A United Methodist Home on West Morse Avenue
Bonner Springs United Methodist Church sits at 425 West Morse Avenue in Bonner Springs, Kansas, a town tucked along the western edge of the Kansas City metro area. The congregation describes itself in unusually direct language: Democrats and Republicans under one roof, KU fans and K-State fans, people full of certainty and people who wrestle with doubt. The church holds that a diversity of opinions is a healthy thing, and that no one has to pass a test of beliefs to belong. "Whatever you believe, if you come share it openly and in good will, there will be a place for you here," the congregation writes.
Pastor Rev. Kyu Lee leads the church, supported by a small team of ministry staff. Jean Ney serves as Music Program Director, Lyra Pherigo directs the choir, Kerry Stumbough is the Director of Family Ministries, and Lyndsay Fritz oversees the nursery. Lisa Curry serves as the church's administrative assistant.
Three Sunday Morning Services, Each With Its Own Feel
Sunday morning at Bonner Springs UMC offers three distinct options, all built around the same preached message but with different shapes and rhythms. Nursery care is available throughout the morning for children from birth through age five.
At 8:30 a.m., an early traditional service sets a simple, no-frills tone. Piano and organ lead the music, and the hour is designed for those who want to come in, worship, and head back out to enjoy the rest of their Sunday. There is no choir and no children's time, and the smaller gathering feels, according to the church, like family.
At 9:30 a.m., Sunday school meets in classes divided mostly by age, giving room for adults and children alike to dig deeper into faith and to build relationships beyond the pew.
At 10:45 a.m., the best-attended service of the morning gathers. Two or three hymns, played on piano or organ, sit alongside a scripture reading, a time of prayer, and a sermon. A children's message is part of the flow, and the choir and bell choir provide special music. The church calls this service "the one with the good place for you to fit in."
For those who cannot attend in person, worship is also shared through the church's Facebook video page, and past sermons and other worship content are posted on the church's YouTube channel.
Children, Sunday School, and Family Ministry
Children's ministry at Bonner Springs UMC is taken seriously and treated with care. Most of the pastors and staff are parents themselves, and the church emphasizes safe, developmentally appropriate spaces where kids can begin exploring life and faith. The curriculum is described as interactive, creative, and fun rather than fear-based, with Bible stories and relationships at the center.
Sunday school is part of that picture, and so is a string of seasonal events throughout the year: Vacation Bible School, Cruise Night, Mission Day, and Fall and Summer programs. Kerry Stumbough leads the family ministries, and the nursery for the youngest children is staffed under Lyndsay Fritz's direction.
Sharing Food, Clothes, and Belonging with Bonner Springs
The church frames its work in the wider community through a simple line borrowed from John Wesley: "Do all the good you can." Bonner Springs UMC sees itself as one medium-sized, midwestern congregation that cannot change the world on its own, but is also not siloed off from it. The congregation is, in their words, "a part of something bigger."
That bigger work shows up close to home. The church runs regular food drives, clothing drives, and school supply drives, and provides food, Halloween costumes, haircuts, and places of fun and acceptance for people across the community. The goal, they write, is to make Bonner Springs better reflect "God's kingdom - a place everyone is welcomed, cared for, and seen."
What to Expect When You Walk In
The congregation is candid about the awkwardness of trying a new church and has tried to make that easier by spelling out what Sundays look like. Dress, formality, and background are not screened at the door. The only requirements are an open posture and good will. Worship runs from early morning through about noon, Sunday school fills the middle hour, and the nursery is staffed throughout so parents of infants and toddlers can attend any of the three services.
Staying in Touch and Giving
The church office can be reached at office@bonnerspringsumc.com or (913) 422-5349. A monthly newsletter is published for the congregation. Online giving is available through the church's secure giving portal. The church also shares regular updates, sermon clips, and other worship content through its Facebook page.