, and more.

young adults

College-Aged YA Christmas Party – 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, Young Adult Room (Mission Campus). Come enjoy dinner and games with Angel Patterson, Rev. Maggie, and friends after the Gathering!

YOUTH

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 plus 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.