The Messenger
New Eyes, Open Hearts, Able Hands: Grow—Connect—Serve
Message from the Co-Moderators
Advent is a season of waiting ... of preparing our hearts for the coming of our Lord Jesus ... of joyful expectation. We often feel impatient in our waiting and it is easy to lose sight of what it really is that we are celebrating. It is good to have the church to orient and inspire us! And it is good to be in fellowship with our sisters in our waiting. The Advent Celebration is such a time for us to rest into the warmth, sights and sounds of the season and to be inspired to remember all the ways that God holds us, leads us, loves us and brings LIGHT into our darkness. This year, our Advent Celebration will be Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m., in the sanctuary at Village on Mission, and it is sure to set our hearts towards Light!
One of the special things that happens at the Advent Celebration is the announcement of the women who will receive Honorary Life Membership awards at our annual Spring "Celebration of Faithful Women" brunch, which will take place on Saturday, April 1 next year. The Honorary Life Membership (HLM) program was established in the Presbyterian Church to honor faithful service to the women’s organization and to the church. We also take into account contributions to the wider community. More than a thousand women (and a few men) receive this honor each year throughout the PC (USA). Here at Village, the first HLMs were given in 1959! As we look at the names of women who have received this special award, we are truly inspired by the light that each of them carried into our lives, the life of the church and the community.
We want to honor the roots and history of this award while also recognizing that the title “Honorary Life Membership” feels a bit outdated. The board began discussions about this title after hearing from many of you, over several years, that it was confusing. After all, we emphasize that ALL women are members of PW and there is no need or avenue in which to join. That is part of the beauty of PW. We recognize that there are no membership dues although pledges are welcome. Therefore, the award of an “Honorary Life Membership” might sound confusing and doesn’t fully capture the honor.
We, as a PW board, are considering changing the name to “Faithful Woman of Outstanding Service.” This may better capture what the honor is all about. It would be the same award with the same criteria currently used in selection. We feel that it is very important to get your feedback on this proposed change and would love to hear from you. The board will vote on whether or not to adopt this change during our January meeting, after hearing from you. Please call or email us or any board member prior to Jan. 17.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows — light! Sunbursts of light!
For a child has been born—for us! The gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.”
Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7 (The Message)
With grateful hearts,
Susan Satterlee, sgsatterlee@sbcglobal.net, 913-909-1361
Cindy Henderson, cshsh15@gmail.com, 913-709-0472
Co-Moderators
Women With Spirit Bonfire on Sunday, December 3
Women with Spirit is having a Bonfire at Shelby Krumm’s Paola Farmhouse on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4:00 p.m.
We’ll gather around a roaring fire to roast hot dogs and s’mores. Bring your own beverage and campfire chair with you to the event. Bring your family (kids welcome), a spouse, a friend or come alone -- we'll have horseshoes and cornhole games setup! This is an outdoor event and will be held weather permitting. For more information and to RSVP, email Rachel Ciordas at rachelciordas@gmail.com.
Advent Celebration on Tuesday, December 6
Join us as we celebrate the knowledge that the light of God's love, and the support of our sisters in Christ, are always around us. Light snacks and beverages will be served in the Welcome Center until 8:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
Star Family Delivery Date is Sunday, December 11
Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight.
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight.
The Operation Breakthrough truck will be in the Village on Mission south parking lot to receive the Star Family donations on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Thank you to all who adopted families and gave donations to support the Holiday Meal program for the Operation Breakthrough Star Families.
There is still time to make a monetary donation to Village Church for Star Family holiday meals. $30 will feed a family of three or less and $60 a family of four or more. Note "Operation Breakthrough" in the memo of your check and send your check to Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208.
If you have questions, contact Ann Colston at 913-461-1791 or Marilyn Borel at 913-708-1917.
"Circle of the Month" - Circle 2
This month we are featuring Circle 2 as our "Circle of the Month."
Circle 2 is a mix of both old and new friends who enjoy fellowship along with the monthly Horizons Bible Study lesson. Ages range from approximately 45 - 90 years, but we are young at heart! We look forward to our opening question where we get to know each other a little better, as well as our tradition of closing our time together with a good laugh!
All are Welcome at PW Circles
Please come and join us in one of our 8 Circles as we gather for fellowship and discussion of the Horizons Bible Study, Celebrating Sabbath, Accepting God’s Gift of Rest and Delight.
Most Village on Mission Circles meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at various times of day. The Village on Antioch Circle meets at 6:00 p.m. the 2nd Monday of the month. All are invited to attend the Circle of your choice.
For questions and information regarding meeting times and locations for the Circle meetings, please contact Sherri Robeson, PW Circle Activities Coordinator (srobeson49@gmail.com) or 913-219-9925.
Treasurer's Corner
Thank you to those who have already given to Extra Mile Giving/Celebration Giving. We have received over $5,000, with a goal to raise $11,000. You can give at circles, PW events and online through the Store at https://www.villagepres.org/pw.html or Fellowship One. Please reach out to me at lmann1@aol.com if you have any questions.
Lisa Mann
PW Treasurer
Page Turners Book Group to Meet Again in January 2023
Page Turners Book Group will not meet in December. Please join us on Jan. 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., Village on Mission Room 127, as we begin a new year with a new list of very interesting books suggested by our members.
Visitors and new members are always welcome to be a part of these lively discussions. Please be in touch with Barbara Lee, lhlee@att.net, 217-891-3557, if you have questions.
Page Turners wishes everyone a wonderful Christmas!
Update from Mission Sewing
The Mission Sewing Group currently has an abundance of yarn waiting for a knitter or crocheter to make a blanket for Cancer Action Group. We need a size 4x5 foot blanket to keep someone getting chemotherapy warm. We can also use lap blankets about 3x4 feet in size. Please come visit us on a Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. to see what materials we have for you to use! Your gift of craft will make someone's day! In addition, we will be open in December this year from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
We can also use cotton printed fabric in sizes of 1/2 yard and up. All donations are appreciated. We recently had a visitor who had received a woman's dress made by the sewing group in 2009, and she is still wearing it! Made our day!
Sallie Veenstra, co coordinator of Mission Sewing, 913 568 4061
Mary Jo Meara, co coordinator of Mission Sewing, 913 788 0712
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