Maturation

CREATIVE TENSION:  The point of a living thing is to grow. That is why animals do what they do: to grow bigger and stronger and to live their lives. So what is the point of our living faith? Far too often, we allow it to stagnate and simply sit. But Paul makes it clear that we are to mature in Christ. So what does that mean, and what does it look like?

Am I Grateful or Do I Whine? : A Devotion

I was blessed to go to the KC Zoo with seven of my grandkids last Friday. As we pulled to a stop in the parking lot, my oldest whined, “I’m tired.” My response was less than stellar, but it got me thinking. Am I grateful for the times and people God has placed in my life, or do I whine just like the kids do? How do I practice gratitude?

We all need to try again, to use our words nicely, to say sorry and ask for forgiveness. So many people are talking about practicing gratitude. Gratitude changes our posture, and practicing gratitude means we must slow down our minds and our hearts to remember and recognize what we have to be grateful for. It helps us to make mental and emotional shifts throughout the day when it’s not going well, and it grounds us and gives us a better perspective.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7

VBS IS HERE!!

It’s time!! It’s like Christmas, vacation and a sporting event all rolled into one! IT’S VBS!! Yes, that is what is inside my head! IT’S MONUMENTAL!!

What do I love about VBS? The transformation of the Church into a kid-friendly, exciting place? THE MUSIC! Loud and exciting! THE SNACKS, FRIENDS, GAMES!! The time we share how much our Savior is active in our lives! The times He shows his Power and the times He picks us up and cares for us.

Join us each day next week, July 18^th through 22^nd, beginning in individual classrooms at 8:45 and ending with a crazy closing at noon in the sanctuary. Meet the desert characters and watch Pastor Ryan’s and Pastor Rod’s antics as they share the message of the day. Follow us around as we learn about God’s awesome power through the life of Joseph and how salvation through Christ is found, even in the Old Testament. Make a craft each day to take the message home. IT’S REALLY HERE! My favorite time of year! Sharing and Caring with kids. It is truly monumental! I LOVE VBS!

VBS is for older kids also! Students in grades 6-12 are invited to attend VBS Swim Talks next week! Come hang out at the pool, swim, eat, and spend a little time in God’s Word! Take note of the schedule below.  BRING YOUR FRIENDS!!

Check out this year’s VBS Mission Projects

• Support for Resource Health by donating baby wipes, baby socks, onesies or sleepers, and $5 QT gift cards
• Monetary donations designated for Agape Pomaja to assist their fundraising efforts to send youth to church camp. Goal is to raise $1,000 by last day of VBS! (Agape Pamoja is a non-profit organization that shows love and community to others by serving multi-faceted needs of refugees from war-town countries residing in KC, such as providing housing assistance, educational support, food, clothing, community involvement, leadership development, and other aid while intentionally doing life together.)

Don’t forget to attend the VBS Celebration next Sunday, July 24, during the Wyatt 10am worship service!  It will be an exciting week at Timothy! Come experience the energy, love, fun, and fellowship!

NEXT GENERATION UPDATES
PROGRESS!

We praise God that dirt is moving at Wyatt! Just in time to address significant increased enrollment at TLS for the upcoming school year! Timothy’s leadership realizes it’s been a while since communication has been shared with the congregation about the status of the TLS trailer project, but please understand that the Trailer Project Team, led by Gary Flandermeyer, has worked tirelessly and continuously for the past six months to move this project forward, including coordinating the completion of the engineering component, awarding construction and material contracts, and obtaining the construction permit from the City of Blue Springs, all of which was necessary before the start of any construction.

The project includes site preparation and infrastructure systems to support the installation of the first of two 27’x72’ trailer, which is necessary for this upcoming school year. The second similar trailer will be installed next summer. Each trailer will house two 850sq.ft. classrooms with bathrooms.

The construction permit from the City of Blue Springs was received this past Tuesday, July 12th, and the excavation subcontractor mobilized to the site that day to begin layout work. In the coming weeks, you will see construction activity around the Wyatt property for installation of plumbing and electrical feed systems to the first trailer. Currently, the first trailer is expected to be delivered to the site by Aug. 1^st. In the coming weeks, watch for periodic updates about progress of this project, and feel free to drive by to see the work as it unfolds. We praise God for His guidance in allowing this important project to move forward and the gift of a gracious Timothy donor to allow it to happen!! Please pray for continued progress of this project.

