Updated June 17, 2020
June 17- Tonight is our first on-site class since this time of COVID-19. We'll gather in person from 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Wednesday, June 17, as an alternative to the Sunday morning Zoom video conferencing class, studying the same passage that was preached that Sunday in worship. CLICK HERE to register for Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka's Adult Summer Bible Study class at Village on Mission. CLICK HERE to register for Rev. Dr. Brandon Frick's Adult Summer Bible Study class at Village on Antioch. CLICK HERE to watch a video of Back to Church guidelines. On-site worship remains suspended until further notice.
June 4 - On Monday night, June 1, the Village Church Session approved opening the buildings at Village on Mission and Village on Antioch on June 8 for gatherings of up to 30 persons. Groups will be limited to classes, meetings and events sponsored by a Village Church staff member. All non-staff participants will need to register in advance. People will also maintain social distancing (a minimum of six feet) and will wear masks at all times. Village will continue to conduct the majority of our ministries online.
May 18 - Some Village staff have returned to work in the church building, although many continue to work from home. Church doors remain locked and currently staff only are permitted to enter the building, adhering to detailed on-site procedures and health protocols.
Village is following Kansas’ Phase 1.5 Reopening Plan permitting gatherings of no more than 10 individuals (15 as of May 22).
The Village Church Child & Family Development Center reopens on May 26 and will follow state licensing guidelines and protocols. Our Tuesday-Thursday Habitat for Humanity crew received notice that Habitat for Humanity KC has re-opened construction sites to volunteers with new policies and procedures to keep everyone safe and healthy.
May 16 - Rev. Melanie Hardison officiated the first memorial service at Village on Mission since the suspension of on-site worship on March 15, 2020. Following Kansas social distancing guidelines, 10 people attended, keeping 6 feet apart from fellow attendees and wearing face masks as we requested. It was a small and meaningful service. The family expressed gratitude to the church.
May 6 - Helping our Friends in the DR - Lora Garrison, director of international mission, reports that in the past month, we have sent quite a bit of much-needed supplies down to the DR. Below are the items sent to date. We will be sending a lot more down so this is just the beginning:
• Disposable masks for batey residents and Dominican partners at Light a Candle - 1,800
• Face Shields for Light a Candle - 250
• Gloves - 1,300
• Peanut butter (individual cups) as access to food is nearly impossible for batey residents - 62 lbs.
• Childrens vitamins - 6,300
• Food/medicine distribution bags - 4,000
Email lora.garrison@villagepres.org for more information.
May 4 - No In-Person Kids Summer Programs This Summer - Children & Family Ministry announced on Monday, May 4, that no in-person summer programming will take place at Village Church on Mission this summer. This includes Creations by Kids, Kids Day Out and Music and Drama Camp). VBS will be virtual. Find details about virtual VBS July 20-24 at www.villagepres.org/summercamps.
• March 31 - The Village Church Food Pantry Distributes Food to Low Income Senior High Rises and Pantry Partners - Over the past several weeks the Village Church Food Pantry has had to respond to a food delivery landscape that has been changing on a daily basis. As a result, the pantry has been continually modifying distribution processes to try to keep food flowing to the community.
During the week of March 25, the pantry delivered 108 over-sized bags of nonperishable food to three low-income senior high-rise apartments that we regularly serve. Residents in these building received 2,376 pounds of food. The pantry also delivered two pallets or 1,172 pounds of nonperishable food to our pantry partner Shawnee Community Services. The pantry also delivered 511 pounds of canned food to another partner, the Renewed Hope Pantry in Overland Park. In addition, we delivered 775 pounds of food to be repackaged to Village on Antioch to be delivered to low income students in the Olathe School district. During the week of March 16, 1,051 pounds were delivered to Covenant Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
• March 13 - Village Presbyterian Church has suspended on-site worship services at Village on Mission and Village on Antioch and all ministry activities and events effective immediately until further notice.
For an explanation of COVID-19 Virus, CLICK HERE
June 4 - On Monday night, June 1, the Village Church Session approved opening the buildings at Village on Mission and Village on Antioch on June 8 for gatherings of up to 30 persons. Groups will be limited to classes, meetings and events sponsored by a Village Church staff member. All non-staff participants will need to register in advance. People will also maintain social distancing (a minimum of six feet) and will wear masks at all times. Village will continue to conduct the majority of our ministries online.
May 18 - Some Village staff have returned to work in the church building, although many continue to work from home. Church doors remain locked and currently staff only are permitted to enter the building, adhering to detailed on-site procedures and health protocols.
