Tucked into the rolling green of Lee's Summit, Missouri, on the grounds of the historic Longview Farm, a small white chapel built in 1915 still rings its original tower bell each Sunday morning. Longview Chapel Christian Church has gathered people in that sanctuary for more than a century, and the building remains much as it was when the first worshipers climbed its front steps. Around it, a 21st century congregation has built a busy life of Sunday worship, children's ministry, youth gatherings, a weekday preschool, a thriving music program, and an outreach ministry that regularly feeds and clothes neighbors across the Kansas City area.
R.A. Long's Vision and a Chapel Built in 1915
The story of Longview Chapel begins with R.A. Long, the lumber magnate who planned the Longview Farm community in the early 20th century. A lifelong member of the Disciples of Christ, Long believed Christian stewardship called him to provide a living wage for his farm workers along with a place for them to live, worship, and learn. His giving was a tangible expression of gratitude to God for all he had received, and the chapel was the spiritual heart of that vision.
The building was completed in 1915 with a layout that still defines it. The front of the structure is the chapel itself, the back is the schoolhouse, and the basement holds a fellowship room and kitchen complete with a stage and baptistry. A beautiful bell was set in the tower to call people to worship, and it still rings today. From the earliest days, the building was more than a Sunday destination. Weekly movies were shown in the basement fellowship hall, and teas, lectures, book reviews, skits, and plays all took place in the same space, making the chapel a true community center for the farm and the surrounding countryside.
When R.A. Long passed away, his daughter Loula Long Combs became the heart and soul of the chapel, and generations of her family and neighbors worked together to continue the stewardship and care for others her father had practiced. The congregation still describes itself as carrying on that legacy of loving, growing, and serving together, and as a place where all kinds of people can come together to seek God and God's desires for them.
The Building Today
The sanctuary retains virtually all of its original beauty and charm and comfortably seats a maximum of 120 guests. The space is divided into three sections with two inside and two outside aisles, so there is no single center aisle. Couples who marry there traditionally enter down one aisle and exit out the other. The fellowship space, known as Long Hall, holds up to 80 people with a buffet serving table and connects to a kitchen used for serving food (though not for cooking). Outdoors, a gazebo on the grounds hosts smaller ceremonies in warmer months.
Access for those with mobility needs is taken seriously. Visitors and guests are invited to use the north door ramp at the side of the church nearest the parking lot, and accessible bathrooms are located near the north door and in the fellowship hall. A number of designated accessible parking spaces sit to the left of the parking lot entrance, and the sanctuary, Long Hall, and grounds are all wheelchair accessible, with wheelchair seating limited to the front rows because the aisles are narrow.
Sunday Mornings at Longview Chapel
The Sunday rhythm at Longview Chapel offers two distinct services, an adult class in between, and a relaxed fellowship time that bridges the two. Adult Sunday School gathers in Long Hall at 8:50 AM, where a group meets for coffee, discussion, fellowship, and exploration of the Bible. The first worship service begins at 9:00 AM, followed by Fellowship Time from 10:00 to 10:25 AM, and the second worship service begins at 10:30 AM. That second service is also livestreamed so members who are traveling, homebound, or simply unable to attend in person can worship along.
Each service lasts about 55 to 60 minutes and follows a comfortable blend of singing, prayer, special music, and Bible exploration. Communion is shared every Sunday, and everyone is welcome at the table. The practice reflects the congregation's understanding of communion as a way of reenacting and remembering Jesus' welcome of all people to God's table. The pastor's message is described as thought-provoking, relevant, and engaging, and the congregation often shares prayer concerns and celebrates joys together.
Children are part of the life of the church from their earliest weeks. Nursery care is available for children three and under at both the 9:00 and 10:30 services. After a Children's Message in each service, children are invited to age-appropriate learning times, and Children's Sunday School is offered during both services for children ages 4 through fifth grade. The 9:00 service typically draws 35 to 45 people and the 10:30 service draws 70 to 90, so even the larger gathering feels intimate in a sanctuary built to seat 120.
Visitors regularly ask what to wear, and the answer is simple. Friends and members come dressed in everything from business casual to shorts, T-shirts, and jeans, so newcomers are welcome to dress to their own comfort. There is no cost to attend, although an offering is taken each Sunday to support the ministries of the church. Visitors and guests are not expected to give.
