Join Us for Easter Worship!

Sunday, April 20, 2025 @ 10:30am CST  •  Potluck Brunch @ 9:00am CST

Growing Our Community Since 1967

seeking, sowing, loving & serving all people

For generations, Indian Heights UMC has been a community focused on faith, love, justice, and service. We are represented by all ages in our congregation and welcome all people, regardless of background, with open arms.

meet pastor ali

watch messages

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

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

Follow Along on Social Media