Village U

Adult Education

9-10 a.m. Sundays, Sept. 13-Dec. 20, Library, Antioch Campus.

• Sept. 13 – Adult Education Kick-off and Overview
• Sept. 20-Oct. 18 – On Being. Death and dying are as much a part of the human experience as eating, breathing, and sleeping, and yet we tend to shy away from discussing them out of fear or superstition. In this class, we will discuss not only what it means to live well, but also what it means to grieve well, plan well, and die well. This class will be facilitated by staff at Prairie Sky Counseling Center as well as our own Village Church staff and pastors.
• Oct. 25-Nov. 15 – The Next Right Thing. Sometimes the tasks that lie before us can overwhelm us into paralysis. Emily P. Freeman reminds us that we don’t have to know how to do everything or have a five-year (or even five-day) plan, we just need to know how to do the next right thing. Her book, “The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions” was a 2025 bestseller and started out as a podcast, which she continues to host. In this class, facilitated by Rev. Anna Owens, we will explore the practice of finding the next right thing through all of life’s challenges, big and small.
• Nov. 29-Dec. 20 – Holy Disruption: An Advent Study on the Gospel of Mark. You Bible scholars out there might already be thinking, “But there’s no baby in the Gospel of Mark,” – and you’re right! Tracy S. Daub takes us through a journey of the shortest gospel that highlights the many ways Mark guides us to the good news of the incarnation, even without a birth narrative. This class is facilitated by Karen A. Reimer.

Parent Education

9-10 a.m. Sundays, Sept. 13- Dec. 20 (no class Nov. 22), Multipurpose Room, Antioch Campus. Dr. Aaron R. Redburn, director of music ministry and faith formation. This class is an opportunity for parents to join in fellowship and conversation on a weekly topic centered around family and faithful parenting.

Village Forum

9:30-10:30 a.m. Sundays, Sept. 13-Dec. 20, Rooms 126/127, Mission Campus (South door). Jim Gibson and Rev. Jay McKell, retired Village Church pastor. Village Forum is a Sunday morning class that welcomes all adults into thoughtful dialogue and spiritual growth through the discussion of theological, social, spiritual, and historical topics.

• Sept. 13-20 – Bible Stories for Grown-Ups. An adult look at the stories of Noah & Zacchaeus from the video series by Rev. Josh Scott.
• Sept. 27-Oct. 11 – Conspiracy Theories. Dr. Leslie Dorrough Smith of Avila University leads a discussion of the psychology and sociology of conspiracy theories.
• Oct. 18 – The Separation of Church and State. Dr. Greg Vonnahme of UMKC Department of Political Science leads a discussion on the separation of church and state.
• Oct. 25 – Propaganda. Shelly Cline from the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education tells us about Nazi propaganda and the importance of media literacy.
• Nov. 1 – Christian Nationalism. Bill Tammeus, “Faith Matters” blog writer and columnist for Presbyterian Outlook, speaks on Christian nationalism.
• Nov. 8-15 – Racism. Rev. Jay McKell draws on the work of Princeton University professor Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. to discuss racism and the soul of America.
• Nov. 22-Dec. 20 – Voices in Advent. Advent reflections from Rev. Zach Walker and videos from Diana Butler Bass.

The Faith Journey

10:10-10:50 a.m. Sundays, Sept. 13-Dec. 20, Room 124, Mission Campus (South door). Kathy Ray.

• September – “The Future is Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land” by Aziz Abu and Maoz Inon (2026). The authors have experienced family tragedy and are trying to develop a culture of dialogue, forgiveness, and peace.
• October-November – “Christianity Without Dogma: A Personalized Way to Deconstruct Christian Beliefs & Practices” by Jack Bergstrand (2022). Rather than destroy Christianity, deconstruction can save it. “Christianity without Dogma” was written to help people think through this more systematically. Without dogma, more people will be able to flourish spiritually, and deconstructed churches may even be able to start growing again.
• December – “Jesus & Buddha: The Parallel Sayings” by Marcus J. Borg (2022). Examine lessons of peace, love, patience, and kindness for similarities demonstrating that we are more alike than different.

Foundations of Faith: The Dawn of Religion in the Neolithic World

11 a.m.-noon Sundays, Sept. 13-Dec. 13 (no class Nov. 29), online only (see below for Zoom info). Rev. Dwight Tawney, retired Village Church pastor, and Diann Markley. Advancements in modern technologies are providing new insights into our human origins. The appearance of our species some 300,000 years ago was not the inevitable outcome of evolution, but the outgrowth of a long series of successes, setbacks, dietary challenges, innovations in the material culture, and climate change. This class will examine some of the innovative trends in paleoanthropology and archaeology that are shedding light on the ways in which the origin of ritual, symbolic art, and religion impacted human society.

