Last week we saw the power and prestige of the coming Savior, but many were disappointed with the simplicity of this man named Jesus. He didn’t gather an army, nor did He always do what the people wanted Him to. No, Jesus came to do what His Father promised He would do and that is to restore and redeem all that had been lost because of sin. Today we see how Jesus perfectly fulfilled the promise God gave to His people long ago and why we rejoice that He comes to restore.

In the cool, crisp evenings, when the house is quiet and dark, I sneak out on the deck to listen to the silence and see the Christmas lights of our neighborhood flash in the shadows. These are sacred moments. The light of my phone and the voices competing for my attention are traded for the yellow light of the moon and hushed stillness. I sigh in relief. I feel small, and I remember One who made Himself small. Jesus, who, “became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14 ). I can hear Him better sitting in this stillness. I wait in anticipation.

This Advent season, we ask Him to come: Emmanuel, God with Us, come fill this season and our hearts. We sweep out the clutter — setting our phone’s notifications to “Off” and logging out of all those accounts that distract us for what is important. We want to hear Him so we can be like Him.

Less of us and more of Him. Less looking at our phones and more looking at our family’s eyes. Less “what we want” and more “how can we serve?”

It all begins in the stillness. “He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Phil. 2:7

As you prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, make plans to join your Timothy family at this year’s Advent Services. The last service on Wednesday, Dec. 13 will be in the Wyatt Auditorium at 6:30pm in conjunction with the TLS 1st through 8th grade Christmas program.

Timothy’s annual Journey to the Manger will be this Sunday, Dec. 10 at both services Please bring your donated gifts with tags attached. Thank you for once again supporting families identified by Community Services League, Hillcrest Transitional Housing and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in KC.

An additional opportunity to benefit those in need, as identified by Community Service League, is the Christmas Barrels. Barrels are set up at both lobbies with lists of possible items. These should be returned unwrapped to the barrels anytime before December 15. Thank you for your generosity.

Thanks to all who attended the Town Hall last Sunday. If you were not able to attend or if you would like to review any of the approximately 90-minute discussion, please click here Town Hall meeting Dec 3 .You can also find the video of the meeting on the home page of Timothy’s website (www.timothylutheran.com).

As follow-up to the Town Hall last Sunday, please note that Timothy’s elected elders will be in the lobby at each campus this Sunday, Dec. 10, to answer additional questions from the congregation.

Worshipers who mail correspondence or contributions to the RD Mize address should send to Wyatt address, effective January 1, 2024. That address is 301 E Wyatt Road, BSMO 64014. Please also contact any financial institutions asap who may regularly mail in your contributions. USPS will forward RD Mize – addressed mail to Wyatt address beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

Leadership is seeking help with flooring options for the Wyatt stage. There is also a need to store the Festival Committee freezer truck in covered storage until the new storage building is constructed. If you can help with either, please contact Louie Wilbers (816.988.6059).

Additional moving will occur during Christmas week (Dec. 26-29) for last-minute items. Leadership understands the timing of this is precarious with family celebrations and unknown weather conditions. If you can offer some hours anytime that week, please call the church office with your availability.

Please note that the Annual Voters’ Assembly Meeting will be Sunday, January 14, rather than the 7^th. This will allow worshipers time to fellowship and take in some of the “newness” of two services under one roof again rather than gathering for a church business meeting.

The following questions were submitted this week:

1.  Will the nursery at Wyatt be staffed for both services now?
Response:  Yes.

2.  Pastor John stated at the end of the Town Hall Meeting that everything possible was being done to enhance the upcoming traditional service at Wyatt. The organ has been the standard musical instrument for this service, and the sound cannot be duplicated with the current set-up at Wyatt. Many of us value the organ sound as well as the support for congregational singing. Also, every indication is that the organ (an expensive instrument) would be able to be moved and would be just as playable at Wyatt. We also understand that the organ is not part of the sale of RD Mize. If we are doing everything possible to enhance the traditional service at Wyatt, why is the organ not a part of the current moving process or at least being put into temporary storage for further consideration?
Response: The organ at RD Mize was new when the sanctuary was added to the campus in 1979. Forty-five years later, Timothy’s musicians have indicated that, while it is in good condition for its age, concerns include its safety on the stage at Wyatt, the feasibility of plugging the current organ console into the Wyatt sound system, the need for it to be more mobile than in the RD Mize balcony, and the lack of stage space for all of Timothy’s worship instruments currently at both campuses (organ, baby grand piano, keyboards, drum set) as well as altar, lectern, candles, baptismal font, and banners). Timothy’s organists have indicated that the organ-like keyboard at Wyatt not only produces a good organ sound but also is much more mobile. Storage considerations must include places that are heat, cold, and humidity controlled, none of which are available in the temporary storage containers or new storage building. (Timothy’s items temporarily stored in the Kraft barn (which is heated and cooled) will move to the new storage building upon its completion.) If, during evaluation within the first 3-6 months of 2024, Timothy determines that an organ console is necessary, it can be investigated like other changes which may be suggested as we move forward.

Volunteers are priceless, and Timothy needs you as we transition to one campus. Have you ever thought about serving as an usher either as an individual or a family? Perhaps as a worship assistant on Sunday to serve alongside the pastor, or maybe a front-desk volunteer during the weekdays? You are invited to stay after worship THIS Sunday, Dec. 10, at either campus for information and an opportunity to ask questions. You may also go to Timothy’s app and church website and click on Volunteer or click on this link. Please watch for other volunteer opportunities soon. Thanks for your support!

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Gospel of Luke”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell

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

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “The Gospel of Mark”, 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302); led by various men

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle; 9-11 am, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies

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

Wednesday Night Sr High; Youth Room(506); 6:30-8 pm; Confirmation; 6:30 -8 pm; Room 501

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study; 6:30-8pm; Youth room (506), led by Miriam Lindemann

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