The Fall 2023 Village U catalog is a wide umbrella encompassing our adult learning opportunities in one, easy-to-find location. Village Church is a learning community with a long-standing commitment to providing opportunities for adults of all ages to grow in knowledge and faith together. Please join us!
For questions about these courses and adult faith formation at Village Church, please contact Hillary Mackowski.
For questions about these courses and adult faith formation at Village Church, please contact Hillary Mackowski.
Fall 2023 Course Catalog
You may download a PDF of the course catalog to view or print or browse class offerings in the menu below.
al - art & leisure
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AL.001
Boomerangs Judy Bliss 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, year-round Room 307, Mission Campus |
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 Judy Bliss for more information.
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AL.002
The Pointer Sisters (Needlepoint) Janice Gill 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Room 132 |
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.
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AL.003
Continuing Watercolor Ed Harper & Bill Yates 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 20-Dec. 20 Rooms 232/233, Mission Campus |
This class has been “continuing” for a long time, but new people are always welcome. No expertise is needed. The instructor will provide a line drawing of the subject for participants to transfer to their paper. A finished 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 Bill Yates.
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AL.004
Blue Valley Quilters Guild Ibby Rollert 9 a.m. first Tuesdays Fellowship Hall, Antioch Campus |
The Blue Valley Quilters Guild meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the Fellowship Hall at Antioch Campus to hear speakers, learn techniques, and plan programs, among many other things. There is a $10 visitors’ fee at the door, and a membership enrollment form can be found at bvqg.org.
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AL.005
Drawing Class Kim Higgins 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 3-Nov. 14 Room 232, Mission Campus |
Whether you love drawing or have always been intimidated by the prospect, come explore drawing as a way to see. We will introduce various strategies as we work with perspective, form, line quality, shading, negative space, and composition. The instructor will supply the necessary materials for under $10.
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CF - CHILDREN & FAMILY
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CF.001
Monday Handworks Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Sept. 18-Dec. 11 Room 127 and Village Cup, Mission Campus |
Enjoy community and fellowship while your children enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care setting. Class will not meet on Nov. 20. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. May only register for one Handworks class per semester. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions.
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CF.002
Monday Walk/Jog Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Sept. 18-Dec. 11 Drop off at Mission Campus nursery |
Enjoy a child-free walk or run in the neighborhoods surrounding the church. Please stay within walking or running distance of the building. Class will still gather on days with inclement weather unless the Shawnee Mission School District cancels school. Class will not meet on Nov. 20. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions.
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CF.003
Work from Village – Monday Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Sept. 18-Dec. 11 Room 127, Mission Campus |
Are you working from home and could benefit from child care for a few hours? Come, find a space in Village to work in peace while your children will enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care environment. Class will not meet on Nov. 20. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions.
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CF.004
Parents’ Night Out at Mission Child Care department 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 28 Drop off at Mission Campus nursery |
Take a night out without your children. Your children will enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care environment. Must register for each date and each child separately. Child care reservations required; available for children ages 8 years old and younger. Class fee is $20 per child (maximum of $60 per family), per session. Must register for each child separately. Email Sandra Stephens with questions and if you need to register more than three children.
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CF.005
Wednesday Handworks Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 20-Dec. 13 Room 133 and Village Cup, Mission Campus |
Enjoy community and fellowship while your children enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care setting. Class will not meet on Nov. 22. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. May only register for one Handworks class per semester. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions.
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CF.006
Work from Village – Wednesday Child Care department 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 20-Dec. 13 Room 133, Mission Campus |
Are you working from home and could benefit from child care for a few hours? Come, find a space in Village to work in peace while your children will enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful child care environment. Class will not meet on Nov. 22. Child care reservations required; must register for each child separately. Class fee is $60 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions.
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CF.007
Friday Parent Break Child Care department 9:30-11:45 a.m. Fridays, Sept. 22-Dec. 15 Drop off at Mission Campus nursery |
Needing to run some errands, or perhaps just have a few hours to yourself? Take advantage of our Parent Break time! You will be able to bring your child(ren) to our child care department, then leave the Village property from 9:30-11:45 a.m. Your child(ren) will enjoy making new friends and participating in fun,
creative activities in a wonderful child care setting. Child care reservations are required; must register for each child separately. Class will not meet on Oct. 20 and Nov. 24. Class fee is $75 per semester per child. Email Sandra Stephens with questions. |
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CF.008
Parents’ Night Out at Antioch 6-8:30 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 6, Dec. 1 Antioch Campus |
Enjoy a night out without your children. Your children will enjoy making new friends and participating in fun, creative activities in a wonderful, safe environment. Please register for each date separately. Childcare reservations are required; available for children ages 8 years old and younger. There is no cost to participate. Deadline to register is one week prior to each date of Parents’ Night Out. Email Lisa Harrison or call 913-681-8180 to sign up.
