Ministries
Prairie Baptist Church has many diverse ministries
to serve the congregation and the people of the greater Kansas City
area. The following statements describe our ministries.
Worship [
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Worship at Prairie is planned to be open to all people and to speak
across the generations to many cultures. In the name of Jesus Christ
our Lord, we welcome everyone. Worship is the heart of who we are as
the people of God at Prairie Baptist Church. We experience worship through
diverse styles and components which vary from week to week. From hymns
to contemporary choruses, from dramas to the discipline of silence,
from choral anthems to vocal and instrumental solos, from reverence
to celebration, we encounter the life changing presence of our Lord.
Prairie Baptist understands its congregational life as a visible expression
of the life of God.
Participants are free to dress for worship according to their taste
and preference. Wireless pocket receivers are available, as well as
space for wheel chair seating, an elevator, handicap accessible restrooms
and parking.
We now have three regularly scheduled worship services:
Sunday Morning: 8:30 a.m.
This forty-five minute worship experience is filled with contemporary
music, praise, prayer, scripture, energy, reflection and creativity.
It is led by the pastors and the Prairie House Band. Communion is
served the first Sunday of each month. The theme and sermon are the
same for both Sunday worship services.
Sunday Morning: 10:45 a.m.
This blended/traditional worship experience is facilitated by pastors,
chancel choir, lay leaders, organist, pianist, soloists and ensembles.
Communion is served the first Sunday of each month.
First Saturday of Each Month: 5:00 p.m.
This thirty minute contemplative candlelight service is modeled after
worship of the Taizé community utilizing congregational song,
scripture, prayer, and silence.
Additional worship services include Christmas Eve Candlelight
Communion, Maundy Thursday Communion, Good Friday, ecumenical events
and other special services.
Christian Formation [
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In the ministry of Christian formation,
we provide a welcoming environment that encourages and nurtures all
people to lifelong Christian discipleship. Though Christian formation
occurs through varied experiences and opportunities, Sunday School is
one area of focus for our Board of Christian Education. Sunday School is
offered to people of every age. All studies are biblically based and
involve both presentation and lively group discussion.
Many
classes also meet for fellowship and mission experiences. Brochures
describing the specific classes are available.
Music [
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Music is a wonderful and important way to worship, praise and connect
with God. At Prairie, we provide a wide variety of opportunities for
people to use their musical talents. Each group strives to offer their
very best to God and to our faith community. Each group also strives
to have fun with each other and to enjoy our journey of ministry together.
Chancel Choir - Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
The Chancel Choir sings weekly at the 10:45 a.m. Sunday worship service.
The choir sings a variety of musical styles including classical, traditional,
gospel and contemporary and is comprised of warm, friendly, fun people.
If you love to sing, it’s a great group to join.
Prairie Ringers – Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Prairie Ringers play in worship around three times each semester.
They are creative, fun people who enjoy making beautiful music together.
If you have a good sense of rhythm and want to help play a challenging
and exciting group instrument, you are invited to give handbells a
try.
Prairie House Band – Sundays, 2:00– 4:00 p.m.
The Worship Band leads the music in our 8:30 a.m. Sunday worship service.
They use guitars, keyboards and drums and have a contemporary, energetic
sound. They enjoy playing together and are excited to be praising
God with their talents.
Christmas Choir (seasonal) – Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:15
p.m.
This seasonal choir gives everyone an opportunity to help the church
celebrate the coming of the Christ child through music. Rehearsals
usually begin in mid to late September and the group leads a special
worship on the first or second Sunday of December.
Holy Week Choir (seasonal) - Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:15 p.m.
All are invited to sing in the Holy Week choir. The choir sings several
special anthems on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Resurrection Sunday.
Rehearsals usually begin a week or two before the beginning of the
Lenten season.
Follow the Leader (Youth Praise Team) - Sundays, 5:00 – 5:45
p.m.
Founded in the fall of 2003, this 7th through 12th grade group enjoys
playing and singing contemporary praise music. They meet weekly and
lead in worship a couple times each semester. Follow the Leader is
a fun and energetic group of youth who enjoy “rocking out”
for Jesus.
