Timothy Connects Friday, January 5, 2023

Modern individualism and consumerism tells us that we should be all about ourselves. Seeking what we want, getting we want, and being whom we want. Yet our Creator God had a different plan for us. Instead of “me,” He teaches us that it is about “we.” Paul drives home this truth as he emphasizes “one” over and over in this text. So what does it mean for the church to be one, and how do we get there when the we really wants it to be all about me?

      Timothy Celebrates RD Mize Campus, Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

What a beautiful service, attended by 504 people, occurred on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 425 NW RD Mize Road for the final time before consolidating all Timothy ministries to one campus at 301 East Wyatt Road! God was glorified through inspiring Scripture readings and message; beautiful musical selections from hymns, choir, instrumental duets, handbells, organ and piano; and the redeeming sacrament of Holy Communion. Pastors John and Ryan were assisted by former Pastors Lieb and Steensma for the readings and distribution of Holy Communion. God’s presence was felt by all who attended! If you would like to view the service, click on this link:  https://youtu.be/y-aMfOWvXrU 

Following the service, many people gathered in the Family Life Center for lunch and fellowship—another wonderful opportunity to reminisce and catch up with friends. Special thanks to Pastor Rod and Miriam Lindemann for preparing the meal and to several LWML members and the GATHER Commission for serving it. The entire day was celebratory and uplifting as we await God’s plan for the days ahead.

Timothy welcomed former DCE Tom & Pam Nummela, DCE Steve & Michelle Pickel, and the entire Steensma family for the celebration. In addition, prior to December 31, the Board of Elders received several notes from previous called staff or members of their family who could not attend, as follows:

• “Thanks so much for working to include us in this event. God’s blessings on the celebration and on Timothy’s ministry moving forward. We have wonderful memories of the people there and hope that sometime in the not-too-distant future we can get to Blue Springs and see you all. Blessings and peace in Christ, John & Ruth Gerike” (younger son of William Gerike, Timothy’s first called pastor)
• “Please know that you all will be in my thoughts and prayers as you have your final worship service in a space that meant so much to me and my family. We ask for God’s blessings for the whole congregation as you move forward in your mission in Blue Springs. Please give my warmest greetings to any who might still know me there. Paul & Mona Gerike” (older son of Timothy’s first called pastor)
• “So good to hear from you! I guess it’s been a little over nine years. It’s great to hear that Timothy is celebrating what has happened over the past 60 years as well as looking forward to the future. Unfortunately, I have a conflict on the 31^st and won’t be able to attend. Please give my regards to everyone there. Blessings to you as you serve our Lord and His people. Dave Frank” (former Executive Minister)
• “Thank you for the invitation, Tary. Unfortunately, I am unable to participate as I will be in Iowa at that time. I am looking forward to having all Timothy members worshipping at one location. God’s blessings on the celebration. Nancy Nowiszewski” (former Care Minister)
• “Thanks for reaching out—we moved to Vancouver, WA, about 7 years ago—so it’s a little out of our way. Hope the celebration goes well! Steve Jorgenson” (former DCE)

Getting Christmas cards is like you are standing at my house knocking at the door.  The images and words warm my spirit as I enjoy the pictures and letters from those I love that are far away.
And so, here I am — here you are. We are standing at the precipice of yet another new year. And already it is ripe with opportunity and adversity. For all that we carry and all that we’ve yet to come across, sometimes we need more than just one picture, one card — we need a whole letter… a whole Bible full of promises to help us get through the year ahead.
May this letter remind us of all that is beautiful and enduring and true.
My dear child,
I see you. (Psalm 33:13-15)
I see you as you were, as you are, and as you will be. (Psalm 139:1-10)
Look to Me; turn to Me. I am Your help. I am the Maker of the heavens and the earth, and I am the Maker of all your moments. Look to Me, for I am the only One, in all the heavens and the earth, that can hold you and help you. (Psalm 121:1-2)
I hear you. I hear you when you pray and I hear you when you are in pain. (1 John 5:14, Psalm 118:5-6)
Do not look to yourself for answers, rather look to what you know is true of Me. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trust in Me. (Psalm 25:1-2) Delight yourself in Me. (Psalm 37:4)
Look to Me, and Me alone, for divine direction. (Psalm 37:5)
I am He who leads you. (Psalm 32:8)
I am He who loves you. (Psalm 36:7)
My love is never far away.
Happy NEW Year!

Join your brothers and sisters in Christ this Sunday, January 7^th, as the new worship schedule unfolds. Contemporary worship starts at 9am, and blended/traditional worship begins at 10:30am. Adult Bible Class, from 9-10am led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell, will meet in the Library, near the 4G’s. Donuts & coffee will be ready in the 4G’s by 8:30am and available until beginning of 10:30 service. If additional fellowship time is desired following the second service, volunteers to monitor and clean up are requested to contact GATHER Commission Leader Bob Logan (816.668.8139) or Diane Mayfield (816.228.5300 Ext. 8040). FaithRoots will occur during both services in the TLS classrooms. The nursery will be staffed during both services.

Please remember that worshipers may drive to the canopy area to unload passengers before parking in the lot. Leadership asks that physically able worshipers park in the middle to back of the lot to allow all handicapped and front-row spots for those with mobility challenges. If you are available to help worshipers enter the building or to serve as parking attendants, please contact Elder Director Tary Krahenbuhl (816.890.0941).

If you appreciate using a Bible or hymnal during worship, please feel free to take one from the cart close to the south entrance of the Auditorium. If you do not note your attendance online, please take an Attendance/Prayer Request card from an usher and drop in the offering plate during the service.

God’s blessings on your worship this Sunday and every Sunday!

 

Bright and early at 6:30am on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the JourneyMen Men’s Bible Class welcomed the new year and new meeting space in the 4G’s, the first Timothy ministry group to switch locations. They noted that the smaller space seemed to draw them closer, sparking a lively discussion and more close-knit conversations. Pictured here are L to R:  Jake Davis, Mark Meyer, Bob Downs, Josh Taggart, Jim Williams, Fritz Barlag, & Brad Elledge. Not pictured is Charlie Johnson (photographer). They welcome additional guys to join them and plan to bring out another table next week for you! Contact Bob Downs (816.739.4472) with questions.

 Maybe the time is right for your 5^th-8^th grader to receive the Lord’s Supper.  If that is stirring in their heart, we encourage you to join us for Early Communion Class. This 4-week class, starting Sunday, Feb. 18, at 4pm in the Music Room, preps our young people to receive this beautiful gift. One parent/guardian/mentor is expected to attend with the kiddo. Please contact Pastor Ryan with questions.

Worshipers who mail correspondence or contributions to the RD Mize address should send to 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 the Wyatt address (for a short time).

There is a need to store the Festival Committee freezer truck in covered storage until the new storage building is constructed. If you can help, please contact Louie Wilbers (816.988.6059).

The congregation is urged to attend the Annual Voters’ Assembly Meeting NEXT Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 11:45 am in the Auditorium. A minimum of 40 congregants is required to conduct business.

The agenda includes the following: proposed slate of lay leaders (click here for slate); 2024 proposed operating budget; extending call to Ken Holland as LCMS-rostered principal of TLS; and 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.  A review and update about consolidation efforts will also be included.

Please plan to attend! Thank you!

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 may go to Timothy’s app or website to click on Volunteer or click on this link. 
Thank-you for your servant  heart.