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.
FALL 2021 VILLAGE U course catalogal - art & leisure
AL.001 BoomerangsJudy Bliss
10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Year-Round, Room 301 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.002 Monday Handworks and E-Works
CANCELLED
AL.003 Wednesday Handworks & E-Works
REGISTRATION CLOSED
9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 22-Dec. 15, Village Cup & 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 Nov. 24. Must register separately for child care. May only register for one Handworks and E-Works class per semester. AL.004 Friday Handworks & E-Works
REGISTRATION CLOSED
9:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays, Sept. 24-Dec. 17, Village Cup & Room 132 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 Oct. 15, 22 and Nov. 26. Must register separately for child care. May only register for one Handworks and E-Works class per semester. AL.005 Mom Photography
CANCELLED
AL.006 The Pointer Sisters (Needlepoint)Janice Gill
9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 8-29, Nov. 10-Dec. 29, Room 132, and Oct. 6-Nov. 3, Room 126 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 Watercolor
Ed Harper & Bill Yates 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 8-Dec. 15, 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 Bill Yates at wyates66@gmail.com. cl - Christian life
CL.001 Men’s Bible Study
Dave Greenlee
7-8 a.m. Tuesdays, Year-Round, Room 230 A group of members and non-members meet weekly. Child care is not available. For more information, please email dgreenlee@kc.rr.com or call 816-588-5173. CL.002 Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study
Newton Graves
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 913-888-2425. CL.003 Especially for WomenRev. Diane Quaintance, Retired Pastor of Village Church
9:30-11 a.m. Fridays, Sept. 10-Dec. 17, Rooms 126 & 127 Do you like to dig deeper into your life and faith? Especially for Women is a class where you can do that. Our fall discussion will be guided by two scholars: Diana Butler Bass and Isabel Wilkerson. In September and October, we will be discussing Diana Butler Bass's "Freeing Jesus" and in November and December, we will be discussing Isabel Wilkerson's "The Warmth of Other Suns." For more information, call Rev. Diane Quaintance at 913-850-8647. CL.004 Men’s Breakfast and Bible with Tom Are
Rev. Tom Are, Jr., Senior Pastor
7:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 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.005 Discovering God’s Vision for Your Life: You and Your Spiritual Gifts
CANCELLED
CL.006 Sacred Words and Sacred Sacraments: Exploring Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed
Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Senior Associate Pastor and Director of Adult Faith Formation
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 15, 22, 29, Rooms 132 & 133 Over the centuries, the church has identified certain rituals and certain words to be sacred and holy. So, what does it mean when we baptize? Why do we baptize infants? Why do we sprinkle? What does it mean when we share the Lord’s Supper? Why do we use individual cups sometimes and a common cup at other times? Is the bread and wine actually Christ’s body? And why do we say the Lord’s prayer and the Apostles’ Creed? Together, we will explore these sacred words and sacred sacraments of the church. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.007 9/11 and 1/6: What These Terrorist Attacks Have Taught Us About Responding to ExtremismBill Tammeus, Retired Kansas City Star Columnist and Ruling Elder at Second Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29, Room 127 Bill Tammeus wrote for the editorial staff of the Kansas City Star for nearly thirty years. Toward the end of his career, he wrote the popular “Faith Matters” column. The author of several books, last year he published his latest book "Love, Loss and Endurance: A 9/11 Story of Resilience and Hope in an Age of Anxiety." His latest book explores his own family’s 9/11 story and looks for ways everyone can counter religious and other kinds of extremism. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.008 Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence
Rev. Dr. Meredith Holladay
6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26, Room 126 How has your experience of Jesus changed over the years? This is the question that theologian Diana Butler Bass sought to answer in most recent book. Bass explains that she has come to view Jesus in different ways during different times in her life. While still being “Christian,” Bass says she is not the same Christian today. Meredith Holladay will use Bass’ book as a framework for this class that explores how we see Jesus. She invites us to liberate Jesus and free ourselves when it comes to the ever-compelling and yet often-elusive figure at the center of Christian faith. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.009 Galatians: Crisis in the Church
Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Senior Associate Pastor and Director of Adult Faith Formation
