Village U is a wide umbrella encompassing our adult learning opportunities in one, easy-to-find location. Village Church is a learning community with a long-standing commitment to providing opportunities for adults of all ages to grow in knowledge and faith together. Please join us!
For questions about these courses and adult faith formation at Village Church, please contact Hillary Mackowski.
For questions about these courses and adult faith formation at Village Church, please contact Hillary Mackowski.
Spring 2024 Course Catalog
You may download a PDF of the course catalog to view or print or browse class offerings in the menu below.
al - art & leisure
AL.001
Boomerangs Judy Bliss 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, year-round Room 307, Mission Campus |
The Boomerangs welcome women to join them in fellowship and fun as they work on a range of projects from knitting, rug hooking and needle pointing to balancing a checkbook. This group is designed for Baby Boomers and older. Email Judy Bliss for more information.
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AL.002
The Pointer Sisters (Needlepoint) Janice Gill 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, year-round Room 132, Mission Campus |
Learn basic stitches and peruse materials that will enable you to make beautiful and creative projects for you and your family. Sewing and fellowship will be top priorities. For more information, email Janice Gill.
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AL.003
Continuing Watercolor Ed Harper & Bill Yates 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 17-May 15 Rooms 232/233, Mission Campus |
This class has been “continuing” for a long time, but new people are always welcome. No expertise is needed. The instructor will provide a line drawing of the subject for participants to transfer to their paper. A finished copy will be provided to participants to take home for reference. Each project will take two sessions, then a new project will begin. Child care is not provided. For more information, email Bill Yates.
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AL.004
Blue Valley Quilters Guild Ibby Rollert 9 a.m. first Tuesdays Fellowship Hall, Antioch Campus |
The Blue Valley Quilters Guild meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the Fellowship Hall at Antioch Campus to hear speakers, learn techniques, and plan programs, among many other things. There is a $10 visitors’ fee at the door, and a membership enrollment form can be found at bvqg.org.
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AL.005
Pysanky Egg Decorating Perri Ginder & Kim Higgins 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19 Room 232, Mission Campus |
Join us as we explore the Ukrainian tradition of egg decorating, just in time for Easter! A supply fee of $10 will be collected. For more information, email Kim Higgins.
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CF - CHILDREN & FAMILY
CF.001
Monday Handworks Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 22-May 13 Room 127 and Village Cup, Mission Campus |
Enjoy community and fellowship while your children enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care setting. Class will not meet on Feb. 19, March 11, April 1 & 15. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. May only register for one Handworks class per semester. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. For questions, contact Sandra Stephens. REGISTER HERE.
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CF.002
Monday Walk/Jog Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 22-May 13 Drop off at Mission Campus nursery |
Enjoy a child-free walk or run in the neighborhoods surrounding the church. Please stay within walking or running distance of the building. Class will still gather on days with inclement weather unless the Shawnee Mission School District cancels school. Class will not meet on Feb. 19, March 11, April 1 & 15. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions. REGISTER HERE.
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CF.102
Monday Gentle Yoga for Inner Peace Child Care department 10:15-11:15 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 22-May 13 Drop off at Mission Campus nursery Room 333 |
Simple and accessible, yet powerful practices to help find inner peace. This class features breath-centered movements adapted for all levels of participation. Each class includes movements/postures, breathing exercises and meditation woven together for an integrated experience. Class will not meet on March 11 or 18 & April 1 & 15. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions. REGISTER HERE.
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CF.003
Work from Village – Monday Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 22-May 13 Room 127, Mission Campus |
Are you working from home and could benefit from child care for a few hours? Come, find a space in Village to work in peace while your children will enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care environment. Class will not meet on Feb. 19, March 11, April 1 & 15. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions. REGISTER HERE.
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CF.004
Parents’ Night Out Child Care department 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 23, Feb. 27, April 23 Drop off at Mission Campus nursery |
Take a night out without your children. Your children will enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care environment. Must register for each date and each child separately. Child care reservations required; available for children ages 8 years old and younger. Class fee is $20 per child (maximum of $60 per family), per session. Must register for each child separately. Email Sandra Stephens with questions and if you need to register more than three children. REGISTER HERE.