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CL - CHRISTIAN LIFE
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CL.001
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study Newton Graves and Guy Clark 7:30-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, year-round Friendship Hall East, Mission Campus |
A group of members and non-members meet weekly. Child care is not available. For more information, call Reggie Marselus at 913-302-2576 or Guy Clark at 816-365-5510.
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CL.002
Especially for Women Rev. Diane Quaintance, retired pastor of Village Church 9:30-11 a.m. Fridays, Sept. 8-Dec. 22 Room 126, Mission Campus |
Especially for Women is a diverse group of women of faith seeking to continue their journey by wrestling together with new and old ideas. We meet on Friday mornings to discuss the Bible, our faith and our daily lives, as we read the work of many renowned authors. From Sept. 8-Oct. 13, we will discuss “Thunder in the Soul: To Be Known by God,” by Abraham Joshua Heschel, whose wisdom will reinvigorate our hunger for wonder and thirst for justice. From Oct. 20-Nov. 10, we will discuss “Between the World and Me,” Ta-Nehisi Coates' letter to his son about the dreams and dangers of young Black men in America, offering a vision of the way forward. For more information, call Rev. Diane Quaintance at 913-850-8647.
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CL.003
What Do We Believe? Creeds and Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Rev. Tom Are, Jr. & Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, co-pastors 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 20-Oct. 25 Rooms 132/133, Mission Campus Rev. Anna Owens, Antioch Campus site pastor 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 21-Oct. 26 Fellowship Hall, Antioch Campus |
Creeds and confessions are collective statements of belief written by a group of church leaders. The Presbyterian Church (USA) joins with many Christian churches in claiming several historic statements beginning with the two earliest, the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed. The PC(USA) includes 10 others, including the Belhar Confession added in 2016. In these six sessions, pastors Tom Are, Rodger Nishioka and Anna Owens will lead an exploration of the 12 creeds and confessions. For each of the statements, we will ask: Why did the church make this statement? What does the statement say? How does the statement shape our faith today?
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CL.004
Men’s Breakfast and Bible with Tom Are |
CLASS CANCELLED
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CL.005
Divine in the Details: Poetry as Contemplation Dr. Ruth Williams, associate professor of English, William Jewell College 6:30-7:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 4-25 Room 127, Mission Campus |
Through language and line, poets call our attention to the forgettable details of the everyday, revealing to us how these moments contain not only beauty, but traces of the divine. Given this revelatory power, it is unsurprising that poetry has long been used in a variety of faith traditions to foster contemplation. In this course, we’ll examine how poetry can serve as a vehicle that puts us in touch with the wonder of our daily lives, focusing specifically on how poets writing now, in an era defined by distraction, create space for readers’ reflection and renewal.
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CL.006
“What Kind of Christianity” Book Study Groups Elizabeth Doyle 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Oct. 5, 19, 26 Room 127, Mission Campus Jim Marshall 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 10-24 Room 127, Mission Campus |
Like most Americans, Presbyterians know something about the history of slavery and the rise of anti-black racism in the United States and most think of slavery as a tragedy that “just happened” without considering how it happened and who really was involved. In his book, “What Kind of Christianity,” Dr. William Yoo tells how Presbyterians were active in promoting, supporting and willfully ignoring the enslavement of other human beings when the Presbyterian Church was establishing itself as a central part of American life. In anticipation of Dr. Yoo’s visit, Village church members Elizabeth Doyle and Jim Marshall will each lead a group to read and discuss Dr. Yoo’s book. Participants will need to purchase their own copy of the book.
