Weekly Word

Holy disruption

“When the word of God comes to us, it is interruption. It is disorder. It is a way that God helps shake us out of the comfort of our lives.” –Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Oct. 11, 2026

Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka preached a moving sermon Sunday titled, “Holy Disruption and Divine Disorder” tied to scripture from Jeremiah 20:7-13. If you missed this second sermon in the October series, find it on our YouTube Channel and here on our website. Pastor Rodger is drawing on theologian Richard Rohr’s wisdom to help us make our way as faithful followers of Jesus Christ in what many feel is an “age of outrage.”

Be the Church by the Numbers

At both campuses Sunday, many of you stepped up to help our neighbors near and far. Here are some of the projects completed!

• 10,000 multivitamins packed for the Dominican Republic Medical Partnership (DRMP)
• 500 toothbrush & toothpaste kits for the DRMP
• 250 care kits for Sisters of Charity
• 250 sack lunches for City Union Mission
• 200+ Thanksgiving cards our Village Food Pantry neighbors
• 196 roadside care kits created for folks to keep in their cars to hand out to our unhoused neighbors
• 100 socks & snacks plus 96 care kits made for Uplift
• 100 teacher appreciation cards made for California Trail Middle School in Olathe
• 100 letters written to clients at Hope House
• 50 hygiene/snack bags for Neighbor 2 Neighbor
• 50 snack bags made for the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department

Wednesdays@Village—including Festi-Fall

This Wednesday, come for a Build-Your-Own Mediterranean Pita Bar, the conclusion of the three-part series on Minor Prophets, and break-out sessions for youth and kids. No childcare will be available on Oct. 21 because it is an “All-In” Wednesdays@Village (third Wednesday of the month). Everyone is invited to stay after an Oktoberfest Buffet for ”Festi-Fall,” fun, fall-themed activities, including

• Pumpkin Painting
• Games
• Face Painting
• Photo Booth
• Bounce House

Serve

It’s Sock-tober – For the month of October, the Antioch mission committee requests new socks and underwear (all sizes) for Mission Southside in Olathe. Bring donations to the Narthex through Oct. 31. Thank you!

Blood Drive – 1-6 p.m. next Tuesday, Oct. 20, Room 132 (Mission Campus). Share your strength and save a life in October. Walk-ins are welcome or sign up here using Group Code BT.

The Food Pantry asks for canned proteins such as chicken, tuna, beans, etc. And they have launched their annual drive for Thanksgiving baskets; a $45 donation buys a turkey and all the fixings for a family of four. Thank you for sponsoring a family this holiday. The Clothes Closet would love gently-used jackets and coats as well as household items like silverware, plates, cookware, and small kitchen appliances. Thank you.

Engage, Grow, Celebrate

Tuesday Lunches – 11 a.m.–1 p.m. starting Oct. 13. Purchase homestyle soup and sandwiches made by Chef Teri in Friendship Hall on Tuesdays. All are invited!

Lunch with a Pastor – noon-1 p.m. this Wednesday, Oct. 14, Antioch Conference Room. Rev. Anna Owens hosts conversation and fellowship. Lunch is provided. Please sign up by noon, Oct. 13.

Trunk or Treat – 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, rain or shine, Fellowship Hall, Antioch Campus. If you can donate candy before Oct. 22, it would be appreciated. Extra candy will go to our Food Pantry. People are also invited to host a “trunk” (or, in this case, a themed table). Costumes optional. This is a great opportunity for service hours for teens! We need 20 stations for a successful event. Questions? Contact Lisa Harrison.

Seniors Afternoon – 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, Room 230. Enjoy games and social time with other seniors. Bring your own board games, learn to play canasta, and spread the word! Questions: Deana Petty.

children & family ministry

Performers Needed for Christmas Musical – Director Jenny Hull needs a few more performers for the annual Christmas musical which falls on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 9 and 11 a.m. Kids in grades K-6 rehearse Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sign up HERE.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Growing Through Grief – All are welcome at this 5-week class—facilitated by Rev. Tim Soule—that starts this Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 1:30 p.m. Each person receives a free book, “Understanding Your Grief.” Registration is required; questions can go to Linda Alley (913-671-2327).

On Being – 9 a.m. Sundays through Oct. 18, Antioch Library. Life transitions, grieving, and dying are a normal part of the human experience, and yet we can find ourselves ill-equipped when facing change and loss. Taught by Jen Wewers, executive director of Prairie Sky Counseling Center.

music ministry

Organ Concert – 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, Mission Sanctuary. World-renowned British organist, Richard Gowers, will give a free recital on Village’s beautiful Richards, Fowkes & Co. Opus 22 pipe organ. Learn more HERE.

VILLAGE U

Men’s Breakfast & Bible with Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka – 8-9 a.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 1, Friendship Hall (Mission Campus). Join other men for fellowship, a hot breakfast, and Bible study led by Pastor Rodger. (Suggested donation $8, either in person or online when you register.)

Organizing Photos on Apple Devices – 11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Nov. 10, Room 230 (Mission Campus). Instructor, Tim Burrow, will show you how quickly photos can be located, sorted, and organized. This class will also provide quick, simple tools for editing and sharing photos. Bring your Apple device or use one of our classroom MacBooks. Registration is appreciated.

Select Parables of a Jewish Rabbi Named Jesus – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Nov. 17, Room 126 (Mission Campus). Guided by the work of Amy-Jill Levine, Biagio Mazza explores how Jesus’ original Jewish audience would have heard and understood these stories, and their connection to the first century Jewish social, religious, and political cultures.

Great Books Discussion – 2-3:30 p.m. 1st Tuesdays (year-round), Room 124, Mission Campus. This book club tackles classic and contemporary literature from a wide range of authors and is currently reading “The World’s Greatest Short Stories” by Herman Melville. No registration necessary. 

The entire Village U catalog is available online.

women‘s ministry

Mahjong Mondays – 6:30-8 p.m., Oct. 19 (Antioch). No need to RSVP. Bring your Mahjong card; copies will be available.

Faithful Women of Outstanding Service – Nominations are being accepted to honor women who support the mission of Village Church, nurture their faith and that of others, work for peace, justice, and promote an inclusive community through leadership and service. Please send nominations to Carol Solenberger by Nov. 10. Honorees will be recognized in April.

Young adults

Picnic in the Park – 5:30-7 p.m. tonight Tuesday, Oct. 13. Young adults with small children are invited to bring the whole family to Taliaferro Park (2900 W. 79th Street, Prairie Village) for an evening packed with food, laughter, and fun! No cost, just sign up.

Y.A.M. (Young Adult Ministry) Nights – First, join us for Wednesdays@Village for an intergenerational meal at 5:30 p.m. in Friendship Hall, then at 6:15 p.m. all 20s & 30s will head to the Young Adult Room (8) for our programming.

YOUTH

Impact Gymnastics Late-night Hangout – 9-11 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 15. We’ll have the gym (formerly Emerald City Gymnastics) all to ourselves for two hours of jumping, climbing, flipping, and having fun together. $20 per student. Register HERE.

Signature, Faith-formation Programs – It’s not too late to join Capstone (for seniors) and Confirmation classes. Learn more about these programs and register your student/s HERE.

green tip of the week

Window Wisdom – During the fall and winter, open south-facing blinds, shades, or curtains to allow sunlight to help warm up your home. Just remember to close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.