Pastor Donna Rose-Heim and the Pastoral Team
Rev. Donna Rose-Heim has served as pastor of Longview Chapel since 2018. An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she holds a B.A. in Psychology from Anderson College and a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology, with additional training in mediation, healthy boundaries, transition management, community development, emergency response, and volunteerism. In her preaching and teaching she draws on stories, interactive experiences, and humor to help people engage the scriptures with their daily lives. She has written two books, Dream Walking and Dream Walking for Kids, both intended to help people of all ages open their hearts and minds to do more with God than they first dared to dream.
Rev. Patrick Landau joined the team as Family Minister, a new role focused on ministry with young people and their families. A commissioned minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) working toward ordination, Patrick studied music composition at William Jewell College before earning his Master of Divinity from Central Seminary. He later completed a continuing education certificate through Princeton Theological Seminary's Institute for Youth Ministry focused on innovative methods in youth ministry. He has been working in ministry with young people since 2009 and is known for approaching that work with empathy and creativity, knowing that different families have different needs and that churches can and should adapt accordingly. He plays violin, writes choral music, and lives with his wife and daughter in Shawnee, Kansas.
Deanna Hamilton is the office manager and the first face most people see if they visit during the week. She began working at the chapel in 2023 and always enjoys meeting members of the Longview Chapel family. The church office is open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, and messages left outside those hours are returned as quickly as possible.
Music at the Chapel
Music is woven into Sunday worship and into the life of the congregation throughout the week. Sandy Playter serves as choir director. A retired school counselor, she holds a B.A. in music education and psychology from Southwest Baptist University, an M.S. in counseling psychology from Avila University, and an Ed.S. in guidance and counseling from UMKC. She has been an accompanist and music director, sometimes at the same time, for many years and accompanied chorus classes in Independence middle schools part-time before joining the chapel. Christina Cummins serves as accompanist, having recently moved to the Kansas City area from the Chicagoland region with her spouse, Tim. A music educator with a bachelor's from Millikin University and a master's from the University of Kansas, Christina also works with HALO, a Kansas City nonprofit that brings housing, healing, and education services to homeless and at-risk youth.
The choir rehearses on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM throughout the school year (6:45 on board meeting nights) and provides a fun environment for anyone who loves to sing. Musicians with other gifts are also encouraged to share special music during worship, whether they play an instrument or sing.
Children's Ministry
The children's ministry at Longview Chapel is organized into three age groups: Disciple Tots (infants through age 2), Lil' Disciples (ages 2 through 5), and Disciple Crew (ages 5 through 10). The ministry's guiding verse is Luke 9:46, the reminder that whoever welcomes a child in Jesus' name welcomes Jesus and the one who sent him. Each month the children's ministry offers family-friendly activities and events for parents and children to enjoy together.
Ashley Davis leads Sunday School. A freshman at MCC Longview majoring in hospitality, she brings energy, a love of music, and a gift for connecting with children. Caroline Bussen serves as the 9:00 AM nursery attendant, having graduated from UMKC in 2020 with a degree in theater, and she looks forward to meeting new families. The nursery at both services is staffed to give parents a chance to worship with their minds at ease.
Youth and Young Adults
Teens in grades 6 through 12 are part of Disciples Adventurers, a group that meets for Youth Sunday School on the first and third Sundays of each month during the 10:30 service. The ministry's guiding scripture is 1 Timothy 4:12: "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Older youth are also welcome to attend summer camp at Tall Oaks, mission trips, and other special events announced in the monthly newsletter. Patrick Landau, as Family Minister, shepherds the program with creativity and care, and Ashley Davis supports the youth work as well.
Longview Chapel Preschool
Open since 2008, Longview Chapel Preschool is a weekday ministry of the church that serves children ages 2 through 5. Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:20 AM to 1:00 PM, and the program runs from September through May. The school's philosophy is rooted in the belief that each child is a special gift from God. Teachers work to create a safe, caring environment where children can develop physically, socially, intellectually, and spiritually, with a positive early-learning experience that inspires a lifelong love of learning.