Youth Handbells – Sundays, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
All 7th through 12th grade youth are invited to play in youth handbells.
This group enjoys learning about different bell techniques, playing
contemporary music, and making cool bell sounds.
Herald Choirs – Sundays, 5:00 – 5:45 p.m.
There are two Herald Choirs, one for 1st through 3rd grade children
and one for 4th through 6th grade children. These groups enjoy singing
contemporary praise music and fun children’s choir music.
Cherub Choir – Sundays, 9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
This choir of preschool and kindergarten children learn about God
and the Bible through simple songs and engaging motions.
Instrumental and Vocal soloists and small ensembles – Schedule
Varies
From time to time, solo and small ensemble opportunities are offered.
If you are interested in offering your special gifts and talents in
these ways, please contact Rev. Chris Holliday.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding our
music ministry programs and opportunities, please contact Rev. Chris
Holliday (Pastor of Music and Worship) at 913-722-6176, ext. 112 or
at chrish@prairiebaptist.org.
Thank you for your interest!
Small Groups [
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Prairie's many small groups are communities of supportive
relationships. Group members grow in their faith experience through
study of the Scriptures, prayer, service, and care for one another.
Growth groups are devoted to deepening their faith
through spiritual practices such as Bible study, book study, prayer,
spiritual support, service, fellowship, and group spiritual direction.
Prairie Bible Study --
7:00 to 8:30 p.m. every other Thursday. This study connects prayer
practice with Scripture and includes discussion along with video
segments of biblical scholars.
Religious Themes in
Literature. This group explores theology in literature, faith
in fiction, and what can be learned of the Christian experience from a
variety of texts. Meets monthly at 5:30 p.m. on the second Sunday
in homes.
Menninger's Bible Study.
This women's Bible study keeps members in touch with God's Word and one
another. The second half of the New Testament is the focus of
study. Meets Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.
The Seekers Table: A
group spiritual direction experience. This group is shaped to
be a community of those seeking to develop deeper connection and a more
honest, satisfying relationship with God. New forms of prayer and
listening to one another will draw from the Christian spiritual
direction tradition. Meets twice a month on Thursday evenings at
church.
Wednesday Morning Bible
Study studies the Bible, sings hymns, shares experiences and prays
together. Primarily involves senior adults and meets Wednesdays at
10:00 a.m.
Community through Commonality Groups are made up of
members with similar interests and foster connections as their members
share, study, and serve together.
Young Adult/College-age
Group. This new group is for young adults, ages 18-25, who are
in the workforce or in college. On the first and third Saturdays
they meet for social events and fun. On the first and third
Sundays at 4:30 p.m., they gather for Bible study and time together.
Men's Group. This
group provides an opportunity for men to gather together and grow as men
and in their walk with Christ. In addition, the group provides
opportunities for service to the congregation and with ABM (American
Baptist Men) disaster relief. Meets the first Saturday of every
month at 8:00 a.m. at church.
I Remember When
encourages the writing of one's life stories through sharing them with
the group. Meets monthly on Monday afternoon.
Sharing Groups meet together to share one another's
burdens and blessings as they build a community of support and caring
for one another.
Aging Together.
This group is studying Kathleen Fischer's book Winter
Grace...Spirituality and Aging. It looks at issues of aging,
and how to live the latter years meaningfully and joyfully. Meets
monthly at 7:00 p.m. on the third Monday.
Fellowship Groups focus on practicing the discipline of
celebration and building community through fellowship, sharing, and
often food.
Chat-N-Chew. A
social group that helps develop friendships with other church members.
Meets the first Saturday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at area restaurants.
Sunday Lunch Bunch.
Gathers every Sunday after church to eat lunch together in area
restaurants.
Young Families.
This group is designed for young families. Meets every other
Saturday in participant's homes for a potluck meal, fellowship, and
prayer. Childcare provided on site with prior notice.
Other small group opportunities are available through:
Youth Group.
Youth grades 7-12 meet weekly on Sunday evenings to be together, grow,
care, serve, pray, and have fun together.