Join Class on Zoom
Meeting ID: 836 9076 8869, Passcode: 26588

Continuing Conversational Spanish

10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, year-round, Room 124, Mission Campus (South door). Joni Kimsey. Need a place to brush up on your Spanish? Always wanted to learn but never had the time? We welcome everyone from beginners to bilingual speakers. There is something for everyone: conjugation of verbs, culture, simple stories, vocabulary, and word order.

Religious Conflicts in Matthew’s Community: Confronting Religious Conflicts as Disciples of Jesus, Part II

6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 6, Rooms 126/127, Mission Campus (South door). Biagio Mazza, theologian and Scripture scholar. Lectionary Year A began on Nov. 30, 2025, the First Sunday of Advent, inviting us to focus on the Gospel according to Matthew. This narrative of Jesus was composed by a community struggling with many issues. The gospel addresses these tensions by seeking to clarify Jesus’ identity as well as the community’s identity as disciples of Jesus. These four, two-hour sessions follow up on Part I of the course by continuing to delve into the mind and heart of the Matthean community by examining their cultural, religious, and political context. How they attempt to resolve these tensions becomes a school of discipleship for us as well. All churches and faith traditions are welcome.

Women’s Fall Book Club

6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 22, Oct. 6, 20, Room 8 (Young Adult Room), Mission Campus. Carol Solenberger. Explore Dr. Kathleen Smith’s book “True to You: A Therapist’s Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself.” “True to You” is a relatable self-help guide for people who want to learn to live less focused on others’ reactions and more confidently by their own principles. Participants will need to purchase their own book and guided journal. You can purchase from the author’s website or your favorite book seller. Need to miss a class? No worries, join us when you can.

Men’s Breakfast Gathering

8-9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, Room 230, Mission Campus (South door). Harry Soyster. We’ll enjoy breakfast and fellowship while we listen to a presentation by Dr. Ted Higgins about his medical mission in Haiti. (Suggested donation $8, either in person or online when you register.)

Men’s Breakfast and Bible with Rodger Nishioka

8-9 a.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 13- Dec. 1, Friendship Hall, Mission Campus (South door). Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka. Join together with other men for fellowship, a hot breakfast served by Chef Teri Tapscott, and Bible study led by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka. (Suggested donation $8, either in person or online when you register.)

Select Parables of a Jewish Rabbi Named Jesus

6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Nov. 17, Rooms 126/127, Mission Campus (South door). Biagio Mazza, theologian and Scripture scholar. Jesus was a Jew brought up in the rabbinic tradition of storytelling. He used parables from everyday life to convey his message and meaning. Amy-Jill Levine, a Jewish biblical scholar of the New Testament, has done good work in removing the veil of ignorance from the interpretation of Jesus’ parables, situating them in their first century Jewish religious and social contexts. Guided by Levine’s work, these four, two-hour sessions explore how Jesus’ original Jewish audience would have heard and understood these stories, and their connection to first century Jewish social, religious, and political cultures. By delving into the Jewish context of Jesus’ parables, we understand how these parables still speak to us today. All churches and faith traditions are welcome.

WWJD: What Was Jesus Doing?

6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 1-15, Rooms 132/133, Mission Campus (South door). Dr. J. Bradley Chance, professor emeritus of religion, William Jewell College. In our culture, WWJD is shorthand for “What Would Jesus Do?” But how are we to know what Jesus would do now? A good place to start is to explore the abbreviation WWJD from a different angle, and ask “What Was Jesus Doing Then?” In a word, Jesus of Nazareth believed that the Reign of God, which would set the world right, was dawning and would soon reach its glorious fulfillment. Together with his followers, Jesus was not only getting the world ready for the kingdom to come but also showing the world how to make God’s reign a reality in the present. How can we today make real the Reign of God so that God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven? And, given the season, we will also explore the birth narratives to see how they provide “overtures” to the mission of Jesus.

Men’s Bible Study: Minor Prophets

8-9 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 16, 30, Oct. 14, 28, Nov. 11, Multipurpose Room, Antioch Campus. Rev. Alice Whitson. This fall, we will dive deeper into the world of the prophets of the Old Testament as Pastor Rodger leads us in a sermon series on the same topic. Specifically, we will explore some of the lesser known “minor prophets” whose impact on Israel’s story, and Christian theology, is no less vivid or worthy of reflection than their “major” counterparts. Sound boring? I promise it won’t be! Come for the raging against the machine, stay for the countless reminders of God’s steadfast love despite our innumerable imperfections.

