Fruit of the Spirit: GENTLENESS

When we think of gentleness, we think of being a sweetheart, someone with a light touch, someone who is full of sunshine and goodness. But in reality, what Paul is describing here is humility, a gentleness of spirit. And we struggle with that. We want to toot our own horns. We want to put ourselves at the center of the universe. So God teaches us true gentleness of spirit through His Spirit, taming our wild and self-centered impulses with His grace.

Missing Pieces:  A Devotion

Sunday was Father’s Day, and I was blessed to eat breakfast with my father-in-law, spend the day with the man who dedicated his life to my children and had some quick stop-ins to say Happy Father’s Day to Rod. But it also was a reminder of those missing pieces from my life.

We are all missing pieces. It could be distance. It could be death. It could be disappointment. It reminds me when Jesus told His disciples how He’d soon be leaving them and how the Holy Spirit would come and be with them. In their confusion and loneliness, they waited for that fatherly touch of the Holy Spirit.

We, too, have the Holy Spirit who can reach deep into every hidden place. The Holy Spirit is present, even while we are in pain, and He holds space for our heart, like a hug wrapping us up in the arms of a loving father. He whispers: “I am not a distant God. My love is louder than your loneliness. I am with you—in the emergencies, in the celebrations, and in every mundane moment in-between. I am holding out My hand to you and promise you My presence.”

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139: 7-10

Middle School Summer Fun

High winds may have canceled our kayaking, but it didn’t stop our middle school youth from having a blast last Wednesday as they ate popsicles and chillaxed around the pool. We also made time to create some fleece blankets for Project Linus, an organization that provides blankets for children who are ill or in need. We also dove into God’s Word to talk about remembering God’s faithfulness when our prayers seem to go unanswered. Middle schoolers are urged to contact Pastor Ryan (ryanh@timothylutheran.com) to find out how to help at VBS next month or what else is happening for them and their friends!

Pairs & Spares “Relish” Picnic Fun in FLC

Did the hottest day of the year so far keep Timothy’s Pairs & Spares from enjoying its annual summer picnic?? Certainly not!  Over 40 senior adults gathered Tuesday to enjoy fellowship, fun, food (grilled hot dogs & lots of side dishes & desserts), and fishing in the Family Life Center. Fishing??  Yes, fishing!  Thanks to Ron Riedel for setting up a water-less fishing pond for the picnickers to get their fishing fix, but leave it to men to get fishing lines tangled! Never fear–Pastor Ryan to the rescue! All of Timothy’s senior adults are urged to join this monthly fun, food, and fellowship when it starts again in the fall at 11:30am on the third Tuesdays!

Lutherans for Life Diaper Drive

Thank you, Timothy, for supporting the annual Lutherans for Life Diaper Drive. Thanks to Kaye Gray and LWML Elizabeth Circle for coordinating this effort again. Kaye reports that 763 diapers, 1,398 baby wipes, and some feminine hygiene products were donated, all of which she delivered to Impact Ministries in Blue Springs. Thank you!

VBS at Timothy
July 18-22   8:45am-12pm RD Mize Campus
MONUMENTAL: Celebrating God’s Greatness

Vacation Bible School is only a month away! Are you registered yet? Sign up on Timothy’s website under Children’s Ministry. Be sure to pick up a paper “cactus” from the VBS display in the lobby of either campus to donate supplies which go a long way to keep this a FREE event for everyone. Adopt-a-Student envelopes are also available or donations may be placed online at the church website. Contact Pastor Ryan (ryanh@timothylutheran.com) if you would like to volunteer this year.

2022 First Fruits contributions total $89,700.59, as of June 19^th. Thank you!
Raise the Roof contributions total $24,150.00, as of June 19^th. Thank you!
Total Youth Fundraising contributions total $20,290.97, as of June 19^th. Thank you!

Financial Update was inserted in last Sunday’s worship bulletins. Additional copies are available at the Information Center at each campus. Contact Church Treasurer Joe Sauter (joesauter5@gmail.com) with questions.

Food Donations during June will be delivered to BS Community Services League. Thank you for your ongoing support!

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 side dish and/or dessert to share.

Church & School Offices will be closed on Monday, July 4.

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) various topics; 6:30pm fellowship; 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood; NOTE:  No session July 4

Monday Evening Women’s Bible Study “Faith & Fire Elijah”; 6:30-8pm, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies; NOTE:  No session 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 June 28, July 12, or 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 & meeting location

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