The Messenger
Lead With The Light
Message from the Co-Moderators
Happy New Year to each of you! As we bid farewell to 2021 and all of its blessings and challenges, may we hopefully anticipate all of the wonders that 2022 has in store. Not only in January, but throughout the year, may we resolve to:
- look for God’s light
- work towards God’s light
- work with God’s light
- reveal God’s light
- share God’s light
- celebrate God’s light
- let God’s light guide us in every way.
This month’s verse about light is Matthew 5:14, which says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Thoughts collected from PW Board members:
- Be the light.
- Walking in the light fills our souls.
- God wants our lights (and His) to shine for all to see.
- Love this!
- There is no reason to hide what Christ has done for us.
- PW is a beautiful light that shines.
- Share your light with the world.
- May my words and actions bring glory to the Father.
- I am called to claim my light!
- Our faith gives us direction to do good things in the world.
- Shine brightly!
What does this verse mean to you as you begin a new calendar year? What has it meant to you in the past? Has its meaning changed for you over the years? Take a moment to envision ways you can brighten the darker months of winter for yourself and share your light with others.
Love and Light,
Laura Langdon and Suzanne Willey, Co-Moderators
Advent Celebration Filled with Hope and Inspiration
O Holy Night! In the midst of the dark days of December, the Rev. Jenny McDevitt returned for the evening to share a powerful story of assurance, a reminder that each of us is loved and that light is always with us in the darkness.
The atmosphere was brimming with hope and excitement as we gathered in the Welcome Center. The passionate words of both the Magnificat and the musical Dear Evan Hansen’s “You Will Be Found” greeted us on the steps as we entered. Church felt like home once again as chatter filled the air and we embraced friends with familiar affection.
The sanctuary was glowing with votives and lights from the Christmas trees. Co-Moderators Laura Beachy and Suzanne Willey opened the evening with words of welcome and heralded a poem of inspiration.
As Jenny reflected her thoughts of the Magnificat, she described to us the connection, connectivity and mercy that it brings as Mary and Elizabeth see the same truth and stand together. She said, “Mary’s Song is a beloved lullaby that she sang to Jesus… the words settled deeply upon him, nestled sweetly and softly in His ears, and were etched upon his heart.” She reminded us of the promise in Luke 1:46-55, that God will fill the hungry, He will teach the wealthy, He will open the doors to all people so that everyone will always know the truth of Christmas. Jenny noted with her keen wisdom, “as Mary knew, good news always has to be sung.”
As if in perfect harmony, the meditation was accompanied with the extraordinary musical talents of Elisa Bickers, soloists Karli Cabrera and Anne Snellar. We were filled with wonder and emotion as we witnessed the creative energy of Jenny and Elisa coming to life in song, combining the promising words of the Magnificat with lyrics of “You Will Be Found.”
A meaningful evening like this happens with the help of many hands. Cindy Henderson and Susan Satterlee, co-chairs remarked, “Together our collective voices and the power of the Holy Spirit led us to jump out in faith and reimagine this event. We created an evening where everyone left feeling love, joy and wonder.”
Take a moment to reach out and express your appreciation to the co-chairs, Susan Satterlee and Cindy Henderson. Or, call or text the committee members: Carolyn Baruch, Margaret Boomer, Susan Creidenberg, Julie Foster, Nancy Gatewood, Dee Gound, Lisa Harrison, Jennifer Hart, Kim Higgins, Desiree Reinke, Meredith Reynolds, Michele Stowers and the Rev. Sally Wright.
If you need a little hope and inspiration, you may still access the Advent Celebration online at https://www.villagepres.org/pw.html. We know you will find comfort and good cheer in Jenny’s words.
Remember to reserve Saturday, April 9, 2022 on your calendars for the Celebration of Faithful Women. We will honor Linda Alley, Lexa Carr, Julia Scammahorn and Cindy Wilcox for their exemplary service to Presbyterian Women of Village Church.
Advent Celebration Co-Chairs, Cindy Henderson and Susan Satterlee
Entrance to the Welcome Center
Advent Celebration Committee Members
"Thank you" to the many helpers who assisted with the Advent Celebration
Communion Helpers:
Dee Gound
Vicki Graham
Dianne Stanley
Cookie Handouts:
Carolyn Baruch
Susan Cope
Susan Cridenberg
Michelle O’Neal
Communion Servers:
Janet Burton
Rev. Melanie Hardison
Jennifer Hart
Rev. Jenny McDevitt
Desiree Reinke
Susan Satterlee
Michele Stowers
Rev. Sally Wright
"Right here, right now” -- Shine a Light on the Present
There are so many times that I get overwhelmed with life’s demands. There is never enough time to deal with all the things I need to do. It could be our daily routine, the task at hand, or just coping with the situation we find ourselves in. Soon we become frustrated with all the expectations and demands. The last couple of years it has, at times, seemed insurmountable with COVID. It has added anxiety, uncertainty, and downright panic to the list. I find I am often reliving, reviewing and focused on the past -- questioning, second-guessing things that have happened. They are no longer under my control but I still find myself focusing on my “rearview mirror.” The should-haves, would-haves and could-haves keep me from paying attention to what is happening around me at that moment.
