VILLAGE U CLASSES

Come grow with us! Registration is now open for all Spring 2021 Village U courses.

Village U is the broad collection of adult learning courses through Village Presbyterian Church. We are excited to offer a wide range of classes on a variety of topics led by excellent instructors. 

Nearly all of the classes will take place online via Zoom. For more information about Zoom, please click the button below. 
For any questions about these courses and adult faith formation at Village Church, please contact Laura Hobbs, coordinator for Adult Faith Formation, at laura.hobbs@villagepres.org.

Village Connect Conversation Groups

Village Connect is a way to strengthen faith through conversations, while making and deepening friendships. Click here for more details.

SPRING 2021 VILLAGE U COURSES 

SEMESTER-LONG COURSES

​*Register for these classes by contacting the facilitator directly.

Boomerangs 
Judy Bliss 
10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Year-Round, Village on MIssion South Parking Lot (weather permitting) or via Zoom

The Boomerangs welcome women to join them in fellowship and fun as they work on a range of projects from knitting, rug hooking and needle pointing, to balancing a checkbook. This group is designed for Baby Boomers and older. This fall they will be meeting in the south parking lot of the church if the weather permits and may also meet via Zoom. For more information or to register, email Judy Bliss at jbbliss53@aol.com.​

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study 
Newton Graves & Reggie Marselus
7:30-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Year-round, via Zoom 

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study will be meeting every other week on Wednesday morning via Zoom. We will do this until this crisis has passed. Zoom meetings have been enjoyable and great for our social interaction. We are open to new attendees. For more information or to register, contact Reggie Marselus at 913-302-2576 or reggiemarselus@gmail.com.

Adult Exercise 
Margaret Tlapek 
9-10 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Year-round, Room 333  

​This class will include gentle stretching, cardio, strength training and balance exercises. Come to this class if you want more energy, flexibility and overall good health. Call Margaret Tlapek at 913-710-4681 to register or if you have questions.

Adult Exercise (Chair Exercise)
Margaret Tlapek 
10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Year-round, Room 333 

​This class features chair exercises, so participants will not exercise on the floor. Exercises will include gentle stretching, cardio, strength training and balance. Come to this class if you want more energy, flexibility and overall good health. . Call Margaret Tlapek at 913-710-4681 to register or if you have questions.

Especially for Women
Rev. Diane Quaintance, retired pastor of Village Church 
9:30-11 a.m. Fridays, Year-Round, via Zoom

Especially for Women welcomes women of all ages to meet on Friday morning via Zoom to discuss issues that shape our lives and wisdom that shapes our faith. In February, our conversation will be guided by the Pulitzer-winning Isabel Wilkerson's book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.” As a scholar and eloquent writer, she gives us a glimpse of what underlies our nation's struggle for justice, and she points toward hope in our common humanity. Contact Rev. Diane Quaintance to register at hqdqfarm@gmail.com or 913-650-8647.

Beginner Hula Hooping & Hoop Dancing 
Sirenna Beyer 
5:45-6:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 13-May 12, Friendship Hall at Village on Mission

Bring a friend and join KC Hoop Girl for Beginner Hula Hooping & Hoop Dancing. This fun fitness class offers a total body workout and includes a stretch, a warm-up and basic hula hooping instruction to popular music. Easy hoop dancing routines will be taught, and custom beginner hula hoops will be provided. Contact Sirenna Beyer at kchoopgirl@gmail.com or 816-591-5186 to register or for more information.

To view classes, click on these YouTube or Facebook links:
https://www.facebook.com/KCHOOPGIRL/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSoa8DsKku3j0P7PfwsTbGQ

Great Books Discussion
Jane Abildgaard and Joni Kimsey
2-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6 and May 4, via Zoom

Remember those high school/college years where you were assigned those “classic stories, writings or philosophers” and were expected to regurgitate what the teacher/professor, history or someone else said they meant? Come and join an interesting and fun group of people who look at these classics through the eyes of modern times! There are no right or wrong ideas or views, just a chance to look at these words of wisdom through the eyes of contemporaries and toss around ideas of what, why and where these are alive or dead in modern times. We will order books from The Great Books Foundation. The books come with a series of example questions, so you don’t even have to worry about creativity - just read, discuss, share ideas, laugh and enjoy friendship and fellowship. Contact Jane Abildgaard at ja87869@gmail.com or 816-392-9550 to register.

