The Messenger
We Are All Presbyterian Women
Message from the PW Moderator
Dear Sisters in Christ,
I don’t know about you, but I never had time/made time for friends while working. When I lived in Massachusetts, I had a 30–45 minute daily commute, worked 9 hours, and then returned to the train to go home. Working weekends was commonplace. Overtime was necessary to keep my family financially stable. I worked at the same law firm for 30 years as a paralegal. Wouldn’t you assume I would have many friends to visit when I return there? Nope. Heaven knows I needed friends badly. We all do. I have great friends now, and those are women I met through church. The bottom line is I didn’t make the time – just one more thing on my to-do list – to be with other women to develop long-lasting friendships. That was not smart of me at all.
So, fully acknowledging my mistake, I’m encouraging you to make a concerted effort to be with other Village Church women. Finding people with the same interests and passions isn't easy, so I suggest taking advantage of your ready-made community: Village Presbyterian Church. I’m pretty sure you enjoy the church. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be worshiping there. Therefore, if you go to the Village Church PW web page (https://www.villagepres.org/pw), you will find a link to a quick-reference document that is a compilation of the various groups busily engaged at Village. It’s sorted by categories including, but certainly not limited to, Local Outreach, Adult Formation, Music Ministry, and Children and Family Ministry.
Another link on the Presbyterian Women's website face page allows us to request access to the 2023-2024 PW Directory. Inside that directory, along with finding contact information for the women of the church, you may learn about the various PW circles, Bible studies, Mission Sewing, etc. There is something for everyone.
Here’s the 2 for 1: You’ll meet new friends while serving God and learning more about his son, Jesus, and His ministry. Every time I leave the company of the various women I spend time with volunteering or in class, I give thanks because they’re wise, energetic, funny, good, and thoughtful. Most importantly, we share the common denominator of Christ in our lives. It’s hard for me to walk away without smiling. Please set aside time on your calendar (in ink) for YOU to be in community with other women. I’m pretty sure you’ll come away with gratitude and thanksgiving.
I wish you joy and happiness as you connect with God and other women through community and activity. I’m grateful for all of you.
Patty Slentz-Howard
PW Moderator
Energetic PW Kickoff Event
Spiritual Growth hosted about 50 women for the PW kickoff in Friendship Hall at VOM on Saturday, Sept. 16.
Three amazing Village Church women (Nancy Dexter-Milling, Jenni Pittman, and Angie Turpin) served on a panel and answered questions about God's presence in their lives, which we used as a springboard for table discussions about how God is active in our own lives. There was a great energy in the room as women connected over genuine life issues, challenges, and the call to love and serve like Jesus did. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and there were even requests for more of this kind of event.
Treasurer's Update
THANK OFFERINGS -- collected in October/November -- is a "thank offering to her Lord." It has continued to be an important part of women's giving by Presbyterian Women. One third is used to support medical mission throughout the world. The balance is used for new, creative areas of mission. Specific projects are selected by the Creative Ministries Offering Committee from project proposals submitted. If you wish to donate, it can be done during circle meetings or online at the STORE. The link to the store is https://pw.villagepres.org/village-presbyterian-women. Last year we donated over $900. Thank you!
Lisa Mann
PW Treasurer
Find Your People: October Video to Feature Mission Sewing and Village Church Food Pantry/Clothes Closet
Dear Women of Village Presbyterian Church,
As I indicated in my August video, I greatly desire to have women of our church learn where they may meet other women at our church who share the same interests and passions while serving God.
This month, we will see and hear from Sallie Veenstra, Mission Sewing (Tuesday) Co-Coordinator, and Nancy Cantril, Mission Sewing (Thursday) Leader. It’s hard to describe how impactful the 36+ sewists are to thousands of people every year. I had no idea of the incredible number of volunteer hours donated by these women, nor the massive volume of products created for and given to 11 different organizations in the KC metro area until recently. We’ll be inspired and want to jump in and help, even those reluctant to sew on a button.
This month, we’ll also see and hear from Susie Latas and another woman, both volunteers at the Village Church Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. These women donate their time to minister to those in need by providing food, clothing, and personal and household products in a safe, friendly, and compassionate environment that maintains the dignity of each person. Many of us take for granted the food, clothing, toilet paper, etc., we have whenever we want. The wonderful Food Pantry and Clothes Closet clients aren’t so fortunate. I look forward to hearing from these inspiring women who give back by serving those much less lucky than they/we are.
In October, watch for an email that links these videos. You’ll see Christ’s children in action.
With gratitude,
Patty Slentz-Howard
PW Moderator
Spiritual growth occurs when we make time to listen, question, and engage our faith. It may seem irreverent to question God, but questions can be holy guides leading us to truth and intimacy with God. Our circumstances may be different, but the questions we ask when we are seeking purpose and meaning in our lives are amazingly similar. The doubt and confusion that come with uncertainty are universal.
