The Weekly Word

Prayer, Community, Service, and Simplicity

Last Saturday, about 25 people joined Rev. Zach Walker at Jersualem Farm (520 Garfield Avenue, KC, MO) to learn more about their mission and ministry. Jerusalem Farm is our 2024-25 signature mission partner. This was our second of five Lenten Prayer Walks. This Saturday, at 2 p.m., we will meet at the south entrance of the Mission Campus then head to Porter Park to reflect on the Indigenous people who first called this area home. Total distance = 2 miles (one mile up and back). We hope to see many of you!

Serve

Be the Church Night—Spring edition – We once again have the opportunity to serve others at the Mission Campus! Join us at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 6 for pizza in Friendship Hall, followed by various service opportunities from 5:30-6:30. All ages are invited; a great way to serve during Lent!

Community Blood Center Announces KC Shortage – Two opportunites to save a life in April with Village and Community Blood Center! 1) Thursday, April 3 from 2-6 p.m. at the Antioch Campus, Fellowship Hall. 2) Tuesday, April 22 from 1-6 p.m. at the Mission Campus, Rooms 132 & 133. Walk in or sign up HERE. Tell your friends and recruit a donor!

Food Pantry & Clothes Closet – Household goods (linens, towels, kitchen supplies) are badly needed. For clothing, we’re starting the transition from winter to spring/summer so please hang on to your winter clothing until fall, but we’d love some light jackets and spring items. We are also in need of empty, plastic, water bottles (16.9 oz.) with lids. Water bottles only, please, not soda or juice.

Engage, Grow, and Celebrate

New Member Luncheon – Interested in joining Village Church? You’re invited for pizza from noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 6 in the Heritage Dining Room (Room 230). RSVP HERE.

social justice

Social Justice Ministry Community Dinner – 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 7, Friendship Hall, Mission Campus. You’re invited to a dinner with local immigration experts and friends from Grandview Park Presbyterian Church. We’ll discuss the impact of the current administration’s immigration enforcement changes in Kansas City. The meal is free, but registration is required. Childcare is available.

adult faith formation

Earthkeeping Lecture; A Call to Arms: Protecting Children from Chemicals Causing Disease – 8:30-11:15 a.m. this Saturday, March 29 (Mission Campus) with investigative journalist and author Carey Gillam, in partnership with Grace Covenant Church. Learn more and register here.

Village Golf – We are excited to share the 2025 dates with you! Our first outing is Tuesday, April 22 at Fred Arbanas/Longview in Kansas City, MO. All men and women golfers are invited. Email Brad Steil to register before April 11. Follow the golf group on their Facebook Page.

music ministry

2nd Thursday Recital: Washington University Choir – 12:15 p.m. Thursday, April 10. Free midday recital in the Mission Campus Sanctuary.

Presbyterian women

Celebration of Faithful Women – 5:30 p.m. April 8 in Friendship Hall, Mission Campus. All women are invited to attend as we honor the faithful service of five remarkable women in our midst. Registration is open (the event is free).

Children & family ministry

Help Us Upgrade the Village on Mission Playground! As our Mission Preschool prepares to celebrate 50 years of excellence, we are making plans to update the playground, which is used year-round by families at Village and in the community. All donations will be matched to ensure that the playground renovation project makes it to the finish line. Thank you!

Palm Sunday & Egg Hunt – Elementary kids are invited to join us in our annual Palm Parade during the 9 a.m. (Mission) or 9:30 (Antioch) worship services April 13. (Preschoolers are welcome to parade with their grown-up.)  For more information, contact Kate. Egg Hunts follow worship that day at both campuses. Invite friends and bring an Easter basket!

Open Play Time – Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (9 a.m. to noon) bring your little kids and hang out in the comfy Young Adult Room (below the Welcome Center) where we’ve stocked toys, books, and more—and grab a soda or coffee.

young adults

Picnic in the Park – 5:30-7 p.m. tonight Tuesday, March 25. Young adult parents and their kiddos are invited to meet for food and fun at Mohawk Park (67th & Lamar). No cost but sign up HERE to let us know you’re coming! Save our future picnic dates: April 22 and May 13.

Service Day at Jerusalem Farm – Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, April 5. Join us for an afternoon serving our neighbors at Jerusalem Farm, Village’s signature mission for 2024-2025. Come prepared to work outside!

Parents Group – 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9. Parents and their littles are invited to the Young Adult space on the second Wednesday each month for faith, fellowship, and food with Pastor Maggie.

green tips of the week:

Save water by scraping dishes instead of rinsing them before loading into the dishwasher. Run your dishwasher with a full load and use the air-dry option if available. *Village Presbyterian Church is a certified Earth Care Congregation.

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Pastoral care & Counseling

Mental Health Series: How to Build Resilience for Difficult Times – 6:30-8 p.m. this Wednesday, March 26, Room 126, Mission Campus. Led by Jen Wewers, Executive Director of the Prairie Sky Counseling Center, this session will help you use your current resources (and explore a few new ones!) to nurture your ability to bounce back from hard times.

Easter Lily Donations Through April 2 – Your $15 donation is a way to honor your loved one plus it provides an Easter lily for a homebound member. All lily info is HERE—including a sign-up for those who can help deliver on April 12! All names will appear in the Palm Sunday bulletin.

Why We Give

those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. –Proverbs 11:25

This was an anonymous gift left at the Village Church Food Pantry last month. Research tells us that lasting joy is often discovered in giving time and money with nothing expected in return—including acknowledgment. Many of us grow up learning about give-and-take, but gladness can be found in giving purely for the sake of giving. Unconditional giving has the power to transform not only others’ lives, but also our own. Trust in God’s grace and abundance and let the record of your charity be written on your heart.