“A Holy Gift”

Even though Christmas was just a few weeks ago, we might still have gifts on the brain. Maybe we’re still enjoying the presents we found under the tree. Maybe we’re making plans to exchange them for something better. But it’s good for us to remember that God gives us gifts, ones that come from the Spirit, that enable us to serve and empower that service. These special gifts are given to each of us so that we can serve God by serving each other. So as we recognize our gifts, may God help our love for others to overflow so we can be a blessing to the people around us.

“That Time the Gospel Showed Up:  A Devotion”

It was right there, with fluorescent lights shining over the Christmas music playing through the speakers. I could hear two voices. A niece and an aunt? A daughter and her mother? I’ll never forget what the older woman firmly—and yet kindly—said. “Now, remember, this is a gift. All you have to do is receive it.”

Tears prick my eyes even now, writing such a simple sentence. It’s more than the generosity of the words or the thoughtful reminder. It’s the Gospel, right there in the front of the store. Perhaps God said the same to us, as heaven touched earth, and the glory of God was a baby placed in a manger as angels sang in the skies above.

We’re in between Christmas and Easter now, and it won’t be long before we turn our attention to the reminder of Lent and the joy of celebrating a stone that was rolled away as death died once and for all. But here, as a new year begins to unfold, I’m sticking with the truth of a simple sentence that has the Gospel written all over it. Now, remember, this is a gift. All you have to do is receive it.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1: 16

A SONG WAS HEARD!!

We just finished Christmas. I didn’t get to worship in person due to COVID, but the songs and music played through my computer. The feeling of the gift of song which was sung by our choirs, our children and our soloists came through loud and clear. The psalmist said it best, Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150: 6.

THANKS TO EVERYONE for bringing Praise to the Lord of creation, the Lord of salvation. If you would like to join the sanctuary choir, practices are on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm at RD Mize; please contact Miriam Lindemann (miriaml@timothylutheran.com). If you would like to join the Wyatt worship team, please contact Sandy Sauter (sautersandy5@gmail.com). Both ministries are eager to welcome new singers! It’s a great way to praise the Lord as we begin walking with Him through the Lenten season.

Children’s Epiphany Party

All Timothy children and their friends are invited to an Epiphany Party TONIGHT (Jan. 14) at the Wyatt Campus. Arrive any time from 6-8pm for a fun fellowship time. Please bring one canned good as the “admission fee” and plan to enjoy a fun journey filled with crafts, fun, and treats. Plus there will be a pizza dinner!

Special Voters’ Assembly Meeting
THIS SUNDAY, Jan. 16     11:30am     Wyatt Auditorium

Please plan to attend to learn about the 2022 action plan for addressing care of RD Mize and expansion of Wyatt. The presentation includes dependency factors for each step of the process.

Voters will also be asked to approve a resolution submitted by the Executive Board:
BE IT RESOLVED that the congregation of Timothy Lutheran Church empowers the Executive Board to accept a real estate offer of no less than $3.00 per square foot for the sale of 6.32 Wyatt acreage along MO Highway 7.

A minimum of 40 voters is required to conduct business. Thank you!

Little Dresses for Africa

Several LWML ladies gathered on Jan. 8^th to learn how to sew “Little Dresses for Africa.” Using gently-used pillow cases and a few sewing notions, the ladies made little dresses for girls in remote villages of Africa. Sewn by volunteers around the world, these little dresses give hope to little girls and remind them that they are worthy.  As relationships form, projects are completed through clean water, education and community.

Thanks to Timothy LWML members, pictured left to right, Susan Ready (standing), Kim Duffy, Shirrell Routon, Lois Domsch, and Sandy Galvin (standing) for sharing their talents in this project on Jan. 8^th. Since there are no current plans to organize group sewing sessions for this ministry, anyone is welcome to participate individually in your own homes. Contact Susan Ready (sready2@comcast.net or 816.229.7688)) if you are interested.

Lent Is Fast Approaching

As the season of Lent approaches, mark your calendars to worship with your Timothy family at the Wednesday evening Lenten Services.  On Ash Wednesday, March 4^th, two services at RD Mize will occur, 4pm and 6:30pm., with Holy Communion.  There will be no education classes on Ash Wednesday.

The subsequent Lenten services (March 9, 16, 23, 30, & April 6) will occur at 5:30pm only, also at RD Mize.

At this time, Timothy’s LWML plans to host the annual Ash Wednesday Ham Dinner in the Family Life Center. Ministry groups wishing to coordinate/sponsor one of the other five Lenten Dinners should contact Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com) to reserve a preferred date. Since education classes will be held on all Wednesdays following Ash Wednesday, the recommended serving time is 5-7pm. Look for more information soon.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study

The Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study at RD Mize (10:15-11:15) will begin a new study this Sunday, Jan. 16, entitled “An Old Testament Overview.”

