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First Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
The Lamb who makes us His saints will bring us through death to life.
The word “saint” can sound like a title for unusually impressive Christians. Then we remember the people we loved: faithful, yes, but also stubborn, impatient, and wonderfully human. We know our own failures even better. If sainthood requires a flawless record, who could belong? Revelation gives a different answer. The multitude stands before God because their robes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. Their place is Christ’s gift. This day also brings real grief into worship. A name, a hymn, or an empty place can make loss feel fresh again. Jesus does not require mourners to pretend. He calls them blessed and promises comfort. Revelation shows the saints who have come through tribulation sheltered in God’s presence, with the Lamb as their Shepherd. Those who die in Christ are with Him; we await the resurrection of the body and the life of the world to come. Death wounds us, but Christ’s resurrection means it will not have the last word. At Timothy, we can remember the faithful departed with gratitude without turning their lives into stories of perfection. God worked through ordinary people to teach, encourage, pray, and pass on His Word. We honor His grace in them and commend ourselves to the same Savior. As we prepare to consider stewardship, their witness invites us to love the people before us today. We cannot earn a place among the saints. In Christ, we already belong, and we can spend our days sharing the hope He gives. |
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| | | Revelation 7:9-17 | 1 John 3:1-3 |
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From Halloween to the Hope of All Saints | Revelation 7:9–17 | 1 John 3:1–3
Key Verse: “They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:14 (CSB)
Every October, neighborhoods fill with pumpkins, costumes, decorations, and children collecting candy. But have you ever wondered where Halloween came from? Its name actually connects to a Christian celebration. Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve, the evening before All Saints’ Day, which happens to be on November 1. “Hallow” is an old word meaning holy or saintly. Over the centuries, customs associated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain also influenced Halloween traditions. Yet behind the costumes and candy lies an opportunity to remember something far more meaningful: our hope in Jesus.
Looking Up: Saints Made by Grace
When we hear the word saint, we might picture someone who lived an extraordinarily holy life. But Scripture gives us a different understanding.
In Revelation 7, John sees a countless multitude standing before God's throne. They come from every nation, tribe, people, and language. What makes them saints? Not their accomplishments, goodness, or religious devotion. Their robes have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb.
That's the heart of the Gospel. Saints aren't people who have earned heaven. They are sinners whom Jesus has redeemed.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has conquered sin and death. God gives us forgiveness, faith, and eternal life entirely by grace. We belong to Him because He has made us His own.
Looking In: Remembering Our Need for Grace.
We remember faithful Christians who have died, perhaps a parent, grandparent, spouse, child, or dear friend. We remember their love, their faith, and their imperfections. They weren't perfect people. Neither are we.
Sometimes we act as though being a good Christian means getting everything right. We compare ourselves with others, struggle with guilt, or wonder whether we've done enough.
But here's the wonderful news: Our confidence isn't found in how faithfully we've held onto Jesus, but in how faithfully He holds onto us.
That's the promise that gives us peace, especially when grief reminds us how fragile life can be.
Looking Out: Living in Resurrection Hope
So, as we celebrate Halloween today, Christians don't need to respond with fear. We can exercise Christian wisdom and freedom, avoiding practices that glorify evil while remembering that Jesus has already defeated Satan, sin, and death.
And Sunday, on All Saints’ Day, we celebrate something even greater. We give thanks for those who died trusting in Jesus. We rejoice that they rest with Him, and we look forward to the resurrection when Jesus returns.