Other times it is about what is to come or what I might face in the future. These are my “what ifs” worries -- anxieties that take over my focus and attention. We have an abundance of this dealing with the fear and uncertainty of COVID.
My coping mechanism is to take a minute to sit back, breathe, and say a prayer for a calm focus and clarity. Then I repeat to myself, “Right here, right now“ so that my attention is fully in the moment at hand. Not the past or the future. How I am feeling in the present moment? What is happening around me that brings me light, joy and makes me feel thankful? It might be silence or even the controlled chaos of family. It could be the beauty of nature, the warmth of the people around me, or a beautiful melody. Wherever you are or whatever it is, take a moment to savor it to the fullest. Try to focus on the moment at hand and find the light and be present.
“RIGHT HERE – RIGHT NOW”
Matthew 6:34
“So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.”
- Carol Dowdy
Save the Date for the Celebration of Faithful Women Brunch 2022
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 9 at 11:30 a.m., for the Celebration of Faithful Women brunch, in Friendship Hall.
Join us to celebrate our exceptional, faithful volunteers of Village Presbyterian Church -- Linda Alley, Lexa Carr, Julia Scammahorn, and Cindy Wilcox.
We will again be featuring friendship, fellowship, and Chef Andrea with her fabulous food. Guest speaker and other details to come in the February Messenger. Tickets will go on sale in March. We hope you can join us!
We ask all friends interested in joining our COFW planning committee to email Beth Brame to join our fun. There are both in person and socially distanced opportunities to help with the planning.
The Village Church Women's Retreat is Coming!
Women of Village Church, mark your calendars for April 22-23. In faith, we are moving forward with plans for our retreat at Heartland Presbyterian Center. During this time of pandemic, we have learned that we must be both hopeful and flexible. The Advent Celebration was a perfect example. We gathered in a different way than ever we have before, but the Spirit was present and the worship was holy. If you have attended the retreat, you know first-hand what a spiritual and bonding experience it is. We will move ahead with joy, prepared to adapt as circumstances warrant.
Please plan to join us for a time to connect with God, old friends, new friends and the beauty of nature.
- Jan Zimmerman and Cyndi Seifert
PW Circle of Village on Antioch will meet at 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 10, in the church library. We’ll enjoy our “bring your own dinner” and explore Lesson 5 -- continuing the story of Ruth. All are welcome!
Monday, January 24, “Ladies Who Dine” will meet for dinner and social time at 6:00 p.m. at Panera, 135th and Metcalf. Come get to know some new Village sisters!
Village on Mission Circles
Thought-provoking Bible studies and fellowship meet on the second Tuesday of each month and are open to women of all ages. Contact Sherri Robeson at 913-219-9925 or email for more information.
Page Turners Begins the New Year with a Return to the Classics
Come one, come all, as Page Turners book group begins the new year with a return to the classics. We will discuss Harriet Beecher Stowe’s UNCLE TOM’S CABIN at our regular meeting time, Tuesday, January 25, 10:00 a.m. in Room 127.
UNCLE TOM’S CABIN is said to have “helped lay the groundwork for the American Civil War.” The novel, which vividly portrays the experience of slavery, was an immediate sensation when it was published in 1852 and still sparks interest today.
Our book for February 22 is ELEPHANT COMPANY by Vicki Croke. Stay tuned for details.
We extend a cordial welcome to visitors and prospective new members. If you would like to join the discussion or just listen, there is a place for you in Page Turners.
For more information please contact Barbara Lee, lhlee@att.net or 227-891-3557.
UPDATE: Amazing Graces Book Club Sets Schedule of Books for Early 2022
PLEASE NOTE:
The Amazing Graces Book Club has decided to NOT meet in January.
The schedule has been shifted ahead one month, so the February book
will be Sooley by John Grisham.
January 5: Sooley by John Grisham
February 2: The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
March 2: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
April 6: Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
May 4: Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang
If joining a book club is one of your 2022 goals, we’re happy to have you join us! We meet year round, usually on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome (if fully vaccinated). We meet in homes, so please contact Sara Wallace, swallace01@gmail.com to be added to the monthly email distribution.
Tuesday Mission Sewing
Thursday Mission Sewing
Thursday Mission Sewing will resume meeting in January -- Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on January 6, 13 and 27. See you in the Sewing Room!
Contact Nancy Cantril 913-638-8049 or Dee Gound for questions!
Presbyterian Women
Email: laura.hobbs@villagepres.org
Website: https://www.villagepres.org/pw.html
Location: 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS, USA
Phone: (913) 262-4200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PWofVC