Fruit of the Spirit: SELF-CONTROL

The world screams self-indulgence to us in every way, shape, or form. It encourages us to look out for number one, to make sure our needs and wants are met no matter what the cost is. But for the Christian, we are called on to look beyond ourselves to the needs of others, to keep our sinful self-centeredness under control for the sake of our neighbors. And this is possible only when our spirits are fed and nourished by God’s Spirit through Word and Sacrament.

One Step at a Time: A Devotion

God doesn’t expect me to be perfect. This is great news because I make a lot of mistakes. I say the wrong thing, I act out of selfishness, I tear down others to build myself up. The Gospel isn’t only for those who have it all together. The Gospel is also for those of us who are afraid, feel unsure, and aren’t courageous in the slightest.

Zacchaeus found that out. Living a life where he was known as a sinner because of his profession, he took the brave step of faith, desperate for a glimpse of Jesus. And Jesus responded. Luke 19:9-10 says, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

This story demonstrates that the good news of the Gospel is for everyone, including outcasts and sinners. Today, what if moving one step closer to Jesus looked like doing something out of the ordinary to see Him more clearly? You never know what that step of faith might lead to. There is salvation, beauty, and healing in this story.

National Youth Gathering Is Here!
July 9-13  Houston, TX
“In All Things” 

To our church family, we want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! It’s been a whirlwind of preparation, fundraising, and anticipation. Now the time has come as 24 youth and 6 adults will hop on a bus at 8am this coming Thursday, July 7^th, to head to Houston until we return on the 14^th. None of this is anywhere near possible without your love and generosity.

NOW we ask you to pray alongside us. Pray that our kids and adults encounter Jesus, that the Lord deepens the unity we have within our youth, that everyone attending will be kept safe, and that God’s glory will resonate in Houston. We look forward to sharing what God does when we return!

 Hillcrest Transitional Housing Updates

Timothy’s Hillcrest apartment is now home to Jordan, who moved in this past Monday! He has settled into his new home and thanks Timothy for making this possible. He was  previously homeless, living from his  car, and came to Hillcrest with two shirts and couple pairs of pants. The Hillcrest staff also thanks Timothy for making the apartment “look so amazing!” Please keep Jordan in your prayers, and thank you for supporting this ministry!

Speaking of Hillcrest, please mark your calendars for the 22^nd Annual Gala & Auction on Wed., Aug. 31, at the North Club Arrowhead Stadium, beginning at 6pm. Reserve your spot at our Timothy table now for just $75 per ticket if purchased through Timothy. Auction items with a minimum value of $50 will be collected through the church office by Aug. 4. To reserve your spot or to ask questions, please contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com).

Sand and Sunsets

It’s been getting so warm, the senior high youth hit the beach . . . kind of! On Tuesday night, 13 senior high kids and 4 adults hit up the sand volleyball court at Young Park for some rowdy action. Not sure who came out on top, but we’re still shaking the sand out of our clothes and hair. A good time was had by all, and Pastor Ryan prayed a blessing over the youth before the night ended. Thank you, Jesus, for our youth and a beautiful night to play!

Ongoing Food Donations

Timothy has collected non-perishable groceries for MANY years, probably one of its longest-running, if not the longest-running, ministries for those in need. The generosity of Timothy’s members to keep this outreach going for so long is much appreciated and one not taken for granted.

The June donations were delivered to Blue Springs Community Services League this week by Bill & Carol Ready. Thank you! The July donations are designated for Hillcrest Transitional Housing.

As food and gas prices have risen recently, all food pantries are seeing more families seeking assistance. Thank you, Timothy, for continuing to keep this ministry as an outreach priority. A box of cereal or a jar of spaghetti sauce helps fill our grocery carts and is so much appreciated.

Volunteer Opportunity at Timothy Lutheran School

Timothy Lutheran School is excited to bring a new volunteer opportunity to you! We will be kicking off our Book Buddies Literacy Program which is a program that will connect you as a literacy partner to our students during the 2022-2023 school year. If you love to help children succeed and have an hour to share each week, this is the volunteer opportunity for you!

Literacy training sessions will be provided, so a background in education is not required. You will receive all the materials and instructions on what to read as well as literacy games to play. Please reach out to Mary Beth Self (marybeths@timothylutheran.com) or call the school (816.228.5300) if you are interested in more information about this great opportunity!

2022 First Fruits contributions total $90,285.59, as of June 26^th. Thank you!
Raise the Roof contributions total $24,150.00, as of June 26^th. Thank you!
Total Youth Fundraising contributions total $20,376.97, as of June 26^th. Thank you!

Independence Day Observance As we celebrate Independence Day this weekend, please remember to praise God for the many blessings we enjoy in this country and celebrate safely! Lighthouse Fireworks is operating a fireworks tent at Wyatt Campus this year. Feel free to stop by to welcome them to Timothy and take a worship bulletin with you to receive a discount on your fireworks. Also remember that Timothy’s facilities will be closed on Monday, July 4.

GriefShare Facilitators Timothy’s GriefShare ministry wants to expand with one or two people who would like to join the team, working alongside Pam Lund. Training is provided. Contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com) This ministry provides Christian support through 13 DVD-led programs for people who have lost loved ones.

VBS 2022 Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness July 18-22, 8:45am – 12pm, RD Mize Campus. Register on Timothy’s website under Children’s Ministry. Thanks for donating needed supplies and Adopt-a-Student funds (envelopes available at VBS display at either campus or online at church website) which go a long way in keeping this a FREE event for all children. Contact Pastor Ryan (ryanh@timothylutheran.com) if you would like to volunteer this year.

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

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “Proverbs”; 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) 6:30pm fellowship; 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood; NOTE:  No class on July 4

Monday Evening Women’s Bible Study “Faith & Fire Elijah” 6:30-8pm, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies; NOTE:  No class on July 4

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 “The Book of Revelations”; 10-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Pastor John; NOTE:  No class on July 12 or 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 & meeting location

Saturday Morning Moms Bible Study (1^st & 3^rd Saturdays) 9-10am, 4 G’s; Wyatt; led by Kaye Gray; NOTE:  No class on July 2; will resume on July 16