Colonial Church in Prairie Village

After the decorations are packed away, the calendar turns, and winter has settled in, Epiphany arrives. It can be tempting to stay home, especially when it’s cold and the holidays feel just behind us. And yet, Epiphany offers us something deeply meaningful: a moment to pause, reflect, and step into what comes next in our lives. On Epiphany Sunday, we will close our Advent series, “What do you fear?” with a service centered on fearlessly letting go. As the Magi followed the star into unknown territory, they trusted that light would be enough to guide them forward. Epiphany invites us to do the same, to release what no longer serves us and to open ourselves to new possibilities as we move from 2025 into the unfolding promise of 2026. During worship, we will share in the practice of Star Words. This is an ancient-inspired spiritual tradition, rooted in the story of the star that led the Magi to Christ and shaped by more recent Christian contemplative practice. Rather than making resolutions, you are invited to choose a single word, often surprising, sometimes challenging, that becomes a companion for the year ahead. Many people return to their word throughout the year and discover that it continues to unfold meaning in unexpected ways. This Epiphany, I invite you to brave the cold, step out of the post-holiday haze, and join us for a service grounded in hope, courage, and trust. Come help us close one season and open another. Come let go of what you no longer need to car

Well, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...but not yet! At church this week we're in the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and we continue with our theme, “What do you fear?” by turning to the story of Joseph, the quiet, courageous figure who stepped forward as Jesus’ adopted father. Scripture tells us little about Joseph’s inner life, but we can imagine the fear, uncertainty, and questions he carried. And yet, when the moment came, Joseph chose presence over paralysis and love over fear. His story invites us to reflect on the fears we carry and what it might look like to step forward anyway.

This week we continue our Advent journey with Mary’s courageous “yes” in Luke 1:26–39, a yes spoken into a world that felt as fragile then as it does now. Mary’s response to God was not naïve or easy; it was an act of deep trust and brave hope. And it invites us to consider our own "yes": the one we’re longing to say, the one that feels costly, and the one that becomes possible only with our community around us. These days are tough, globally, nationally, personally, and yet Advent reminds us that God’s light still seeks to take flesh in ordinary people, just as it did in Mary. Join us as we reflect on how courage grows, how hope takes root, and how we can say yes to God’s unfolding love even when the world feels uncertain. Then, come back at 4:00 p.m. for our Christmas Concert, featuring beautiful seasonal music to nourish your spirit and deepen your sense of wonder in this holy season. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends, family, and neighbors to experience the hope and joy of Advent with you.

Our theme throughout Advent asks the question, “Whom Do You Fear?” In Lamentations, the writer says: I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” (Lamentations 3:55-57, NIV) Our scripture for today’s sermon comes from Luke, Chapter 1, verses 5-13: During the rule of King Herod of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. They were both righteous before God, blameless in their observance of all the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to become pregnant and they both were very old. One day Zechariah was serving as a priest before God because his priestly division was on duty. Following the customs of priestly service, he was chosen by lottery to go into the Lord’s sanctuary and burn incense. All the people who gathered to worship were praying outside during this hour of incense offering. An angel from the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and overcome with fear. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayers have been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to your son and you must name him John.

This Sunday at Colonial Church we gather for a joyful and meaningful morning as we bring our pledge season to a close. Throughout these past weeks, we’ve reflected on how our giving makes meaning, and how each commitment helps shape the vibrant, compassionate community God is calling us to be. We’ll celebrate that spirit of generosity in worship as we offer our pledge cards and give thanks for all the ways this congregation continues to grow in faith and service. After worship, we’ll gather for our annual Thanksgiving feast! It’s a chance to enjoy good food, good company, and the simple joy of being together. In a world where connection can be hard to find, the church is a place where we can show up as we are, find belonging, and share a little hope (and dessert) with each other. We hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we worship, give thanks, and delight in being part of this church family.

When we hear “For unto us a child is born…” most of us immediately think of Christmas pageants, candlelight services, and holiday music. But these words from Isaiah were first spoken into a world that was far from peaceful. It was a word of hope given to people living through political turmoil, social upheaval, and deep uncertainty. It was not simply a promise about someday, it was a word of courage for their own weary hearts right then. We know something about weary hearts ourselves. Our world, too, trembles with anxiety and division. We, too, long for light to break into the dark places. This Sunday, we will listen to Isaiah’s ancient promise with fresh ears. What does it mean for us that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light?” How does God speak peace in a world on edge? How do we carry hope that is more than wishful thinking? Come join us for worship this week as we explore Isaiah 9 not as a Christmas memory, but as a living word for a world hungry for peace.