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CF.005
Wednesday Handworks Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 17-May 15 Room 133 and Village Cup, Mission Campus |
Enjoy community and fellowship while your children enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care setting. Class will not meet on March 13. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. May only register for one Handworks class per semester. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions. REGISTER HERE.
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CF.006
Work from Village – Wednesday Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 17-May 15 Room 133, Mission Campus |
Are you working from home and could benefit from child care for a few hours? Come, find a space in Village to work in peace while your children will enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care environment. Class will not meet on March 13. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions. REGISTER HERE.
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CF.007
Friday Parent Break Child Care department 9:30-11:45 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 19-May 17 Drop off at Mission Campus nursery |
Needing to run some errands, or perhaps just have a few hours to yourself? Take advantage of our Parent Break time! You will be able to bring your child(ren) to our child care department, then leave the Village property from 9:30-11:45 a.m. Your child(ren) will enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care setting. Child care reservations are required; must register for each child separately. Class will not meet on Feb. 9, March 8, 15 & April 12. Class fee is $75 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions. REGISTER HERE.
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CL - CHRISTIAN LIFE
CL.001
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study Newton Graves and Guy Clark 7:30-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, year-round Friendship Hall East, Mission Campus |
A group of members and non-members meet weekly. Child care is not available. For more information, call Reggie Marselus at 913-302-2576 or Guy Clark at 816-365-5510.
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CL.002
Especially for Women Rev. Diane Quaintance, retired pastor of Village Church 9:30-11 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 5-May 31 Room 126, Mission Campus |
Especially for Women is a diverse group of women of faith seeking to continue their journey by wrestling together with new and old ideas. We meet on Friday mornings to read, learn, laugh, talk and stretch our faith. “Always a Guest” by Barbar Brown Taylor will be our guide in January and February. For more information, call Rev. Diane Quaintance at 913-850-8647.
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CL.003
Think About These Things: Joyful Gifts from the Letter to the Philippians Rev. Chad Herring 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 21 Rooms 132/133, Mission Campus |
As one of the Apostle Paul’s most beloved writings, the Letter to the Philippians offers important foundations for faithful living. Here we find lessons for how to live in deep community with one another, encouragement to rejoice through prayer and thoughtful engagement with the world, and instruction on how to imitate Jesus Christ’s generous and selfless love. This is both a very practical letter—where Paul is working through concrete issues that the Philippians were facing—and a soaring exploration of how to live a loving, faithful, trusting and grounded Christian life. We, too, will seek to connect our concrete 21st century lives to these joyful themes. As we read through Philippians, participants will also explore an introduction to critical biblical study, looking at the form and structure of letter writing in the ancient world, and what we can learn about the “details and circumstances” of our text.
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CL.004
Bridge Building Toward a Flourishing Life for All: Deepening Solidarity in the Quest for Social and Racial Justice Rev. Dr. Vernon Percy Howard, Jr., pastor, St. Mark’s Church 6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 21 Rooms 232/233, Mission Campus |
Does our faith in Jesus Christ have a role in the quest for social and racial justice? Can the church build bridges and deepen solidarity around crises such as poverty, violence, and equal rights for all? And if so, how do we do it? These questions are explored while examining the theological lenses and Biblical interpretive conclusions which shape our Christian witness and guide us in attempting to partner with God in creating a flourishing life for all.
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CL.005
“Elusive Grace: Loving your Enemies While Striving for God’s Justice”– Scott Black Johnson Book Study Rev. Chad Herring 10:10-10:50 a.m., Sundays, Jan. 28, Feb. 11 and 18 Heritage Dining Room, Mission Campus |
Meneilly Visiting Scholar Scott Black Johnson book study will prepare our hearts for his visit March 9-10. The study will follow the three parts to the book “Reclaiming Virtue, Restraining Our Hearts, and Regarding the Church.” Get the most out of each class through reading each section prior or join us for a lively summary discussion facilitated by Rev. Chad Herring. Don’t miss it!
Rev. Scott Black Johnson is the senior pastor of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. |
CL.006
Men’s Breakfast and Bible with Rodger Nishioka Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, senior pastor 8-9 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 6-March 26 Friendship Hall, Mission Campus |
Start your day off being fed in body and soul. Chef Andrea Bradley will prepare a hot breakfast then Rev. Rodger Nishioka will lead a study on significant men in the Bible. Conversation is encouraged. Invite a friend and join the fellowship on Tuesday mornings. To make a reservation for breakfast, please register online. Cost: $7. Pay in person. Child care is not available.
