The Messenger

We are all Presbyterian women.

Dear friends.

As chair of the Presbyterian Women (PW) Board, I act as moderator for our meetings. Before we begin the business portion, I ask each member to name three things they are grateful for. I encourage them to think about things beyond just being grateful for our families, our good health, etc., and to consider the things we take for granted. By way of example, I mentally start listing parts of my body, beginning with my toes, which provide good balance, and working up to my eyes, ears, and brain. Or, if I skip that list, I’ll be mindful of sleeping without fear, for clean sheets, and of being able to take a hot shower and use an indoor restroom, and the food waiting for me in my kitchen. Obviously, these are things we are accustomed to and probably take for granted.

This month, I encourage you to start your day by listing three things you are grateful for and may take for granted. Start with the basics. Be mindful of all you have and what you can provide for those less privileged. Most of all, thank God— after all, “every perfect gift, is from above.” James 1:17. You’re awesome.

God be with you now and always,
Patty Slentz-Howard, Presbyterian Women Board Chair

Let’s Celebrate!

Each year, we gather to honor all women of Village Presbyterian Church with special recognition of the newest honorary lifetime members—an award which we now call “Faithful Women of Outstanding Service.” This year, those women are: Judy Frame, Julie O’Connor, and Louise Woodward. We hope you make plans to attend Tuesday, April 14 and be inspired. The event is free, but registration is encouraged. 

Doing the Good that is Ours to Do Feels So Good

by Patty Slentz-Howard, Presbyterian Women Board Chair

Volunteers know how wonderful it feels to give their time and energy where needed. A couple of months ago, Carol Solenberger, Rev. Zach Walker, and I had a quick, impromptu meeting between services to discuss organizing an intergenerational service project that could be sponsored by Presbyterian Women. Zach suggested serving lunch at two Ronald McDonald House locations on the same day and during the same timeframe. After a couple of months of promoting, this opportunity culminated Saturday, March 7. Carol hosted a group at Children’s Mercy Hospital, and I had a group of 11 at the Ronald McDonald Longfellow House. 

There is a rule that children under a certain age may not volunteer at the Ronald McDonald hospital location, so I had the good fortune to have five lovely children, their parents, and a longtime friend volunteering with me at Longfellow House. The age range was from 3.5 years to my 71 years, and it was amazing. If that’s not intergenerational, I don’t know what it is, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Tasks were assigned, plastic gloves were donned, sharp knives were moved far away from the children, and we were off and running! Everyone—including the little ones who were given chairs to stand on—was busy. Working with a team of energized people doing the good we can do was a blast and a blessing.

Of course, the best part of this service event was receiving heartfelt thanks from the family members staying at the Ronald McDonald Houses for taking the time to provide them with a simple, satisfying lunch. While a couple of adults handled sandwich requests, the children stood beside them on their chairs at the counter, serving fruit, chips, and freshly baked cookies. It doesn’t get much more personal than that.

Many thanks to the Rainer and Silver families and Lynn Barnett for spending three hours with me at the Ronald McDonald House at 2502 Cherry Street and to the team at Children’s Mercy. Once again, we encourage you to say “yes” to opportunities to help those in need, especially if you can do so in person. God is with us now and always. –Patty

Village Serves – Spring service opportunites are coming up: March 11, during the 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Family Dinners, you can help with projects for Sunflower House. All ages are welcome. Then on Sunday, April 19, Village will host a “Be the Church“ night of pizza (5 p.m.) followed by a variety of service stations throughout the Mission Campus for all to take part in from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Learn more HERE.

Cross-Lines Kitchen – Serve a meal to 100-150 neighbors in need next at Cross-Lines Kitchen on Friday, April 10 (Antioch team). Learn more and sign up HERE.

Habitat for Humanity KC Women Build Day – in mid-May. Details coming soon!

