The Messenger
New Eyes, Open Hearts, Able Hands: Grow—Connect—Serve
Message from the Co-Moderators
Ahhhh, Fall!! There is nothing quite like the sights, sounds and smells of this season. Crisp apples dipped in caramel, leaves turning brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow, Chiefs gear and marching bands and all things football (Go, Chiefs!), fire pits roasting marshmallows—all these things welcome us to a new season.
When my children were growing up, Fall was always the time to re-evaluate where I was, who I was, where I was going. Somehow, in a year’s time, things often felt so very different. As my children grew, I grew too — at least that was my hope. I was seeking to keep my focus on what was most important and who was most important. It required living intentionally, thoughtfully, faithfully.
As I have gotten older, these times of evaluation and reflection have had a different rhythm and timing. Now, it is other life events that have caused me to pause: the death of a parent, the birth of a grandchild, retirement, and now, emerging from a worldwide pandemic. In these times of change, as I evaluate who I am and who I want to be, I seek to hold on to gratitude for all of the blessings that God has showered upon me. And with these new beginnings, as I let go of one thing and grab on to the next, God’s love is the constant and abiding gift. He is the gift!
So, as we enter a season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of this quote by Frederick Buechner:
“Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.”
May we seek to be present in our own lives … all the parts of it … living intentionally, thoughtfully, faithfully and with hearts full of gratitude.
We are thankful for each of you,
Cindy Henderson and Susan Satterlee
Co-Moderators
Mark Your Calendar Now for Advent Celebration
All in our community who identify as women are invited to the annual PW Advent Celebration, "Women. Together. In Light." on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
We are thrilled to experience God’s message this night through liturgical dancing, scripture, women's stories, music, and prayer. 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. More details and registration to come at villagepres.org/pw.
Patty Slentz-Howard
Moderator-Elect
PW Circles - All are Welcome!!
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.
"Circle of the Month" - Circle 10
Previously known as the evening circle, Circle 10 now meets at 4:00 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Village on Mission, Room 132.
Circle 10 is a fun-loving group of women of various ages who enjoy fellowship, laughter, and treats! They learn and grow in faith together using the Horizons Bible Study. Visitors and new members are always welcome!
Amazing Graces Book Club to Discuss "Oh William!"
The Amazing Graces Book Club will meet on Nov. 2 to discuss Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout.
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 to be added to the monthly email distribution.
Adopt A "Star Family" for Christmas - Link to Select Families Goes Live November 3
Once again this year, Village Church has the opportunity to sponsor "Star Families" from Operation Breakthrough. Beginning Nov. 3, simply go online to select the family you wish to adopt, and follow the instructions provided. Once you adopt a family, you will need to come by Friendship Hall in Village on Mission on Sunday, Nov. 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, to pick up an adoption packet for your family. Each child in a family receives at least three new, unwrapped gifts, and the mom receives a $25 gift card to Target or Walmart.
The Operation Breakthrough Truck will be in the Village on Mission south parking lot to receive donations between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon on Sunday, Dec. 11.
We also invite you to make a monetary donation to Village Church for Star Family holiday meals. A $30 donation will feed a family of three or less and $60 will feed 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 and/or need help with the online adoption process, contact Ann Colston, 913-461-1791, or Marilyn Borel, 913-708-1917.
Habitat for Humanity Women's Build Day on November 4
RSVP to Lisa Harrison in the Village on Antioch office at 913-681-8180 if you'd like to join us. Knowledge or confidence with power tools is not required!
Women of Wisdom (WOW) Lunch at Houlihan's on November 10
As the holidays rapidly approach, Women of Wisdom (WOW) looks forward to gathering for lunch one more time before our calendars fill with seasonal activities. We are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10 at 12:00 noon at Houlihan's in Town Center, 4900 W. 119th St., Leawood. We extend a warm invitation to all women to meet us there.
A restaurant that is familiar to most, Houlihan's is a casual, comfortable setting that offers a widely diverse menu which appeals to both light and more hearty appetites. We sure hope you'll join us for a pleasant meal, friendly conversation, and warm fellowship.
RSVP to Diane Lee at 913-432-4321 or dianelee@att.net by Tuesday, November 8, and consider inviting a friend to join you for an enjoyable Fall outing.
Sign up for PW Friendsgiving Events on November 12 and 13
Friends·giv·ing [frendzˈɡiviNG] noun, U.S., informal 1. a Thanksgiving celebration with one's friends.
Ladies of Village, we invite you to take part in our first-ever PW Friendsgiving. On Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13, we will have reservations at several area restaurants for a table of six. Sign up via Signup Genius, or by calling Lisa Harrison at the Village on Antioch office (913-681-8180). Our goal is to meet new people and build relationships by breaking bread together.
Please feel free to invite a friend who you haven’t seen in a while, because we’re trying to connect, and create those wonderful Holy Friendships!
New Member Gathering
RSVP to Laura Hobbs at laura.hobbs@villagepres.org before Nov. 6. Questions? Email Sharon Valasek at svalasek01@gmail.com.
Page Turners to Party and Plan in November
Page Turners will do something different at our November meeting, which is always in the week of Thanksgiving. We will gather for a low-key party on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 127 at Village on Mission. This will afford us the opportunity to look back at our current year and begin planning for the early months of 2023.
Members were asked to suggest two titles, and these have been gathered into a final list. The new book list will be distributed as soon as possible, certainly in time for Christmas gift giving. Thanks to all the members who submitted suggestions!
Visitors and new members are always welcome. For more information please contact Barbara Lee at lhlee@att.net or 217-891-3557.
Join Women With Spirit for a Roaring Bonfire and More!
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.
Gifts from the Heart
PW Treasurer's Corner
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 now online at the STORE. The link to the store is https://pw.villagepres.org/village-presbyterian-women. Last year we donated $750. Thank you!
Lisa Mann
Treasurer
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