“Fruit of the Spirit: JOY“

Once again, we might get tripped up over how we define “joy.” We often see that as an emotional state, something that we experience when the outside factors around us line up correctly. We see joy as something that we can’t really control, so when we hear that Christians are to produce joy as part of our faith, we may think we have to fake it until we make it. But joy goes deeper than emotion. ‘JOY’ is the lens through which we look at life, a lens that is given to us because of whom we are in Christ.

Preparing Joyful Hearts

This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will continue the Fruit of the Spirit sermon series as he talks with us about “JOY.” He will encourage us to engage with the daily Scripture readings below in the week ahead. These passages will also be included in this Sunday’s worship bulletin. As you read, you are urged to focus on this question:  What does each text teach us about JOY?

• Monday, May 16:  Psalm 16
• Tuesday, May 17:  Luke 15: 8-10
• Wednesday, May 18:  Isaiah 61: 10-11
• Thursday, May 19:  Luke 1: 39-45
• Friday, May 20:  John 16:16-24
• Saturday, May 21:  Deuteronomy 16: 13-15

Happy Joyful Reading!

How to Relax When You Feel Anxious:  A Devotion

Anxiety is a part of our lives. I started noticing I was having trouble falling asleep. I whispered my prayer, “Please, God, you know how tired I am. Help me!” The minutes ticked away, hour by hour. I felt so exhausted. Why wasn’t God answering my prayer?

Sometimes we are such strong thinkers, pushing through to take care of others, getting work done, and juggling our responsibilities. We can get stuck in a state of heightened alertness that we don’t realize we are actually very stressed. So I began a new prayer. Instead of praying, Help me sleep or Take away my anxiety, I started asking God, “What does it mean to rest? Teach me how to relax.” One of the first Scripture passages that I asked God to help me better understand was a verse we often hear quoted: Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46: 10.

So I began to do two things to help me relax whenever I feel anxious:

1. I take action to explore what brings me peace and joy—practical things, such as drinking tea, reading a book, or taking a walk.
2. I pause to hear Jesus tenderly and lovingly calm my heart with a breath prayer to relax. You can do it, too! Here’s how:  Put aside your work and worries for just a moment. Rest in God’s presence. Whisper this simple breath prayer to yourself: Relax. Yep, “be still” literally means relax, loosen your grip. Sometime today, do something that helps you experience what peace and joy feels like for you. If it’s an especially hard day, rest in the thought of Jesus holding you close in His arms. He is with you this very moment, whispering, “I will help you. I love you.”

Sharing Christ’s Love . . . Over a Brew!

When you completed the interest survey last fall, Timothy’s GO Commission noticed you all love breweries, wineries, & coffeehouses, and they are here to deliver! Let’s reach out to our community at TLM and beyond. It’s pretty simple:

1. Let us know if you want to come. Simply email Emily Wilson at emilymwilson515@gmail.com.
2. Invite people who don’t go to TLM or know Jesus
3. Share Christ’s love together over a brew

What you need to know:

• Where:  Station 7 Restaurant, 9418 South Highway 7
• When:  Sunday, May 22, 11:30am (after church)
• Meeting spot:  West side of Wyatt Campus parking lot near the playground
• Parking is limited at Station 7, so we’re asking people to consider parking at Wyatt Campus and for volunteers to assist in shuttling people to & from Station 7
• Remember, this is about reaching out into our community with a missional heart, not sticking with just us TLM people! (which is why GO is planning this & not GATHER). So be sure to invite people who might not otherwise walk through TLM’s doors.

Let’s get social and share the love of Christ with our community! Contact Emily Wilson (emilymwilson515@gmail.com) with questions.

Celebrating a Baptism at TLS Chapel: Transforming Lives through Christ

On Wednesday, May 4, TLS students witnessed Pastor Ryan baptize one of their classmates during weekly Chapel! Gracie Evans, a student in Mary Beth Self’s 7^th grade class, was welcomed into Christ’s family through this sacrament. What a blessing!

While teaching lessons in Religion class about Jesus’ baptism & Nicodemus’ asking how to be born again, Mrs. Self observed that Gracie was listening intently. Later, when asked privately if she would like to be baptized, Gracie enthusiastically said, “Yes!”

Please keep Gracie in your prayers and may God bless and keep her in her baptismal grace! To God be the glory!

TLS Observes National Day of Prayer

Last Thursday, students at TLS observed the 2022 National Day of Prayer by learning about its purpose and then praying as a school for their families, school, church, community, state, country, and world! Students lined the hallway outside their classrooms, held hands, listened to Pastor Ryan share about this day, and then followed along as Pastor Ryan led them in prayer. Thanks to TLS teacher Kim Brunkhorst and Pastor Ryan for organizing this meaningful participation in National Day of Prayer!

Live Well Community Fair

FREE for all ages! Stop by the Wyatt Campus on June 4, 10am-2pm, for fun activities and helpful information for healthy living! Meet Jessy & Thomas, the Comfort Dogs, learn about activities for kids and adults at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, plus many resources for seniors. Kids will love exploring a fire engine & ambulance as well as challenging their parents on a 52-foot-long obstacle course. Check out the Timothy website for details—oh, and there is a chef who will have delicious & healthy food for sale! You won’t want to miss this! Bring your friends & neighbors!

