Living Out Our IHUMC Mission
to worship god, follow jesus joyfully & build community
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 and 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 and the core of Indian Heights UMC today.
We Believe in God — Creator and Sustainer of the Universe
We Believe in the Trinity — God, Son & Holy Spirit
We Believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ — the Son of God
Our Church's History
celebrating more than fifty years of missions & service in kansas city
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 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 further additions were developed in 2004. In 2017, Indian Heights UMC joyfully celebrated its 50th anniversary.
1967-1974
Rev. Allen D. Polen
1969-1973
Rev. R.C. Moore
1974-1983
Rev. Virgil L. Brady
1979-1983
Rev. Frances B. Manson
1983-1992
Rev. O. Wayne Turner
1984-1986
Rev. Susan S. Twigg
1992-1995
Rev. Kelly Willoughby
1995-2011
Rev. Cheryl Somers-Ingersol
2011-2014
Rev. Sheila Lawson
2014-2017
Rev. Lawrence “Butch” Lambert
2017-2018
Rev. Katherine Ebling-Frazier
2018-Present
Rev. Ali Haynes
Our Beginnings
Our Founding Pastors
IHUMC Building Development
Passing the Torch
Pastoral Changes
Ushering in the 21st Century
Ongoing Projects
The Work of IHUMC Today
Two hundred years ago, the land where Indian Heights United Methodist Church stands was part of the Kansa Indian hunting grounds. Much has been written about the events following, including the establishment of the Shawnee Indian Mission by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1830. The Church Extension and Survey Committee of The Kansas City District Missionary Society of the Methodist Church had begun, in the mid 1960s, looking at growth in southern Overland Park. The land and parsonage was purchased in 1966 with the first worship service held in the parsonage on April 2, 1967.
Our Beginnings
Our Founding Pastors
IHUMC Building Development
Passing the Torch
Pastoral Changes
Ushering in the 21st Century
Ongoing Projects
The Work of IHUMC Today
Reverend D. Allen Polen, Jr. was ordained an elder at the Kansas East Conference at the First United Methodist Church in Topeka from 1966-1967 before offered the opportunity to form IHUMC. To build membership, he called on neighbors, invited friends from Baker University, and knocked on doors. Additionally in 1968, the all black Central Jurisdiction of the Methodist Episcopal Church was dissolved when the United Methodist Church was formed, leading Reverend R.C. Moore to a new appointment to lead as associate pastor alongside Reverend Polen in our beginning.
Our Beginnings
Our Founding Pastors
IHUMC Building Development
Passing the Torch
Pastoral Changes
Ushering in the 21st Century
Ongoing Projects
The Work of IHUMC Today
From the beginning, a group was charged to develop a building program. It was anticipated that the membership would soon outgrow the parsonage facilities and a thriving church would need more room. Neal Hansen and Associates were selected to be the architect in 1968. The Master Plan called for three stages of construction; the first for an all-purpose room, narthex, offices, and nursery with unfinished basement, followed by finishing the interior and basement, as well as building a large sanctuary. The groundbreaking began in June 1970 and finished by December of that same year.
Our Beginnings
Our Founding Pastors
IHUMC Building Development
Passing the Torch
Pastoral Changes
Ushering in the 21st Century
Ongoing Projects
The Work of IHUMC Today
When Reverend Allen Polen was reappointed 1974, Reverend Virgil L. Brady was appointed to Indian Heights UMC. He was ordained a deacon in 1962 and was an ordained elder in 1966. He appreciated the willingness of the congregation to adapt and allow him freedom as a pastor and acted as Youth Director along with his duties. He became aware of the importance of inclusive language and used it unobtrusively. While young when appointed to IHUMC, he led with maturity, dealing with various issues during his near-decade of leadership, but intentional with progressive values.
Our Beginnings
Our Founding Pastors
IHUMC Building Development
Passing the Torch
Pastoral Changes
Ushering in the 21st Century
Ongoing Projects
The Work of IHUMC Today
In the following decades, Frances B. Manson, O. Wayne Turner, Susan S. Twigg, and Kelly Willoughby grew the programs at Indian Heights UMC, alongside remodeling the building itself, as well. Choir chimes were included, along with office furniture, typewriters, and the church's first computer. Their unique perspectives and support of one another helped to bring in more than 314 members by the mid 1980s with an average attendance of more than 115 in worship. The first Family Fun Fest and Auction were held in 1990 and has continued to this day as IHUMC's annual fundraiser in the fall.