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CL.007
How to Read, Understand, and Interpret the Bible Biagio Mazza, pastoral associate at St. Sabina Parish in Belton, Missouri 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 26, March 4, 11, & 18 Room 233, Mission Campus |
These sessions explore the history, culture, politics, literary styles, context and origins that are integral components of all biblical texts. Knowing and engaging with these components of the biblical world and text aids participants in acquiring a more informed way of reading, understanding and interpreting Scripture. Tools and methodologies that facilitate a more informed reading of the texts are presented, along with a process that can be used with any text, leading to a more in-depth understanding of any passage. All faith traditions are most welcome.
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CL.008
A Complex Faith Rev. Anna Owens 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 28, March 6, 13, 20 Room 132, Mission Campus |
The Presbyterian Church and the Sins of Our Nation. Join Rev. Anna Owens for a class discussing topics kicked off by visiting scholar, the Rev. Dr. William Yoo and his book "What Kind of Christianity."
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CL.009
“Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” Book Study Groups Study group one: Rev. Chad Herring 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Room 127, Mission Campus Study group two: Jim Marshall 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2 Room 127, Mission Campus |
Village Church is engaging in a lively conversation about race, community and equity, and asking how we can be agents for building God's beloved community. Join us for a vibrant and insightful five-week conversation about “Caste: The Origins of our Discontents” by Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson. “Caste” is the recipient of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Goodreads Choice Award and was one of Oprah's Book Club selections in 2020. In this class, we'll explore how and why human beings manufacture labels and categories for groups of people called castes, and how castes become powerful forces in our lives and in our society. Understanding modern day caste thinking helps us look to dismantle artificial barriers to God's desired community, where all are welcomed, cherished and loved.
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CL.010
Big Theological Words Explained: What Does That Jargon Mean, and Does Any of it Matter? Rev. Chad Herring, interim senior associate pastor 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17 and 24 Room 132/133, Mission Campus |
To be a Christian in the 21st century means juggling our modern lives within a faith tradition that feels at once ancient and contemporary. We often want to learn more about our theological heritage and why it might be life giving and useful for us, today. So, we go searching a bit. When we do, it can often feel frustrating and time-consuming to engage the headier parts of our faith, particularly when we find such obtuse, inaccessible, sesquipedalian words (that last one literally means “foot-and-a-half long”) there. Perichoresis? Koinonia? Eschatological? Agape? What in the world do words like those even mean, and why should we invest our time and our energy in trying to engage them? In this class, we’ll work on translating some of these “big theological words” into language that we can use, and explore together a bit about God, community, our purpose and our hope. No thesaurus required!
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CL.011
Miracles in the Bible: Signs of God’s Presence and Power Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, senior pastor 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, May 1, 8 & 15 Rooms 132/133, Mission Campus |
In the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus is asked if he is indeed the Messiah, he replies, “The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.” For Jesus, proof of his identity comes through the miracles he performed. So, what do we make of the miracles and wonders and signs in the Bible? How do we as modern thinkers equipped with our scientific knowledge understand miracles? Together, we will explore miracles in the Old and New Testament and better understand what they meant then and what they mean to us now.
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hw - health & wellness
HW.001-005
Adult Exercise Margaret Tlapek 9-10 a.m. Youth Loft (Room 333), Mission Campus |
Classes include aerobics to strengthen the heart, lungs and bone density, balance exercises to improve and maintain balance, and stretching and flexibility exercises to maintain and improve range of motion. The class is a comprehensive workout that helps with energy, strength and overall better health. Child care is not available. Call Margaret at 913-710-4681 for more information. Cost: $5 per class. Pay in person. Use the class codes below when registering to indicate the day of the week you would like to attend.