This weekend we turn to the prophets for inspiration, hearing words from the prophet, Amos. The prophets of the Hebrew Scripture are voices of old that can seemingly come crashing into our modern world. Their words were certainly meant for the people of their time - speaking to them of God, calling them out for their shortcomings, encouraging them to hear God’s desires for their lives. Somehow, these ancient words still speak to us today. From Amos, we will hear a message spoken to the people of his time, people living in the 8th century northern kingdom of Israel. They were spoken to people who lived comfortable lives. People who worshiped maybe because they were supposed to or maybe because they wanted others to see them, but their worship, Amos says, was hollow. Amos asks this question - how can our worship be authentic if it’s not accompanied by works of justice? It’s a question, I believe, we should still ask ourselves today. It’s a question we will ask this Sunday, as we gather to worship.

As October draws to a close, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of so many things: All Saints Sunday, stewardship season, the coming of Advent, and (somehow already!) the holiday season. But first, let me say it: Happy Halloween! 🎃 This Sunday we’ll gather for All Saints Sunday, a time to remember those who have gone before us and to listen, like the prophet Elijah, for the still, small voice of God that speaks not in noise or fire, but in silence and gentleness. In a world where so much feels uncertain or “wrong,” we come to be reminded that God’s quiet presence still renews and sustains us and that through our community, we can create a refuge of belonging, compassion, and hope for all who need it most. It’s also stewardship season, and we’ll continue to celebrate the many ministries that make Colonial Church so unique. You will receive copies of this year’s narrative budget, a story of how your generosity becomes ministry: transforming lives, building relationships, and sustaining the mission of love we share together. And don’t forget... our Holiday Bazaar is just around the corner on November 8 & 9! As Lisarae Turnbell mentioned this past week, 10% of sales go to support our Outreach Board and the work they do in supporting local and global mission partners. Come find treasures, treats, and the warmth of community as we kick off the festive season together. So come this Sunday to remember, to listen, and to be renewed. Even in the stillness, God is here.

Today’s scripture comes from the book of 1st Kings, and is read in the Common English Bible: When King Hiram of Tyre heard that Solomon had succeeded his father David, he sent envoys, for Hiram had always been a friend to David. Solomon replied, “You know my father could not build a house for the Lord because of war on every side, but now God has given me peace. I will build a house for the name of the Lord, as God promised my father.” Then Solomon gathered Israel’s elders and leaders in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the covenant from the city of David. The priests and Levites carried the ark, the tent, and the sacred vessels, while Solomon and all Israel offered countless sacrifices. They set the ark in the inner sanctuary beneath the wings of the cherubim. Nothing was in the ark but the tablets of stone placed there by Moses at Horeb. When the priests withdrew, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 1

Today’s scripture comes from 1st Samuel 16:1-13 and is read in the Common English Bible: The Lord said to Samuel, “How long are you going to grieve over Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have found my next king among his sons.” “How can I do that?” Samuel asked. “When Saul hears of it he’ll kill me!” “Take a heifer with you,” the Lord replied, “and say, ‘I have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will make clear to you what you should do. You will anoint for me the person I point out to you.” Samuel did what the Lord instructed. When he came to Bethlehem, the city elders came to meet him. They were shaking with fear. “Do you come in peace?” they asked. “Yes,” Samuel answered. “I’ve come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Now make yourselves holy, then come with me to the sacrifice.” Samuel made Jesse and his sons holy and invited them to the sacrifice as well. When they arrived, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, That must be the Lord’s anointed right in front. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.” Next Jesse called for Abinadab, who presented himself to Samuel, but he said, “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either.” So Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “No, the Lord hasn’t chosen this one.” Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord hasn’t picked any of these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” “There is still the youngest one,” Jesse answered, “but he’s out keeping the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel told Jesse, “because we can’t proceed until he gets here.” So Jesse sent and brought him in. He was reddish brown, had beautiful eyes, and was good-looking. The Lord said, “That’s the one. Go anoint him.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him right there in front of his brothers. The Lord’s spirit came over David from that point forward. Then Samuel left and went to Ramah.

The sermon is based on the following scripture. It comes from 1 Samuel 3:1-21 and is read in the Common English Bible: Now the boy Samuel was serving the Lord under Eli. The Lord’s word was rare at that time, and visions weren’t widely known. One day Eli, whose eyes had grown so weak he was unable to see, was lying down in his room. God’s lamp hadn’t gone out yet, and Samuel was lying down in the Lord’s temple, where God’s chest was. The Lord called to Samuel. “I’m here,” he said. Samuel hurried to Eli and said, “I’m here. You called me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go lie down.” So he did. Again the Lord called Samuel, so Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “I’m here. You called me?” “I didn’t call, my son,” Eli replied. “Go and lie down.” (Now Samuel didn’t yet know the Lord, and the Lord’s word hadn’t yet been revealed to him.) A third time the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “I’m here. You called me?” Then Eli realized that it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So Eli said to Samuel, “Go and lie down. If he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down where he’d been. Then the Lord came and stood there, calling just as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel said, “Speak. Your servant is listening.” The Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of all who hear it tingle! On that day, I will bring to pass against Eli everything I said about his household—every last bit of it! I told him that I would punish his family forever because of the wrongdoing he knew about—how his sons were cursing God, but he wouldn’t stop them. Because of that I swore about Eli’s household that his family’s wrongdoing will never be reconciled by sacrifice or by offering.” Samuel lay there until morning, then opened the doors of the Lord’s house. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel, saying: “Samuel, my son!” “I’m here,” Samuel said. “What did he say to you?” Eli asked. “Don’t hide anything from me. May God deal harshly with you and worse still if you hide from me a single word from everything he said to you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. “He is the Lord, ” Eli said. “He will do as he pleases.” So Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him, not allowing any of his words to fail. All Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was trustworthy as the Lord’s prophet. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh because the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh through the Lord’s own word.

