Today was not what I expected. It was the first day of VBS, and some people were missing. The truth is, it could be because of me. Being misunderstood is so painful.
What is my defense? I am a child of God. Period.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Though judgments might be cast in our direction, it turns out that this seat is not a seat of execution, but a throne of grace. This is where God finds us. This is where we find Him. This is where slow healing starts, and God’s love pours in.
The song I’ve been listening to ends with the line, “You are not alone. Believe me. No one is alone.” And I smile. I am a child of God. The same God who took a beating and spilled blood because friends betrayed Him and His community misunderstood Him. We can come into His wounds and be healed through this place of grace.

What a Stellar VBS Week at Timothy! Attendance hovered around 150 all week with an additional 80 teen and adult volunteers serving as Pilots & Co-pilots (class teachers), Crafts Supervisors, Snacks/Game Supervisors, Openings/Music Leaders, Cinema Leaders, Bible Story Leaders, Nursery Leaders, and Registration Leaders. Thanks to all the volunteers for sharing their time and talents with the children! Thanks also to Timothy’s GATHER Commission for providing continental breakfast items for parents Monday.

Final tallies of donations collected for two servant events will be available soon. The Ronald McDonald House Charities will receive a variety of goods to help their mission, such as paper products, pantry items, and cleaning supplies. The second servant event was collecting monetary donations to support Camp Barnabas, a summer camp in SW Missouri for individuals with special needs. Competition between the boys and the girls as to which group brings in the most money for our friends at Camp Barnabas is always popular. Stay tuned for a final report about all of that!

Come celebrate the end of a STELLAR week at VBS with us after worship at our Wyatt Campus on THIS SUNDAY, July 16th.  Our VBS kids will sing at worship, and then we will have an epic FOAM party, music, yard games, Sweet & Savory Delights food truck, and some crazy fun from about 11:30am-1:30pm. ONE AND ALL ARE INVITED!!!!

The Blue Springs Community Services League is once again helping families in our community.
Collecting school supplies is a great way to serve students in need in our community, as many families depend on us to help them prepare their students return to school. Your support will help ensure students have a successful start this year. The following supplies will be collected through July 23 by dropping off in bins at both campuses:.

Calculator TI 30x IIS Solar                             Glue Sticks
Large Backpack                                             Kleenex
Blue or Black Pens                                        Notebook Paper—Wide Lined
Classic Markers                                             Pencil Bag with Zipper
Colored Pencils                                              Pencils
Composition Notebooks                                 Post-it Notes
Crayola Crayons – Box of 24                          Red Pens
Dry Erase Markers                                         Sharpies
Earbuds                                                         Spiral Notebooks – Single Subject, Wide Line
Folders with Prongs                                       2 ½ -3 inch Zipper Notebook Binders

This year’s Gala & Auction will be on Saturday, August 26, from 6-10pm at the Overland Park Convention Center. Organizers promise this event will be bigger and better than ever, with a new format and a star-studded lineup of speakers. In lieu of silent auction baskets, six themed experienced packages will be auctioned. Friends and supporters are encouraged to adopt one of these packages in its entirety or donate items as part of a package. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the families and youth served by Hillcrest.  Hillcrest thanks Timothy for its ongoing support.

Check out the various experience packages at gala@hillcrestkc.org. Reserve your spot at the Timothy table NOW for just $75 per ticket if purchased through the church. Contact Care Coordinator Sandy Gregory in church office (816.228.5300 Ext. 8042) to register or ask questions.

Do you like gospel music? Want to hear a quartet share their talents with us? Then take advantage of an hour of traditional Southern Gospel music on Sunday, August 20th, at 3:30pm in the RD Mize sanctuary! The quartet, recommended by Pastor Lieb, is comprised of mostly retired gentlemen, two of whom also play bass and lead guitar. They will gladly accept requests to fit in with their prepared musical selections. The event is free, but a love offering for them will be available. AND THEN . . . everyone is welcome to gather in the Family Life Center for an ice cream social!

This is a great opportunity to join Jesus on His mission with friends and neighbors. Take time to relax and appreciate some unhurried time surrounded by friends and music. Be open to how the Holy Spirit will open ways to transform lives for Christ.