The Messenger
Lead With The Light
Message from the Co-Moderators
March! Every day this month – especially the Fourth (forth!) -- is a command to move forward with lively steps and with purpose. Even on our toughest days, let us do our best to march forth and:
- 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.
The verse about light for March is 1 John 1:5, which says, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."
Thoughts collected from PW Board members:
- Please be constantly with me.
- I like the thought that there is no darkness in God.
- Seek to follow the light.
- But I do think He joins us in our darknesses to bring us light.
- He is goodness and mercy.
- Follow me.
- Whenever there is darkness, look for the light and follow it!
- God is the light.
- God gives me all the strength I need each day.
- What is light?
- When I think that we are the body of Christ – and God is pure light – that says to me we are the light, too!
No darkness at all? Wow. Then why is there darkness in the world? How does God feel about that? What does He want us to do with it? Is this verse comforting, overwhelming, incomprehensible, joyous? All of the above? May God illuminate your thoughts as you reflect.
Marching forth in Love and Light,
Laura Langdon and Suzanne Willey, Co-Moderators
How Should We Pray?
Have you ever been asked to lead the group in prayer at the end of a meeting, or to say the prayer before a meal, or pray with a friend, and been at a loss for words? I have often struggled with how to pray. What words should I use? Giving a prayer to a group can be intimidating, but sometimes I have struggled to find the right words in my private prayers. I recently took a class to study the book of Romans and found a passage that I loved.
“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought; but that same Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” Romans 8:26
I think those “sighs too deep for words” are found when we are still and listen. Sometimes it is not about the words we choose but the depth of our feelings. I believe God knows what we are praying for and what is in our hearts even before we say the words. That is why I think meditation is such a powerful tool. It is in our quiet and still moments that we can sense his presence. God is with us always. We need to be still and listen and let Him in.
- Becky Anderson
Celebration of Faithful Women Registration Opens March 1
Revs. Kari Pellegrino, Elizabeth Meador and Sally Wright will speak to the theme, "Holy Friendship - Recognize, Sustain, Grow." Marvie Sneegas will delight us with her talents on piano. Refreshments will be available at the Village Cup. The event will be complimentary and live-streamed.
Your donations are a goodwill offering to support the Village Food Pantry. We will collect donations during the event, but participants are welcome and encouraged to donate ahead of time via the registration link. For more information, go to https://www.villagepres.org/pw.
The Village Church Women's Retreat is Coming!
Spring Retreat, April 22-23 at Heartland Presbyterian Center, Parkville, MO.
Please join us for a time to connect with God, old friends, new friends and the beauty of nature. Our keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Suzan Hawkinson, will help us explore our theme, “Walking In The Light”. We will spend time considering the darkness and how we need God’s light within us and once we connect to God’s light, how we show that light to others. We are delighted to have Dr. Elisa Bickers lead us in music because, what is a retreat without music!
SATURDAY AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS:
The Gift of Spiritual Practice – Rev. Melanie Hardison Enliven your spiritual life as together we explore and experience various spiritual practices. Which ones call to you at this point in your journey?
The Pitfalls of Perfectionism – Dr. Elisa Bickers Using one of Elisa’s favorite new cookbooks as inspiration, we’ll talk about the sneaky ways perfectionism creeps into our lives and relationships, and how we unlock better ways to assess our circumstances. Be ready to talk about snoring and fish sauce!
Discover Loose Park’s History and Learn About Easy Care Roses – Judy Penner, Master Gardener Find out about the best kept secrets of Loose Park Rose Garden and how it continues to be a jewel in Kansas City. Additionally, learn about easy care roses for our area.
The Benefits of Self Care – Brooke Brundige & Ginger Rothaas (of compassionfix.com) Before we attempt to pour ourselves out to others, we have to REST and RECEIVE. Explore what it looks like to embark on a life of self-compassion and in return, compassion for others.
ONGOING PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE RETREAT:
Creating a Community Cross – Kim Lorenzen & Laura Hobbs – Community is what it’s all about. Come join us as we transform a piece of canvas into a unique work of art. It takes each of us to “shine the light”.
Service Project: Chat with friends while creating unique handmade notes to send to people in our congregation and in our partner missions to bring some sunshine into someone’s day.
REGISTRATION: MARCH 4 – APRIL 8
Overnight – $95 (includes program, workshops, meals & lodging)
Commuter – $55 (includes program, workshops & meals)
Sign up online, by mail, or after worship. Financial Scholarships are available. Contact Sally Wright for more information at sally.wright@villagepres.org
Amazing Graces Book Club Meeting March 2
March 2: The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
April 6: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
May 4: Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
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.
Page Turners to Meet March 22
Please join Page Turners Book Group at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, for our discussion of Becoming, the 2018 memoir of Michelle Obama. In what she describes as a deeply personal experience, the former First Lady relates the stories of her early life in Chicago, including her parents’ deeply-held belief in education. She moves on to her career as a lawyer, marriage and the birth of her daughters, and her transition to public service. Finally, she gives the reader her perspective on the White House years.
Page Turners meetings are always filled with lively discussions. Visitors and prospective members receive a warm welcome, having read the book or not.
We meet the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December) in Room 127. We hope to see you there. For further information please contact Barbara Lee (lhlee@att.net) or Judy Lockett (judylocket5@gmail.com).
All are Welcome to PW Circles!
Come join us in one of our eight Circles as we gather for fellowship and discussion of our current Bible Study, "What My Grandmothers Taught Me." We will share stories of our grandmothers, view a video, and engage in discussion of our current month’s lesson.
PW Circle of Village on Antioch will meet at 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 14, in the church library. We’ll enjoy our “bring your own dinner." All are welcome!
Monday, March 28, “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
Most PW Circles of Village on Mission meet on the second Tuesday of each month.
For more information regarding meeting times and places for the Circle meetings, please contact Sherri Robeson at 913-219-9925 or email for more information.
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