“Fruit of the Spirit: Introduction“

If you’re walking in the forest, how can you identify what kinds of trees you’re seeing? By their leaves or by their seeds or by their fruit, right? The same thing is true when it comes to a person’s life. We can identify who a person is or what they are based on what their lives produce. The same is true of a person’s faith. When a person’s faith is healthy, we naturally produce fruit in keeping with that faith. So over the next few weeks, we will look at the fruit a healthy Christian faith produces.

Turning into Mrs. Doubtfire:  A Devotion

I caught a glimpse of my reflection, stunned to discover I had somehow slipped on Mrs. Doubtfire’s lumpy bodysuit without realizing it. What was once funny to me instantly felt like a cruel joke. One day you might wake up and feel ancient, too, like your best days have passed you by. You’ll wonder, “When in the world did that happen?” as you examine the merciless brushstrokes of age.

Take heart, friends. You’re in good company. And today I get to remind you of an important truth: Ours is a God who is always and only for us! And because of whom God is and what He wants for our lives, we can trust that He can use whatever stage of life we are in for our good, His glory, and for the advancement of the Gospel. I wonder if this is what the psalmist was thinking when he penned Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Haven’t you found that the older you get, the better you understand the value of today? When “our wisdom is showing,” it has nothing to do with us and everything to do with God and what He has done and is doing in our lives. God challenges us to embrace our age as a gift and use it in a way that serves others and honors Him. It means we have another day to share the good news of the Gospel with someone who doesn’t yet know Jesus.

So, if you catch a glimpse of Mrs. Doubtfire, maybe it just means your wisdom is starting to show.

It’s Graduation Season!

It’s time to recognize Timothy’s Class of 2022 graduating high school and college seniors. Please CLICK this link  Class of 2022 to complete the form and upload your photos. Deadline to submit information and photo(s) is Monday, May 16. Video will be part of worship services on May 29.

High school grads are encouraged to submit name of high school, plans after graduation, baby/child photo, and a recent photo. College or trade school grads are encouraged to submit a picture and a name of institution, future plans if known, and a recent photo.

Questions should be directed to IT Services Doug Fleck at dougf@timothylutheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8019.

Middle School “Call-Up” to Senior High

Timothy’s 5^th graders were invited to join the Middle School youth group at a “Call-Up” Night last Friday. They enjoyed a great night of dinner, games, and decorating & launching potatoes. There were a ton of laughs! The evening ended with a devotional about Jesus’ Resurrection! Contact Pastor Ryan if you’d like to join this fun group (ryanh@timothylutheran.com).

Support for LUMAA

LUMA (Lutheran Urban Mission Agency) is an organization supported by Timothy’s tithe as well as Timothy’s LWML. Its auxiliary, LUMAA (Lutheran Urban Mission Agency Auxiliary) will meet again on May 18^th at St. Matthew Lutheran in Lee’s Summit to celebrate a very special event, its 90^th anniversary! Please join us!

Please RSVP to Lois Domsch (lois.domsch.com) by Sunday, May 15^th for your lunch reservation. The in-gathering, non-perishable food items for urban Lutheran food pantries, may be placed in the plastic bins at either campus through May 15^th. With schools dismissing for the summer in just a few weeks, families need more food to feed hungry mouths and will appreciate your generous donations. Thanks for your support!

Update from Missionary Carol Halter

Recently, Carol Halter in Hong Kong expressed thanks to Kay Lieb for sending additional paper crosses for Sunday School teachers to use in their classes. “Thank you and all other ladies again for all the crosses you send. They are so useful in proclaiming the Gospel to the Chinese people here. I am ever grateful.”

She also shared how God provided for a real need for the people of Hong Kong. After searching several weeks for free face masks for a co-worker to distribute with Gospel tracts, Carol acknowledged that she must inform the co-worker of no success in this endeavor. Just as she placed her hand on the telephone to call with this message, the phone rang. On the other end, an acquaintance from a Zoom prayer meeting a year ago called to offer, “I am wondering whether or not you might be able to use some face masks. My children want to provide free masks for people in Hong Kong, but they do not know how to do that.” Two days later, 10,000 face masks were delivered to my door. What an answer to prayer! As God says in Isaiah 65: 24, “Before they call, I will answer. While they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

2022 First Fruits contributions total $79,670.59, as of April 24^th. Thank you!
Raise the Roof contributions total $23,050.00, as of April 24^th. Thank you!
Adopt-a-NYG Student contributions total $7.458.47 as of April 24^th.  Total annual youth contributions $17,083.97. Thank you!