Leaders Fritz Barlag and Dale Russell urge you to join in for the 12 weekly lessons: Creation; The Fall; People of the Promise; Moses and the Wanderings; Of Tents and Kings; The Psalms; Wisdom Literature; The Voice of the Prophets and Jesus’ Fulfillment of Prophecy; The Ten Commandments; and concluding with Review of the Lord’s Prayer. Contact Fritz Barlag (fritzandjudi@comcast.net) with questions.

Adopt-a-Light Update

The second round of new LED lighting was installed at RD Mize this week, improving the lighting in the office areas, work room & mailbox area, Rooms 102 & 103, 100 hallway & restrooms in 100 hallway, coat room in narthex, Fireplace Room, and restrooms near Family Life Center. Thanks again to all donors who supported this project last fall.  Your generosity is appreciated!

First Fruits for all of 2021 totaled $170,827.36. Thank you very much!

2022 First Fruits since Jan. 1 total $1,100.00. Thank you very much!

Impact Sunday contributions total $94,161.00 since Oct. 31, 2021. Thank you very much!

“Thank you, Timothy Family, for all the ways you made my Christmas a blessing. I appreciate it! Bev Anderson”

Pairs & Spares meets on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 1 1:30am in the Family Life Center, weather permitting. Contact Janet Masters (jlmasters44@gmail.com) with questions.

Revised Worship Times starting Sunday, Feb. 6:  8am & 9:15am at RD Mize; Wyatt remains at 10am.

LUMAA Outreach Lutheran Urban Mission Agency Auxiliary school supply drive concludes this weekend. Drop off in bins at each campus. Monetary donations are payable to LUMAA. Contact Lois Domsch (lois.domsch@com).  Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting on Jan. 19, 9:30am, at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Independence.

Women of Hope “Elijah” Bible Study welcomes all women; Wednesdays, 5-6:30pm, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Annette Logan. It’s not too late to join in!

Friends Café All ladies welcome on Sat., Jan. 29, 9:30-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; Timothy’s Women of Hope welcomes Linda Meyer Nielsen who will share how God protected & healed her after a serious accident. Come enjoy complimentary baked treats & coffee, meet new friends, and take time to relax.

LWML Society Meeting Sat., Feb. 5, 9am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; guest Gwen Hall to lead Chair Yoga opportunity, followed by brunch served by LWML and a short meeting (attendance at meeting part is optional). Wear comfortable clothing and bring your smiles! Monetary donations accepted for Lutherans for Life. Contact Susan Ready (816.229.7688 or sready2@comcast.net) with questions

Valentine’s Dinner Date Night Sat., Feb. 5, 6pm, Family Life Center, RD Mize; Italian cuisine (lasagna, Caesar salad, bread sticks, dessert); gluten-free accommodations available; $15 per person; purchase tickets at either campus through Jan. 30; proceeds benefit National Youth Gathering trip in July; free childcare available upon request.

Online Giving Are you looking for an easy, convenient, secure way to contribute to Timothy’s ministries? Check out the possibilities on Timothy’ website. Click on Give.

Offering Envelopes are available on tables in lobby of each campus to use during the time designated for offerings in worship. A sheet of labels for the 2022 special services is also available and can be attached to the regular envelopes.

January Food Donations will be delivered to Hillcrest Transitional Housing. Non-perishable food of all types is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Job Opportunities

• TLS After-Care Supervisor: Mondays & Thursdays, 3-6pm. Contact Ken Holland (kenh@timothylutheran.com) with questions.
• Children & Youth Ministry Assistant:  Part-time 20 hrs./wk; contact Pastor Ryan (ryanh@timothylutheran.com) or Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com) with questions.

DivorceCare resumes on Jan. 31, 6:30-8pm, RD Mize.

GriefShare resumes on Mar. 3, 6:30-8pm, RD Mize.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Did you see the article earlier in this newsletter about the new topic?  “An Old Testament Overview”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag and Dale Russell

Sunday Evening Middle School Youth Bible Study & Fellowship (1^st & 3^rd Sundays) 4:30-6:30pm, Youth Room (506), RD Mize

Monday Evening Women’s Bible Study “Faith & Fire Elijah”; 6:30-8pm, Room 111, RD Mize

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

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “Titus: Good Doctrine & Good Living”; 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by various men

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

Wednesday Women’s Bible Study “Elijah”; 5-6:30pm, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Annette Logan

Wednesday Discovery Class 6:30-7:30pm, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Pastor Rod

Wednesday CrossWalk Pre-school through 5^th grade; 6:30-8pm, begins in Fellowship Hall, RD Mize

Wednesday Confirmation 6th-8^th grades; 6:30-8pm, begins in Room 501, RD Mize

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

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study “The Women of Easter”; 6:30-8pm, Room 102, RD Mize; led by Miriam Lindemann & Becky Blatt

Saturday Morning Moms Bible Study (1^st & 3^rd Saturdays) 9-10am, Wyatt 4 G’s; led by Kaye Gray; resumes Feb. 5