Three classes make up the program. The Lions Class is for children who are 2 years old by July 31, does not require potty training, and meets for the same hours and days as the older classes at a tuition of $300 per month. The Tigers Class is for children who are 3 by July 31, requires potty training, and is $275 per month. The Bears/PreK Class is for children who are 4 by July 31, also requires potty training, and is $275 per month. Families with more than one child enrolled receive a $10 discount off the second child's tuition. Tuition is paid in nine equal monthly installments from September through May, and a late fee applies after the 15th of each month.
A typical day includes arrival with a table activity or free play, circle time with the pledge, songs, calendar, weather, the letter of the week, and a theme introduction, center time in areas such as art, blocks, dramatic play, reading, math, sensory, and writing, a snack brought from home, an art or theme-related work time, gross motor movement and recess, and story time. In addition, each week the children participate in three special classes taught by members of the preschool team. Music and Movement, taught by Ms. Kim, is designed to strengthen motor skills, improve memory, build self-confidence, and target emotional development, and it culminates in a Christmas program and a graduation program each year. Gymnastics, taught by Ms. Michelle, introduces the children to a low bar, trampoline, floor balance beam, and other obstacles that build core strength, balance, and flexibility. Once a month, the children gather for Chapel time, a short Bible lesson and prayer led by Pastor Donna.
The teaching team includes Jill Boswell, who joined as Preschool Director for the 2026-2027 school year. With more than 12 years of experience as a behavior analyst working with children under six, Jill is passionate about teaching young ones valuable social and communication skills and encouraging their confidence through independence. Ms. Jennifer teaches the Bears/PreK class and has been part of the preschool since 2009, having previously taught Sunday School and worked as an assistant at a Montessori school. Ms. Tina teaches the Tigers Class and brings a background in Montessori education and elementary teaching. Ms. Becky has taught at the preschool since it opened in 2008 and is known for fostering creativity and a love of learning. Ms. Michelle also co-teaches the Lions Class and leads the gymnastics special. Kim Sharp teaches Music and Movement, and Molly Lange serves as an instructional assistant and substitute teacher. The preschool program is fully licensed and follows state immunization requirements, and parents are welcome to volunteer in classrooms, on field trips, and for special projects.
Adult Groups, Classes, and Bible Study
Beyond Sunday morning worship, the congregation offers a steady menu of small groups and gatherings for adults. The Adult Sunday School class meets every Sunday at 8:50 AM in Long Hall for coffee, discussion, fellowship, and Bible study. Christian Women's Fellowship meets the third Friday of every month for spiritual growth, enrichment, education, and creative ministry, and is a place to develop friendships through varied programs. Christian Men's Fellowship gathers at the chapel at 8:00 AM on the third Saturday of each month for food, fellowship, and a discussion of special projects and meals sponsored by the group.
Once a month, everyone is welcome to the Lunch Bunch potluck at 12:00 PM on the first Wednesday of every month. Participants bring a favorite dish or dessert to share and enjoy the food and the company. The Supper & Scripture Bible study takes place on the last Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM. It includes a simple shared meal and a focused study on a variety of topics, with conversation that often moves from silly stories to the deeper places of faith. Members are encouraged to invite friends.
Volunteers on the Property Committee look after the building and grounds throughout the year, with work that includes painting, repairs, construction, gardening, and general maintenance. Anyone with a willingness to lend a hand is welcome.
Outreach: A Local Heart for the Wider Community
Longview Chapel's Outreach Team exists to support local charities with donations and volunteer hours, and the congregation aims to include all ages in its outreach activities whenever appropriate. The team meets on the second Monday of each month at 1:00 PM at the chapel to plan upcoming projects. Several efforts are ongoing.
Each month the chapel provides a meal for youth at HALO, the Kansas City nonprofit that brings housing, healing, and education to homeless and at-risk youth. Meals are delivered on the fourth Wednesday of each month and follow a different theme with specific items needed; donors can sign up on the whiteboard in Long Hall. The chapel also collects aluminum pop tabs year-round and donates them to Ronald McDonald House, which uses the funds to support families whose children are receiving cancer treatment; the most recent donation totaled 9,500 tabs.