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Rooms 132 & 133, and via Zoom One of the most controversial questions of the early church was about Gentile converts. Do they have to become Jewish to be Christian? The Apostle Paul answers with a resounding “No!” But his answer is not accepted by leaders of Galatian churches, which throws the churches into crisis. Bible scholars cite Paul’s emphatic tone and language. So, what does the letter to the Galatians have to say to us today? How do we deal with conflict and disagreements? Together, we will explore what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church now. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.010 A Theology in Outline: An Overview of Christian Theology
Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Senior Associate Pastor and Director of Adult Faith Formation
11 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18, and Dec. 2, 9, via Zoom Robert Jenson taught Christian Theology at Luther College, Gettysburg Seminary, St. Olaf College, Oxford University and Princeton University. His popular course on systematic theology examined various church doctrines about God, the Trinity, creation, humanity, sin, salvation and the church. Professor Adam Eitel at Yale Divinity School has transcribed and edited his lectures into nine concise, understandable chapters. Participants in this class must purchase this small book and will covenant to read one chapter (12-13 pages) before each class. Together, we will gain a broad understanding of these key dimensions of the Christian faith. Child care is not provided. CL.011 Medieval Mothers: The Five Matriarchs of the Reformation
Dr. Trenton Smith Ph.D., Village Church Member and Medieval Historian & Theologian
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8, 15, Room 127 Over the course of its two millennia existence, the Church universal has sought to silence and oppress the voices of those who threatened its power and undermined its patriarchal, Western power structure. Over the course of these six weeks, we will explore the writings of five of our greatest female theologians from the Middle Ages, and we will discover how, even under the oppression of patriarchal theology, these women influenced the theology of the Church and even changed the course of history. Back through the years, we shall wander once again, to pull back the dark veil of oppression as we shine a spotlight on all that these marvelous women have to teach us. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.012 Being a Matthew 25 Church: What Can Dorothy Day Teach Us?
Rev. Eric Garbison, Leader of Cherith Brook Catholic Worker in Kansas City
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 17 & Dec. 1, 8, Room 126 The Presbyterian Church (USA) is encouraging congregations to join a movement to become a “Matthew 25 Church.” Matthew 25 churches focus on three goals: to build congregational vitality, dismantle structural racism, and eradicate systemic poverty. Rev. Garbison is a Presbyterian minister who is a leader of Cherith Brook, an intentional community that lives together sharing table fellowship, economic resources, labor, study, prayers and worship. The community follows the vision of Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. Through her ministry of meeting “Christ on the margins,” Day sought to help create a more just society for all people. This class will explore her concepts of The Mystical Body, The Little Way, and Love in Action among others. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. CL.013 The Joy of Christmas!? What Christmas trees, wrapped presents and Santa Claus have to do with the birth of JesusRev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka, Senior Associate Pastor and Director of Adult Faith Formation 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, Rooms 132 & 133, and via Zoom Christmas is the number one retail holiday in the United States (with Halloween a close second). So why do we give gifts on Christmas? And where did the tradition of Christmas trees come from? And who is Santa Claus or St. Nicholas? There are many traditions we associate with Christmas that are more cultural than biblical, including the date of December 25th! Together, we will explore how these traditions came to be and whether they help or hinder the real “reason for the season” – the birth of Jesus Christ. Child care is available. Must register separately for child care. en - environment
EN.001 Electric Car Show
Al Pugsley 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, South Parking Lot of Village on Mission Local electric car enthusiasts will display their all-electric and plug-in hybrid/electric vehicles, answer questions, and get you revved up to consider if an electric car would fit into your lifestyle. They will discuss how EV's are 10 times cheaper to operate and five times more efficient than gasoline vehicles, are better for the environment, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and are fun to drive. The expo is free. Bring friends. Questions? Contact Al Pugsley at apphs58@yahoo.com. hw - health & wellness
HW.001 Adult Exercise
Margaret 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 Exercise
Margaret 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 Exercise
Margaret 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 Exercise
Margaret 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 Exercise (Chair Exercise)
