Stuck? Or Slow and Steady Growth?

With all of life’s ups and downs, have you ever felt stuck? I do a great job at coaching other people on how to get unstuck and yet when it comes to my own life, I have the hardest time figuring anything out. I tend to want a perfect solution that’s wrapped in a perfect bow. The Lord gave me some ways out, as He kindly does. And then He graciously encouraged me that progress will always win out over perfection. God is not interested in perfection. His heart is for us to constantly grow and become like Him. His Holy Spirit gently reminded me of a truth I easily forget.

     I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. John 15:1-2

The Lord is in the fruit-bearing business. Often, when we don’t see fruit, we panic and worry. It is in those times that He prunes us. He could be breaking some toxic thoughts or establishing new habits. He could be teaching us to rely solely on Him as our source. He could be stripping away pride and self-reliance. He prunes us because He loves us. He prunes us because He is a good Father. He always has our best in mind. Sometimes His best comes in the form of stuck. All we need to do is stay connected to the vine and the vine dresser will do what He does best — nourish and strengthen branches that produce much fruit.

Timothy Trivia

Do you know how many pastors have accepted a divine call to serve at Timothy over the past 60 years? (Answer: 12) Have you ever noticed portraits of Timothy’s pastors on the brick wall outside the sanctuary at RD Mize? Check it out soon, as Pastor Ryan’s portrait is ready to include.

Speaking of Timothy’s history, it was 60 years ago (Aug. 6, 1961) that a group of Missouri Synod Lutherans (31 communicant members & 15 children) met for the first time to begin planning a new Lutheran congregation in Blue Springs. The first worship service was held on Nov. 5, 1961, at Blue Springs Junior High School (aka Hansel Lowe School), and Timothy was officially chartered a year later on Nov. 18, 1962.

If you are interested in volunteering with other Timothy members to share some Timothy Trivia as “Did you know. . .” opportunities, please contact Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8040) as soon as possible. How will Timothy’s “next generation” learn Timothy’s rich history if we don’t keep it in front of everyone?

Thank You, Timothy!

Timothy received the following thank-you note yesterday from Resource Health, formerly Rachel House, for recent financial donations from Timothy members.
“We sincerely thank you for your generous gifts to the ministry of Resource Health. Your on-going support continues to LEAD the way for us to love, educate, advocate and disciple the families who come through our doors. Please accept this small gift (magnet pictured here), showing just a few of the children who have been given the chance to live out their lives because of your kindness!
On behalf of all those we serve, thank you!
Rejoicing in Christ,
China Arbuckle”

It’s Steakburger Time Again

Timothy’s Festival Committee is once again actively soliciting volunteers to serve in a variety of ways for its Steak Burger Booth during the BS Fall Fun Fest on Sept. 16-19.  Stop by the table in both lobbies on Sunday mornings to sign up to work your shift(s) to help with “set up,” “fixin’s,” “booth,” “cook,” and “clean up.” You may also email steakburgers@timothylutheran.com to volunteer. Some prep occurs in the Family Life Center at RD Mize; other work occurs at the booth in Downtown Main Street in front of Builders Overhead Door at 11^th & Main. Thank you for volunteering your help as we reach into the community to transform lives through Christ!

Officially a Centenarian

She made it! Officially 100 years old! Tudy Dotson enjoyed a wonderful birthday yesterday. She thanks her Timothy family for their love, support, cards, and well wishes. To God Be the Glory!

FaithRoots Classes have resumed at both campuses on Sunday mornings! Pre-schoolers through 5^th graders are dismissed during the offering and may be picked up in their classes at the end of the service.

Job Opportunity Nursery Coordinator and assistant(s) for Wednesdays 6:15-8:15pm at RD Mize and Sundays 9:45-11:15am at Wyatt; contact Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com or 8116.228.5300 Ext. 8040) with questions.

Annual Backpack Blessing for all students in all grades anywhere will occur during worship service at both campuses THIS SUNDAY, Aug. 22. Make plans to attend, and don’t forget your backpack! God’s blessings upon the upcoming school year!

Installation of TLS Rostered Teacher Beckie Rathke and Re-Dedication of TLS Staff THIS SUNDAY, Aug. 22, during 10am service at Wyatt. We pray God’s blessings upon the upcoming school year.

CrossWalk Classes for pre-school through 5^th graders begin on Sept. 1, from 6:30-8pm on Wednesdays. Watch for registration to open soon!