Our Beginnings
Our Founding Pastors
IHUMC Building Development
Passing the Torch
Pastoral Changes
Ushering in the 21st Century
Ongoing Projects
The Work of IHUMC Today
Reverend Cheryl Somers-Ingersol was ordained a deacon in 1987 and an elder in 1990 before being assigned to Indian Heights UMC in 1995, where she served the longest at our congregation of any pastors in IHUMC history. She began Disciples Bible Study series, established mission trips to Guatemala, enhanced confirmation classes, helped develop our community Labyrinth, provided new and expanded worship services (Good Friday, Easter Sunrise, Ash Wednesday, Longest Night, and the Hallelujah service), as well as supported various remodeling projects.
Our Beginnings
Our Founding Pastors
IHUMC Building Development
Passing the Torch
Pastoral Changes
Ushering in the 21st Century
Ongoing Projects
The Work of IHUMC Today
In the past decade, we've been blessed to have Sheila Lawson, Lawrence "Butch" Lambert, and Katherine Ebling-Frazier assigned to our congregation to fill the needs of our congregation. During this time, IHUMC worked to develop more holistic communications for the church and Kansas City community, including designing an online presence, frequent newsletter, and social media accounts. Additionally, church members developed and hosted new community events, such as Blessing of the Animals and Touch-a-Truck, as well as continued remodeling the church interiors.
Our Beginnings
Our Founding Pastors
IHUMC Building Development
Passing the Torch
Pastoral Changes
Ushering in the 21st Century
Ongoing Projects
The Work of IHUMC Today
Since 2018, Reverend Ali Haynes has served Indian Heights UMC as our Senior Pastor. With her background serving in the nonprofit community, she brings inclusive and justice-forward messages to Christian worship. She has established inviting programs for local mothers, leads bible studies, supports a variety of church committees, in addition to serving as the Co-President of Johnson County's Good Faith Network. In June 2024, we were thrilled to welcome Parkwood Heights Day School to our community and the church's mortgage was officially paid off in full as of August 2024.
kind words from our community
the ones who make it happen
We are extremely grateful for our incredible church staff who drive our missions forward in order to continue growing, serving, and providing for our members and community. Our tight-knit team of talented individuals excel at their roles and we are extremely grateful for their contributions.
Senior Pastor
Ali Haynes
Admin & Worship Coordinator
Suzanne Isbell
Worship Leader
Alexis Merry
Treasurer
Anna McDonald
Family Ministries Co-Coordinator
Aby Peoples
Family Ministries Co-Coordinator
Haley Broockerd
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.
Senior Pastor
email ali haynes
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).
Admin & Worship Coordinator
email suzanne isbell
Alexis Merry
Although originally from Houston, Texas, Ms. Merry can be found performing frequently amid Kansas City’s vibrant classical music scene and teaching privately. Alexis’s 2024-25 season thus far has included performances of Suor Angelica / Suor Angelica with Opera on Tap KC and as a featured soloist for Thin Air Productions’ Vivaldi: Gloria. Ms. Merry’s previous roles include Isolde / Tristan und Isolde, Ma “Mrs. Zegner” / Proving Up, Contessa Almaviva / Le nozze di Figaro, Anna Maurrant / Street Scene, Galatea / Acis and Galatea, Rosalinde / Die Fledermaus, and Donna Elvira / Don Giovanni. Alexis also thrived singing Mom in LOKC’s community outreach show Sketchbook for Ollie which brought music curriculum to the stage for students in 3rd to 5th grade across Kansas City. During her two-year apprenticeship with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Alexis role-studied Violetta / La traviata, Wendy / The Shining, and Micaëla / Carmen. Additionally, Ms. Merry’s passion for art song and chamber choral music brought her to personally work with Jake Heggie, William Bolcom, and is a current member of Kantorei KC.
Worship Leader
email alexis merry
anna mcdonald
Anna is thrilled to be serving as our church's newest treasurer! She is also the Executive Director of TRIO programs at Avila University, which are federally-funded programs designed to provide educational access and assistance to income-eligible, first-generation and/or students with a disability. Anna enjoys time spending time with her wife, Carolyn, and their two kids, Georgia and Patrick.
Treasurer
email anna mcdonald
aby peoples
Aby moved to Kansas City at the age of three and has been part of the church community for over two years. She first joined as a Nursery Assistant and now co-leads the children’s ministry on Sundays. Aby is studying Medical Laboratory Science at Rockhurst University and is especially interested in cancer research. When she’s not working with the kids, she’s busy with school or learning more about how the human body works. She loves bringing her adaptability and creativity to this role, making sure every lesson is fun, engaging, and meaningful for the kids.