Their story isn't over. Neither is ours. Because Jesus lives, death doesn't get the final word. And that's a truth worth celebrating every day. |
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Stewardship begins with the God who gives. The Father gives us life and daily bread. The Son gives Himself for our forgiveness and salvation. The Holy Spirit gives faith through the Gospel and sustains us through Word and Sacrament. Before we ask what, we will give, we receive what Christ has already given. His mercy changes the way we see the people, callings, and possessions entrusted to our care. At Timothy, stewardship embraces our whole lives: relationships to nurture, responsibilities to carry faithfully, and resources to share generously. We do not give to become God’s children. In Christ, we already belong to Him, and His grace frees us to live with open hearts and hands. |
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Timothy’s leadership has approved a written policy allowing responsible alcohol use at certain campus events under the policy’s guidelines. This represents a change from our longstanding practice and provides flexibility in planning fellowship opportunities. The policy reflects Scripture’s teaching that alcohol may be used responsibly, that drunkenness is sinful, and that our choices should show care and respect for others (John 2:1–11; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 14:19–21). The full policy is available, please click here to read. Please contact the Executive Board President or Pastor Kendall with any questions. |
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Join us in sharing Christ’s love with families in our community this Christmas season. New toy donations can be dropped off in the designated collection bin in the lobby beginning November 1. For those who would like to purchase specific items, gift request tags will be available on the Giving Tree starting November 25 (Thanksgiving Eve). Thank you for helping make Christmas brighter for local children and families. |
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It’s time to update our Timothy Lutheran Church and School Directory, and we want YOU to be part of it! Join us on Sunday, November 8, and Sunday, November 15 to have your picture taken for our directory. A church directory is a wonderful way to put names with faces and help our Timothy family stay connected. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to Timothy, we hope you’ll stop by, smile for the camera, and help make our directory complete. Please log into the app to see if you need a picture uploaded. Mark your calendar for November 8 or November 15 and come ready to smile! 📸 |
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We again look forward to presenting a monetary Christmas gift to Timothy’s staff, who will be acknowledged during worship service on December 20th. The Board of Elders and Executive Board would appreciate your participation in the opportunity to thank our Timothy staff with a contribution. Please consider one of the following ways to contribute by Sunday, December 6th: · Placing an offering envelope or ordinary envelope clearly marked “Staff Christmas Gift” in the offering plate between November 1st and December 6th. · Dropping off or mailing to the church office (301 East Wyatt Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64014) before December 6th, clearly printing “Staff Christmas Gift” on memo line of check · Submitting electronically by visiting Timothy’s website (www.timothylutheran.com/give), clicking on “Give,” and choose my donation one-time, fund (Staff Appreciation) Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can support these devoted servants. Their commitment, faithfulness, and hard work strengthen the mission and ministry of Timothy Lutheran Church and School each day. Your gift is a meaningful expression of encouragement and gratitude. |
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As the holiday season approaches, we recognize it can be a difficult time for those grieving a loss. We’re here to help! Join us: Surviving the Holidays GriefShare Class Date: November 5 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Music Rm (RM 1206) This class offers practical advice and reassurance through video interviews with grief experts and those who have walked a similar path. Together, we’ll explore how to prepare for the holidays, manage relationships, and use this festive season as a healing tool. Participants will also receive a booklet with over 30 daily readings for ongoing support. |
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Grab your friends and join us Friday, November 6 for a fun night of trivia, food, drinks, fellowship, and plenty of laughs! This year, No Theme = Your Theme! Pick a theme, dress up, decorate your table, or simply come as you are. And don’t worry, you do not have to be a trivia expert to join the fun! 🚪 Doors open at 5:45 PM
🍽️ Pulled pork dinner at 6:00 PM
🧠 Trivia begins at 7:00 PM Tickets are $25 for trivia only or $35 trivia with dinner, and full tables are available. Prizes will be awarded for the Top Trivia Team, Best Dressed Team, and even the Losing Team! All proceeds benefit Timothy Lutheran School’s Scholarship Foundation. Gather your team and get your tickets today! |
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Texas Roadhouse Roll Fundraiser Who doesn't love Texas Roadhouse rolls, especially for Thanksgiving?! The PTL is excited to announce their Texas Roadhouse Roll Fundraiser beginning October 25! Order online here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/262915789343066 Or, PTL members will be in the church lobby on October 25th and November 1st taking orders, so be sure to stop by and stock up on those delicious rolls before your Thanksgiving meal! Order deadline is November 5th, and order pickup will be November 22, between church services. Thank you for supporting our school and PTL! |
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| If you are a parent and can drive please contact Pastor Ryan. |
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Join us on Saturday, November 7, from 2:00-6:00 PM for an afternoon of service, fellowship, and fun! Bring family members to help too! We'll begin by helping some of our senior members with fall yard work, gathering leaves and lending a hand as we care for those in our Timothy family.
After the work is done, we'll return to church to relax and celebrate with a bonfire, food, and fellowship. It's a great opportunity to serve others, enjoy time together, and make a difference in our congregation and community.
