village u community classesCome grow with us! 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.
This fall we are offering a mix of in-person and online classes. 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. Look for the Fall 2022 Village U Course Catalog in mid-August. Registration opens at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 22.
spring 2022 VILLAGE U course catalogal - art & leisure
AL.001 monday handworks and e-worksThis class has been cancelled. Please see AL.004 (Wednesday Handworks and E-Works) or AL.008 (Friday Handworks and E-Works).
AL.002 yarnworks circleThis class has been cancelled.
AL.003 boomerangsJudy Bliss
10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, year-round, Room 307 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. Email jbbliss53@aol.com for more information. AL.004 wednesday handworks & e-works9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 9-May 11, Room 133
Enjoy community and fellowship while doing those projects you want to finish but can never seem to find the time to complete. You will see everything from crocheting to recipe organizing to catching up on phone calls and emails while your children enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care setting. For more information, email artminvpc@gmail.com. Class will not meet March 16 and April 13. Must register separately for child care. May only register for one Handworks and E-Works class per semester and must stay in building while child is in child care. AL.005 photography editing & graphic designKara Rodean
9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 9-May 11, Room 206 Need the time and space to hone your craft and complete digital projects while learning from other experienced digital artists? Whether you're experienced or just starting out, join this community of digital artists. For more information, email artminvpc@gmail.com. Class will not meet March 16 and April 13. Due to limited child care availability, can only register for this class if not registered for a Handworks class. Must register separately for child care and must stay in building while child is in child care. AL.006 The Pointer Sisters (Needlepoint)Janice Gill
9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Room 232 Learn basic stitches and peruse materials that will enable you to make beautiful and creative projects for you and your family. Sewing and fellowship will be top priorities. For more information, email janice.gill@villagepres.org. AL.007 Continuing WatercolorEd Harper & Bill Yates
1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 9-May 11, Rooms 232 & 233 This class has been “continuing” for a long time, but new people are always welcome. No expertise is needed. The instructor will present the subject and provide a line drawing of the outline of the subject for participants to transfer to their paper. A finished copy, or stages of the painting and the final copy, will be provided to participants to take home for reference. Each project will take two sessions, then a new project will begin. Child care is not provided. For more information, email wyates66@gmail.com. AL.008 friday handworks & e-works9:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays, Feb.11-May 13, Room 127 Enjoy community and fellowship while doing those projects you want to finish but can never seem to find the time to complete. You will see everything from crocheting to recipe organizing to catching up on phone calls and emails while your children enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care setting. For more information, email artminvpc@gmail.com. Class will not meet March 11 and 18, and April 15. Must register separately for child care. May only register for one Handworks and E-Works class per semester and must stay in building while child is in child care. cl - Christian life
CL.001 fellowship of christian athletes bible studyNewton Graves and Guy Clark
7:30-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, year-round, Room 228 (Friendship Hall East) A group of members and non-members meet weekly. Child care is not available. For more information, please call Newton Graves at 913-322-0806 or Guy Clark at 816-365-5510. CL.002 especially for womenRev. Diane Quaintance, retired pastor of Village Church
9:30-11 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 7-May 27, Room 126 Do you like to dig deeper into your life and faith? Especially for Women is a class where you can do that. From Jan.7-Feb. 18, we will continue our study of “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” by a masterful storyteller and meticulous historian, Isabel Wilkerson. From Feb. 25-April 8, Kaitlin Curtice, the 2022 Visiting Scholar, will be our guide to understanding our past and the possibilities of a better future in this land we call home. Her book “Native” calls us to dig deeper into our faith and justice, and changes our perspective on indigenous peoples. Lastly, from April 15-May 27, we will reflect on the heart of Christianity and how we relate to one another, as we study one of the most, and least, known men of the 21st century, Pope Francis, in “Jesus, Pope Francis, and a Protestant Walk Into a Bar: Lessons for the Christian Church.” For more information, call Rev. Diane Quaintance at 913-850-8647. CL.003 men’s breakfast & bible with tom areRev. Tom Are, Jr., senior pastor
7:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 1-March 29, Room 228 (Friendship Hall East) Join Rev. Tom Are for a morning Bible study. Chef Andrea will prepare a hot breakfast, and Rev. Are will offer a reflection on passages from scripture. There will be time for discussion as well. Invite a friend and join the fellowship Tuesday mornings. To make a reservation for breakfast, please register online. Cost: $6. Pay in person. Child care is not available. For more information, email rodger.nishioka@villagepres.org. CL.004 the old testament for a complex worldProf. Cameron B. R. Howard, associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 2-23, via Zoom only Cameron Howard is associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Luther is the largest seminary in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Her latest book bears the same title as the course. She completed it during the pandemic. Dr. Howard writes: “Despite its reputation as dusty and strange, the texts of the Old Testament reflect complex, turbulent and dynamic times for people of faith—times very much like our own.” In these four classes, she will explore how the Old Testament shapes our lives today and will help us rethink some of our assumptions and attitudes about the Hebrew scriptures. Ultimately, she will illustrate how the biblical foundation of the Old Testament can not only increase our faith but transform it. CL.006 abortion and the church: where do christians stand in the life and death debate?Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Senior Associate Pastor and director of Adult Faith Formation
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 16 & 23, Rooms 132&133 and via Zoom As in many issues of the day, faithful Christians stand on all sides of the current debate on abortion. The Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assemblies, the biennial gathering of ministers and ruling elders, has made numerous statements. They speak only for themselves as an assembly, not for the 1.6 million Presbyterians. The Bible says nothing specifically about abortion but speaks clearly about valuing life – for the infant as well as the mother. The Roman Catholic Church condemns all who support the right of a woman to have an abortion and several bishops have moved to prevent persons from receiving communion. What are we supposed to think and do? How do we love one another? Together we will explore the various concerns emerging around the debate and will seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.007 discovering god’s vision for your life: you and your spiritual giftsRev. Sally S. Wright, associate pastor for pastoral care
6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 1, 8, 22, 29, Room 126 Who did God create you to be? How do you fit into this Christian community at Village Church? The Holy Spirit gave each of us unique gifts. We will discover those gifts and learn to develop and use those gifts effectively. The registration fee ($20) covers the cost of materials and refreshments. The prayer for this class is that it will help you live your faith more effectively and completely. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. Registration is currently closed for this class. Please stay tuned for fall class dates. CL.008 deep calls to deep: the psalms in dialogue and disruptionProf. William P. Brown, William McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 9-30, via Zoom only Bill Brown is the William McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He is a dear friend of Rodger Nishioka who taught with him at Columbia Seminary. Bill loves the Book of Psalms and in his latest book, published last year in 2021 by the same title as this course, he places the songbook of the church in direct conversation with a world in the midst of disruption and upheaval. From a global pandemic, to environmental catastrophes, to the rise of white supremacy and racialized hatred, to demographic changes and partisan polarization, Dr. Brown boldly and thoughtfully calls for Christians to place the Psalms at the heart of the conversation. Through these four class sessions, Professor Brown will open the Psalms to us and help us see how the Spirit is speaking and calling to the church. CL.009 decolonizing the church: building beloved communityRev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Senior Associate Pastor and director of Adult Faith Formation
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, March 9-30, Rooms 132 & 133 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called upon us all to “build the beloved community” of Jesus Christ. King’s vision for a beloved community came from the prophet Amos who said God yearned for us to “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” For many persons today, the church cannot be the beloved community without first “decolonizing” itself. This means the church must intentionally seek out and dismantle practices, rituals and systems that reinforce oppression of individuals and groups of people, especially regarding race and ethnicity. Not all “colonial” behaviors and systems are oppressive. The challenge is to discern and transform whatever prevents us from building the beloved community. This particular class seeks to build on the conversation offered by our 2022 Meneilly Visiting Scholar Kaitlin Curtice. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.010 from the beginning: the history of village churchJudy Cooper, Heritage Committee of Village Church