Women’s Bible Study: Alive Now

9-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Room 230, Mission Campus (South door). Judy Cooper. We share our life journeys through reading scripture and other literature that strengthens our faith. Women of all ages welcome.

Lunch with a Pastor

noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Conference Room, Antioch Campus. Rev. Anna Owens. Join Pastor Anna, or occasionally a pastor from the Mission Campus, and learn more about what’s happening at Village Church. Enjoy a light lunch, casual conversation, and fellowship. Lunch provided; please register by the day prior at noon.

Wednesdays@Village

Women’s Bible Study

1:30-3 p.m. Thursdays, Conference Room, Antioch Campus. Sara Hutsell. This Bible study is open to all women from both campuses. The curricula are decided by the group and include diverse Biblical studies. For the majority of the studies, some preparatory reading is suggested so the participants can have interactive discussions.

Especially for Women

9:30-11 a.m. Fridays, Sept. 11- Dec. 18 (No class Nov. 27), Room 126, Mission Campus (South door). Rev. Diane Quaintance, retired Village Church pastor. “Especially for Women” is a group of thoughtful, lively women exploring what it means to be women of faith in this changing world, focusing on the writings of a wide variety of scholars.

• September-October – “Democracy and the Soul of America” by Howard Thurman. Thurman is a leading religious thinker of the 20th century. Barbara Brown Taylor writes “finding Thurman’s sermons…shifts your view of your place in the world along with your understanding of why you are here.” 
• November-December – “Wholehearted Faith” by Rachel Held Evans with Jeff Chu. Evans’ deeply human writing tackles grace, doubt, and sacrifice, exploring how we might know and live the love of God in the world. Chu’s invisible pen brings his friend’s voice to us with “thick skin, tender heart.”

2026-2027 Horizons Bible Study: “United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other: Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians” by Rhonda Mawhood Lee, with Suggestions for Leaders by Sarah Leer. Paul wrote at a time when Christians expected Jesus’ imminent return; he challenged his friends to be ready when that day came. Two thousand years later, the church is still waiting, still affirming that Jesus will return, and still proclaiming that this world has already been transformed by God’s life-giving love. Our challenge remains to live in ways that demonstrate our trust in the resurrection. This Bible study will raise many questions while providing few direct answers. Those you will seek yourself through prayerful reading, thinking, and discussion.

Circles are small groups of Presbyterian Women who join together for Bible study, fellowship, and fun. While there are hundreds of women at Village Church, it’s easier to get to know each other in smaller communities. To find a group, email Dee Couch: .

Village Connect groups are small groups of adults who meet to share their lives with one another and to study curriculum based on scripture from the Bible. Some groups meet in homes while others meet at the church. New groups are forming this fall; a variety of dates and times are available. Each gathering invites group members to build relationships with one another and to grow in their faith and faithfulness.

This year’s study is “Grounded in Grace: Celebrating the Presbyterian Tradition.” You’ll get an opportunity to learn from each of Village’s pastors through this eight-lesson video-based study. Studies are supported by a leader guide and questions for further discussion.

Mission Campus Connect Groups
Sept.-May. Contact to find a group that works for your location and schedule.

Antioch Campus Connect Group
6 p.m. 3^rd Thursdays, Sept. 17-Dec. 17, Multipurpose Room, Antioch Campus. Desiree Reinke and Carol Slack.

Organizing Files in Windows 11

10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 or 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, Tillotson Building Conference Room. Dee Couch. 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. The same class will be held on both dates.

Organizing Photos on Apple Devices

11-noon Tuesday, Oct. 13 to 11-noon Tuesday, Nov. 10, Room 230, Mission Campus (South door). Tim Burrow. Discover how you can quickly locate and sort photos to share with family and friends and organize those photos on your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or Windows PC. See how to make the experience easier for everyone. You will learn how to use some quick, simple tools for editing those photos and easy ways to share them digitally, in print, or in slide shows. Bring your favorite Apple device or use one of our classroom MacBooks for “hands on” exercises and learning. The same class is offered on both dates.

Organizing Files on an Apple Computer

11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Oct. 14 or 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, Tillotson Building Conference Room. Dee Couch. This class will explore how to manage your documents 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 in the Cloud. The same class will be held on both dates.