FEBRUARY

*To register for the classes below,  CLICK HERE

Continuing Watercolor 
Bill Yates
Feb. 1-May 14, via email instruction

We will select subjects from nature and life to demonstrate techniques for paintings of your choice. A copy of the drawing with some directions, the painting at various stages of completion, and a finished view will be emailed to classmates who will do the painting at their own pace at home. Some videos may be available. There will be a minimum of six sessions. For more information, email Bill Yates at wyates66@gmail.com.

Tech Talk with Tony
7-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, via Zoom

Over the course of these four classes, we will discuss topics regarding the use of Zoom, such as different ways to join a Zoom meeting, using an online calendar to remember meeting dates and times, which Zoom settings are helpful to participate in a meeting, scheduling a recurring meeting and emailing a recurring meeting invitation to participants. We will also go over features a host can use, such as an online calendar to schedule a meeting, recording and editing the meeting, storing the meeting within the cloud, and sharing the link to the recorded meeting via email. Email Tony Liu at anthonygreeneliu@gmail.com for more information.

Will the Church have faith? Why being Presbyterian matters.
Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, senior associate pastor
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 3, 10, 24, via Zoom

All of the major Protestant denominations in the United States are steadily declining in membership – further evidence that we are in a “post-denominational age.” If this is true, then why do we claim a Presbyterian identity? What does that even mean? Designed for the new member, long-time member, and the just curious, participants will explore the theology, history, structure and practices of the Presbyterian Church, and why it matters that we identify ourselves as Presbyterians.

Raymond Carter and Katherine Mansfield
Kelly Fast, language arts teacher at St. Teresa’s Academy
6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 11-25, March 4, 25, April 1-15, via Zoom

Last semester we read 40 short stories from Anton Chekhov, a writer who shaped the modern short story, as we know it, and influenced nearly every great Western twentieth century writer, including James Joyce, William Faulkner, Virginia Woolf, and John Cheever. Innovations Chekhov brought to the short story include a focus on character over plot, an awareness of the psychology of his characters, and an attention to realism, all of which culminate in his six principles of a good story:
● Stories should avoid long discourses on politics, economics or social issues.
● Stories should be objective.
● Stories should contain true descriptions of people and things.
● Stories should be as brief as possible.
● Stories should be both audacious and original.
● Stories should exhibit compassion.

In this course, we will explore the works of two writers greatly influenced by Chekhov: Raymond Carver and Katherine Mansfield. During the first four weeks, we will explore Katherine Mansfield’s collection “The Garden Party.” During the final four weeks, we will read Raymond Carver’s collection “Cathedral.” We will be using the following editions of these works: Katherine Mansfield,” The Garden Party: And Other Stories” - ISBN-13: 978-0062490490, and Raymond Carver, “Cathedral” - ISBN-13: 978-0679723691.

MARCH

*To register for the classes below,  CLICK HERE    

Four Giants of 20th Century American Christianity
Dr. Gus Breytspraak, professor emeritus of religion and culture, Ottawa University
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, via Zoom

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Reinhold Niebuhr, Billy Graham, Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day are four highly influential figures who were important for American Christianity in the 20th century, and whose lasting impact shapes American Christianity today. Class sessions will view engaging documentaries and then will discuss and reflect on each of these great persons.