In her Bible study titled, “Untangling Faith,” Amberly Neese explores common questions we ask when life gets difficult, and for the next few months, Spiritual Growth Corner will focus on one of them – “How can I grow in my faith?”
As Amberly points out, faith doesn’t have to be perfect to be real, and others can help us on our journey. Join us in this space as fellow Presbyterian Women share their thoughts and experiences on growing in faith. You’ll find that if you sometimes have trouble believing God, you are not alone! And with each experience life brings – both good and bad – our faith is shaped, bolstered, reshaped, and strengthened.
If you would like to contribute to the Spiritual Growth Corner and share about your journey to grow in faith, please contact Stephanie Morrison or Kate Unruh, our Spiritual Growth Co-Coordinators, at stephaniemorrison132@gmail.com or gkateo@gmail.com.
“For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matthew 17:20b
Call for Nominations: Faithful Women of Outstanding Service
Presbyterian Women of Village Church will honor and celebrate the gifts and talents of women at the Celebration of Faithful Women on April 13, 2024 in Friendship Hall.
Please take a moment to nominate a woman you know who:
- Supports the mission of the church
- Nurtures your faith
- Works for peace and justice
- Works to build an inclusive and caring community
The nomination form is available on the Village Church PW web page. Please contact Susan Satterlee at sgsatterlee@sbcglobal.com or Cindy Henderson at cshsh15@gmail.com with any questions. Names will be accepted through October 29, 2023.
Join a PW Circle
Please join us in one of our 8 circles as we discuss the New Horizons Bible Study Sacred Encounters – The Power and Presence of Jesus Christ in Luke-Acts.
Village on Mission Circles meet the second Tuesday of each month. You can choose between morning, afternoon, or evening Circles.
The Village on Antioch Circle meets at 6:00 p.m. on the second Monday of the month.
Circles are a time of fellowship and Bible study. Some Circles enjoy sharing a meal together; other Circles find enjoyment in doing service projects.
For questions and information regarding meeting times and locations for the Circle meetings, please contact Dee Couch, PW Circle Activities Coordinator (deecouch@kc.rr.com) or 913-707-7291.
Seeking Circle Leaders for Retirement Communities - Beginning Next Year
As we Baby Boomers age, more and more of us live in retirement communities. Unfortunately, many of us can no longer attend circles and Bible studies, gatherings attended and loved for many years, if not decades. When you stop and think about it, with the loss of that church community and stimulating conversation, suddenly, a large void opens.
Diane Quaintance and Margaret Boomer co-lead the Lakeview Circle, for which we are grateful. Neither of these lovely ladies lives there but saw a need and have filled it. However, leadership is needed for Village Church women at Claridge Court, The Forum, and Aberdeen Village.
The Holy Spirit may have been nudging you to give more of yourself in your religious life. You’ve thought about it but haven’t acted on it because maybe you thought there was no need for you or you didn’t know what was needed. This is your opportunity to jump in. Perhaps you have a friend who would like to co-lead with you. Reverend Sally Wright provides instruction before each circle meeting, so there’s no need to worry about figuring out the lessons independently.
In our 2023-2024 PW Horizons Bible Study, “Sacred Encounters,” there is a quote from Teresa of Avila, 1515-1582, that reads in part, “Christ has no body now on earth but yours; no hands but yours; no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world. Yours are the feet with which [God] is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which [God] is to bless [God’s] people.”
If you want to learn more, please contact Reverend Sally at sally.wright@villagepres.org or Dee Couch at deecouch@kc.rr.com.
Amazing Graces Book Club to Meet October 4
The Amazing Graces Book Club choice for Oct. 4 is The Rose Code by Kate Quinn.
Feel free to join us whenever you are able. All are welcome! We meet year round, usually on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Bring an appetizer, dessert or a beverage to share. We meet in homes, so please contact Sara Wallace at swallace01@gmail.com to be added to the email distribution.
The books to be discussed in November and December are:
- Nov. 1 – The First Ladies, by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray
- Dec. 6 – The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, by Gabrielle Zevin
Join Women with Spirit at Event on October 15
Please join Women with Spirit for a fun evening of book recommendations! Bring a snack, beverage of choice, and the name of a book you recommend. We are asking that everyone also bring a new or gently used children's book (K-5th) so that we can donate it to Front Porch Alliance. All are welcome and feel free to bring a friend.
Beachy Backyard Books and Beverages
Laura Beachy Langdon’s Home
6107 W. 90th Terrace, Overland Park
Sunday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Meredith Reynolds at 913-708-1045 or meredith@reynoldsautomotivekc.com
New Special Guest for Amazing Graces Event on October 19
Same day, same time -- just a new special guest -- our artistic, inspirational Rev. Alice Whitson! Join Amazing Graces for this evening in October. Enjoy visits with friends, sipping a glass of wine or a soft drink. Tasty appetizer included.