Editing and Sharing Photos on Apple Devices

1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 or 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, Room 230, Mission Campus (South door). Tim Burrow. Once you have organized your photos on your phone and in iCloud, it’s time to relive, edit, and share those picture-perfect moments! Use the embedded tools from Apple to edit, personalize, share, and publish your photos and projects. Bring your favorite Apple device or use one of our classroom MacBooks for hands-on exercises and learning. The same class is offered on both dates.

Intermediate Windows 11

7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 or 10:15-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, Tillotson Building Conference Room. Dee Couch. This class is designed for those who have a basic understanding of Windows 11. Discussion will include using some of the more advanced features of Word to enhance documents, practical applications for Excel, and using mail merge. The same class will be held on both dates.

Intermediate Apple Computer

1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 or 11-noon Thursday, Nov. 12, Tillotson Building Conference Room. Dee Couch. This class is designed for those who have a basic comfort level with the Apple computer. Topics covered include a more in-depth look at practical applications for both Pages and Numbers. The same class will be held on both listed dates.

Core Strengthening

8:30-9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, year-round, Rooms 132/133, Mission Campus (South door). Rebecca Enslow. Strengthen your core and increase flexibility with Pilates-inspired mat work. This class uses stretching and strengthening exercises to improve muscle tone, muscle balance, posture, and flexibility. The body’s core muscles—the abs, back, and hips—are the focus. Bring a mat and be prepared to be on the floor for the majority of the class. Cost: $5 per class; must register and pay online.

Adult Exercise Class

9-10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, year-round, Room 333 (Youth Loft), Mission Campus (South door). Margaret Tlapek. 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. $5 suggested donation collected at each class.

Adult Exercise Class

9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, year-round, Room 333 (Youth Loft), Mission Campus (South door). Mindy Brooks. This class is similar to its counterpart offered on M/W/F but with an increased focus on strength and balance. Class includes aerobics, exercises for balance (including the use of an exercise ball), light weight training, and stretching. $5 suggested donation collected at each class.

Essentrics Exercise Class

10:15-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, year-round, Room 333 (Youth Loft), Mission Campus (South door). Elizabeth Doyle. 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. There is no charge for this class.

Mahjong Mondays

Mission Campus: 6:30-8 p.m. 2^nd Mondays, year-round, Room 230 (South door). Carol Solenberger.
Antioch Campus: 6:30-8 p.m. 3^rd Mondays, year-round, Library. Lisa Harrison.

If you know how to play Mahjong and are looking to play with others, there are opportunities to join us at both campuses! Bring tiles if you have them. Beginners are also welcome—we’ll have folks on site to help teach new players. Small group Mahjong lessons are available as well; see “American Mahjong Group Lessons” on Thursdays.

Ladies Who Dine

6 p.m. 4^th Mondays, year-round, SPIN Pizza (6501 W 135th St., Overland Park, KS). Kelly Thomason. Ladies Who Dine meet for dinner and chatting about life, travel, and fun. We meet year-round because we genuinely don’t want to cook once a month. No reservation required. Just join us for lots of laughter.

Village Golf

9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Fred Arbanas Golf Course (11100 View High Dr., KCMO). Brad Steil. Cost is $43, paid at the course. Register by Oct. 1.

Young Adults: Picnic in the Park

5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays, various dates. Young Adult Ministry invites all young adults with small children to bring the whole family to the park for an evening packed with food, laughter, and fun! No cost.

• Sept. 15 – Neale Peterson Park (6136 Mission Rd.)
• Oct. 13 – Taliaferro Park (2900 W. 79th St.)
• Nov. 10 – Porter Park (4601 Tomahawk Rd.)

Mission Sewing

8 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, year-round, Room 115, Mission Campus (Northeast door). Sallie Veenstra. Our Mission Sewing Groups are always looking for new members. Come when you like and stay as long as you can. We make a variety of pillows, glasses cases, cot covers, walker bags, teddy bears, heart monitor bags, big and little girl dresses and more for donation to local hospitals and charity organizations. All fabrics, tools, and materials are supplied. All levels of sewing experience are welcome, including non-sewers.

Boomerangs

10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, year-round, Room 132, Mission Campus (South door). Judy Bliss. 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.