HW.001 Monday Adult Exercise HW.002 Tuesday Adult Exercise HW.003 Wednesday Adult Exercise HW.004 Thursday Adult Exercise HW.005 Friday Adult Exercise |
HW.006
Beginner Hula Hooping & Hoop Dancing Fitness Class Sirenna Beyer 5:45-6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Youth Loft (Room 333), Mission Campus |
Can’t hoop? Haven’t hooped since you were a kid? Then you will fit right in! If you're tired of boring workouts, then come have fun while burning big calories! This upbeat fitness class offers a total body workout, is low impact, strengthens the core and is ideal for cardio. It enhances speed and agility, hand-eye coordination and improves balance. Most of all, it is fun! Classes include a stretch, a warm-up and basic hula hooping instruction to popular music, easy hoop dancing routines, fun games and challenges. Everyone works at their own pace. Custom beginner slow spinning hula hoops are included. Kids are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Child care is not available. For more information, email Sirenna Beyer or call 816-591-5186.
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HW.007
Essentrics – Apprentice Exercise Class Elizabeth Doyle 10:15-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Youth Loft (Room 333), Mission Campus |
Essentrics is perfect for all fitness levels. This program rebalances the body, unlocks tight joints and increases flexibility and mobility, develops strong lean muscles and improves posture through a fluid combination of strengthening and stretching. This equipment-free workout leaves you feeling energized and healthy. Child care is not available. For more information, call Elizabeth at 913-484-6869. Cost is $5 per class; pay in person.
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HW.008
Intro to Tai Chi Fundamentals Kimberly Bland 5-5:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 31-May 15 Room 232/233, Mission Campus |
This beginner level course presents Tai Chi as a low-impact exercise program for enhancing body alignment, balance, coordination, mind-body awareness, and mindfulness. The session covers Tai Chi principles, teaching of the Tai Chi Fundamentals form (progression of 16 movements), and an introduction to mind-body skills training. Standing and seated versions can be taught. No prior Tai Chi experience is necessary; however, instruction of the Tai Chi Fundamentals form is progressive, so participants are strongly encouraged to attend all or most classes. No class Feb. 21, March 27 or April 3. Cost: $100 for 12 total classes. Must register online and pay in advance. Registration is non-refundable after Feb. 28. Child care is not available. For more information, contact Kimberly Bland.
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HW.009
Tai Chi Fundamentals Kimberly Bland 5-5:45 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 29-May 6 Room 232, Mission Campus |
This intermediate/advanced class focuses on refinement of the Tai Chi Fundamentals form, a deeper understanding of Tai Chi principles, further development of mind-body skills and other Tai Chi topics of interest. Prerequisite: Intro to Tai Chi Fundamentals, or other Tai Chi experience to be discussed with instructor (contact instructor). No class Feb. 19, March 25 or April 1. Cost: $100 for 12 total classes (must register online and pay in advance; registration is non-refundable after Feb. 28), or $15 per class via cash, check, or Venmo at the time of class. Child care is not available. For more information, contact Kimberly Bland.
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HW.010
Celebrate Mental Wellness Prairie Sky Counseling Center Staff 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, May 1 & 8 Room 230, Mission Campus |
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a great time to explore how to take care of ourselves and those we love who may struggle with mental health challenges. Join us to explore best practices for self-care, reducing stigma and supportive communication strategies.
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in - informational
IN.001
First Wednesdays Coffee & Conversation Ginger Rothhaas, pastor, life coach and founder of Compassion Fix; facilitated by Brooke Brundige, children & family ministry director 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 7, March 6, April 3 and May 1 Rooms 307/309, Mission Campus |
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month as pastor, life coach and founder of Compassion Fix, Ginger Rothhaas, brings encouragement, support and tangible tools for perseverant, joyful, intentional living. Warm cups of joe will be provided as well! Child care is available free of charge. Must register for child care separately. Follow the blue Child Care signs from either the south or north entrance to find your way.
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ls - life skills
LS.001
Beginning Spanish: Español Para Todos Joni Kimsey 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, year-round Room 124, Mission Campus |
Need a place to brush up on your Spanish? Always wanted to learn but never had the time? Join us in Español para to-dos. We welcome everyone from beginners to bilingual level speakers. There is something for everyone: conjugation of verbs, culture, simple stories, vocabulary and word order. Registration is necessary. Email joni.kimsey@gmail.com for more information. Child care is not provided.