Family Ministries Co-Coordinator
email aby peoples
haley broockerd
Haley was born and raised right here in KC and has been with the church for over 4 years now. While working with us, she received her BBA from The University of Missouri-Kansas City. When Haley is not leading our children’s ministry alongside Aby on Sundays, you can see her diving right into events as a Venue Manager downtown or an Assistant Wedding Coordinator for a wedding planner in KC….or going to concerts! She loves being able to bring her planning expertise to execute events and lesson that are both educational and fun for the kids.
Family Ministries Co-Coordinator
email haley broockered
Indian Heights United Methodist Church
“the church on the hill”
10211 Nall avenue
overland park, ks 66207
office hours
mon-thurs 9:30am-2:30pm
contact@indianheightsumc.org
(913) 649-9040
get directions
common questions
Have additional questions? We’ve included some commonly asked questions below. Want to know more? Feel free to get in contact with our team.
What time is your Sunday worship service?
Do you provide children’s programming on Sunday morning?
What can I expect walking through the front doors?
What can I expect during worship services? Will I be asked to donate?
What is appropriate to wear to worship service?
Do I need to know about Christianity and the Bible?
What time is your Sunday worship service?
Do you provide children’s programming on Sunday morning?
What can I expect walking through the front doors?
What can I expect during worship services? Will I be asked to donate?
What is appropriate to wear to worship service?
Do I need to know about Christianity and the Bible?
Our Sunday worship service is at 10:30am and our adult Sunday school meets at 9:00am. Our kids ministries and childcare is available during adult Sunday School and worship times. Our young adults meet after worship service at 11:30am.
What time is your Sunday worship service?
Do you provide children’s programming on Sunday morning?
What can I expect walking through the front doors?
What can I expect during worship services? Will I be asked to donate?
What is appropriate to wear to worship service?
Do I need to know about Christianity and the Bible?
Yes! On Sunday mornings, our kids ministry gathers at 10am for a time of Bible stories and creativity as they learn about the Bible and Jesus’ love. Please contact our Children and Family Ministry Coordinators for more information.
What time is your Sunday worship service?
Do you provide children’s programming on Sunday morning?
What can I expect walking through the front doors?
What can I expect during worship services? Will I be asked to donate?
What is appropriate to wear to worship service?
Do I need to know about Christianity and the Bible?
A greeter will meet you at the front door and an usher will give you a bulletin at the entrance to the Sanctuary. We have coffee available before worship, as well. We can also point you to our kids ministry, Sunday School class, or restrooms.
What time is your Sunday worship service?
Do you provide children’s programming on Sunday morning?
What can I expect walking through the front doors?
What can I expect during worship services? Will I be asked to donate?
What is appropriate to wear to worship service?
Do I need to know about Christianity and the Bible?
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. Holy Communion is typically celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. Giving is optional.
What time is your Sunday worship service?
Do you provide children’s programming on Sunday morning?
What can I expect walking through the front doors?
What can I expect during worship services? Will I be asked to donate?
What is appropriate to wear to worship service?
Do I need to know about Christianity and the Bible?
Wear what makes you comfortable. At Indian Heights UMC, you will find people dressed in a variety of items, including khakis, jeans, suits, dresses, heels, running shoes, sweaters, t-shirts, ties, open collars, etc.
What time is your Sunday worship service?
Do you provide children’s programming on Sunday morning?
What can I expect walking through the front doors?
What can I expect during worship services? Will I be asked to donate?
What is appropriate to wear to worship service?
Do I need to know about Christianity and 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 is our opportunity to do this, so all people, regardless of background, are invited to join us in learning together.
Career Opportunities
join our team
There are no current positions available. If you have questions, please get in contact with our staff at contact@indianheightsumc.org.
Contact Information
Feel free to contact our staff with questions and we will get back with you as soon as possible.
10211 Nall avenue
overland park, ks 66207
office hours
mon-thurs 9:30am-2:30pm
contact@indianheightsumc.org
(913) 649-9040
board member resources
Monthly updates and reports for our internal board of directors and staff.
member login
Contact Information
Feel free to contact our staff with questions and we will get back with you as soon as possible.
10211 Nall avenue
overland park, ks 66207
office hours
mon-thurs 9:30am-2:30pm
contact@indianheightsumc.org
(913) 649-9040
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