Book Club: Great Books Discussion

2-3:30 p.m. 1^st Tuesdays, year-round, Room 124, Mission Campus (South door). Jane Abildgaard. This is not your usual book club. We tackle classic and contemporary literature from a wide range of authors. We discuss, share ideas, laugh, and enjoy friendship and fellowship. We are currently reading “The World’s Greatest Short Stories,” stories by Herman Melville, Guy de Maupassant, Leo Tolstoy, Rudyard Kipling, Anton Chekhov, and others.

Grief Support Group

6-7 p.m. 1^st Tuesdays, year-round, Room 232, Mission Campus (South door). Elena Weaver, Prairie Sky Counseling Center therapist. Grief is a natural, complex response to loss, and no two experiences are the same. This monthly group provides a compassionate, confidential space to share, listen, and heal alongside others who understand. Facilitated by a licensed Prairie Sky Counseling Center therapist, the group offers support, reflection, and practical tools for navigating the emotional and spiritual challenges of grief.

Women’s Book Club: Page Turners

10 a.m.-1 p.m. 4^th Tuesdays, year-round, Room 127, Mission Campus (South door). Barbara Lee. Page Turners is a book club where women enjoy sharing views about books and are interested in reading on a wide variety of topics. Visitors are always welcome, and the group is especially glad to welcome new members.

The Pointer Sisters (Needlepoint)

9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, year-round, Room 232, Mission Campus (South door). Faye Anderson. Learn basic stitches that will enable you to make beautiful and creative projects for you and your family. Sewing and fellowship will be top priorities.

First Wednesdays Coffee & Conversation

10-11 a.m. 1^st Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Dec. 2, Room 132/133, Mission Campus (South door). Brooke Brundige. As we enter year five, we hope Coffee & Conversation continues to be a place where people of every age can come exactly as they are. No perfect answers. No perfect lives. Just real people learning together. We’ll grow in our faith, share honestly, laugh often, and build friendships that last well beyond the first Wednesday of the month. Our prayer is that every time you leave, you’ll feel a little more connected to God, a little more connected to one another, and reminded that you have people in your corner for whatever life brings. Child care is available free of charge, but to help us plan for staffing, please email .

Discovering God’s Creation Through Observational Drawing

3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 16-Oct. 7, Room 206, Mission Campus (North door). Maryanna Adelman. Develop your drawing skills by learning to draw what you see. Using pencil, we will work primarily with nature objects while learning basic drawing techniques. All levels of experience are welcome!

Continuing Watercolor

1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 23-Dec. 16, Rooms 232/233, Mission Campus (South door). Gadine Acton. This workshop is a low-key, non-critical space to practice watercolor painting and is suitable for everyone—even if you can’t draw a straight line or have ever held a brush! Every month, we will offer a presentation from an artist, a how-to video, or time to work independently on a project. But always, we will have a chance to learn techniques, improve our skills, build confidence, learn from each other, and nurture friendships. Bring your own supplies (watercolor paints, brushes, cold-press paper, a container for water, a soft lead pencil, and an eraser) and be prepared for a fun challenge!

Growing Through Grief

1:30-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 14-Nov. 18 (no class Oct. 28), Room 132, Mission Campus (South door). Rev. Tim Soule. Are you or someone you know grieving the loss of a loved one? This five-week series offers support and comfort as you go through this difficult journey. You’ll receive a copy of “Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart.” There is a limit of 12 people for this group.

American Mahjong Group Lessons

10 a.m.- noon Thursdays, Sept. 24 & Oct. 1, Room 230, Mission Campus (South door). Sara Gilson. Come and see why American Mahjong has become the fastest growing game in town. This two-part introduction class will show you the tiles and the basics of playing Mahjong. There is a limit of 8 people for this class.

Widowers Support Group

9-10 a.m. Thursdays, year-round, Room 132, Mission Campus (South door). Rev. Tim Soule. This group is for men who whose spouses have died or who are living with a spouse who is challenged by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A congregational care pastor joins the group twice a month while other meetings are facilitated by a group member.

Mission Sewing

10 a.m.-noon Thursdays, year-round, Room 115, Mission Campus (Northeast door). Nancy Cantril and Betsy Wiley. Our Mission Sewing Groups are always looking for new members. Come when you like and stay as long as you can. We make a variety of pillows, glasses cases, cot covers, walker bags, teddy bears, heart monitor bags, big and little girl dresses, and more for donation to local hospitals and charity organizations. All fabrics, tools, and materials are supplied. All levels of sewing experience are welcome, including non-sewers.

Seniors Afternoon

1 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 30, Room 230, Mission Campus (South door). Deana Petty. Enjoy games and social time with other seniors. Bring your own board games, learn to play canasta, and spread the word!