Jan Bleakley's Home
8621 Delmar, Prairie Village
Thursday, October 19 at 6:00 p.m.
RSVP to becky.anderson418@gmail.com. Cost is $15/person. Payment by cash, Venmo (@Becky-Anderson-65) or check (in the memo: Village Church/PW).
Page Turners Book Group Meets October 24
The Page Turners Book Group meets the fourth Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in Room 127, Village on Mission. The next meeting will be Oct. 24, when we will discuss Kate Quinn’s historical novel, The Alice Network. This thrilling story is based on an actual World War I spy network made up of women, called The Alice Network, which operated in German-occupied France and Belgium.
Visitors and new members are always welcome, having read the book or not. Please contact Barbara Lee, lhlee@att.net or Ann Raikula, ann.raikula@sbcglobal.net, for more information. We look forward to seeing you.
Women of Wisdom Fall Luncheon on October 25
Hello, WOW Friends! It's so nice to re-connect with you after an absence of quite a few months.
During this absence, our special friend, Marvie Sneegas, has been challenged in her lengthy recovery from a fall in which she fractured her kneecap. Thanks to God's grace and her remarkable determination, she has made great progress and continues to regain her strength and mobility.
We would love to gather for lunch to celebrate Marvie's continuing recovery and enjoy one another's company before the onset of the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Toward that end, we've planned a lunch, to which all women are warmly invited, for Wednesday, October 25 at 12:00 p.m., at The Tavern in Mission Farms, 10681 Mission Road, in Leawood.
The Tavern is described as a classic, American style restaurant that features great salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Please RSVP to Diane Lee at 913-432-4321, or dianelee@att.net, by Tuesday, October 24. We hope very much that you can be an important part of a pleasant fall outing that will include good food, lively conversation, and warm fellowship.
Habitat for Humanity Women Build Event on October 28
Join a team of Village women for Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build on Oct. 28 for a full day of work. We’ll have meet-ups at both church campuses around 8:30 a.m. and carpool to the site. Bring a sack lunch and your favorite work gloves. If you’d like to participate, email Lisa Harrison at lisa.harrison@villagepres.org.
Updates from Mission Sewing
The Tuesday Mission Sewing group is busy as usual! We could use donations of children's woven cotton fabrics in sizes of 1 yard or more to make bags for the children at Children's Mercy Hospital. We can also use donations of fiberfil to make the many pillows we produce for the local hospitals and hospice. If you are interested, please come and join us, especially on Tuesday afternoons. We are in the Sewing Room below the Chapel. Hope to see you there!
Thursday Mission Sewing meets from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Sewing Room on October 5, 12 and 26. Everyone is welcome!
Save the Date! Village Presbyterian Women Who Give: Organizing Your Generosity around your Purpose, Passion, and Values
November 11, 2023
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Village on Antioch
Dear Women of Village Presbyterian Church,
We naturally lead a generous lifestyle. We unassumingly give to family, friends, and neighbors. But for many of us, we give and give until we feel overwhelmed, unorganized, or just plain ineffective. So, as we move into the season of generosity, join me for a morning workshop with Alison Patterson, Village Church Member, Philanthropic Advisor, Coach, and Generosity Cheerleader.
- Alison will help us explore how generosity in all its forms makes us a Philanthropist (hint...it's not all about money).
- She’ll help us create our own personal statement to use in the coming months and beyond to focus and ground how we give of ourselves and our resources.
- We'll learn how to use that same technique with our families to bring us closer, learn about each other, and grow around our shared values.
- We'll learn how to begin moving away from obligations and requests that no longer align with our purpose, passion, and values to feel more empowered to do the good that is ours to do in the coming days.
- Finally, we'll talk about ways you may be already giving with and to Village and areas you may plug into that connect with you and your family.
Reserve your seat by emailing pslentzhoward1@gmail.com by Monday, November 6. I hope you’ll join me.
Patty Slentz-Howard
PW Moderator
Save the Date!! Advent Celebration 2023
December 5, 2023
6:00 p.m.
Village on Mission
Warmly welcome the Advent season and join us at the women's Advent Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at VOM. A social time with light refreshments served will be held in the Welcome Center from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. The service will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Prepare your heart for the Lord with music, fellowship and communion. Rev. Anna Owens is our speaker. There is no cost, yet reservations are needed; reservations begin Nov. 5.
Village Church Looking For Part Time Receptionist
Village on Mission is looking for a friendly, organized person to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Responsibilities include serving as the receptionist and performing light clerical work. Interested persons should contact Karen Reimer at 913-671-2300.
Presbyterian Women
Email: laura.hobbs@villagepres.org
Website: villagepres.org/pw.html
Location: 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS, USA
Phone: 913-262-4200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PWofVC