The Weekly Word

Do small things with great love.

We cannot wait to share more about the Youth group’s spring break service trip to the Dominican Republic. Watch this video created by Jabes Peña, one of our friends who works for Light a Candle Foundation (our partners in the D.R.) to get an idea of what these students were able to do and experience over the week. Thanks to interim youth director Angel Patterson, plus Paul Lemon, Jenny and Brad Hull and Will and Kelly Henderson for chaperoning this crew and for displaying so much love to our neighbors in the bateyes near La Romana.

Two Pioneers for Fair Housing

Rev. Robert “Dr. Bob” Meneilly and Don Sewing, Jr. were mentioned in the Spring 2025 issue of “Joco,” the Johnson County magazine. Dr. Bob, our founding pastor, served this congregation for 47 years and was one of the earliest advocates for fair housing in Johnson County. Don Sewing, a real estate agent and member of Village Church, made substantial strides in intergrating the suburbs. Read the article HERE.

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. this 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 – Easter is near, which often means gathering with family to celebrate. We could use some baking items: cake mixes, small bags of flour and sugar, vegetable oil, etc. The Clothes Closet could use some baking dishes and kitchen utensils—plus kitchen towels and dishcloths to clean up!

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.

adult faith formation

The Environmental Effects of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine – 7-9 p.m., Monday, April 7, Room 126, Mission Campus. This class, presented by Dr. Rick Randolph who has twice volunteered as a medical missionary in Ukraine, will discuss the injury to the natural world caused by Russia’s invasion and its long lasting effects on the Ukrainian environment.

Village for Gun Sense Series: Beyond Thoughts and Prayers – 10 a.m. Monday, April 14, Room 307, Mission Campus. Kansas State Representative Stephanie Clayton will share ideas on being an effective gun safety advocate for our children, including best methods to contact your legislators. Childcare is available with your reservation.

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.

Children & family ministry

Help Us Update the Village on Mission Playground! As our Mission Preschool prepares to celebrate 50 years of excellence, we are making plans to renovate the playground, which is used year-round by families at Village and in the community. All donations will be matched up to $100,000 by an anonymous donor to ensure that the playground 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. Fun Egg Hunts follow at both campuses. Invite friends and bring an Easter basket!

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).

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.

young adults

Last week, some of our young adults served at Kanbe’s Markets—whose mission it is to build a more inclusive food system by transforming food loss into food access. Their work serves the most vulnerable in the Kansas City metro while reducing unnecessary waste of nutritious foods discarded into landfills.

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:

Johnson County Household Hazardous Waste accepts everything from paint, stain, batteries, and fluorescent light bulbs to household cleaners and a wide range of other chemicals. To schedule a drop-off, go to jocogov.org/hhw or call 913-715-6907. *Village Presbyterian Church is a certified Earth Care Congregation.

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Pastoral care & Counseling

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.

Staying Connected Beyond Death – Deborah Shouse is our guest speaker at the next Faith & Grief meeting, Wednesday, April 9. She will talk about how she follows her therapist’s suggestion to seek healing by writing letters to her beloved daughter, who passed away. Come at noon for lunch, the speaker, and facilitated conversation at partner church, Visitation Catholic, in Tighe Hall.

Infertility and Miscarriage – 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, Room 126/127, Mission Campus. In this workshop, led by Katy Platt, participants will gain insight into the complex emotions individuals may face as well as learn gentle ways to offer comfort—ensuring you can support those affected with sensitivity and respect for personal boundaries.