A Lutheran Presence in Gardner
On East Madison Street in Gardner, Kansas, just south of the Kansas City metro, King of Kings Lutheran Church gathers as a congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). The building at 306 East Madison Street is home to Sunday worship, Christian education for every age, and a long-running childcare ministry that reaches into the wider community. Pastor Dan Wehmeier serves the parish, working alongside Church Secretary Erin Schrepel and the leaders of Open Arms Child Development Center.
Two Sunday Services, One Congregation
Sunday at King of Kings follows a steady three-part rhythm. At 8:00 a.m., the earlier service called Classic Grace opens the day with a more traditional feel. At 9:20 a.m., Sunday School meets for everyone from preschoolers through adults, fitting neatly between the two services for families who want to worship, learn, and return for the late service. At 10:30 a.m., the second service, Joyful Praise, completes the morning.
Both services are livestreamed on YouTube, with recordings kept in a public playlist so anyone who missed a Sunday can watch later. Audio mutes briefly during holy communion while a video hymn plays, then resumes for the rest of the service.
A Mission Spelled Out in Words and Deeds
The congregation describes itself as created by the Father, saved by the Son, and sent by the Holy Spirit to make the love of Christ known to neighbors. That calling is lived out through focused outreach, dynamic worship, fervent prayer, vigorous study of the Word, loving care for one another, and committed support of the work of the church. The mission verse, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, captures the same spirit: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Open Arms Child Development Center
Sharing the campus and the church's name is Open Arms Child Development Center, a National Lutheran School Accredited childcare facility that grew directly out of the congregation's vision to bring children and their families closer to the Lord. Shonda Williams serves as Director, supported by Assistant Directors Christen Sola and Dianna McElwain. The center is designed to nurture the whole child physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
Open Arms cares for children from six weeks old through third grade. Infants, twos, and toddlers each have a dedicated room, followed by Preschool and Pre-K classrooms for ages three to five, offered both part-time and full-time. Before- and after-school care and a summer program serve students in kindergarten through third grade. Brightwheel keeps current families connected with daily updates, and tours can be scheduled online.
Music for Every Voice and Hand
The Music Ministry invites vocalists, instrumentalists, and handbell players into its two ensembles, King's Singers and King's Ringers. Both groups welcome new members, with rehearsal times listed on the church calendar. The music ministry supports both Sunday services and helps shape the difference between Classic Grace and Joyful Praise.
Women of the Congregation: LWML
Women at King of Kings are organized around the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML). The women's ministry centers on affirming relationships with Christ, encouraging Bible study and Christian fellowship, and supporting local and global mission grants. It is a place for women to share experiences and grow in faith together.
Men Around the Breakfast Table: Lutheran Laymen's League
The men's ministry gathers under the banner of the Lutheran Laymen's League (LLL), an auxiliary and volunteer organization of the LCMS that founded and supports Lutheran Hour Ministries. The men meet on the second Saturday of every month except July from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. for a breakfast Bible study, fellowship, and planning that supports both the local church and global outreach.
Youth and Family Life
Children and students experience church as more than Sunday morning. The Youth Ministry offers Sunday School and partners with the Open Arms program to nurture faith and Christian values. Vacation Bible School runs each summer for children ages three through fifth grade, and high school youth travel every three years to the LCMS National Youth Gathering.
Family Ministry rounds out the week with fellowship events including game nights, movie nights, dances, and other gatherings designed to bring families together around something other than the regular schedule.
Disaster Response Through L.E.R.T.
When storms or other disasters strike, King of Kings volunteers can deploy through the Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.). Trained volunteers assist with cleanup, basic repairs, and property protection. Lutheran churches and members affected by a disaster receive attention first, with broader community help following. Pastors needing support can contact their District Office or the LERT Chairman to arrange a damage assessment and a tailored volunteer response.
A Year Shaped by the Church Calendar
The congregation's year follows the historic rhythms of the liturgical calendar. During Lent, Wednesdays bring a shared meal at 5:30 p.m. and a worship service at 7:00 p.m. Easter Sunday is marked with services at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., along with a breakfast and children's egg hunt at 9:00 a.m. Thanksgiving is celebrated with a luncheon the Sunday before Thanksgiving and a Thanksgiving Eve service the Wednesday before at 7:00 p.m. Christmas brings candlelight services on Christmas Eve at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m., plus a Christmas Day service at 10:00 a.m.
Member Resources and Staying Connected
Members of King of Kings have access to a regular set of resources. The church publishes a monthly newsletter with stories, upcoming events, and celebrations from within the church family. RightNow Media is offered free for personal devotions and Bible studies. An Instant Church Directory helps members keep family photos and contact information up to date. Online giving through Givecloud supports the general mission as well as specific ministries.
Visiting King of Kings
First-time guests find a straightforward path in. Sunday worship begins at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with Sunday School at 9:20 a.m. for PreK through adults. The church sits at 306 East Madison Street in Gardner, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 364, Gardner, KS 66030. Questions can be sent to info@kingofkingsks.org or directed to the church office at 913-856-2500. From the two Sunday services to the classrooms of Open Arms and the work of the Lutheran Early Response Team, King of Kings Lutheran Church carries the same calling every week: to make known the love of Christ to its neighbors.