Longest Night Service
Our Longest Night service honors the feeling that a number of us have about this season. It is the “long, dark night of the soul,” “the winter of our discontent,” in which memories of past experiences and the pain of present experiences can become painful. This is a special service to be with God in Spirit and in Truth.
Christmas Eve Pageant
December 24 - 5:00 p.m.
Live pageant presented by Colonial Church youth. Family friendly.
Christmas Eve Worship Service
Communion Worship - 8:00 p.m.
Communion, carols and candlelight.
December 29 Worship
One Service on December 29
We will have one service at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 29. There will not be an 8:30 service.
Come to Colonial Church to worship at 10:15 a.m.
Connect to online worship at 10:15 a.m. at https://colonialucc.online.church/
Or, you can worship anytime via YouTube at https://bit.ly/CCYouTubeVid
Colonial Women Breakfast
Colonial Women meets the first Monday of the month for fellowship and food.
Colonial Women Social Gathering
Women of all ages meet socially at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at O’Neill’s Restaurant at 95th and Mission Rd.
Colonial Friends Lunch
Colonial Friends will gather for a Christmas time together on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Carrabba’s Italian Grill (10586 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park). Reservations are a must! Individual bills will be given. Please contact Linda Moses (913-642-1335) or (luvslife48@gmail.com) to reserve your spot. Reservations must be received no later than Monday, December 9.
Colonial Women Book Group
A group of fun and interesting women meet about every six weeks on a Friday evening in a home to discuss a book chosen at the previous meeting. We will discuss "The Women" by Kristin Hannah on December 13. If you want to read ahead, we will be discussing "West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge in January.
Fair Trade Coffee Sale
Fair Trade coffee and chocolate is available in the narthex before and after worship the third Sunday of the month. Equal Exchange is an independent cooperatively owned organization with over 100 workers. By purchasing their products we are supporting farmers who practice a fair, healthy, sustainable way of bringing food to our tables. And, while you are providing income and dignity for their families, you are getting a good deal because you are paying only wholesale prices. Enabling small farmers in developing countries to earn a fair price for their crops and build their own businesses is just one way Colonial Church serves our neighbors.
Men's Breakfast
Colonial Men's Breakfast meets on the third Monday at 8:30 a.m. at Big Biscuit 95th and Nall, Prairie Village. Please join us.
Parents Night Out
Join us on Saturday, January 25, 4:00-7:00 pm for our next Parents’ Night Out! Leave your kids with us so you can enjoy some time to yourselves, all while the kids are having a great time, too! Trained staff and volunteers will host a fun-filled, screen-free evening with a pizza dinner, arts and crafts, play centers, playground time, and a DIY dessert activity. This event is open to all ages. $20 (1 Child); $35 (2 Children); $50 (3 children); $65 (4 children).
Fat Sunday Pancake Feast
Join us as enjoy Chris Cakes pancake flipping and delicious pancakes in preparation for Lent. Sponsored by Colonial Women.
Colonial Christmas Concert with Mr. Stinky Feet
Join us in the sanctuary for an early evening of joyful singing by the choir and Jim "Mr. Stinky Feet" Cosgrove followed by a light meal. Our concert begins at 4:00 p.m., lasting approximately one hour. During the concert, a freewill offering will be taken to help the choir continue to purchase needed items for the music program.
Fair Trade Coffee Sale
Fair Trade coffee and chocolate is available in the narthex before and after worship the third Sunday of the month. Equal Exchange is an independent cooperatively owned organization with over 100 workers. By purchasing their products we are supporting farmers who practice a fair, healthy, sustainable way of bringing food to our tables. And, while you are providing income and dignity for their families, you are getting a good deal because you are paying only wholesale prices. Enabling small farmers in developing countries to earn a fair price for their crops and build their own businesses is just one way Colonial Church serves our neighbors.
Centering Prayer
Centering prayer is a good way to find quiet in your life. Praying in a group can help you keep up a regular prayer practice and find common ground with folks who are on a similar spiritual path. No experience is necessary; all are welcome! Meets the third Sunday of the month 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Colonial Life Story Writers Group
The Writers Group will meet on Wednesday, November 13, 9:30 AM CST via Zoom. New and veteran writers are welcome to attend our monthly sessions, where we will read aloud our stories, poems, essays and opinions on a wide variety of subjects to supportive listeners. Here are some of the things we write about:
Tell us about the first time you voted. Did you ever change your mind about a political issue?
Write about the ways the world has changed since the year you were born.
Write a poem about a time when you learned something amazing and new.
Write about whatever you like.
Would you like to join us? To get your name on the email list for the Zoom link and other information about the group.
Chili Cook-off and Advent Craft Festival
Sunday, December 8 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us Sunday, December 3 for our annual Advent/Christmas festival and Chili/Soup Cook-off.