Timothy’s leadership is also working hard concerning the details for the yard building at Wyatt (Raise the Roof project). As soon as all pertinent information becomes available, leadership will communicate with the congregation. Thanks for your patience and support, and please keep this project in your prayers as well. To God Be the Glory!
   

Friendship Club Hosts Prom

Timothy’s Friendship Club enjoyed a wonderful prom on June 24 with the theme, All We Need Is Love, and there was a lot of love all around! The Family Life Center was alive with 42 club members, 6 new members, 17 volunteers, and 16 parents/staff. Thanks to Sherry Holt who organized the dinner donated by Timothy ladies and to Terri Simpson for cookies donated by HyVee. Volunteers from the Blue Springs community assisted with painting the parade of hearts for decorations and donated helium tanks for the balloons. A special highlight of the evening was a collection of 225 personal hygiene items as love gifts for Community Services League.

Friendship Club is a huge outreach ministry to young people with different abilities from all over the Greater KC area. Only 2 are Timothy members, with all others from the BS community and neighboring areas such as Buckner, Holden, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Grain Valley, Concordia, KCMO, as well as Olathe and KCK on the Kansas side. Only 4 adult volunteers are Timothy members, with the others coming from all over as well. Friendship Club meets on the 4^th Friday of each month in the Family Life Center and always welcome new members to join in the fun! This ministry began on Oct. 23, 2003, and looks forward to celebrating 19 years of giving love, hope, and fun to all the special people in the group. If interested in joining this special ministry, please contact Friendship Club organizer, Diane Knowlton, at dianesingsforjoy@comcast.net.

2022 First Fruits contributions total $92,330.59, as of July 10^th. Thank you!
Raise the Roof contributions total $24,250.00, as of July 10^th. Thank you!
Youth Fundraising contributions total $27,640.90, as of July 10^th. Thank you!

Food Donations in July will be delivered to Hillcrest Transitional Housing. Thanks for your ongoing support!

Community Services League Back-to-School Supplies may be dropped off in the plastic tubs at either campus through Aug. 7. Thank you very much for your support!

Pairs & Spares will NOT meet in July! Thank you!

Prayer Chain If you would like to receive prayers through Timothy’s Prayer Chain and are not already in out group or have not been receiving prayers, please contact Prayer Chain Leader Pat Wenger (pat.wenger@yahoo.com) and ask to be included. Thank you!

Retirement Luncheon for Care Minister Nancy Nowiszewski Sun., Aug. 21, noon, Family Life Center, RD Mize Campus. Please RSVP on church website (Events tab) or church app (Events tab) by Aug. 15; meat, drinks, & table service provided; please bring potluck side dish and/or dessert to share. Thank you!

Second Quarter 2022 Contribution Updates will be emailed next week. Please check for accuracy. Contact Financial Services Chris Krenz (chrisk@timothylutheran.com) with questions. Thank you!

GriefShare Ministry is looking for additional facilitators to work alongside Pam Lund. Training is provided. Contact Nancy Nowiszeswski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com) with questions. This ministry provides Christian support through 13 DVD-led sessions for people who have lost loved ones.

Annual Hillcrest Gala & Auction Wed., Aug. 31, 6pm, Arrowhead Stadium North Club. Reserve your spot at the Timothy table NOW for just $75 per ticket, if purchased through Timothy. Auction items with a minimum value of $50 may be dropped off at the RD Mize office by Aug. 4. To reserve your spot or to ask questions, please contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com). Thank you!

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Lord’s Prayer”; 10:15-1:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag and Dale Russell

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1^st & 3^rd Mondays) 6:30pm Fellowship Hall, 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood (NOTE:  No class on July 19)

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 “The Book of John”; 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by various men

Tuesday Morning Adult Bible Study 10-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Pastor John; (NOTE: No class on July 19)

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study; meets off-site during summer; 6:30-8pm; led by Miriam Lindemann & Becky Blatt; contact Becky (ebblatt99@yahoo.com) for current book and class location

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