Prairie Seniors.
Every third Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Senior adults at Prairie gather for
fellowship, food, and an interesting program.
ABW Ministries Circles.
Many small groups for women that meet at different times and have
varying activities are offered through ABW Ministries. All are
opportunities for fellowship and service.
If you would like more information on any of the
above small groups, please contact the church office at 913-722-6176.
Prairie Early Childhood Center [
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The Prairie Early Childhood Center provides a positive experience for
young children in a Christian setting, and believes that all children
are "a gift from God" (Psalm 127:3). Prairie Early Childhood Center
offers developmentally appropriate curriculum that helps children grow
emotionally, socially and cognitively through creative activities such
as social interaction, gross and fine motor development, French, music,
art, Bible stories and kindergarten readiness. Prairie Early Childhood
Center is fully licensed by the state of Kansas.
The following programs are offered for young children.
Parent's Day Out is available for children
16 months old and walking to 6 years of age on Monday through Friday,
9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Preschool is offered through either two or three day classes
each week from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. or noon to 2:30 p.m.
Pre-kindergarten meets five days a week from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Summer Parent's Day Out is available on Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday during the summer from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for children
16 months through the five years of age.
For additional information, please see our dedicated
PECC page or contact Karen Fenton by telephone
236-7067.
Youth [
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Prairie has a major commitment to youth ministry. The goals of our youth
ministry include learning the Bible, developing Christian values and
leadership skills, participating as part of the church body, experiencing
Christ, and having fun.
Activities planned throughout the year include:
- Sunday school
- Sunday night activities
- Bible study/meals, music and drama
- Recreation
- Retreats and conferences
- Youth Leader Core
- Small groups
- Mission trips
- Worship leading experience
Youth mission trips are planned for each summer.
Women's Ministries [
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American Baptist Women's Ministries at Prairie focus on missions, service,
stewardship and discipleship, and encourages participation of all women.
Groups of women called "circles" meet monthly for a variety of programs
and ministries. A general meeting is held monthly with a coffee, brunch,
lunch or dinner, and an inspirational or informational program. The
program is part of the regional and national American Baptist Women's
Ministries program, and Prairie women are active at the denominational
level, and in Church Women United.
The women's ministries provide scholarships for college and seminary
students, and supports American Baptist mission work in a variety of
ways.
Our Mission Statement
In commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to the mission
of the Church, and through the enabling of the Holy Spirit, American
Baptist Women's Ministries provide opportunities for each woman to:
- become and develop as God's person
- build God's faith community
- serve God's world
Invitation of ABW Ministries
All women are invited to participate in American Baptist Women's Ministries.
Each woman is encouraged to participate according to her own needs,
interests, and gifts as led by the Spirit of God.
Theme for 2005-2007
The theme for the two year period 2005-2007 is Born Again
to Be Wild about Jesus. The Biblical passages are as follows:
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything
old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV)
“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not
perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers
in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV)
Men's Ministries [
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The men's fellowship meets monthly for devotions, testimony from a "Man
of the Month" and a feature presentation from a prominent individual
or group from the community. This organization is involved in fundraising
and volunteer projects.
Older Adult Ministries [
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Prairie Baptist Church offers a rich and vital ministry to older
adults. Our group started under the name of fifty-plus and continues to
welcome everyone, especially those oblivious to age. Our group is made
up of married, single, widows and widowers and all who are young at
heart.
Our mission is to live God's love in sharing the issues of a pilgrim
people. Our koinonia-fellowship includes (in addition to Sunday
activities) but is not limited to a weekly Bible Study. The group
gathers the third Saturday of each month for a program and a meal. Much
informal networking and support takes place among this welcoming group.
Our ministry includes pastoral care during times of change and crisis.
For more information, contact the church at 913-722-6176.
Stephen Ministry [
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Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised church members who provide
one-on-one lay Christian care to those experiencing life's stresses:
illness, grief, divorce, job loss, discouragement, disability, and other
difficulties. Stephen Ministers care by listening, supporting, encouraging,
praying, being dependable, and maintaining confidentiality.
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