We will have crafts for children of all ages at various stations 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Santa Claus will be available for photos from 4:00-5:00 p.m., courtesy of Colonial Women.
We will follow the crafts with our traditional chili and soup cook-off. Please bring your favorite chili or soup – in your crockpot – at 4:30 p.m. in preparation for our tasting and voting at 5:00 p.m.
Lastly join us for eating and fellowship in the Social Hall. During the awards ceremony for best chili!
The more, the merrier. You might win a prize!
Also, please sign up to help with a craft. We have 2 shifts – 3:30-4:15 or 4:14-5:00. Pick the one that fits for you. Thanks for your help.
Thanksgiving Feast
Join your Colonial family for Thanksgiving dinner Sunday, November 24, at 11:15 a.m. in the Social Hall. The Board of Parish Life will provide the traditional elements of the meal: turkey and gravy, stuffing and mashed potatoes. We need you to bring a special dish that will add variety and spark to the meal. Last names beginning with A-G, pie/dessert; H-R, side dish/veggie; S-Z, salad.
Cross-Lines Christmas Store
Colonial Church has supported the Cross-Lines Christmas Store for at least 25 years. The Christmas Store provides a shopping opportunity for 400 families during the first full week in December.
Colonial manages the Housewares department providing laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, toilet paper, facial tissue, shampoo, and a family gift, such as a slow cooker, coffee maker, or blanket. Monetary donations are welcome at any time to provide these items by selecting Christmas Store from the dropdown menu.
Sign up here to volunteer for the Cross-Lines Christmas Store. There are setup and tear-down jobs and shopper assistant jobs from Wednesday, Nov. 20 through Saturday, Dec. 7.
Cross-Lines Thanksgiving Meal Boxes
Help our neighbors at Cross-Lines Community Outreach enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with their families. Colonial Church is providing 100 turkeys, 100 boxes of non-perishable sides ingredients, and 50 desserts. They will be given free of charge, with our love and prayers, to households served by the Cross-Lines Community Market (food pantry) in the week leading up to Thanksgiving.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/thanksgiving-crosslines24 to choose how you want to help.
Shop for food items and bring them to Colonial, no later than 9 a.m. on Sunday, November 12. Give money and the Colonial Board of Outreach will do the shopping for you. Click here and choose “Cross-Lines Thanksgiving Boxes"
Help assemble the boxes on Sunday, Nov 12.
Colonial Friends to Lecompton
Join Colonial Friends at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 13 in historic Lecompton, KS to see more than 200 Christmas trees decorated with vintage and antique ornaments. Located in the Territorial Capital Museum, 640 E Woodson. Entrance is freewill donation ($3 minimum suggested). Lunch will follow at approximately 11:30 at Aunt Netters Cafe, 336 Elmore St. They're known for their home-style meals, pies and cupcakes. RSVP to Bill Yohn.
Holiday Bazaar
A fun 2-day event with about 10 vendors selling their creative wares. 10% precent of the profits go to the Board of Outreach.
Visit
Saturday, November 9 - 10:00-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 10 - 11:00-1:00 p.m.
Our Whole Lives Sexuality Course
Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) Human Sexuality Course for Grades 10-12
Beginning in September, Colonial in cooperation with the Unitarian Universalist Association will offer a 9-week course for grades 10-12 on human sexuality. OWL models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice. It helps adolescents address their attitudes, values, and feelings about themselves, their sexuality, and others’ sexuality. Participants are guided by trained facilitators through an engaging curriculum that addresses topics most important to young adolescents, including those typically excluded from sexuality education and health classes.
The class will meet at 2:00 p.m. Sundays at Colonial beginning September 15. Students are expected to attend all sessions. Cost is $100 per student, which covers the cost of snacks and curriculum. Here is a link to the course registration form.
A required parent orientation is September 8 at 6:00 pm.
Gathering Sunday Meal
Join your church family and friends in the Social Hall at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 8 for a meal of chicken tenders and potluck provided by you. By last name, bring:
A-L appetizers
M-R Salads & Veggies
S-Z Desserts
Beverages of lemonade, ice tea and water provided.
Women's Swim Party
All women of the church are invited to a swim party on Saturday, August 3, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the home of Kathi Cook (2418 W 71st Ter, Prairie Village, KS 66208). Please a snack to share. Lemonade, tea and water will be provided. Cameras are prohibited!
Vacation Bible School
July 31-August 2, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Enroll your children, grandchildren and friends ages pre-K to 4th grade at https://tinyurl.com/colonial-vbs24.
We also need volunteers. Sign up to help at: https://tinyurl.com/vbs-volunteers24
Easter Services – 9:00 and 11:00
Identical services at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. with choir and children’s activity. Join us between services for small bites continental breakfast. Easter Egg Hunt for the kids.
Holy Thursday Service
We will gather for scripture and to celebrate communion in remembrance of Jesus’ last supper.