Confirmation Classes for 6^th through 8^th graders begin Sept. 8, from 6-8pm on Wednesdays. Contact Pastor John with questions.

Girls on the Run Registration for fall session will open on Aug. 28 at www.gotrkc.org Timothy will once again serve as a host for Eastern Jackson County from Sept. 12 thru mid-Nov.; for girls 3^rd-8^th grade; Sundays from 3:30-4:45pm & Tuesdays from 4:30-5:45pm. Contact Sarah Hinkle (shinkle80@hotmail.com) with questions. Invite your friends to sign up with you!

GodConnects Discovery Class Next session starts Sept. 8, 6:30-8pm, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; child care available. Go to www.timothylutheran.com/discovery-class/ for information and online registration. Contact Pastor Rod (rodl@timothylutheran.com) with any additional questions.

DivorceCare meets weekly on Mondays starting Sept. 13, 6:30-8pm, RD Mize. Contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8042) with questions and to register.

GriefShare meets weekly on Thursdays starting Sept. 2, 6:30-8pm, RD Mize. Contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8042) with questions and to register.

Food Donations for August will be delivered to Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Lee’s Summit. Thanks for your ongoing support!

Thrivent Worship for Families: Healthy Money Habits for Children THIS THURSDAY, Aug. 19, 7pm, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 615 SE Todd George Pkwy, LSMO. Call 816 .894.5830 or visit connect.thrivent.com/james-yanez for reservations.

Congregational Care Ministry Training (CCM) Tuesdays in Oct. (5^th, 12^th, 19^th, 26^th). Contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8042) with questions and to register.

Tomorrow’s Teachers & Preachers MO-District Drive to support tuition costs for 48 young men & women being trained in LCMS colleges & seminaries; take advantage of a free-will offering at both campuses on Sun., Aug. 29, or access the online opportunity on church website (www.timothylutheran.com) in the Give link. Gifts may also be made online at www.mo.lcms.org/donate or mailed to Missouri District LCMS, 660 Mason Ridge Center Dr., St. Louis, MO 631141. Thanks for your support!

21^st Annual Hillcrest Transitional Housing Gala THIS THURSDAY, Aug. 19, 6-9pm, Arrowhead Stadium. Contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothyluitheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8042) with questions.

Pastor Malone’s 41^st Ministry Anniversary Celebration THIS SUNDAY, Aug. 22, 4pm, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 310 Johnston Pkwy, Raymore, MO. Call Deb Rinella at 816.540.5150 for additional info.

LWML Society Event All Women Welcome! Sat., Aug. 28, 9am brunch, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; Program: Supporting Our Children As They Return to School: Challenges of Learning During a Pandemic. Guest speaker: Dr. Dawn M. Callahan Dennis, CCC-SLP (wife of School Administrator Ken Holland). Bring friends!

Youth Ministry Shoe Collection Fundraiser thru Sept. 12; drop in bins at each campus; new or gently worn shoes of any type (no tears, holes, excessive wear); goal is 2,500 pairs; proceeds from organization sending shoes to third world countries to benefit youth ministry trips in 2021-2022, including National Youth Gathering next July. Your help is appreciated! Thank you!

Volunteer Opportunity  Additional help is needed with the eNotes process. Please contact Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com or 816.228.5300 Ext. 8040) for further details.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Exodus”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag.

Sunday Evening Senior High Youth Bible Study “The Chosen”; 5-6:30pm. Room 505, RD Mize.

Sunday Evening Middle School Youth Bible Study 5-6:30pm, Youth Room (506), RD Mize.

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1^st & 3^rd Mondays) “The Prayers of Jesus”; steak & lobster at 6:30pm; Bible Study 7pm; come enjoy &learn! Led by Roxanne Kerwood.

Monday Evening Women’s Bible Study I Want to Know You by Ann Arthur; 6:30-8pm, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies.

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 Evening GodConnects Discovery Class Learn or review foundation of Christian faith from a Lutheran perspective; 6:30-8pm, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; next session starts Sept. 8; led by Pastor Rod; child care available.

Wednesday Evening Senior High Revolution Bible Study 6:30-8pm, Youth Room (506), RD Mize; led by Ryan Kuecker; resumes in Sept.

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 Women’s Bible Study (1^st & 3^rd Saturdays) for all moms (expecting thru any age children); 9-10am, Wyatt 4 G’s; led by Kaye Gray. RESUMES THIS SATURDAY, Aug. 21.