News from the Pews

October 2, 2026

World Communion Sunday is one of the three special offerings of the PC(USA) annually.

All of God's people gather around the Table to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Part of the atonement that happens around this Table is reconciliation, which is the focus of the World Communion Offering. Experience the grace that comes from reconciling all peoples from all nations around the corner and around the globe through the ministry of this offering. WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY VIDEO

What a blessing our animals are!


Last Sunday, Pastor Nancy led our annual blessing of the animals, an event that recognizes the unique ways our furry, feathered, and even scaly companions enrich our lives. Whether your pet is a spirited pup barking with enthusiasm or a serene cat lounging in the sun-- they share God's gratitude and love. It was a joyful gathering where we could bless our animals in person or share their photos, reminding us that no matter their size or temperament, each one brings a special kind of joy and companionship into our lives. So here’s to our four-legged friends and their endless capacity to bless us—may we always return the favor!

It's Pumpkin Time!

Pumpkin Patch Dates


now-October 31 weekday sales 2-6 pm

Saturdays 9ma-6 pm

Sundays 12pm-6pm*


October 10-11

Fall festival day at the patch with apple cider, vendors, and more!




*hours may vary based on traffic/conditions

Gather the whole family; it's time for our 2nd annual pumpkin patch fundraiser! With fewer pumpkins this year, shop early to snag the perfect pumpkins for your fall displays.


Get them before they disappear faster than you can say "Jack-o'-lantern!" To work any day throughout the sale: SIGN UP HERE!


To add some excitement to this year's pumpkin patch, we are hosting a mini fall festival on October 10th and 11th with local artisan vendors. We have activity books, pumpkin face stickers, cider, and soup to sell throughout the month, and we will set up two photo op areas for kids and families.


A truckload of thanks!

Huge shoutout to our amazing crew who rolled up their sleeves on Saturday afternoon to bring our pumpkin patch to life! 🎃 Your hard work and enthusiasm made all the difference, and we can't thank you enough! In just two hours, we had that truck unloaded and the patch set up! You guys rock, and we're beyond grateful for each of you. Let's keep this momentum going and make this pumpkin patch the best! 🌟

The Universal Christ

How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For and Believe

"Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God's constant, unfolding work in the world. "God loves things by becoming them," he writes, and Jesus's life was meant to declare that humanity has never been separate from God--except by its own negative choice. When we recover this fundamental truth, faith becomes less about proving Jesus was God, and more about learning to recognize the Creator's presence all around us, and in everyone we meet.

Thought-provoking, practical, and full of deep hope and vision, The Universal Christ is a landmark book from one of our most beloved spiritual writers, and an invitation to contemplate how God liberates and loves all that is."

Our study of The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr continues Monday, October 5th at 3:30 pm in the church parlor. Pastor Nancy leads the study.


This Tuesday, why not hit the pause button on your busy week and enjoy a breath of fresh air with a delightful musical experience? The KC Symphony is offering a free performance as part of its Mobile Music Box series. It’s the perfect chance to unwind and soak in beautiful melodies. With the support of three of our Heartland Presbyterian churches, this effort is sure to strike a chord with music lovers in the community. So, come on out and let the symphony serenade your soul—it's music to our ears!

MLK PARK

Red Cross Blood Drive-October 9th


❤️ Give the Gift of Life!


Join us for our Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall on Friday, October 9, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. Your donation can make a life-changing difference for someone in our community.

Roll up your sleeve, share a little of your time, and help save a life! We hope to see you there!


SIGN UP TO DONATE

Some prayers never make it into words. They live in the stories we keep tucked away, the truths we’re still sorting out, and the silence that once helped us survive. God meets us there, too. Grace doesn’t demand a confession at the microphone. Sometimes it looks like someone listening without trying to fix a thing. Sometimes it’s having a place to sit while the words take their time.

This month at Story Haven KC, we’re gathering around “The Stories We Don’t Tell,” with room for whatever you’re ready to share—and whatever you aren’t. Join us Thursday, October 15, at Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and stories begin at 6:30. Bring a three-to-five-minute story or simply come listen. No polished performance required, and nobody owes the room a secret. There’s room for laughter, silence, beliefs, and doubts. Pull up a chair.

Lead to Read


Many of our WPPC church members are serving the KC Community through being reading mentors at KCMO public schools. We also donate books to support Lead to Read! Email the office to let us know what school you are volunteering at this year! Pease click Mentors Help Close the Gap to see the impact you have on our students closing the literacy gap twice as fast compared to classrooms without reading mentors! 

You have an incredible impact on the students we serve. Thank you!!