Family Game Night
Mark your calendar for a fun family game night featuring bingo on Friday, March 22, 6:00 pm in the Social Hall. Colonial women will provide drinks. Bring a snack to share. We will have prizes. All ages are are invited!
Ash Wednesday Drive Through
Colonial Church is offering drive through Imposition of Ashes on Wednesday, February 14, from 7:30-9:00 a.m. Pastors Aaron and Michael will be in the driveway in front of the church to place ashes in the sign of the cross on the foreheads (or hand). Everyone is welcome to participate as we begin the holy season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is a reminder of our shared humanity as "from dust we were created, and to dust we will return."
Grub Hub Dinner Club
Good Grub Dinner Club. New this year is Good Grub Dinner Club. Similar to the old Galloping Gourmet but with a modern feel. Sponsored by the Board of Parish Life. It is a rotating dinner group beginning in February.
$5 per person to participate four times this year ($10 pr couple)
Host one time and be a guest three times
Fellowship with different guests throughout the year
Substitute list sign up also available
Recipes and photos collected and shared in a book at the end of the year.
Click here to sign up.
75th Anniversary Celebration
We are celebrating our 75th anniversary with a special dinner. Please look for your email invitation to RSVP.
Trunk or Treat
Bring the kids in costume for a fun afternoon of trunk or treating on Sunday, October 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Spend the afternoon trick-or-treating from trunk to trunk, collecting candy, face painting and concessions for sale.
Oktoberfest
It's time to buy tickets for Oktoberfest! We need your reservations now so we will have enough food.
Oktoberfest – featuring brats, beer, fellowship and an auction – will be October 21 in the Social Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. This adults-only event will conclude at 9:00 p.m.
Presented by Colonial Women, this event replaces the rummage sale as their major fundraiser. Ask your family and friends to come along!
Purchase your tickets in the narthex on Sunday or buy them online here. Cost is $20 per person.
Good Faith Network Program
We are welcoming Aileen Ball, the Lead Organizer, from our new mission partner, The Good Faith Network. As we partner with dozens of other faith communities in Johnson county, we are going to discuss the focus to address the mental health crisis, affordable housing, and homelessness in Johnson county. You can join us in person in the Heritage Room or via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89349079966?pwd=oHCIfHCp8fN3Dai7gDCniJ6QXnbSas.1
The Quest: Travel as a Spiritual Act September Worship Series
Whether you travel far away or see your local surroundings as if for the first time, pilgrimage has long been a spiritual practice, and “journey” a deeply-felt metaphor for our spiritual lives. “Quest” comes from the Latin root meaning “ask, seek.” This four week worship series will encourage us to open ourselves more fully to the curiosity and wonder, reflection and transformation that travelers–not merely tourists–experience when they choose to immerse themselves in soul-widening adventures.
Leaving Home - September 10 (Gathering Sunday Picnic)
The Encounter - September 17
The Reflection - September 24
Returning Home - October 1 (World Communion Sunday)
Screening of The Letter
The Letter – A Message for Our Earth. Join us for a screening of this powerful film on Sunday, August 27 at 4:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. The film highlights how spiritual values call us to take action on the planetary crisis. Refreshments and discussion will follow to reflect on how we can take action.
All Church Picnic
We will gather at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 30 at Colonial for an all church picnic to celebrate summer and the upcoming start of school. Plan to join in the fun!
Vow Renewal
Vow Renewal Ceremony
June 25 is Open and Affirming Sunday and our congregation will be honoring our commitment to the extravagant welcome of all people and the sacred worth of all relationships. At 11:30 a.m. you are invited to participate along with your spouse, partner, or significant other in a short Vow Renewal ceremony officiated by Pastor Michael. Remember the vows you've made and renew your commitment to one another. Couples can register here.
Romans Bible Study
Weekly, Sundays, 11:15 a.m. in the Oberlin Room
David Stelting will lead a new Bible study on Paul's letter to the church in Rome. It's an often misunderstood scripture, and David will be using materials in part developed by Art Foster. The study group will be meeting weekly in the Oberlin Room following the 10:15 a.m. worship service. You can register at https://colonialucc.breezechms.com/form/Romans
Share a Ramadan Meal
Share a Ramadan Meal
This Spring, from March 22 to April 21, our Muslim friends in the Dialogue Institute will be observing Ramadan as we observe the season of Lent before Easter. You are invited to share a Ramadan iftar meal at the home of a Muslim family during that time.
It is an opportunity to share, learn, and grow by reaching out. Sign up if you would like to be paired with a family for a meal one evening - https://tinyurl.com/colonial-ramadan-meal
Youth Super Bowl Party
Super Bowl Party
Sunday, February 12, 5:30 p.m.
We will have a Super Bowl Watch Party in the Youth Room. A chili dinner will be served. Participants can sign up to bring drinks, snacks and dessert here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0949ACAD2BAAFCCE9-youth