The Ones Who Make it Happen
Ali Haynes
It is with great honor and privilege that I came to Indian Heights as your new Pastor in July, 2018. It is interesting how God works in all our lives, calling us at times we least expect it. I strongly believe in the work that God does in each of our lives and the power of the Holy Spirit with each of us every day. I encourage you all as we embark on our journey together at Indian Heights UMC to listen to God in your lives…to listen to how God may be working within each of you to say “yes” when it feels uncomfortable, when it feels like too much change, and when you just do not understand why it is happening. We are all called to be in this community of faith together, and I am here to be your Pastor, helping to navigate it all with you. God bless you all and know that you are loved, valued and enough.
Suzanne Isbell
We welcomed Suzanne as our Music and Worship Coordinator in November 2023. Suzanne has a lengthy music and performance background, and brings so much talent to our worship experience. Her enthusiasm is contagious! She welcomes everyone to our ever-growing adult choir, and welcomes special music ideas (such as soloists).
Aby Peoples
Aby Peoples is attending Rockhurst University as a pre-nursing student. Aby has grown up and grown to love Kansas City and is passionate about uplifting its great community. She is excited to bring her Nursery Attendant knowledge and experience at IHUMC to this position.
Haley Broockerd
Haley Broockerd comes from right here in KC and has been with the church as a Nursery Assistant for over 2 years now. While working with us, she received a BBA with an emphasis in Management from UMKC. Haley is currently working towards her goals of being in the event industry as a wedding planner and is excited to bring her expertise into this role as well.
Suzette Mack
Suzette has served in an administrative capacity at churches for many years. Prior to working at a church, she was an occupational therapist. She recently completed her Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing and is a student at Dallas International University working on her PhD in World Arts with a focus on using scripture and art for trauma healing. Suzette is a big advocate for animals and women, and when she’s not in Kansas, she’s probably in Colorado or New Mexico finding God and peace in the mountains and with family.
Alexis Merry
Welcome to Alexis Merry, our new Worship Leader. You will see her leading music and more on Sunday mornings! Alexis Merry holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from The University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory, and a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Pepperdine University. In addition to operatic repertoire, Alexis possesses a passion for art song, new music, and oratorio having participated in Masterclasses with Jake Heggie, William Bolcom, and Stephanie Blythe. Due to her parent’s international career ventures, her unique upbringing included locations like Italy, Wales, London, New York, Brussels, Moscow, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, as well as Jakarta (Indonesia) where she graduated high school with her International Baccalaureate Diploma. With 35+ countries under her belt, Alexis excels at foreign languages as well as integrating the cultural influences of her upbringing into the art form.
Job Openings
Treasurer
Our Mission & Values
As Christians we are seeking, sowing, loving and serving all people.
Mission of the United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as “practical divinity” has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.
We invite you to learn more about the global United Methodist Church here.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of Indian Heights United Methodist Church is to worship God, to follow Jesus joyfully, and to build community.
Our Vision Statement
As Christians We Are: Seeking, Sowing, Loving and Serving all People!
Our History
Indian Heights UMC was planted by the Kansas City District Missionary Society of the Methodist Church, after it concluded that a new Methodist congregation was needed in the area. The Society purchased seven and a half acres at 103rd and Nall Avenue in October 1966. The site included a house and a pony barn. At that time, the site stood on Overland Park’s southern edge. The church building was completed in December 1970. Additional space and sanctuary remodeling took place in 1989, and other additions were built in 2004.
What time is worship? Sunday school?
Sunday Worship is at 10:30am. Adult Sunday School is at 9am (September-May); Kingdom Kids is at 10am and meets year-round. Childcare is available during the adult Sunday School time.
Where do I park?
The church entrance is on Nall Ave. at 102nd Street. A parking lot is located on the North side of the church and to the east of the church. Additional parking is located in the top lot by our garden.
What can I expect once I walk through the doors?
A greeter will meet you at the front door and an usher will give you a bulletin at the entrance to the Sanctuary. If you need help finding our children’s ministry, a Sunday School class, or the restrooms—just ask. You may sit anywhere in the Sanctuary. We ask visitors to fill out the tear off sheet in your bulletin and place it in the offering plate later in the service. The service will follow the order of worship as described in the bulletin. Bibles and song books are located on the back of the pews. There are also cards on the back of the pews for prayer requests (these can be placed in the offering plate or given to an usher or the pastor).
Is the church handicap accessible?
Yes. The church is handicap accessible. Visitor and handicap parking are near the front entrance with a ramp for easy access. Restrooms are also handicap accessible. An elevator located southeast of the sanctuary area provides access to the lower level. If you or your children have special needs, contact the church office or speak with an usher on Sunday morning. Most Sundays, our worship service is live on our Facebook page, increasing the accessibility of the worship experience.
What can I expect at worship?
Our worship service is a blended service. Hymns from the United Methodist Hymnal, Faith We Sing & the Upper Room Worship book are featured. Bulletins provide the order of worship and we use a projector and screen to supplement worship with videos, pictures, and words to hymns and liturgy. Children can go to Kids Worship in the nursery, but are also welcome to remain with their parents. There is always a time for “Joys and Concerns” in worship. Holy Communion is typically celebrated on the first Sunday of each month.
When is the church open?
The church’s main office hours are 9:30am-2:30pm, Monday through Thursday and Sunday mornings from 9:00am-12:00pm. Please contact us anytime if you’d like to schedule a time to meet with our pastor outside of these office hours.
Will I be asked for money?
An offering plate is passed during worship. No one is expected or dictated to give. We believe that our offerings should reflect that all we have is God’s gift to us. Our offerings are a way to honor God. The money given is used to maintain the church and further our mission in the world.
What can I expect in terms of annual giving?
God calls us to share our gifts with others, which can include giving financially. We have an annual Stewardship campaign in the fall, during which members are offered the opportunity to make commitments about giving financially for the year to come. There are other opportunities to give throughout the year. We have time for an offering every Sunday during worship. Some people give financially to the church through their trusts/wills. We also have opportunities to give financially outside this church, including UMCOR (the United Methodist Church Committee on Relief, which provides emergency funds to place experiencing natural disasters, areas in poverty, and more), local non-profits, and others. Giving is easy and secure on our website.
What should I wear?
Wear what makes you comfortable. At Indian Heights UMC, you will find people dressed in khakis, jeans, suits, dresses, heels, running shoes, sweater, T-Shirts, ties, open collars, etc.
Do I need to know the Bible?
No. We are all growing daily in our knowledge and understanding of God’s Word as we develop and practice our faith. Worship and Bible studies are opportunities to do this. Bibles can be found in the pews, the Church Library and Sunday School rooms. If you are wondering what version of the Bible might work best for you, our pastor can help you with this decision. If you need a Bible, let us know.
Is childcare available?
Yes! On Sunday mornings, Kingdom Kids gather at 10am for a time of Bible stories and creativity as they learn about the Bible and Jesus’ love for them. Contact our Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator for more information.
How can I be part of your music team?
Music is very important to our worship experience, and is used throughout the worship service. All are invited to share their musical gifts with us, whether you sing, play a musical instrument, do liturgical dance or more! We have an Adult Chancel Choir that rehearses on Wednesday Nights September-May. Contact our Music Director for more information.