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CL.007
“You Shall Not Lie with a Male as with a Woman” (Lev. 18:22): Christianity and Sexual Diversity Biagio Mazza, pastoral associate at St. Sabina Parish in Belton, Missouri 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20 Room 133, Mission Campus |
In light of what is going on today in our churches, country and world, these sessions examine and explore the passages in scripture that have been used by most Christians to condemn same sex relations. The scripture passages are read and interpreted in light of the religious, historical and cultural contexts in which they were written. Once examining them in this light, the sessions explore how we can understand and properly interpret them today in light of science, psychology, and the personal testimonies of people with same sex attraction and identity. All faith traditions are most welcome.
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CL.008
Acts of the Apostles: Growing the Early Church Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, co-pastor 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29 Rooms 132/133, Mission Campus |
At the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, we meet Peter in Jerusalem preaching his first sermon at the Jewish festival of Pentecost. In the last chapter, we hear from the Apostle Paul under house arrest in Rome still preaching and teaching in what many believe were his final days. In between, we follow the journey of a fledgling group of women and men doing their best to follow the example and the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Acts is the story of the early church with all its challenges and successes. Together, participants in this class will study the significant events in Acts that continue to shape the church today.
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CL.009
Saint John’s Bible: Hospitality, Transformation, Justice for all God’s People Rev. Peter DeVeau & Rev. Dr. Robert Johnson, provost & dean of the faculty, Central Seminary 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29 Room 126, Mission Campus |
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral here in Kansas City owns a heritage edition, full-size, museum quality, fine art reproduction of The Saint John’s Bible. The Bible is a handwritten text of the New Revised Standard Version and includes 160 illuminations. It also incorporates many of the characteristics of its medieval predecessors. In this class, select passages of scripture, as illuminated in The Saint John’s Bible, serve as windows through which to consider the themes of hospitality, transformation, and justice for all. The Rev. Peter DeVeau and Rev. Dr. Robert Johnson, joined by cathedral Bible docents, lead a class that explores these and other themes and art of the Bible. Then on Saturday, Dec. 2, all seven volumes of The Saint John’s Bible will be on display at Village Church. A thrill in both sight and substance, it will be an extraordinary opportunity to see a contemporary illuminated manuscript of the whole Bible.
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CL.010
From Devotional to Hymnbook: Exploring the Book of Psalms Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, co-pastor 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, Nov. 2-30 Via Zoom only |
The book of Psalms is one of the most beloved and popular books of the Bible. From the power of the 23rd Psalm recited at funerals to the psalters throughout the church’s life that offer each of the 150 psalms in song, the Book of Psalms is a source of hope, comfort, joy, and lament. Jesus himself quoted the Psalms more than any other Old Testament book. Together, we will explore the psalms and their power as a source of inspiration and a source of consolation. Must register to receive the Zoom link.
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CL.011
Emmanuel: God with us...from the manger to the temple Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, co-pastor 6:30-8 p.m., Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 13 Rooms 132/133, Mission Campus |
The story of God coming to be with us in Jesus Christ begins with the announcements to Mary and Joseph and then after Jesus is born, moves to the temple where Jesus is presented. Together, these scenes show us the identity of Jesus and the role he is to play in the world. In these two sessions, we will explore how the story of the incarnation is made complete by Simeon and Anna seeing Jesus in the temple and further, how Jesus’ being “lost” in the temple as a 12-year-old is part of the incarnation story, too.
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hw - health & wellness
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HW.001-005
Adult Exercise Margaret Tlapek 9-10 a.m. Youth Loft (Room 333), Mission Campus |
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. Call Margaret at 913-710-4681 for more information. Cost: $5 per class. Pay in person. Use the class codes below when registering to indicate the day of the week you would like to attend.
HW.001 Monday Adult Exercise HW.002 Tuesday Adult Exercise HW.003 Wednesday Adult Exercise HW.004 Thursday Adult Exercise HW.005 Friday Adult Exercise |
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HW.006
Beginner Hula Hooping & Hoop Dancing Fitness Class Sirenna Beyer 5:45-6:45 p.m. third Tuesdays and every Thursday Youth Loft (Room 333), Mission Campus |
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-eye coordination and improves balance. Most of all, it is fun! Classes include a stretch, a warm-up and basic hula hooping instruction to popular music, 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 Sirenna Beyer or call 816-591-5186.
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HW.007
Essentrics – Apprentice Exercise Class Elizabeth Doyle 10:15-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays Youth Loft (Room 333), Mission Campus |
Essentrics is 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 through a fluid combination of strengthening and stretching. 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 is $5 per class; pay in person.
