Fruit of the Spirit: GOODNESS

“Goodness” is a hard-to-define concept (unlike the rest of the fruit of the Spirit). Goodness seems to be a catch-all term that describes how the Christian lives his or her life overall. Do we display the goodness of God in our lives? Or do we instead show that sin is in control of our words, actions, and attitudes? Thanks be to God that He cleans us up and gives us His own goodness as a free gift through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Expectations:  A Devotion

I pull up to the drive-thru and place my order. I anticipate that when I reach the window, a server will greet me, lean from the window towards my car, and deliver my food to me. We order from the menu, then expect to receive what we asked for. We ask, then we anticipate.

I recently came to understand that I have far less confidence in God’s desire or ability to give me what I ask for. As with the drive-thru, I ask, yet my follow-up indicates that I’m not certain God will provide what has been promised. God has consistently been faithful in my life, opening doors, sending people to help, and guiding me forward. As I reflected on God’s faithfulness, I see how my lack of faith caused me to needlessly labor and suffer. Many times, instead of asking and then anticipating God to deliver, I attempted to forge my way forward. This is like asking at the drive-thru, then getting out of my car, going inside to the kitchen, leaving the kitchen to run next door to the grocery store to pick up extra ingredients, returning to the restaurant, cooking my own food, and then serving it to myself. You see, I am great at ordering from God’s menu but need to get significantly better at expecting God to give me precisely what I asked for.

Jesus taught His disciples that when they are aligned with God’s will, they can ask and confidently anticipate that God will give them what they requested. He said in John 15: 7, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

When we abide in Jesus and align ourselves with God’s will, then our requests will align with God’s vision for our lives. Abide. Ask. Anticipate. It’s just that simple—as simple as the drive-thru.

Timothy’s Caring Support Continues

What a blessing Nancy Nowiszewski’s service as Care Minister has been to Timothy and the community for the past 17 years! Thank you, Nancy, for leading so many ministries and programs that provide love and support to people who struggle with life’s challenges. As she fully retires in August, we praise God for her servant heart and look forward to celebrating her continued service as a “volunteer.” Mark your calendars to attend a retirement potluck luncheon in her honor on August 21^st at noon in the Family Life Center. More details soon!

Timothy’s Executive Board is pleased to share that current Member Services Sandy Gregory will serve Timothy as part-time Care Coordinator and part-time Member Services. As this new position develops, the board appreciates the congregation’s support where needed.

Bump City Fun

It’s a rare sight to see tired kids, but we saw it, with our own eyes, on Saturday night, June 4^th. Approximately 60-75 Timothy youth met at Bump City to climb, slide, jump, and swing. We mixed it up a little with a few games, such as “The Floor Is Hot Lava,” tag, and even a limbo champ was crowned! Parents had a great evening of chillaxing and chatting while kiddos did their thing. And, yet, many kiddos went home tired. Thanks, Timothy, for supporting our children & youth ministry!

Adam’s Army Results

Thanks to all who donated at the June 5 Adam’s Army Blood Drive. Of the 41 volunteers who came to donate, 36 usable units were collected. If you donate blood throughout the year with the Community Blood Center, please let them know to credit our Timothy account. Just give the code CB3C. A special thank-you to Mary & Jeff Reed for leading this annual blood drive—now totaling 17!!

Live Well Community Fair

Last Saturday, the Live Well Community Fair offered a variety of information and services on living a healthy life as well as fund and food to the 150+ visitors who attended. Special appearances by the 501^st Legion (Storm Troopers) plus Jessy & Thomas, the Comfort Dogs, were favorites for photo opportunities. Kids big and small enjoyed the 52’ challenge jump house. Special thanks to many Timothy volunteers who assisted with all of the details for this event!

Ongoing Food Donations

Thank you, Timothy, for your ongoing commitment to support the food donations ministry for BS Community Services League, Hillcrest Transitional Housing, and Jesu el Buen. It cannot be overstated how much these organizations appreciate our support! Recently, Gary Flandermeyer delivered a full truck-load of donations to Kansas City for the Jesu el Buen ministry.  Thank you, Gary!

Gary asks that Timothy also keeps Frank Eberhart, the pastor of Jesu el Buen, in our prayers, as his cancer has progressed.

Donations during the month of June will be delivered to BS Community Services League. Look for the donation bins in the lobby at each campus! Thank you!