11a.m.-noon Thursday, March 24, 31, Room 230 In 1947 a sign was placed in the yard near 67th and Mission Road that read “A United Presbyterian Church Will Soon be Erected on This Place.” In that same year, a young Seminary student graduated from Pittsburgh Presbyterian Seminary. He married immediately after graduation and he and his wife shared their desire to go as missionaries to China. At that time China closed its borders to Christian missionaries so their hopes were dashed, but the Board of Ministries of the United Presbyterian Church of North America wanted to send a missionary to the field of Kansas. Child care is not provided. CL.011 christology 101: who is jesus?Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, senior associate pastor and director of adult faith formation
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, April 6-27, Rooms 132 & 133 and via Zoom Christology is the branch of theology that studies the life and witness of Jesus Christ. Who was he really? What did it mean that he was both human and divine? What do we know of his years as a child and adolescent? How do each of the four gospels portray Jesus? What does it mean when so many people today say they are followers of Jesus, just not members of his church? Is that even possible? What does it mean when we say we are the body of Jesus Christ and he is cornerstone of the church? What are some of the latest controversies about Jesus? Together, we will explore these questions and more as we seek to be faithful disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.012 celtic spirituality: listening for the heartbeat of godRev. Glenda Watts
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, April 20, 27 and May 4, 11, Room 127 In 664 in Northumbria, British Christianity made a choice between two Christian expressions. One was the Celtic expression, born from Iona in the line of St. John the beloved disciple. The other was the Roman expression in the line of St. Peter, the founder of the church. The Roman expression was chosen and Celtic Christianity was pushed to the margins. Celtic Christianity never died, however, and in recent years, Celtic spirituality has gained new energy and popularity. Celtic spirituality focuses on one’s passion for God coming from the heart and soul. Celtic spirituality also sees God in the creation. Rev. Glenda Watts is a longtime student of Celtic Spirituality. In these four classes, we will explore how Celtic spiritualty is lived today and will engage in particular spiritual practices as we “listen for the heartbeat of God.” Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.013 book of colossians: new life in the household of godRev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, senior associate pastor and director of adult faith formation 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, May 4, 11, Rooms 132 & 133 and via Zoom “Wives be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” (Col. 3:18) That’s probably the most quoted verse in Colossians. The second one is: “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord.” (Col. 3:20) There are other instructions to husbands to love their wives and to parents to not provoke their children but those verses do not receive as much attention. Still, there is more to Colossians than the “household codes” as biblical scholars name them. From the great “Christ hymn” to the vivid description of new life in Jesus, this letter from the Apostle Paul has much to offer us as we seek to live faithfully today. Through two classes, we will read through the four brief chapters of this book as we gain practical wisdom for ourselves and our families. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. en - environment
hw - health & wellness
HW.001 Adult ExerciseMargaret Tlapek
9-10 a.m. Mondays, Room 333 Classes include aerobics to strengthen the heart, lungs and bone density, balance exercises to improve and maintain balance, and stretching and flexibility exercises to maintain and improve range of motion. The class is a comprehensive workout that helps with energy, strength and overall better health. Child care is not available. For more information, call Margaret at 913-710-4681. Cost: $5 per class. Pay in person. HW.002 Adult ExerciseMargaret Tlapek
9-10 a.m. Tuesdays, Room 333 Classes include aerobics to strengthen the heart, lungs and bone density, balance exercises to improve and maintain balance, and stretching and flexibility exercises to maintain and improve range of motion. The class is a comprehensive workout that helps with energy, strength and overall better health. Child care is not available. For more information, call Margaret at 913-710-4681. Cost: $5 per class. Pay in person. HW.003 Adult ExerciseMargaret Tlapek
9-10 a.m. Wednesdays, Room 333 Classes include aerobics to strengthen the heart, lungs and bone density, balance exercises to improve and maintain balance, and stretching and flexibility exercises to maintain and improve range of motion. The class is a comprehensive workout that helps with energy, strength and overall better health. Child care is not available. For more information, call Margaret at 913-710-4681. Cost: $5 per class. Pay in person. HW.004 Adult ExerciseMargaret Tlapek