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HW.008
Intro to Tai Chi Fundamentals Kimberly Bland 5-5:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Sep. 20-Dec. 13 Room 14, Mission Campus |
This beginner level course presents Tai Chi as a low- impact exercise program for enhancing body alignment, balance, coordination, mind-body awareness, and mindfulness. The session covers Tai Chi principles, teaching of the Tai Chi Fundamentals form (progression of 16 movements), and an introduction to mind-body skills training. Standing and seated versions can be taught. No prior Tai Chi experience is necessary; however, instruction of the Tai Chi Fundamentals form is progressive, so participants are strongly encouraged to attend all or most classes. No class Oct. 11 or Nov. 22. Cost: $100 for 11 total classes. Must register online and pay in advance. Registration is non-refundable after Oct. 18. Child care is not available. For more information, email Kimberly Bland.
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HW.009
Tai Chi Fundamentals Kimberly Bland 5-5:45 p.m. Mondays, Sep. 18-Dec. 11 Room 14, Mission Campus |
This intermediate/advanced class focuses on refinement of the Tai Chi Fundamentals form, a deeper understanding of Tai Chi principles, further development of mind-body skills and other Tai Chi topics of interest. Prerequisite: Intro to Tai Chi Fundamentals or other Tai Chi experience to be discussed with instructor. No class Oct. 9 or Nov. 20. Cost: $100 for 11 total classes (must register online and pay in advance; registration is non-refundable
after Oct. 18), or $15 per class via cash, check, or Venmo at the time of class. Child care is not available. For more information, email Kimberly Bland. |
in - informational
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IN.001
First Wednesdays Coffee & Conversation Ginger Rothhaas, pastor, life coach and founder of Compassion Fix; facilitated by Brooke Brundige, children & family ministry director 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6 Rooms 307/309, Mission Campus |
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month as pastor, life coach and founder of Compassion Fix, Ginger Rothhaas, brings encouragement, support and tangible tools for perseverant, joyful, intentional living. Warm cups of joe will be provided as well! Child care is available free of charge. Must register for child care separately. Follow the blue Child Care signs from either the South or North entrance to find your way.
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ls - life skills
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LS.001
Beginning Spanish: Español Para Todos Joni Kimsey 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, year-round Room 124, Mission Campus |
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: verb conjugation, culture, simple stories, vocabulary and word order. No class on Sept. 4. Registration required. Child care is not provided. Email leonatherou@yahoo.com for
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LS.002
Connecting a Smart Device to a Smart TV Dee Couch 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
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.
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LS.003
Locating & Organizing Files, Folders & Pictures on an Apple Computer Dee Couch 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
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. There will also be a discussion of how to properly store documents and pictures in the cloud. Registration is required. The same class will be held on both listed dates; please register for just one date. Child care is not provided.
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LS.004
Basic Apple Computer Dee Couch 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
This class is designed for new users or those needing a basic overview of the features of the Apple computer. Topics covered include the creation of basic documents and spreadsheets. Registration is required. Child care is not provided.
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LS.005
Intermediate Apple Computer Dee Couch 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 Tillotson Building Conference Room, 9960 Mission Road |
This class is designed to explore some of the little known features found in Notes and Numbers. Topics covered include combining multiple documents into one pdf file, document editing, and using formulas to enhance spreadsheets. Registration is required. The same class will be held on both listed dates; please register for just one date. Child care is not provided.
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lt - literature
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LT.001
Great Books Discussion Jane Abildgaard & Joni Kimsey 2-3:30 p.m. first Tuesdays Room 127, Mission Campus |
This is not your usual book club. We tackle classic and contemporary essays from a wide range of authors, from Plato to David Sedaris. We discuss, share ideas, laugh and enjoy friendship and fellowship. It’s great exercise for our brains. The Great Books group is currently reading “50 Essays, A Portable Anthology” (third edition), by Samuel Cohen. This semester we’ll be reading Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston and others. For more information, email Jane Abildgaard or call 816-392-9550, or email Joni Kimsey or call 913-634-7904.
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EN - ENVironment
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EN.001
Climate Change Update: Big Changes Coming Chick Keller 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2 Room 232, Mission Campus |
Climate change is driving change faster than expected. Floods, fires and heat waves are bigger and worse than forecast. Arctic ice and glaciers are melting faster than expected. While we have a global plan to solve climate change, we are behind schedule on implementation. Stopping climate change is a world war. We will need an all-out effort to implement change and to develop and introduce new technologies.