Bring your rake, work gloves, and a willing heart. We look forward to serving alongside you! 🍂🔥 |
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Timothy Lutheran School invites our congregation, families, friends, and neighbors to join us as we commemorate Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11 with a special celebration honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. Our students are preparing a meaningful program featuring songs, poetry, prayers, instrumental music, and special moments of gratitude as we thank God for the veterans who have given so much through their service and sacrifice. Veterans Day Celebration
📅 Wednesday, November 11, 2026
☕ Coffee & Donuts: 8:30 am
🎖️ Celebration: 9:00 am
📍 Timothy Lutheran School Everyone is welcome! Please invite the veterans in your life, along with family, friends, and neighbors, to join us for this special morning. 📸 Help Us Celebrate the Veterans You Love! As part of our celebration, we will be creating a special slideshow honoring veterans connected to our Timothy families. If you have a veteran you would like included, please send the following information to kimb@timothylutheran.com by November 2: · A photograph, preferably digital · Veteran’s first and last name · The Timothy student they are related to and their relationship · Branch of service · Years of service · Any additional information you would like included If your veteran was included in last year’s slideshow, simply let us know. Their information has been saved, so you do not need to submit everything again. |
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Saint Paul Lutheran High School Drama Department is performing Defying Gravity by Jane Anderson, a play about the event of the Challenger on January 28th, 1986. Performances will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 12th, 7 p.m. on Friday, November 13th, and at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 14th (pending sports conflicts) in Kaeppel Chapel on campus. Please note that on Thursday, there will be students also attending at this time. There is no admission, but a free-will donation is greatly appreciated! There will be small concessions sold in the back during the intermission, only on Friday and Saturday: cookies for $0.50 and bottled water for $1. This production has many working bodies to make it the best and most successful it can be. We hope you will be able to join us for our production! |
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Time is nearing for the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) to launch their Nut & Candy Sale as they prepare for the upcoming yuletide season. The ordering time frame will be shorter like it was last year. Please see the information below to help when planning. A special thank you for your support as LWML strives to serve others. · Sunday, November 8 Online and in-person ordering begins Orders placed on this day will be available for pickup on Sunday, November 15. · Sunday, November 15 (Online orders accepted through November 16) A selection of products will be available for direct purchase at tables Additional orders may be placed for pickup on Sunday, November 22. · Sunday, November 22 All previously placed orders--both online and in-person--will be available for pickup. |
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The Lutheran Urban Mission Agency Auxiliary will meet on Wednesday, November 18, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3232 Metropolitan St., Kansas City, Kansas. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with the opening service at 9:30 a.m. The speaker will be Deb Hartje, DCE at Immanuel Community Outreach Association. The Mission of the Month collection is NEW winter necessities for the food pantries: socks, gloves, hats, scarves, coats, long underwear, blankets/quilts (full or queen size), throws, hand warmers, flashlights, hard candy, salty snacks, beef jerky. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP by November 14 to Lois Kuecker at kueckerlois@gmail.com. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend and all donations for the Mission of the Month collection are appreciated. Thank you! |
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As the crisp mornings of fall settle in and Thanksgiving approaches, it's time once again for Timothy’s November food drive in support of Jesús El Buen Pastor Lutheran Church in Kansas City. This cherished tradition helps provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need throughout our community. This year, the church anticipates serving approximately 100 families, each receiving a box of food along with a frozen turkey from Harvesters to help fill their tables with gratitude and warmth. 🛒 How to Participate:
Donations may be placed in the grocery cart located in the church lobby, just to the right (east) of the south entry doors. Grocery bags with a suggested food list are available in the cart — simply take one (or more), fill it with your donations, and return it to the same location. 📅 Deadline for Donations:
Please bring your filled bags no later than Tuesday November 17th. Gary Flandermeyer will be dropping these off Wednesday November 18th to Jesús El Buen Pastor Lutheran Church. |
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Thank you for your continued support of this vital ministry. Your generosity helps bless not only the families of Jesús El Buen Pastor but also strengthens our shared mission of compassion and care. 🙏 Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving season! |
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| | Do You Have A Story To Share?
If you have an article or celebration you would like to share with the members of Timothy, please submit it to
Mary Taggart: maryt@timothylutheran.com
Please keep your submission 200 to 250 words. |
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