Friends Café

All women and their friends are invited to the Women of Hope Friends Café on Sat., June 18, 9:30-11am in the Community Room at Colonial Gardens, 27610 E. Wyatt Rd., just east of our Wyatt Campus. Come for a relaxing time, meet new friends, and enjoy complimentary coffee & treats! Plus, you will hear Timothy member Carol Henning share how God has worked in her life as a missionary. No cost, but please register with church office (816.228.5300 Ext. 8042).

Stamps for Missions

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League has adopted this project for many years. Donations are much appreciated and can be dropped off in the container at the Information Centers. The following categories are welcomes:

• All intact picture postcard; do not cut off the stamps; send the entire postcard
• All intact, old (pre-1930) envelopes are welcomed; do not cut off the stamps
• All foreign stamps, large and small
• Large commemorative U.S. stamps
• Small definitive (common) U.S. stamps (including USA nonprofit bulk stamps), except Love, Flag, Bell, or Christmas stamps
• Unused charity return mail stamps
• Any collections of stamps on sheets, if possible, and do not remove stamps from pages or albums

If at all possible, stamps should be trimmed to ¼” around the stamp. Do not trim stamps to touch perforations. LWML is happy to trim any stamps from letters for you. Thank you for considering this mission project!

Vacation Bible School
MONUMENTAL:  Celebrating God’s Greatness
July 18-22    8:45am-noon   RD Mize

Enroll now by visiting the Children’s Ministry Page on Timothy’s website (www.timothylutheran.com) . Check out the display at either campus to select a paper “cactus” or scan the QR code4 to provide supplies which keeps Timothy’s VBS free for all who attend. You can also suppor6t this ministry through the VBS Adopt-a-Student opportunity. Pick up an envelope at the display tables or contribute online on the church website. Start inviting your friends & neighbors to Timothy’s 2022 VBS!

2022 First Fruits contributions total $88,555.59, as of June 3^rd. Thank you!
Raise the Roof contributions total $23,900.00, as of June 3^rd. Thank you!
Total Youth Fundraising contributions total $19,566.97, as of June 3^rd. Thank you!

Thank you, Timothy, for assisting our family in carrying out the wishes of our parents, Harold and Maurine Perdue, for their combined funeral services and luncheon. It is all very much appreciated. Sincerely, the Perdue family

“Thank you, Timothy, for your ongoing support and willingness to serve God through your compassion to fight for life of the unborn and souls of their parents. Love and kindness are never wasted. So are God’s grace and blessings upon those who’ve touched many hearts and changed many lives. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Rejoicing in Christ, Resource Health (formerly Rachel House).”

“Thank you, Timothy, for your financial gifts to Mother’s Refuge (NOTE: This is one of Timothy’s tithe distributions). We have exciting news to share! We secured grant funding to pilot a new Transitional Living Program. We partnered with a nearby apartment complex to offer moms a safe place to live after they graduate our maternity home. Two moms have moved in and are learning how to succeed at living independently with our extended program support. This has been one of our dreams for many years, and we are grateful to watch it come to fruition. We thank you for your support in all of our programs to help at-risk, homeless, pregnant and parenting young moms and their precious babies!”

Middle School Youth are invited to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating at Lake Jacomo on Wed., June 18, 8am-12:30pm, cost $20. Lunch will be served. Contact Pastor Ryan (ryanh@timothylutheran.com) with questions.

Senior High Youth will gather for a Summer Chill Night at Carrie Hochgrebe’s home, THIS SUNDAY, June 12, 6:30-8pm, for snacking, throwing darts, playing cornhole, devo, and just summer relaxing. Contact Pastor Ryan (ryanh@timothylutheran.com) with questions.

Pairs & Spares Summer Picnic Tues., June 21, 11:30am, Blue Springs Park Shelter #1. Contact Janet Masters (jlmasters44@gmail.com) with questions.

Food Donations during June will be delivered to BS Community Services League. Thanks for your ongoing support!

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

DivorceCare and GriefShare support groups will resume in Sept.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Psalms”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302); 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”; 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by various men

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

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study; meets off site during summer, 6:30-8pm; led by Miriam Lindemann & Becky Blatt; contact Becky (ebblatt99@yahoo.com) for current meeting location & current book

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