Village is following Kansas’ Phase 1.5 Reopening Plan permitting gatherings of no more than 10 individuals (15 as of May 22).
The Village Church Child & Family Development Center reopens on May 26 and will follow state licensing guidelines and protocols. Our Tuesday-Thursday Habitat for Humanity crew received notice that Habitat for Humanity KC has re-opened construction sites to volunteers with new policies and procedures to keep everyone safe and healthy.
May 16 - Rev. Melanie Hardison officiated the first memorial service at Village on Mission since the suspension of on-site worship on March 15, 2020. Following Kansas social distancing guidelines, 10 people attended, keeping 6 feet apart from fellow attendees and wearing face masks as we requested. It was a small and meaningful service. The family expressed gratitude to the church.
May 6 - Helping our Friends in the DR - Lora Garrison, director of international mission, reports that in the past month, we have sent quite a bit of much-needed supplies down to the DR. Below are the items sent to date. We will be sending a lot more down so this is just the beginning:
• Disposable masks for batey residents and Dominican partners at Light a Candle - 1,800
• Face Shields for Light a Candle - 250
• Gloves - 1,300
• Peanut butter (individual cups) as access to food is nearly impossible for batey residents - 62 lbs.
• Childrens vitamins - 6,300
• Food/medicine distribution bags - 4,000
Email lora.garrison@villagepres.org for more information.
May 4 - No In-Person Kids Summer Programs This Summer - Children & Family Ministry announced on Monday, May 4, that no in-person summer programming will take place at Village Church on Mission this summer. This includes Creations by Kids, Kids Day Out and Music and Drama Camp). VBS will be virtual. Find details about virtual VBS July 20-24 at www.villagepres.org/summercamps.
• March 31 - The Village Church Food Pantry Distributes Food to Low Income Senior High Rises and Pantry Partners - Over the past several weeks the Village Church Food Pantry has had to respond to a food delivery landscape that has been changing on a daily basis. As a result, the pantry has been continually modifying distribution processes to try to keep food flowing to the community.
During the week of March 25, the pantry delivered 108 over-sized bags of nonperishable food to three low-income senior high-rise apartments that we regularly serve. Residents in these building received 2,376 pounds of food. The pantry also delivered two pallets or 1,172 pounds of nonperishable food to our pantry partner Shawnee Community Services. The pantry also delivered 511 pounds of canned food to another partner, the Renewed Hope Pantry in Overland Park. In addition, we delivered 775 pounds of food to be repackaged to Village on Antioch to be delivered to low income students in the Olathe School district. During the week of March 16, 1,051 pounds were delivered to Covenant Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
• March 13 - Village Presbyterian Church has suspended on-site worship services at Village on Mission and Village on Antioch and all ministry activities and events effective immediately until further notice.
For an explanation of COVID-19 Virus, CLICK HERE
CURRENT RESPONSE
The response to the current situation involves both personal and collective decisions, each of which potentially impact the other.
Prevent the Spread of the Virus
All of us should recognize that prevention remains the number one strategy for keeping ourselves and our community healthy.
Minimize your presence in public areas to essential encounters
Into your elbow if tissue is unavailable
After using the bathroom
After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
Before, during and after preparing foods
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands
CLICK HERE for a handwashing video
Prevent the Spread of the Virus
All of us should recognize that prevention remains the number one strategy for keeping ourselves and our community healthy.
- When you are sick, particularly with a fever, reduce your personal contact with others
Minimize your presence in public areas to essential encounters
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
Into your elbow if tissue is unavailable
- Wash your hands frequently and always
After using the bathroom
After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
Before, during and after preparing foods
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands
CLICK HERE for a handwashing video
VILLAGE RESPONSE
Caring for Self and Others
TELECARE - Village Church is an extraordinary community in extraordinary times. Pastoral Care & Counseling has a goal of reaching each of Village Church’s 3,860 households by phone in the next few weeks. Would you be willing to assist us in this effort by making some phone calls? We will provide a sample script and a simple mechanism for reporting back to us any needs that you uncover.
Please let Linda Alley know if you are able to help at linda.alley@villagepres.org.
SELF CARE - In these uncertain days, many of us are experiencing heightened uncertainty, fear and stress amidst the changing landscape of the Covid-19 pandemic. In times like this, it can be easy to neglect our basic self-care, to forget how connected we are, or to feel distant from God and each other. And yet now is exactly the time we need to step up our wellness practices, in physical, spiritual, emotional and mental ways.