Among the team's recent projects are a Thanksgiving food drive in October that benefits Lee's Summit Social Services, a Lent clothing drive for Micah Ministries, an outdoor work day for residents at Blue Springs Terrace, the assembly of hygiene kits for domestic violence victims, a back-to-school backpack collection for Hillcrest Transitional Housing, and ongoing diaper packaging for Happy Bottoms. The team also helps retired clergy with indoor and outdoor tasks. The chapel maintains a Community Resources page that points neighbors toward Harvesters, the United Way of Greater Kansas City, the Jackson County Public Health food distribution, WIC and nutrition services, Bloom International, Heart and Hand Ministries, HALO, Camber Mental Health, and Compass Health Network.
Weddings, Vow Renewals, and Rentals at the Chapel
Because the chapel is a registered historic venue, Longview Chapel opens its doors for weddings, vow renewals, and receptions as a regular part of its ministry. Couples may choose from several packages, all of which require the use of an officiant provided by the chapel and at least one or two counseling and planning sessions with one of the pastors.
The Chapel Package (Indoor) starts at $1,500 and includes use of the sanctuary for four hours on the wedding day plus one hour for rehearsal, the officiant, a host, the piano, the sound system, a dressing area for the bridal party and groomsmen, and seating for up to 120 guests. The Chapel Package with Reception (Indoor) starts at $2,150 and adds four hours of use of Long Hall, including the kitchen, tables, and chairs, for the reception. The Reception Only Package (Indoor) starts at $650 for those who want to use Long Hall alone. The Gazebo Package (Outdoor) starts at $600 and includes use of the gazebo grounds for two hours on the wedding day plus one hour for rehearsal, with up to 100 guests; the wedding party is responsible for setup and takedown of chairs and tables. The Gazebo Package with Reception (Outdoor/Indoor) starts at $950 and adds four hours of Long Hall after the ceremony. The Elopement Package (Indoor) starts at $400 for up to 20 guests and one hour in the sanctuary. The Vow Renewal Package (Indoor) starts at $675 for up to 120 guests and two hours in the sanctuary.
Optional add-ons include a pianist ($150, or $175 with rehearsal) and a sound system operator ($50). Use of the indoor dressing area is an additional $150 for the gazebo packages. The chapel is a tobacco-, vaping-, and alcohol-free site, including the grounds, restrooms, and parking lots. Only bubbles or live flower petals are allowed for the recessional. In Missouri, the marriage license must be secured at least three days before the ceremony and brought to the rehearsal. During winter months, renters are responsible for up to $700 for snow removal.
Long Hall is also available to rent for meetings, baby showers, anniversary parties, and other events, with a maximum capacity of 80 people. The chapel encourages visitors to come and see the space in advance and to join a Sunday service to experience the building in worship.
A Disciples of Christ Identity
Longview Chapel Christian Church belongs to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a mainline Protestant denomination with roots on the American frontier. The congregation values the autonomy of the local church, meaning each congregation chooses its own pastors and makes its own decisions. Members value the study of scripture, but they do not believe any one person or group has a corner on the right way to interpret the Bible. Instead, the congregation comes to its understanding of scripture by studying, questioning, and exploring the text together.
Two practices shape the church's life in particular. First, the centrality of communion: every Sunday the table is open, and everyone is welcome. Second, the recognition of baptisms from other Christian traditions, a sign of respect for the wider body of Christ. The Disciples see themselves as a movement for wholeness and unity in a fragmented world, celebrating opportunities to work alongside other denominations and other faiths and committed to reaching out to those in need both locally and globally.
That spirit is visible in the chapel's welcome of all who come. People of many different thoughts and experiences of faith are part of the community. Some have been Christians all their lives; others come by way of other faith traditions or no faith experience at all. The congregation believes that it can only grow by sharing and learning from those who have different thoughts, questions, and ideas about faith, and it celebrates and honors that diversity.
Staying Connected
Longview Chapel keeps in touch with members and friends through a free weekly e-newsletter, a Facebook page, an Instagram account at @longviewchapelcc, a Nextdoor page, and a YouTube channel that hosts the livestream and recordings of recent services. Recordings of previous services are also available on Vimeo. Online giving is available through the church's giving portal, and a monthly newsletter keeps everyone up to date on upcoming events, mission projects, and community life. The Pastor's Corner blog, written by Pastor Donna, has been a long-running weekly reflection, and a 2026 calendar is published for the year.
Longview Chapel Christian Church continues to be what its founder R.A. Long first envisioned more than a century ago: a place where people of every background can come as they are, hear the bell ring from the tower, and find a welcome home.