Book of James: A Practical Letter for Today
Rev. Dr. Martha Moore-Keish, J. B. Green Professor of Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, via Zoom

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Does God tempt you to do the wrong thing? No. Your desires are the source of temptation. Having trouble with someone? Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Be extra careful when you start to talk for the tongue is like a fire that sets forests ablaze. For many followers of Jesus, the epistle of James offers helpful, practical instructions on how to live faithfully. Professor Moore-Keish is a senior professor in theology at Columbia Seminary and just published a widely acclaimed commentary on James. Over these four classes, she will lead an exploration of this fascinating letter and help us all discover the gift and challenge that is James.

Speaking Out for Religious Freedom: On Faith and Politics
Rev. Chad Herring, senior pastor, John Knox Kirk in Kansas City and Prairie Village City Council member, Ward One
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3, 10 and 24, via Zoom

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Does the government, even in the midst of a pandemic, have the right to limit public worship? How can there be limits on the founding principle of religious freedom? Rev. Chad Herring serves as both pastor and elected official. He lives every day at the intersection of faith and politics. How does he navigate his way? He will lead an exploration of what it means to be both a follower of Jesus Christ and an American citizen.

The Great Hymns: Then and Now
Ryan Main, director of music ministry at Village on Antioch,
​and Dr. Jan Kraybill, organist at Village on Antioch
2-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30, via Zoom

We sing what we believe because our theology is shaped by our hymnody. Discover the history and story behind some of our most treasured hymns. We will listen to and reflect on both classic and modern renditions. Whether you are a musician or enthusiast, to discover new layers of meaning and context to the music that shapes our faith, all are invited.

Marvelous Music Movies
Will Breytspraak, director of music ministry and
Dr. Carol Dale, music coordinator
Zoom Film Class: 7-8 p.m. Mondays, March 22, April 19 and May 24
Movie Nights at Village on Mission north parking lot: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, 8 p.m. Friday, April 23, 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 28

​When great cinema and amazing music intersect, you find marvelous music movies! Each month we will have an in-depth Zoom class about a film, and then we will watch it on the big screen with amazing sound in the north parking lot of Village Church. Safe, individually packaged movie snacks and drinks will be provided. Movies will include “Thirty-Two Short Films About Glenn Gould,” “Les Choristes” ("The Choristers"), and a third movie still to be determined.

APRIL

*To register for the classes below,  CLICK HERE

Controversies in Feminist Theology: Language Matters
Dr. Kris Kvam, professor of theology, Saint Paul School of Theology 
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28, via Zoom

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What does feminist theology have to do with Christian piety and witness? In this four-class study, we will explore this overarching topic by exploring discussions and debates around the ways that Christians pray and refer to God. We will attend to personal piety and communal witness as we examine such topics as the significance of language, the names of God and visual imagery about God. 

Introduction to the Old Testament
Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, senior associate pastor
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28, via Zoom

The 39 books that comprise the Protestant Old Testament are a rich collection of stories, history, poetry, prophecy and wisdom. Vast and complex, these writings form the faith foundation for Jews and Christians alike because they tell us about God and God’s relationship to humankind. In this class, we will explore key themes of the Old Testament and discover how these ancient words still shape our lives today.

Discover Your Child’s Natural Instincts
E3 Academy
6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, Room 132, Wednesday, April 28, Room 232

The Kolbe assessment is a scientifically proven way to identify the instinctive way children approach learning. The assessments are a wonderful way of helping reduce family stress during this homeschooling time. We equip both parents and children with tools they can apply in the home and school environment to help achieve success. 

The Kolbe Conative Concept helps you learn to identify and develop your child’s natural way of doing, also known as their mode of operation. The assessments measure the conative faculty of the mind – the instinctive talents that drive the way a person takes action. Why is this important? It will help your child to discover his/her strengths and solve problems instinctively, reduce stress at home and school, build self-esteem, improve communication with your child and transform family dynamics by nurturing each individual’s way of doing. Our BrainyAct Kit is specifically designed to keep your child engaged and can be used for children 4 years plus. Nonverbal children can use this tool as well. Email Mary Lemon at marylemon24@gmail.com for more information.