One good resource for tending to our spiritual self-care in these times is Caring for Self and Others in Times of Trouble: Some Spiritual Tools and Tips, by Alexander Levering Kearns, director of the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service at Northeastern University.
Perhaps you have additional ideas and practices of your own. Be gentle with yourself and others in these days. Above all, remember that God loves you and you are not alone.
GRIEF DURING CRISIS - Friends, CLICK HERE to read “Why Grief Feels Worse Right Now,” a helpful article on the unique journey of grief we are experiencing in these days especially for those who are grieving the death of a close loved one. This comes from the El Paso Faith & Grief Group. Peace be with you, and please reach out to your church family if you feel the need to talk or receive support.
Please let Linda Alley know if you are able to help at linda.alley@villagepres.org.
SELF CARE - In these uncertain days, many of us are experiencing heightened uncertainty, fear and stress amidst the changing landscape of the Covid-19 pandemic. In times like this, it can be easy to neglect our basic self-care, to forget how connected we are, or to feel distant from God and each other. And yet now is exactly the time we need to step up our wellness practices, in physical, spiritual, emotional and mental ways.
One good resource for tending to our spiritual self-care in these times is Caring for Self and Others in Times of Trouble: Some Spiritual Tools and Tips, by Alexander Levering Kearns, director of the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service at Northeastern University.
Perhaps you have additional ideas and practices of your own. Be gentle with yourself and others in these days. Above all, remember that God loves you and you are not alone.
GRIEF DURING CRISIS - Friends, CLICK HERE to read “Why Grief Feels Worse Right Now,” a helpful article on the unique journey of grief we are experiencing in these days especially for those who are grieving the death of a close loved one. This comes from the El Paso Faith & Grief Group. Peace be with you, and please reach out to your church family if you feel the need to talk or receive support.
Our COVID-19 task force is continuously monitoring this quickly changing situation and constantly discussing how we, as Village Church, need to adapt to those changes.
ENHANCED CLEANING - Since early March, George Darrington and his custodial staff have been doing enhanced cleaning efforts at all our campuses. Those efforts include:
WORSHIP - Worship with us online 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. this Sunday at www.villagepres.org/online. There you will also find our sermon videos and links to our sermon podcasts.
ENHANCED CLEANING - Since early March, George Darrington and his custodial staff have been doing enhanced cleaning efforts at all our campuses. Those efforts include:
- Using disinfecting cleaners on handrails, doorknobs, light switches, tables and other surfaces
- Locating bottles of hand sanitizer throughout the buildings
WORSHIP - Worship with us online 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. this Sunday at www.villagepres.org/online. There you will also find our sermon videos and links to our sermon podcasts.
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR CHURCH
Daily Video Devotionals - Speaking of God
During these extraordinary days, your Village Church pastors are providing for you a daily video devotional. In this series, "Speaking of God," we'll have a chance to speak of God with one another together. You will find these video devotionals posted Monday through Saturday on our Village Church website, Facebook page @VillagePres and Village YouTube Channel.
Village Church Kids
In light of all that’s going on…and our need for “social distancing”…we are hoping to connect virtually during this difficult season! We know this is all so hard and we are continuing to pray for you. Also, we just miss hanging out. So will you join us…via technological gadgets.
Join us on Instagram @villagepreskids or Facebook @villagechurchkids
Join us on Instagram @villagepreskids or Facebook @villagechurchkids
Young Adult Ministry
Young Adult Ministry online connection opportunities are all online at VillagePresYA.org/online.
RESOURCES
COVID-19 Resources for Job Seekers - If you have been laid off or lost your job due to COVID-19, there are employers in our community who are hiring immediately. Workforce Partnership has a number of resources and positions listed on their website at http://www.workforcepartnership.com/covid-resources-for-job-seekers-and-businesses/. You can also check out Catholic Charities Employment Resources at https://catholiccharitiesks.org/employment-resources/ .
CDC - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment COVID-19 Resource Center
Missouri Dept. of Health & Senior Services COVID-19 Outbreak
KCMO Health Dept. Coronavirus Updates
Stuck At Home Resources
Corona Virus – An Explanation for Kids
Click here to worship online.
CDC - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment COVID-19 Resource Center
Missouri Dept. of Health & Senior Services COVID-19 Outbreak
KCMO Health Dept. Coronavirus Updates
Stuck At Home Resources
Corona Virus – An Explanation for Kids
Click here to worship online.