9-10 a.m. Thursdays, Room 333 Classes include aerobics to strengthen the heart, lungs and bone density, balance exercises to improve and maintain balance, and stretching and flexibility exercises to maintain and improve range of motion. The class is a comprehensive workout that helps with energy, strength and overall better health. Child care is not available. For more information, call Margaret at 913-710-4681. Cost: $5 per class. Pay in person. HW.005 Adult chair exerciseMargaret Tlapek
10-11 a.m. Thursdays, Room 333 This class is ideal for any beginner or for someone who wants to go at a slower pace. This class focuses on more range of motion techniques and less strenuous aerobics. No floor exercises. Child care is not available. For more information, call Margaret at 913-710-4681. Cost: $5 per class. Pay in person. HW.006 Adult ExerciseMargaret Tlapek
9-10 a.m. Fridays, Room 333 Classes include aerobics to strengthen the heart, lungs and bone density, balance exercises to improve and maintain balance, and stretching and flexibility exercises to maintain and improve range of motion. The class is a comprehensive workout that helps with energy, strength and overall better health. Child care is not available. For more information, call Margaret at 913-710-4681. Cost: $5 per class. Pay in person. HW.007 Beginner Hula Hooping & Hoop Dancing fitness classSirenna Beyer
6-7 p.m. Third Tuesdays, and 5:45-6:45 p.m. every Thursday, Room 333 Can’t hoop? Haven’t hooped since you were a kid? Then you will fit right in! If you're tired of boring workouts, then come have fun while burning big calories! This upbeat fitness class offers a total body workout, is low impact, strengthens the core and is ideal for cardio. It enhances speed and agility, hand-to-eye coordination and improves balance. Most of all, it is fun! Classes includes a stretch, a warm-up and basic hula hooping instruction to popular music, as well as easy hoop dancing routines, fun games and challenges. Everyone works at their own pace. Custom beginner slow spinning hula hoops are included. Kids are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Child care is not available. For more information, email kchoopgirl@gmail.com. HW.008 Essentrics – Apprentice Exercise ClassElizabeth Doyle 10:15-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, Room 333 Essentrics is a full-body workout that changes the shape of the body through a fluid combination of strengthening and stretching. Perfect for all fitness levels, this program rebalances the body, unlocks tight joints and increases flexibility and mobility, develops strong lean muscles and improves posture. This equipment-free workout leaves you feeling energized and healthy. Child care is not available. For more information, call Elizabeth at 913-484-6869. Cost: $5 per class. Pay in person. in - informational
IN.001 depression: how i cope and why i talk about itDr. John Hall, Village church member, and hosted by Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka
6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, Room 132 In this course Dr. John Hall will discuss his experience with depression. He will share his personal story, including his diagnosis and treatment. He will then discuss the types of depression, exogenous and endogenous, as well as treatments. He will conclude with why he talks about depression: to help others face issues that are challenging and disheartening, and to decrease the stigma and fear of disclosure of depression. Child care is not available. IN.002 creating a meaningful purpose-driven generosity planAlison Patterson, Patterson Philanthropic Advisors, and Bob Sperry, Village Church Director of Giving and Endowment 7-8 p.m. Tues., April 26, Room 126 The giving and sharing of our money, time and resources is a deeply human and personal experience. In this session we will learn techniques and receive tools to create a thoughtful and intentional plan that connects to our values and brings more meaning and joy to our generosity. Our goal is to give you the tools to have a written plan that you can share with your family and advisors, that can be revised as needed and is a repeatable process. A brief, general overview of the Village Church Endowment Trust will also be offered. Child care is not available. ls - life skills
LS.001 Tech Talk with tonyTony Liu, Elder, Retired IBM Engineer and Tech Guru
6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, May 3, Room 316 In this two-part series, we will discuss the advantages and conveniences of creating a smart home, as well as the key aspects to consider in planning for a smart home. A smart home consists of smart devices you can purchase to make your house more secure, cost effective and convenient. This class will assist you with decision-making when considering how to create a smarter home. Tony will explain how to incorporate smart devices into a house, as it does require planning and preparation. Topics will include wireless infrastructure, interface framework, what to consider prior to purchasing smart devices, and how to connect the devices. Registration is required. Child care is not provided. LS.002 how to locate and organize files, folders, and pictures on an apple computerDee Couch
