FPC now has Venmo

No, it’s not a stray ink stain on the page. That square-shaped blotch that you’ll soon see on our First Presbyterian print materials represents our stepping forward into the modern age of technology and allowing new ways of giving. 

It’s a QR code, and you’ve no doubt seen it in advertising, brochures, signage, and other forms of marketing. You may already know that if you aim your phone’s camera at the image and line up a small square frame in your phone’s viewer, a small link will appear. Tap your finger on that link and an internet connection will take you to the Venmo app on your phone where you can enter the amount you would like to give.

Our church has joined the many churches that offer QR codes as a “virtual collection plate.” In our increasingly cashless world, it is a way to make a simple offering without having to carry cash or write a check. In addition to scanning the QR code, you may also search from within the Venmo app for our name which is listed as First Presbyterian Church, @FirstPresIndyKS.

This method of payment isn’t for everybody, so don’t worry about our new QR code becoming the only way to gift funds to the church; all of our current methods will still work.

Session’s Finance and Stewardship Committee extend grateful appreciation to Pastor Amie and to Church Treasurer Gayle Holum for getting this option set up. This committee will be sharing more about giving during our fall stewardship campaign, and meanwhile we continue to thank you for all you give and do to support the work of our church!

What's Happening at FPC in September 2026

Sunday, September 6: Stewardship committee meets after worship in the Burt Library.
Sunday, September 6: ICST will meet in the Parlor at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 9:  Ladies’ monthly gathering @ Ana Mae’s @ 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, September 9:  Session meets @ 5:30 p.m. in the Burt Library
Sunday, September 13 @ 2:30 p.m.: Sip & See to meet & celebrate Mama Chass & Lisa Paige’s Granddaughters
Thursday, September 17:   Craft group meets @ 4:00 p.m. in the conference room
Tuesday, September 22:  PW Evening group meets at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 24:  FPC serves the CUFF Meal @ 6:00 p.m. at the Wesley Center
Thursday, September 24:  October newsletter deadline is 9:00 a.m.
Friday, September 25 through Monday, October 5: Pastor Amie will be on vacation.

Weekly Church Gatherings

Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday a Gentle Stretching Class gathers at 9:00 a.m. in the Parlor for light exercise.  Everyone can come and join Marley, FPC’s therapy dog, in stretching.

Every Tuesday @ Noon Eat, Pray, Meditate meets in the Burt Library for a sack lunch and time for fellowship and discussion.  (This is sometimes cancelled, so if you are not a regular attendee, please feel free to call the office to make sure they are meeting.)

Every Wednesday there is a Bible Study @ 6:30 p.m. in the conference room.  They are studying the history and background of the book of Genesis.  You can join anytime, so come and join in the lively discussions. 

Noteworthy Singers/Choir:  They will practice every 1st, 3rd, and last Sunday of every month at 9:30 a.m.in the parlor, and will sing the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.  If you would like to join in the singing, come to a practice.

Presbyterian Men will meet the 2nd Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor or Pastor Amie’s office.  They will also meet the 4th Sunday of months that have 5 Sundays (the Sundays the singers don’t practice).

PW News

Wednesday, September 9:  PW lunch gathering at Ana Mae’s @ 11:30 a.m.  Everyone is welcome to bring a friend!  Call your order in early to avoid waiting in line (620-331-4487).

TUESDAY, September 22:  The evening PW gathering is now meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. More information will be shared here as soon as plans have been finalized for this meeting.

PW continues to collect new or gently used sock for all ages and also tote bags and/or purses.  The socks will be taken to the Community Access Center while the totes/purses are given to Four County.  If possible, PW ask that you consider providing personal care items for women in the bags.  Talk to Val DeFever, or a member of PW, for more information.

Stewardship Committee Report

It's never too late to pledge

              A group of members has been formed to create a fall pledge campaign and to spread the word more widely that First Presbyterian of Independence makes a wonderful church home.

           And just like in one's household, it will soon be time for the finance committee to gather 'round the "kitchen table" and develop the 2027 church budget.

           Along with Pastor Amie, a stewardship group, consisting of Gary Hogsett, Kym Kays, Liz Moore, Ray Rothgeb and Lyle Springer, met June 14 in the Burt Library for their first planning meeting. The campaign will occur over three Sundays, Nov. 1, 8 and 15, culminating with a celebration and Thanksgiving dinner.

          Church attendance has grown since Rev. Amie Vanderford's arrival last summer to lead us as our minister.  Under her leadership, ideas and inspiration, new activities in congregational life, community outreach and Bible studies are expanding FPC's impact on our church family and in the community.

          Remember that it's never too late to give to the church -- through the collection plate during a service or by sending a check to the church through P.O. Box 612, Independence, Kan. 67301. Other easy, updated ways to give are being developed.

          You can also make a pledge at any time. Halfway through 2026, consider a "half-year" pledge if you did not do so last fall. A pledge need not be "one big check." Simply calculate what you normally contribute -- or want to contribute -- over time, and obtain a pledge card from the church office. Pledging allows the church finance folks to develop a budget to try to accommodate all that we wish to do.

See information on our New Venmo Account!!!!!!!!

Weekly Bible Study for Seekers & Questioners

This Bible study is open to all who are curious about the Bible, whether its history and context, or how it may apply to our lives today.  You do not need to be a member of FPC or attend church to come, so bring your questions, invite a friend, and let’s have a lively discussion!  Light snacks will be provided.  Our first meeting will be Wednesday, May 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the church in the conference room.

FPC Mission Focus

FPC will continue to gather food for the local food pantry throughout 2026.  So please, while you are doing your regular grocery shopping, consider grabbing an extra non-perishable item and bring it to the church and place it in the basket in the Narthex. 

Gentle Stretching Class & Eat, Pray, Meditate

Gentle Stretching Classes meet every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Parlor. Bring your mat and come exercise

Eat, Pray, Meditate meets in the Burt Library on Tuesdays at Noon for a time of fellowship.  You are welcomed to bring your sack lunch and join us for discussions on issues the group feels needs discussed, followed by quiet contemplation in the Sanctuary with our Lord.