MAY

*To register for the classes below, CLICK HERE

An Evening with Dr. John Hall
Dr. John Hall, Village Church member and poet,
and hosted by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, senior associate pastor
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, Room 126/127

John Hall, M.D., is a long-time Village Church member and a published poet. In addition to his own practice, he has volunteered for years with a community health clinic. Drawing on his experiences as a physician and his faith, he has published a number of books of poetry. During this evening, he will read poems from his latest book, “Doggerel from a Friend,” published in 2020, and share thoughts and reflections. 

Feelings: Yours, Mine and Ours
Rev. Sally Wright, pastor for pastoral care
6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, Room 232/233

​Feelings are given to us by God. So how can we use them to benefit us and not hold us back? Using the Stephen Ministry resources, we will remember that Jesus himself expressed deep feelings, and will learn to distinguish between different kinds of feelings, including primary and secondary feelings.

An Evening with Arlin Buyert
Arlin Buyert, Village Church member and poet,
and hosted by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, senior associate pastor
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, Room 126/127

​Arlin Buyert is a long-time Village Church member who has published six books of poetry. His poems have been included in the “Teaching Artist Journal, Interpretation V Anthology” and “An Anthology of Heartland Poetry.” For seven years, he taught poetry to a group of inmates at Lansing Prison in Lansing, Kansas. The “Coal City Review” published a collection of those poems. During this evening, he will read some of his poetry and will share thoughts and reflections on his writing process and inspiration. 

The Art of Listening 
Rev. Sally Wright, pastor for pastoral care
6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, Room 232/233

​Are you a good listener? We could all probably be better listeners. In this conversation, we will learn practical tips for improving our listening skills in our relationships. Using Stephen Ministry resources, we will learn active listening skills, how to ask clarifying questions and characteristics of effective listeners. 

An Evening with Priscilla Wilson
Priscilla Wilson, Village Church member and writer,
and hosted by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, senior associate pastor
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, Room 126/127

Priscilla Wilson leads a fascinating life. Born in Arkansas City, Kansas, she is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and was married to Rodney Wilson for 59 years before his death in 2011. Along the way, she has traveled the world through the Institute of Cultural Affairs as a program designer, curriculum creator and trainer, and then co-founded TeamTech, Inc., a Kansas City-based strategic consulting firm. She has authored four books and is completing her fifth. During this evening, she will read from her new autobiography and share her thoughts and reflections. 

2021 MENEILLY VISITING SCHOLAR LECTURE SERIES

​"Post Election Faith and Politics"
An Online Event with Lisa Sharon Harper
​March 5 & 6, 2021

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​Ms. Harper's lectures will include "Four Words that Change Everything", "The Call to Beloved Community" and "How to Repair What Race Broke in the World."

Lisa Sharon Harper received her Masters degree in Human Rights from Columbia University, NYC, and has served as Sojourner Magazine’s chief church engagement officer, as well as an Auburn Seminary Senior Fellow.

CLICK HERE for more details about our Visiting Scholar series.

MORE ADULT OPPORTUNITIES

There are many more opportunities for adults to learn and grow in faith through Village Presbyterian Church… 
 
Concerned about the environment and care for God’s creation? Visit the Environmental Action Committee web page at http://www.villagepres.org/environmental-action.html
 
Wondering about the myriad of music groups, choirs and ensembles and events? Find more information at
http://www.villagepres.org/music-ensembles.html
 
Seeking to participate in ministry with Presbyterian Women? Click this link http://www.villagepres.org/pw.html
 
Hoping to be involved in issues of social justice and action for God’s Kingdom? Contact the Social Witness and Advocacy Task Force here. http://www.villagepres.org/social-justice.html
 
Yearning to be a part of smaller group of adults for study and friendship? Seek out the Village Connect small group ministry here. http://www.villagepres.org/village-connect-small-group-ministries.html
CONTACT:
Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka
Director of Adult Faith Formation
Email
913-671-2323
CONTACT: 
Laura Hobbs
Coordinator for Adult Faith Formation
Email
913-671-2333