Monthly Gatherings/Meetings in August 2026

Monday, August 10: Worship committee meets at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 12:  Ladies’ monthly gathering @ Ana Mae’s @ 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 12:  Session meets @ 5:30 p.m. in the Burt Library

Thursday, August 13:  FPC serves the CUFF Meal @ 6:00 p.m. at the Wesley Center

Sunday, August 16: Mission committee meets after worship services in the Burt Library

Thursday, August 20:   Craft group meets @ 4:00 p.m. in the conference room
Thursday, August 20:  September Deadline is 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, August 25:  PW Evening group meets at 5:30 p.m. (Note the new day for this gathering!)

Weekly Church Gatherings

Every Sunday the Presbyterian Men meet @ 9:30 a.m. in the Parlor

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. 

PW News

Wednesday, August 12:  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, August 25:  The evening PW gathering will be at 5:30 p.m. in the parlor.  Because our Wednesday meeting conflicts with Wednesday Bible study, we are going to try Tuesdays.  After everyone has gathered in the parlor, we will go upstairs for a progressive dinner starting in the theater room with mock cocktails, followed by appetizers in the skylight room, then dinner in the arts & crafts room and ending up in the parlor for dessert.  While we are upstairs, we will tour Marge’s Sunday school room where she taught our teenagers for 50 years.  We will also make a stop in the Orff instrument room.

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.

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.