1-2:30 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, Room 316 This class will explore how to manage your documents and pictures on an Apple computer. Topics include using proper naming conventions, Finder, and Tags to easily find information. Registration is required. Child care is not provided. LS.003 using mail merge to create form lettersDee Couch
1-2:30 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, Room 316 This class explores how to easily create form letters by using a simple spreadsheet of names and addresses. A basic understanding of spreadsheets is helpful. A sample spreadsheet is available for use in the class. Registration is required. Child care is not provided. LS.004 connecting a smart device to a smart tvDee Couch
1-2:30 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, Room 316 Due to the increasing popularity of streaming services, we are viewing a significant amount of video programs, movies, sporting events, and even church material over the internet. This class will provide an opportunity to receive hands-on experience connecting a Smartphone, laptop or computer to a Smart TV or monitor for easier viewing. Topics will include information on the required hardware and proper settings for your Smart TV or monitor. Registration is required. Child care is not provided. LS.005 beginning spanish: español para todosJoni Kimsey 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Jan. 10-May 9, Room 124 Need a place to brush up on your Spanish? Always wanted to learn but never had the time? Join us in Español para todos. We welcome everyone from beginners to bilingual level speakers. There is something for everyone: conjugation of verbs, culture, simple stories, vocabulary and word order. Registration is necessary. For more information, email leonatherou@yahoo.com. Child care is not provided. lt - literature
LT.001 great books discussionJane Abildgaard & Joni Kimsey
2-3:30 p.m. First Tuesday of each Month, Jan. 4 – May 3, Room 127 This is not your usual book club. We tackle those classic writings & philosophers that you were supposed to read in high school or college, like Aeschylus, Emerson and Whitman. We discuss, share ideas, laugh and enjoy friendship and fellowship. It’s great exercise for our brains. We are currently reading “Great Conversations 1.” Registration is necessary. Child care is not available. For more information, email artminvpc@gmail.com or call 816-392-9550. LT.002 the works of george saunders: “civilwarland in bad decline,” “tenth of december” and “lincoln in the bardo"Kelly Fast 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 20-March 3 (class will not meet on Feb. 17), Room 233 George Saunders, creative writing professor at Syracuse University and the author of 11 books, once said, “When you read a short story, you come out a little more aware and a little more in love with the world around you. What I want is to have the reader come out just six percent more awake to the world.” Over the course of his 30-year writing career, Saunders’s many works, including “Lincoln in the Bardo,” which won the 2017 Man Booker Prize for best work of fiction in English, have done just that: they have made his readers more aware of the world in which we live. His stories have appeared regularly in The New Yorker since 1992. The short story collection “Tenth of December” was a finalist for the National Book Award, won the inaugural Folio Prize in 2013 (for the best work of fiction in English) and the Story Prize (best short story collection). In this course, we will read two of Saunders’s short story collections, his first from 1996, “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” and his most recent from 2013, “Tenth of December.” Additionally, we will read his 2017 novel, “Lincoln in the Bardo.” For the first session, please read the first six stories in “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline.” Registration is necessary. The registration fee is $125 per participant. Child care is not available. CHILD CAREChild care is offered for infants aged 8 weeks through pre-k children (daytime) and infants aged 8 weeks through elementary age children (evenings). For applicable Village U classes, there is a one-time fee of $50 per child for the semester. Reservations are required in advance. Our trained caregivers provide a safe and loving environment while your children enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities. Child care is available on a first come, first-serve basis. If child care was requested and is unavailable for any of your class choices, you will receive a separate email notification.
If you need to cancel child care: Please remember to call and cancel your child(ren)’s reservation if you are unable to attend a class. Contact the Child Care Department: Sandra Stephens at 913-671-2322 or sandra.stephens@villagepres.org for additional information. Please note: To accommodate as many families as possible, children are placed in classes based on their birth date. Therefore, we do not take requests for classroom placement. Thank you for your understanding. Class size limits are based on instructor planning, room size and child care availability.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka
Director of Adult Faith Formation rodger.nishioka@villagepres.org 913-671-2323 
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