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Village Church partners with William Jewell College’s Center for Faith & CultureWilliam Jewel College in Liberty, Missouri, has inaugurated a new Center for Faith & Culture. As one component of the Center’s ministry, the college is partnering with four congregations throughout the Kansas City metro area to offer a variety of classes among its four campuses. Village Church will host two classes on our campus this fall. In addition, Village Church and community members are invited to attend six other courses offered at Second Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri, Country Club Christian Church near the Plaza and Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Kansas City. There is no cost to attend these other courses. We are excited about this partnership!
When you register for the William Jewell Center for Faith & Culture classes listed below, enter the coupon code: Village. The classes are free to members of our congregation by using the coupon code. |
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view class selection
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An Empathic Faith: Loving Others as Themselves
Rev. Christy Edwards, board certified pediatric hospital chaplain 10:30-11:45 a.m. Thursdays, Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 12 Second Baptist Church, Liberty, Missouri |
Most of us believe God is love and God wants us to love others, but often we find ourselves in situations where we don’t know how to do this. How do we connect with and care for people in the way God hopes for us? Developing empathy is a way toward healthier relationships. This class will explore the role of empathy in the biblical narrative and will equip you with practical skills you can put into practice to help you love others as they are.
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White Christian Nationalism in America
Dr. Bryan Le Beau, Georgetown University adjunct instructor 6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11 Community Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri |
For the past several years, there has been a movement to have white Christians in the United States recognize their complicity in the construction of a culture that seeks to protect national white supremacy. By looking at its past and current situation, this course seeks to show that this proposition is more complex than many would allow. It begins by discussing the meaning of the phrase white supremacy. It will then explore what many consider to be the history of Christianity’s role in the supposed national white supremacy. Suggested reading: "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity” by Robert P. Jones (Simon and Schuster, 2020).
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What Is So Special About Earth?
Dr. Maggie Sherer, professor of physics, William Jewell College 7-8:15 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16 Country Club Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri |
Over the past two decades, thousands of planets outside our solar system have been discovered, many of which could have the right ingredients for life. With these discoveries, the question arises, “Is the Earth special?” We will look at some of these newly discovered planets, how we determine if they are habitable, and how they compare to our own Earth. We will discuss what makes our own planet habitable and the unique features that allow life to flourish, as well as our responsibility to this life-filled planet.
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Speaking the Truth in Love: Understanding and Acceptance of Transgender Children
The Very Rev. Dr. Andrew C. Keyse, dean, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Beth Keyse 6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18 Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, Missouri |
We will look at how the love of Christ and his command to “love our neighbors as ourselves” can lead the way to understanding and acceptance of those facing gender issues and complexities. Beth and Andy Keyse will share their ongoing journey of walking with their transgender child and what they learned along the way. We’ll discuss learning a new vocabulary, challenging our own mindsets, finding the truth and responding in a Christ-like way.
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The Parables of Jesus and the Economy of God
Rev. Dr. Mike Graves, scholar in residence, Country Club Christian Church 7-8:15 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13 Country Club Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri |
Someone once defined parables as “simple earthly stories with a heavenly meaning,” which turns out to be wrong on several counts. The parables are complicated riddles Jesus told that had everything to do with life in the first century Mediterranean world, and especially the economy. Under the Roman Empire, these riddles poked fun at the powers that be, while advocating that the poor be cared for, not just elites. In this interactive course, we’ll wrestle with several of Jesus’ best-known parables as well as the economic challenges they issue in our day.
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From Holidays to Holydays
Rev. Shanna Steitz, senior minister, Community Christian Church 6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 Community Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri |
The iconic holiday lights of the Country Club Plaza are illuminated in elaborate fashion beginning Thanksgiving night in a beloved tradition of our city. It kicks off a season that can be complicated for people of faith. It’s easy to get consumed by the holiday to-dos of decorating, parties, shopping, and busyness while knowing that our faith is pointing us toward something more meaningful and holy. Based on the book, “From Holidays to Holy Days: A Benedictine Walk Through Advent” by Albert Holtz, O.S.B., join us as we gather amidst the lights of the Country Club Plaza to re-imagine how we balance these often competing interests and reclaim the holiday traditions in holy and meaningful ways.
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