Summer Plans for All Church & School Youth—Mark Your Calendars

Children’s Ministry:

• Bump City @ GAGE Center Sat., June 4, 7-9pm, $5. Come join us as we “bounce, bump, slide & swing” on anything and everything! There will be snacks & drinks available at no additional cost.
• Vacation Bible School July 18-22, 9am-noon, RD Mize, pre-school through 5^th grade; 6^th grade & older may volunteer!
• Rink Ratz (TENTATIVE) Sat., Aug. 6, 11am-1pm, $5. It’s not just roller skating; it’s fun, fellowship, and occasionally some falling. There will be snacks & drinks available at no additional cost.
• VBS Reunion/Pastor Splash Fri., Aug. 12, 5-7pm, RD Mize Campus. Come reunite with your VBS friends and teachers to sing some VBS songs, do a craft, and haves an epic water gun battle with the 3 pastors! Food truck will be available.

Middle School Ministry (6^th-8^th grade 2022-2023 school year):

• Kayaking/Canoeing/Pedal Boating at Lake Jacomo Wed., June 15, 8am-12:30pm, lunch will be served! $20 RSVP by Sun., June 5 so we can reserve enough boats (weather permitting)
• Swim Talks Tues., July 19 & Thurs., July 21, 5:30-7:30pm. Join us as we take over a member’s swimming pool to cool off, indulge in some food & drink, and dive into God’s Word (weather permitting)

Senior High Ministry (freshmen through seniors 2022-2023 school year):

• Summer Chill Night Sun., June 12, 6:30-8pm, Carrie Hochgrebe’s home. We will be snacking, throwing darts, playing corn hole, devo, and just summer relaxing
• Swim Talks Mon., July 18 & Wed., July 20, 5:30-7:30pm. Join us as take over a member’s swimming pool to cool off, indulge in some food & drink, and dive into God’s Word (weather permitting)
• Other Hang Outs such as Frisbee golf, volleyball, game nights, escape room may be scheduled also. If you want to be in the loop, contact Pastor Ryan to be added to the Group Me/text chain.

Contact Pastor Ryan with any questions, details, or if RSVP is needed (ryanh@timothylutheran.com)

2022 First Fruits contributions total $80,965.59, as of May 8^th. Thank you!
Raise the Roof contributions total $23,350.00, as of May 8^th! Thank you!

Food Donations during May will be delivered to Jesu el Buen in KC. Thanks for your ongoing support!

Card Club meets TONIGHT, May 13, 6:30pm, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize, to play 10-point pitch. All adults welcome! Please bring a snack to share & enjoy the fellowship. Contact Pam Church (pam.church60@gmail.com) with questions.

Pairs & Spares Tues., May 17, 11:30am, Family Life Center. Bring a dish to share & enjoy the fellowship. Guest speaker: Timothy member Fritz Barlag as he shares “Vietnam: Going Back!”

2022 High School & College Graduate Recognition Sun., May 29 in worship services; go to Timothy’s website to submit information & photos. Deadline:  Mon., May 16. Direct questions to IT Services Doug Fleck (dougf@timothylutheran.com)

Resource Health Stride for Life 5K/1 mile Run/Walk TOMORROW, May 14, 8am, Waterfall Park (behind Bass Pro in Independence); complimentary breakfast following. Register at https://bit.lystrideforlife2022 or on ResourceHealthPartners website. Contact Sandy Galvin (sgalvin@kc.rr.com) with questions.

Lutherans for Life Diaper Drive through Father’s Day; sizes 5 & 6 plus baby wipes & feminine hygiene products; drop off in plastic bin at either campus; will be delivered to BS Impact Ministries. Contact Kaye Gray (kgray1024@yahoo.com) with questions. Thank you!

Ladies Book Club Thurs., May 19, 7pm, at home of Koko Falk, 669 NE Rushbrook Dr., LSMO 64064. Contact Barb Kalbfleisch (barbkalbfleisch9@gmail.com) with questions.

Legacy Planning Seminars Sat., May 21, 9am-10:15am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize (Due to unforeseen circumstances, the May 14 seminar is combined with the one on May 21); free breakfast at 8:30am. Go to Timothy’s website under Events, call church office (816.228.5300) or email Sandy Gregory (sandyg@timothylutheran.com) to register. Please register your attendance to help in planning for the breakfast. Childcare available upon request.

Job Opportunity Care Minister, 20 hrs/wk; position description on church website (www.timothylutheran.com. Click on Church, then Church Manuals, Reports & Positions. Contact Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com) with questions.

Prayer Chain Volunteer Care Ministry needs someone to receive and email prayers to those on Timothy’s Prayer Chain. Basic typing skills & ability to use email are required. If interested, contact Nancy Nowiszewski, Care Minister, at nancyn@timothylutheran.com.

17^th Annual Adam’s Army Blood Drive Sun., June 5, 9am-3pm, Family Life Center, RD Mize Campus. Sign up at savealifenow.org/group and enter group code CB3C. Medical eligibility questions? Call 800.668.0900. Thank you!

DivorceCare will start new session on Monday, Sept. 12^th.

GriefShare meets on Thursdays, 6:30-8pm, RD Mize. Childcare available upon request.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “An Overview of the Old Testament”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1^st & 3^rd Mondays) various topics; 6:30 fellowship; 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood

Monday Evening Women’s Bible Study “Faith & Fire Elijah”; 6:30-8pm, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “Matthew 17-28: The Sacrifice of the King”; 6:30-7:390am, Fireplace Room (302), led by various men

Tuesday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Book of Revelation”; 10-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Pastor John

Wednesday Senior High Revolution Bible Study 6:30-8pm, Youth Room (506), RD Mize; led by Carrie Hochgrebe, Becky Blatt, & Ryan Kuecker

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study, 6:30-8pm, Room 102, RD Mize; led by Miriam Lindemann & Becky Blatt; contact Becky Blatt (ebblatt99@yahoo.com) for current book

Saturday Morning Moms Bible Study (1^st & 3^rd Saturdays) 9-10am, Wyatt 4 G’s; led by Kaye Gray