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LS.002
Locating and Organizing Files, Folders and Pictures on an Apple Computer Dee Couch 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 10:15-11:45 a.m. Saturday, March 16 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
This class will explore how to manage your documents and pictures on an Apple computer. Topics include using proper naming conventions, Finder, and Tags to easily locate information. There will also be a discussion of how to properly store documents and pictures in the Cloud. Registration is required. The same class will be held on both listed dates. Child care is not provided.
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LS.003
Introduction to Windows 11 Dee Couch 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 10:15-11:45 a.m. Saturday, March 23 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
Explore the new features and upgrades that are found in Windows 11. Discussion will include differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. In addition, keyboard shortcuts and widgets will be discussed. Registration is required. The same class will be held on both listed dates. Child care is not provided.
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LS.004
Basic Apple Computer Dee Couch 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 10:15-11:45 a.m. Saturday, April 27 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
This class is designed for new users or those needing a basic overview of the features of an Apple computer. Topics covered include the creation of basic documents and spreadsheets. Registration is required. The same class will be held on both listed dates. Child care is not provided.
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LS.005
Windows Excel Tips and Tricks Dee Couch 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 10:15-11:45 a.m. Saturday, May 4 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
Excel is a very powerful program. Learn how to make your spreadsheets more efficient and dynamic. This class will discuss tips for sorting information, converting numbers into graphs and using functions to calculate data. Registration is required. The same class will be held on both listed dates. Child care is not provided.
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LS.006
Intermediate Apple Computer Dee Couch 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 10:15-11:45 a.m. Saturday, May 11 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
This class is designed to explore some of the little-known features found in Notes and Numbers. Topics covered include combining multiple documents into one PDF file, document editing, and using formulas to enhance spreadsheets. Registration is required. The same class will be held on both listed dates. Child care is not provided.
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LS.007
Organizing Files and Folders in Windows Explorer Dee Couch 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 10:15-11:45 a.m. Saturday, May 25 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
This class will explore how to manage your documents and pictures in Windows 11. Topics include using the Search feature to easily locate information, creating files and folders to easily organize data, and how to navigate Windows Explorer. There will also be a discussion of how to use Windows Backup to properly store documents and pictures in the Cloud. Registration is required. The same class will be held on both listed dates. Child care is not provided.
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lt - literature
LT.001
Great Books Discussion Jane Abildgaard & Joni Kimsey 2-3:30 p.m. first Tuesdays Room 127, Mission Campus |
This is not your usual book club. We tackle classic and contemporary essays from a wide range of authors, from Plato to David Sedaris. We discuss, share ideas, laugh and enjoy friendship and fellowship. It’s great exercise for our brains. The Great Books group is currently reading “50 Essays, A Portable Anthology” (third edition), by Samuel Cohen. This semester we’ll be reading Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston and others. For more information, email Jane Abildgaard or call 816-392-9550, or email Joni Kimsey or call 913-634-7904.
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EN - ENVironment
EN.001
Climate Change Update: Big Changes Coming Chick Keller 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 25 Room 132, Mission Campus |
Climate change is real and impacts from climate change are emerging. Despite the many efforts under way, we are not winning the battle to save the planet. Our way of life is threatened, the choices we make now are important. The class will highlight current and potential future impacts to thwart climate change; discuss alternative actions we might take; and what might happen.
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ME - MISSION & ENGAGEMENT
ME.001
Be The Church Sunday Morning Class Series Village Church Mission Partners & Guests 10:10-10:50 a.m. First Sunday of each month, February-June Friendship Hall, Mission Campus |
One way that Village Church serves the broader community is to build bridges to the work of our Mission Partner: ministries and organizations that provide access to housing, food, education and services to our neighbors in need. Thanks to our robust mission giving and an active Mission Committee, we offer grand promotional support as well as volunteer opportunities to our Mission Partner organizations.
In this Sunday Morning Class series, you will learn about the work from some of our Mission Partners. They will teach us about the most pressing issues facing the underserved in our community, introduce us to how they address these injustices and share how we can support their work. Will you BE THE CHURCH with us? Feb. 4: CASA – Child Abuse Advocacy March 3: Habitat KC – Pathways to homeownership for low-income families April 7: Hope House – shelter and resources for survivors of domestic violence May 5: Kanbe’s Markets – access to healthy food for low-income neighborhoods June 2: Hillcrest Transitional Housing – housing and resources for houseless individuals and families |
Adult Sunday Morning Classes
Registration is not required for Adult Sunday Morning Classes at Village.