Margaret 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 Exercise
Margaret 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
Sirenna Beyer
5:45-6:45 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 9-Dec. 16, Room 333 Can’t hoop? Haven’t hooped since you were a kid? Then you will fit right in! If you are tired of boring workouts, then come have fun while burning big calories. This upbeat fitness class is low impact, strengthens the core and is an ideal cardio workout. It enhances agility, hand-to-eye coordination and improves balance. Most of all, it is fun! The class includes a stretch, a warm-up and basic hula hooping instruction to popular music. Easy hoop dancing routines, fun games and challenges are included that do not require any hula hooping skills. This class gives you a total body workout and everyone works at their own hooping pace. Custom beginner hula hoops provided. These hoops spin slow and are perfect for newbies. Kids welcome if accompanied by an adult. Child care is not available. For more information, email kchoopgirl@gmail.com. View sample class on Facebook View sample class on YouTube HW.008 Essentrics – Apprentice Exercise Class
Elizabeth Doyle 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, Room 333 Essentrics is a full body workout that changes the shape of the body through a dynamic and fluid combination of strengthening and stretching. By developing strong, lean muscles, the technique helps improve your posture. Perfect for all fitness levels, this program rebalances the body, unlocks tight joints and increases flexibility and mobility. 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 Auschwitz Exhibition Group TourRev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday Oct. 1, Village on Mission for lunch and tour afterward at Union Station This groundbreaking exhibition brings together more than 700 original objects and 400 photographs from over 20 institutions and museums around the world. "Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away." is the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the history of Auschwitz and its role in the Holocaust ever presented in North America, and an unparalleled opportunity to confront the singular face of human evil—one that arose not long ago and not far away. Availability is limited. If registration for this event is no longer available, please contact laura.hobbs@villagepres.org if you would like to be placed on the waitlist. Cost is $26.50 per person, including lunch at the church and the exhibition tour. Child care is not available. IN.002 From Chaos to Calm: The Keys to Getting Organized
CANCELLED ls - life skills
LS.001 Tech TalksTony Liu, Elder, Retired IBM Engineer and Tech Guru
6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Room 316 and via Zoom All are invited from the novice to the expert. In September, learn how Google’s Tools provide you productive ways to create documents, presentations, store files in the Cloud, schedule calendar activities and get navigation directions to locations from your calendar. Learn how to use a laptop computer, smartphone or tablet with these Google Tools. In October, learn about the information in a Zoom meeting invitation, how to join a meeting, discuss using an online calendar to remember it, and helpful Zoom settings for participation. In November, learn how to schedule a recurring Zoom meeting, use an online calendar to invite participants, share a screen, poll participants, use the chat window, and the Zoom settings for these features. Child care is not available. Registration is necessary. For more information, email anthonygreeneliu@gmail.com. LS.002 Introduction to the Apple Computer
Dee Couch
1-2:30 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, Room 316 and via Zoom This class is designed for the highly experienced Microsoft user who wants to learn how to use an Apple laptop or computer. This basic class will discuss the major differences between Microsoft and Apple. Topics include getting acquainted with the Apple Desktop graphical interface, the web browser (Safari), the file structure and Apple keyboard commands. Registration is necessary. Child care is not available. For more information, email deecouch@kc.rr.com. LS.003 Basic Publisher
Dee Couch
1-2:30 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, Room 316 and via Zoom Unleash your creative talent! Learn to use the publisher feature in Google Docs to create your own greeting cards, business cards, calendars, or simple newsletters. Google Docs is a free application. Documents can easily be shared with any smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer (Windows or Apple). Topics include accessing templates, editing templates to customize documents and printing documents. Registration is necessary. Child care is not available. For more information, email deecouch@kc.rr.com. LS.004 Mail Merge
Dee Couch
1-2:30 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, Room 316 and via Zoom Get ready to send those holiday cards! Learn to easily convert a simple spreadsheet into mailing labels. This skill can be used both at home and in the workplace. Mail merge can be used with Google spreadsheets on a laptop or computer (Microsoft or Apple). A basic understanding of spreadsheets is helpful. A sample Google Sheets spreadsheet will be provided for use in the class. Mailing labels will be provided to in-person participants. Registration is necessary. Child care is not available. For more information, email deecouch@kc.rr.com. LS.005 Presentations Using Google Slides