Last week we had the opportunity to hear from Drs. Stacey Algren and Lisa Gilmer about their experiences in Malawi and in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Their commitment to caring for those most in need is a powerful reminder of the urgency of compassion in a world torn by violence, war, and greed. This Sunday, we encounter another way of being and living as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, joining with billions of Christians around the globe to experience God’s extravagant good news of abundance as we share the bread and the cup. We’ll ask ourselves: What might living in the world be like if everyone had what they needed? We’ll also hear the story of God providing the Israelites with “manna in the desert,” a story of trust, provision, and daily bread that speaks deeply to our own hopes for the communities in which we live. In this week’s Crier we shared a link to the 2026 Interest Survey along with a list of upcoming group activities you may want to join. Please take a few minutes to let us know what sparks your interest. And if the group you’d like to join doesn’t begin right away, don’t worry, we plan to rotate these opportunities throughout the year so that everyone can try something new and find their place of connection.

This Sunday we welcome special guests Drs. Stacey Algren and Lisa Gilmer. They will share stories from their work at Pothawira, Malawi, one of the organizations Colonial supports through our Mission & Outreach ministries, and we'll hear of their climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro, where their experience revealed new challenges and fresh perspectives. At its heart, Pothawira (“Safe Haven”) is about giving women and children in Malawi the chance to thrive, through healthcare, education, and a loving home for orphaned children. As Drs. Algren and Gilmer share their journeys, we’ll be reminded how stepping beyond our routines can open us to new possibilities of hope and transformation, both for ourselves and those most in need.

Conflict comes with community - it’s not a matter of if you'll encounter it, but when. Sooner or later, someone will say or do something that frustrates you. The question is: what will you choose in that moment? Viktor Frankl reminds us there’s a space between stimulus and response, and in that space lies our growth and our freedom. We get to decide. And there's a great deal of power in that. This Sunday we’ll hear the wild story of Jacob and Esau, filled with deception, disguises, and a birthright hanging in the balance. Watch how these deeply flawed human beings (and their scheming mother!) push the story forward, and notice how God shows up in the midst of it all. If you’ve ever thought, “there has to be a better way,” we’ll explore faithful practices that help us respond to difficult moments rather than simply react.

This week we encounter one of the most difficult passages in all of Scripture: the binding of Isaac (Genesis 21:1–3; 22:1–14). After years of longing and waiting, Sarah and Abraham finally received the child God had promised them. Yet almost immediately, Abraham faces an unimaginable command to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. We feel the weight of Abraham’s dilemma: how do you hold devotion to God alongside devotion to your family? We wonder what must have gone through Abraham’s mind, and Isaac’s too, on that long walk up the mountain. And we are left to ask about God, who seems to demand everything but then provides a ram in Isaac’s place. Could this be a turning point, where God chooses relationship over rigid obedience? Over the summer we explored spiritual practices that steady our hearts and open us to God, practices like prayer, hospitality, and listening for God’s voice. Abraham’s story reminds us that faith is not just about dramatic moments of decision, but about cultivating habits of trust in the everyday. It’s in those practices that we learn to listen, to discern, and to receive God’s surprising provision. Rev. Michael Vollbrecht

September 7, 2025 Installation Sunday by Colonial Church in Prairie Village

This week, we will bring our Summer Soul series to a close by turning to the rhythms of work and rest. We're invited to see our daily tasks, no matter how ordinary, as opportunities to be present to God, to care for others, and to ground ourselves in love. In other words, to be a blessing. If you're returning to school, heading into a busy season at work, or just trying to get a handle on everything, we will reflect on what truly matters together. As we move on from this series, a lot is happening in the life of the church. The End to Christian Nationalism book study kicks off soon, there are new opportunities to gather in smaller groups coming soon, and before we know it, the holidays will be upon us.* Seriously, how is it September already? I hope you’ll find time to stay connected in the ways that nourish your spirit.

August 10, 2025 Summer Rhythms: Embracing Gods Invitation to Rest by Colonial Church in Prairie Village

August 3, 2025 Defiant Joy by Colonial Church in Prairie Village

July 27, 2025 Ask and It Will be Given by Colonial Church in Prairie Village