Please come, grow and enjoy fellowship.
Please come, grow and enjoy fellowship.
Village Church partners with William Jewell College’s Center for Faith & CultureWilliam Jewel College in Liberty, Missouri, has inaugurated a new Center for Faith & Culture. As one component of the Center’s ministry, the college is partnering with four congregations throughout the Kansas City metro area to offer a variety of classes among its four campuses. Village Church and community members are invited to attend courses offered at Second Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri, Country Club Christian Church near the Plaza and Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Kansas City. There is no cost to attend these other courses. We are excited about this partnership!
When you register for the William Jewell Center for Faith & Culture classes listed below, enter the coupon code: Village. The classes are free to members of our congregation by using the coupon code. |
view class selection
Shakespeare, Religious Identity, and Human Flourishing: The Merchant of Venice
Dr. Sara Morrison, professor of English, William Jewell College 6:30-7:45 p.m. Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7 Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, Missouri |
In the early modern period, drama, travel literature and international commerce introduced England to the Mediterranean world not only through firsthand contact with but also more broadly through representations of different cultures and religions. Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” which is set in a major European port city, features a cosmopolitan cast of characters whose personal, religious and mercantile interests overlap. In this course, we will read Shakespeare’s play and watch clips from film adaptations to investigate the ways in which they characterize Christians, Jews and Moors, taking into consideration historical context and the cultural significance of theater on ideas about religious identity and human flourishing. Reading the play will enrich participants’ experience in the course.
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Accounting, Personal Finance, and the Good Life
Dr. Chris McCullick, CPA, associate professor of accounting, William Jewell College 6:30-7:45 p.m. Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15 Second Baptist Church, Liberty, Missouri |
What is accounting and how might it relate to the concept of a good life? This class will explore, in a Christian context, topics such as accounting, personal finance, budgeting and a life of flourishing. Within that exploration, participants will consider how the application of accounting and personal finance can not only deepen one’s faith but also tell us about our faith.
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Good Country People: The Importance of Religion in Southern Gothic Literature
Rev. Charles Smith, associate pastor of student ministries, Liberty Second Baptist Church 7-8:15 p.m. Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12 Country Club Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri |
Religion played a key role in the culture of the American South in the early to mid-part of the 20th century. It is a central theme of Southern Gothic fiction of that period. This course will examine the ways Southern Gothic writers employ facets of religion as principal motifs in their narratives. We will study a diverse selection of writings from critically acclaimed authors in this
genre, exploring the ways in which religious and spiritual experiences in the text influence character development, drive the narrative of the story, and expand the reader’s view of cultural settings. |
Requiem Aeternam: A Journey to the Afterlife from Three Centuries
Dr. Ian Coleman, professor of music, William Jewell College 6:30-7:45 p.m. Feb. 21, 28, March 6, 13 Community Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri |
The Requiem Mass is the traditional text used in the Roman Catholic church for the burial of the dead. The text in its full form swings from a plea for mercy to depictions of fire and damnation to final resignation and peace. There are hundreds of settings of this text from simple plainchant to full orchestrations and massed choirs. We’ll examine the text then focus on the Mozart setting, the serine and reflective Faure setting, and finally the innovative if slightly controversial Britten “War Requiem.” Each of these has something unique to say about how we understand death and the afterlife certainly, but also are deeply reflective of the human experience.
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Spiritual Intelligence
Rev. Carla Aday, senior minister, Country Club Christian Church 7-8:15 p.m. April 1, 8, 15, 22 Country Club Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri |
In an age of artificial intelligence and Wikipedia, we seek wisdom and truth through facts and information. Simultaneously we notice the frailty of emotional health in the American landscape. Our culture teaches us to bridle anger and apologize for tears, and faith gets reduced to a set of beliefs. But what if the spiritual journey awakens the soul so that we are empowered to deepen and express emotions, passions, and feelings? We will reflect on scriptural stories, theological texts, literature, artistic expressions, and spiritual practices that can lead us to a more holistic faith. This course will invite us to reclaim the mystical aspect of the Christian tradition that is often lost among mainline Protestants.
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