Operation Breakthrough needs volunteers to help with year-around tutoring program one hour/week. Volunteers work one-on-one to assist the children with literacy and mathematics. Email Charlotte Davison with questions and to volunteer.

Mission Sewing – Sewists of all abilities and those who want to learn: join Mission Sewing groups as you able or sew from home! Meet at the Mission Campus, Room 15: Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-noon

Circle of the Month: Circle 7

This month we are featuring the dedicated ladies of Circle 7. This Circle meets the second Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. in Room 126.

This Circle has been in existence for more than 25 years. It is a nice mix of long-time members and new members. Sandra Foster is the Circle leader. Kathy Peterson, Sharon Marsh, Laura Harris, Joyce Harber, and Kathy Miller take turns as the Bible study leaders. Even though the Circle meeting starts at 1, most of the members arrive early for fellowship. Members describe this Circle as welcoming, fun-loving, and supportive. Sandi Ediger is known as the “card whisperer.” Members who miss the meetings or need support receive a beautiful card from Sandi.

Circle 7 members are active at Village in a number of ways. They can be seen serving as ushers, volunteering on the VERT team, singing in the choir, and working at the Food Pantry. New members are always welcome. By the way, they host outstanding potluck lunches!

The Circle Bible study this year is titled, “Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ” by Rhashell Hunter. Interested in joining a Circle? Email Dee Couch.

Weekly Women’s Bible Studies

• Alive Now Bible Study – Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m., Room 230, Mission Campus
• Thursday Women’s Bible Study – Thursdays, 1:30-3 p.m., Room 136, Antioch Campus
• Especially for Women Bible Study – Fridays, 9-11 a.m., Room 126, Mission Campus

Engage with your Church & Community

• Stephen Ministry 50th Anniversary Celebration & Learning Event – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, Friendship Hall, Mission Campus. All those whose lives have been touched by Stephen Ministry are invited to this day of presentations, fellowship, and celebration. The event, which includes a light breakfast and refreshments, is $15 per person; an optional box lunch can be added for $12. Register HERE.
• Village for Gun Sense – Committee members from Village for Gun Sense encourage you educate yourself and let legislators know that you care about children and gun safety. Learn more about upcoming bills and how you can voice your support in this blog post. Thank you.

Book Clubs

Antioch Book Club – meets next at 7 p.m. March 17 in the Conference Room (Antioch Campus) to discuss “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James MacBride. The Antioch Book Club has been meeting quarterly for the past few years but in 2026, we’ve decided to challenge ourselves to meet every other month! We hope you’ll join us as your schedule allows. Put these future dates on your calendars: May 19, July 21, Sept. 15, and Nov. 17.

Page Turners – Tuesday, March 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Mission Campus, Room 127) Visitors and new members are always welcome to join our lively discussions on fourth Tuesdays. Please feel free to bring your own lunch and stay for informal fellowship time.

• March 24 – “The Briar Club” by Kate Quinn
• April 28 – “The Women” by Kristin Hannah

Amazing Graces Book Club – We meet year-round, usually on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Feel free to join us whenever you are able. Bring an appetizer, dessert, or a beverage to share (not required). We meet in homes so please contact Sara Wallace to be added to the email list. Here are the upcoming books!

• April 1 – “The Instrumentalist“ by Harriet Constable
• May 6 – “The Correspondent“ by Virginia Evans
• June 3 – “My Friends” by Fredrik Backman
• July 1 – “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick

2025-2026 Board members:

• Melissa Anderson, Spiritual Growth Co-Coordinator
• Barb Brown, Secretary
• Dee Couch, Circle Activities Coordinator
• Anne Darby, Spiritual Growth Co-Coordinator
• Sarah Emerson, Village on Antioch Representative
• Kay Findlay, Amazing Graces Representative
• Linda Lieffring, Christian Action Coordinator
• Lisa Mann, Treasurer
• Heather McCoy, Membership Coordinator
• Patty Slentz-Howard, Board Chair