Weekly Word

“Words of Faith”

Words matter. How we speak about our faith matters. How we describe what it is we do and do not believe matters. Our pastors will explore different words of faith in this next sermon series in hopes that we might broaden our vocabulary and deepen our faith. Rev. Dr. Roger Nishioka began by discussing the fourth commandment: ”Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.“ We live busy lives, but God calls—actually, commands—us to rest, to keep the Sabbath. If you missed his sermon, find it online or listen to the podcast.

On Sunday, July 5, we welcome Rev. Tom Are, Jr. back to the pulpit. Rev. Are served as senior pastor at Village Church from 2004-2023. He is retired and living in the Kansas City area once again, having spent several years in Chicago along with his wife, Carol, serving as an interim pastor at Fourth Presbyterian Church. He will also lead a discussion in Friendship Hall directly after worship. Rev. Alice Whitson will preach at the Antioch Campus on the word “pursuit.”

‘Here for Good’ Construction News & Timeline

Great news: Thanks to early donors to the Here for Good capital campaign, several large projects (solar panel installation and Fellowship Hall renovations) are nearly finished at the Antioch Campus! Last Sunday, we joyfully blessed the Antioch Sanctuary ahead of its renovation before processing to the newly remodeled Fellowship Hall, where we will worship in the interim (photos above and on Facebook).

We are turning our attention to the “to do” list at the Mission Campus (see list below). Construction equipment and a dumpster will soon occupy the northeast parking area near the Nursery. Thank you for your generosity and for your patience as we increase safety measures and make much-needed improvements to our campuses!

• Install Security Doors in Education Wing – July–August. Demolition will begin the week of July 6 and will impact the area around the Children & Family Ministry office.
• Renovate the Bathrooms outside Friendship Hall – July–August
• Upgrade the Fire Alarm System – July–September
• Install Chancel Choir Risers – July–September
• Install Ramp outside of Nursery – beginning Aug. 3; it will take about 2–3 weeks.

Serve

Serve a Meal at Cross-Lines – Every month, Village Church serves a meal to 100-150 people at the Cross-Lines Kitchen. Join us on Friday, July 10, to serve lunch to our neighbors in need. Learn more and sign up HERE.

Wildwood Camp Welcome Wagon – 7:45-9:30 a.m. July 13 and 20. There are several local sites where parents drop off their kids to take the bus to Wildwood Summer Camp—one of the nonprofits that receives mission funds from Village Church. Our task is to be a friendly presence at the drop-off site, so parents know they are in the right spot and kids receive a warm smile. All ages welcome (great for families). Sign up HERE.

Operation Breakthrough – For one hour each week, help tutor kids at Operation Breakthrough. Volunteers work one-on-one to assist children with literacy and mathematics. Email Charlotte Davison with questions and to volunteer.

Engage, Grow, Celebrate

Village Golf – 9 a.m. Monday, July 13 at Tomahawk Hills Golf Course in Shawnee. Fee is $49. RSVP to Brad Steil by July 6.

Village U: Men’s Breakfast Gathering – 8-9 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, Room 230 (Mission Campus). Enjoy breakfast and fellowship while we learn about Village’s mission partners from Rev. Zach Walker. Suggested donation is $8. Pay in person or online when you register.

Theology Beer Camp 2026 – 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8–Saturday, Oct. 10 at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, MO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together theology nerds and craft beer for intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. Read more and register HERE.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Gratitude for Kenyon Vrooman! Kenyon faithfully served Children & Family Ministry as program coordinator for eight years. She has left this role for a new position. We wish her the best and thank her for the love and care she demonstrated to all while working at Village Church.

Congregational CARE

Grief Support – 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7. This support group is facilitated by Prairie Sky Counseling Center on the first Tuesday of each month in Room 232 (Mission Campus). You will find a compassionate, confidential space where you can listen, share, and heal. All are welcome.

music ministry

Sing with our Summer Choir: Sundays July 12, 19, and 26. Rehearsal begins at 9 a.m. in the Mission Campus Chapel to learn the morning’s anthem together. We will sing from the chancel steps. No robes, no folders. New singers welcome!

Presbyterian women

Summer Book Club – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 7 in Room 8 (Mission Campus). We will read, “The Next Right Thing,” by Emily P. Freeman. Let’s learn simple, soulful practices for making life decisions. Sign up HERE.

Mahjong Mondays – 6:30-8 p.m. July 13 (Mission Campus, Room 230) and July 20 (Antioch Campus, multipurpose room). All skill levels are invited to play on second Mondays.

youth ministry

Weekly youth offerings through July 29:

• Post-Gathering Gathering (All Youth) – Sundays, 5-6:30 p.m. We’ll meet at the South entrance and walk to the Village Shops for dinner and conversation. Students may buy or bring dinner.
• Middle School Mondays – Mondays, 7-9 p.m. with different programming/activities each week.
• High School Hangouts – Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. with different programming/activities each week.
• All Youth Service Days – Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Each week, we’ll partner with a local organization to serve and support our community. Most projects are off-site (we will provide transportation).

green tip of the week

Switch to reusable bags – Plastic is one of the biggest environmental challenges today—harming wildlife, polluting oceans, and contributing to microplastic contamination in our food and water supplies. Carry reusable shopping bags, food containers, and cutlery in your bag or car.