TLS Spring Musical “SIMON SAYS! The Rockin’ Trial of Simon Peter” Grades 3-8; TONIGHT, April 29, 6:30pm, Wyatt; all welcome!

Thank You “Dear Pastor John & Timothy Church, During a time like this, we realize how much our church family really means to us. During the passing of our mother, Evelyn Staller, your thoughts, prayers, phone calls, notes & cards with expressions of sympathy were truly appreciated. Sincerely, Willis Staller, Linda Dick, and families”

SHINE Event TOMORROW, April 30^th, at Hillcrest Transitional Housing, 936 SE 3^rd St., LSMO 64063; 10am-noon and 2pm-4pm; preparing items for thrift store. Still time to sign up on Timothy’s website under Events (www.timothylutheran.com).

National Day of Prayer Next Thursday, May 5^th; all are welcome to take time to pray. Timothy’s sanctuary will be open, and the Prayer Room at the back of the lobby will be open from 9am-4:30pm. In addition to a booklet of prayers, a list specific to Timothy and our community will be available for your use.

Senior High Ministry Bonfire TOMORROW, April 30^th, 6:30-8:30pm, Wyatt Campus; for all current 8^th graders through seniors. Food, outdoor games, devo, and a whole lot of fire (weather permitting!)!! Bring friends! See you there!

Food Donations during May will be delivered to Jesu el Buen in KC. Thanks for your ongoing support!

Legacy Seminars Sat., May 14 or Sat., May 21; 9am-10:15am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize. Go to Timothy’s website under Events, call church office (816.228.5300) or email Sandy Gregory (sandyg@timothylutheran.com) to register. Free, hot breakfast served at 8:30am. Please register your attendance to help in planning for the breakfast. Childcare available upon request.

Job Opportunity Care Minister at Timothy, 20 hrs/wk; position description on Timothy’s website (www.timothylutheran.com. Click on Church, then Church Manuals, Reports & Positions. Contact Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com) with questions.

Job Opportunities TLS full-time kindergarten, 3^rd grade, & 7^th/8^th grade (emphases in math & history) teaching positions for 2022-2023 school year. Contact School Administrator Ken Holland (kenh@timothylutheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8015) with questions & to apply.

Resource Health Stride for Life 5K/1mile Run/Walk Sat., May 14, 8am, Waterfall Park (behind Bass Pro in Independence; complimentary breakfast following. Register at https://bit.lystrideforlife2022 or on ResourceHealthPartners website. Contact Sandy Galvin (sgalvin@kc.rr.com) with questions.

Ring for Joy! Concert Lutheran High Hand Bells performing at King of Kings Lutheran, 1701 NE 96^th St., KCMO; Thurs., May 5^th, 7pm.

Concordia Nebraska Show Choir performing at LC Lutheran High, Sat., May 7. Contact Music Director Peter Olson at polson@lhskc.com with questions.

DivorceCare meets Mondays, 6:30-8pm, RD Mize. Childcare available upon request.

GriefShare meets Thursdays, 6:30-8pm, RD Mize. Childcare available upon request.

Card Club is reviving! All adults invited to play 10-Point Pitch; all levels of experience welcome. Meets second Fridays, 6:30pm, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize. Next gathering on May 13. Contact Pam Church (pam.church60@gmail.com or 816.289.8587) with questions.

Our Redeemer Lutheran 100-Year Celebration May 15, 711 Benton Ave., KCMO; 9:30am; contact Donna Schmidt (donnajoschmidt46@gmail.com) or Lois Domsch (lois.domsch@gmail.com) with questions.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “An Overview of the Old Testament”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1^st & 3^rd Mondays) various topics; 6:30pm 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 Revelation”; 10-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Pastor John

Wednesday Senior High Revolution Bible Study 6:30-8pm, Youth Room (506), Rd Mize; led by Carrie Hochgrebe, Becky Blatt, & Ryan Kuecker

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study, 6:30-8pm, Room 102, RD Mize; led by Miriam Lindemann & Becky Blatt; contact Becky Blatt (ebblatt99@yahoo.com) for current book

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