Weekly Word
be still
and Know
Earlier this month, a group of our high school students, interns, plus Rev. Zach Walker set out for the Boundary Waters (a wilderness region straddling the U.S.-Canada border between Minnesota and Ontario, west of Lake Superior). They spent the week canoeing, camping, and experiencing the profound beauty of God’s creation. Through adventure and challenges, they grew in confidence, friendship, and faith during this special biannual trip.
Scripture reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Stillness is not merely a lack of sound; it is a posture of openness. When we become quiet before God, we may gain clarity about decisions, experience peace, or sense God‘s gentle guidance in ways we cannot when our lives are moving too fast. Village Church understands that experiences of beauty and stillness can be transformative in the spiritual lives of our young people.
Words Matter
If you are following our Words of Faith summer preaching series, here is the vocabulary we have covered so far: sabbath, virtue, transfiguration, forgiveness, and orthodoxy. Rev. Dr. Diane Janssen Hemmen preached on ‘forgiveness’ on July 19. She likened the mending grace of God to Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and precious metals such as gold, transforming scars into features. The children were invited to do a Kintsugi-inspired art project in children’s ministry and then share it with the rest the congregation after worship in Friendship Hall. You can find Pastor Diane‘s sermon on our YouTube Channel, here on our website, or download the podcast. Rev. Anna Owens preached on the word ‘orthodoxy’ at the Antioch Campus and she will offer that sermon to the Mission folks this Sunday, July 26.
Pardon Our Mess
Thanks for your patience as ‘Here for Good’ construction projects ensue at both campuses! Rest assured: Beneath the dust and noise, a new chapter is emerging—one filled with possibility. At the Antioch Campus: the solar panels have been connected to the Evergy grid, and we are now waiting for Evergy to turn on the system. The old chancel and artificial rock in the Antioch Sanctuary have been removed. Framing on the new chancel begins this week. At the Mission Campus:
- New walls and other remodeling continues near the Children & Family Ministry offices and stairwell to improve security to the Children’s (Preschool) Wing
- The restrooms between the chapel and Friendship Hall are being demolished so remodeling can begin
- Building-wide fire alarm updates continue
Serve
Village Serves with Project Uplift – 3:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25. We will help load vans at the warehouse (1516 Prospect Ave., KCMO 64127) and travel across Kansas City where our neighbors are. At each stop, we will hand out food, water, clothing, and hygiene supplies and chat with people. Minimum age: 14. Learn more HERE.
Driver needed for home-delivered meals – Village has several teams of drivers who deliver meals to the elderly and persons living with physical disabilities in our community. Meals are picked up around 10:30 a.m. from the Matt Ross Community Center and the route takes about an hour to complete. We are currently in need of a person or persons to deliver meals one Thursday a month. For more info, contact Leslie Conrad (913-226-7245).
August Blood Drive – Donors are desparately needed during the summer when the supply wanes. Donate between 1-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Room 132 (Mission Campus). Sign up HERE and enter the group code BT. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Engage, Grow, Celebrate
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.
Seniors Afternoon – 1 p.m. Friday, July 31, Room 230 (Mission Campus). Enjoy games and social time with other seniors. Bring your own board games, learn to play canasta, and spread the word! Questions? Email Deana Petty.
New Member Luncheon – 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, Room 232 (Mission Campus). Interested in becoming a member of Village Church? You’re invited to lunch on us. Child care is available.
Stellar: A World Beyond Limits – 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3. Room 126 (Mission Campus). What if every conflict, inequality, and environmental crisis had the same single, root cause? What if understanding that root cause could divert humanity’s path toward a world beyond scarcity, conflict, or need? Environmental activist Bill Roush will lead this discussion.
Village Golf – Let’s play Tuesday, Aug. 11 at Dubs Dread in Kansas City, KS. Tee times start at 9:40 a.m. Fee is $50. RSVP to Brad Steil by July 30.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Monthly Grief Support Group – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. Room 232 (Mission Campus). Anyone on the grief journey is welcome at this professionally facilitated support group. A Prairie Sky Counseling therapist leads the conversation on first Tuesdays.
Vases Needed – Each Sunday, Chancel flowers are divvied up and delivered to members who are hospitalized or going through a tough time. Please bring glass vases you no longer need to either reception desk at the Mission Campus. The ideal size is about 6 inches tall, roughly the size of a large peanut-butter jar.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Work with us! We are looking for a person to serve as Childcare Weekend Lead at Mission Campus. This part-time role will provide supervision, direction, and coordination of our weekend and evening childcare programs. Find more information HERE.
Looking for preschool options for the fall? We’re enrolling children ages 2.5 through pre-K at Village on Antioch’s Preschool. Call director, Paula Benefiel, at 913-681-1906 to arrange a tour or find more info HERE. And save the date for our 35th Anniversary Party from 6-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14.
international Mission
Celebration Dominicana – Everyone is invited to the annual fundraiser for the Dominican Republic Medical Partnership (DRMP) on Sept. 26. Do you have theater or sports (KC Current, Sporting, Royals, Chiefs) tickets you cannot use? Donate them for auction items! Contact board member, Julie Foster, if you have tickets that might go to waste. Thank you!
Join our team – We are searching for a part-time person to serve as the Associate Director of Mission. This person will oversee and execute long-term participation and leadership to grow and strengthen international mission efforts through direct engagement (trips) and ongoing programs. Learn more HERE.
music ministry
First Presbyterian Church Choir – 7 p.m. this Saturday, July 25, Misson Campus Sanctuary. The First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, Iowa Choir will perform their summer concert tour program. A free-will offering will benefit Covenant Network.
Last chance to sing with our Summer Choir: Sunday, July 26. Rehearsal begins at 9 a.m. in the Mission Campus Chapel to learn the morning’s anthem together. No robes, no folders. New singers welcome!
Presbyterian women
PW Horizons Workshop – Learn from Dr. Sarah Leer as she discusses the 2026-2027 Horizons Bible study: “United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other; Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians” on Saturday, Aug. 15. Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. in Friendship Hall (Mission Campus), followed by a short meeting, then the program starts at 9:45. The workshop is $10 and study guides will be available for purchase. Sign up HERE.
green tip of the week
Remember to tote your totes. When shopping, bring along your reusable bags to avoid using plastic and paper bags.
Worship Times
MISSION CAMPUS: *SUMMER SCHEDULE: 10 a.m. (Sanctuary) and 4 p.m. (Friendship Hall) Sundays
ANTIOCH CAMPUS: 10 a.m. Sundays
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