Dee Couch
1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov.. 2, Room 316 and via Zoom This class explores how to utilize the features found in the free Google software to create dynamic presentations. Presentations created using Google Slides can be accessed from any smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer (Windows or Apple). Topics include creating a simple presentation, editing the presentation and delivering the presentation to an audience. This class will also discuss how to collaborate with others in creating and editing a presentation. Registration is necessary. Child care is not available. For more information, email deecouch@kc.rr.com. LS.006 Hosting a Zoom MeetingDee Couch
1-2:30 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, Room 316 and via Zoom Zoom video conferencing has become a popular method of staying connected in the workplace, among friends, and even within families. There are many tools available for those who host Zoom meetings. This class will provide hands on experience with Zoom features such as scheduling a meeting, sending a meeting invitation to participants, sharing a screen, dividing participants into subgroups, polling participants and using the chat window. In-person participants will have the opportunity to practice using these tools. Registration is necessary. Child care is not available. For more information, email deecouch@kc.rr.com. LS.007 Google Tools and Google Calendar
Dee Couch
1-2:30 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, Room 316 and via Zoom This class explores some of the most popular tools found in the free Google suite (G Suite) of products. This class will explore the basics of Google Calendar, Google Keep (create and share notes and lists) and Google Drive (securely save files online and access them from any smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer). Registration is necessary. Child care is not available. For more information, email deecouch@kc.rr.com. LS.008 Beginning Spanish: Español Para Todos
Joni Kimsey 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Mondays, Room 126, 4th Mondays, 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. lt - literature
LT.001 F. Scott Fitzgerald: This Side of Paradise, The Great Gatsby and Tender is the NightKelly Fast
6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 & Oct. 7, 14, via Zoom F. Scott Fitzgerald, widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century and best known for his works depicting the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age—a term which he popularized, once said, “You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.” During his lifetime, he published four novels, four collections of short stories, and 164 short stories. Notably, Fitzgerald was a chronicler and critic of the American Dream, a concept that one literary critic notes as “an ever-recurring theme in American literature, dating back to some of the earliest colonial writings...the belief that every man, whatever his origins, may pursue and attain his chosen goals, be they political, monetary or social.” In this course we will read and discuss the three of Fitzgerald’s novels, "This Side of Paradise," "The Great Gatsby" and "Tender is the Night," using them to examine exactly what Fitzgerald had to say. For our first class, please read Book One of "This Side of Paradise." Registration is necessary. Child care is not available for this online class. For more information, email kellyfastkc@gmail.com. LT.002 Great Books Discussion
Jane Abildgaard and Joni Kimsey 2-3:30 p.m. first Tuesday of each month, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Room 127 This is not your usual book club. We tackle those classic writings and philosophers that you were supposed to read in high school or college, like Aristotle, Hobbes, Faulkner and Locke. We discuss, share ideas, laugh and enjoy friendship and fellowship. It’s great exercise for our brains. The Great Books will be choosing a new book in September. Stay tuned! Registration is necessary. Child care is not available. For more information, email ja87869@gmail.com or call 816-392-9550. 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: Marjean at 913-671-2322 or marjean.lindquist@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. Adult Sunday Morning ClassesRegistration is not required for Adult Sunday Morning Classes at Village on Mission. Please come, grow and enjoy fellowship.
Adult Sunday Morning Classes will begin on Sunday, Sept. 12, and meet from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Most classes end on Dec. 19. MORE ADULT OPPORTUNITIESThere are many more opportunities for adults to learn and grow in faith through Village Church.
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Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka
Director of Adult Faith Formation rodger.nishioka@villagepres.org 913-671-2323 
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