Respond in Grace: A Devotion

I could feel the anger rising. We were having an informal brainstorming session and sharing ideas as a group, but after I shared my idea, another immediately shot it down in a very unkind way. By God’s grace, though, I held my tongue. My mind was racing and, though the conversation was moving along, I tried to stop and pray, Holy Spirit, I am angry. What do I do?

Philippians 2:3-4 came to mind: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.” I began to think, What if this person is just saying what they think is best?

Because each of us has experienced hurt and trauma, it can be all too easy to overlay our past experiences onto present realities. We can often assume we know why people did what they did. We can’t control their words and actions, but we can challenge ourselves to gather all the information, have the conversations, and better understand what is motivating the other person.

Let’s ask God to help us not assume the worst of people. We can keep showing grace, even when others don’t show grace to us. Let’s value people, showing understanding, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll be able to connect with others in a way we didn’t think was possible.

2021 VBS Wrap-Up

What a fabulous ministry this year’s VBS was for all involved, even if for only three days! So much engagement by young and old to grow closer to Jesus’ love and strength to pull through all kinds of situations!

• King Rodnae, Engineer Ryan, and Cabin Fever pumped up everyone’s energy level at openings and closings.
• Bible Adventure was new this year which was interactive in large groups. The kids enjoyed a cinema experience which reflected their personal relationship with Jesus.
• Snack time was simpler, allowing more time for outdoor games, including water fun.
• Monetary donations for Resource Health (formerly Rachel House) totaled $727.50, an outstanding effort that would have certainly surpassed the $1,000 goal for the entire week.
• Household items, personal hygiene items, & a few pantry items for Hillcrest Transitional Housing were boxed and crammed into a Ford Explorer with only room for the driver to deliver the goods.

We are nearing one week out from when we first learned that one of the VBS kiddos tested positive for COVID. Through it all, leaders and volunteers have been fantastic in getting everything accomplished related to winding down another year of VBS as well as keeping updated on the COVID situation. THANK YOU!

Timothy’s facilities were cleaned, disinfected and prepped each day after VBS and again after we learned about the positive COVID test, so please rest assured that sanitizing and other precautions are in place to protect our Timothy family.

As hard as it has been, decisions have also been made to cancel or postpone youth events for the rest of this current week at least, which provides another layer of protection. Next week’s events will be decided as that time draws closer, so watch for updates.

We also have continued care for the VBS families and volunteers by regularly keeping them updated. Each and every time we hear from a family about a positive COVID test, the kids and leaders in that group (those within 6’ for 15 minutes or more) have been confidentially notified. Families with individuals testing positive are also being contacted this week for prayer and to learn an update.

As a church, we are mandated reporters of COVID cases to Jackson County, and we are in communication with the health department to determine protocols.

Please join us as we continue to pray for those who have been impacted and as VBS taught us:  Jesus’ power is pulling us through this difficult time. Thank you!

Care Support

Timothy provides support for those coping with a loss, whether through death or a divorce. You are encouraged to participate in and spread the word to family and friends about GriefShare and DivorceCare. We know it hurts, and we want to help.

GriefShare begins a new series of 13 sessions on Thursday, Sept. 2, 6:30-8pm, in the Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize Campus. If you’ve lost someone close to you or know someone who has, please call us to find out more information about this weekly support group.

DivorceCare Beginning Monday, Sept. 13, 6:30-8pm in Room 102 at RD Mize, a weekly seminar and support group meets for those who are separated or divorced. If you know someone going through a divorce, make sure they know about DivorceCare. It might just be the best thing you could do to help.

Celebrating 40 Years in Ministry

Timothy is invited to celebrate Pastor Robert Malone’s 40^th (plus one) anniversary in the ministry in a special worship service of praise and thanksgiving, followed by a reception, on Sunday, Aug. 22, at 4pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 310 Johnston Parkway, Raymore, MO. (This service was canceled last year due to COVID.) If you plan to attend, please RSVP to pmalone41anniverary@comcast.net or 816.540.5150 by Aug. 15. If you are unable to attend but would like to send a card or letter of congrats, please mail it to 313 Cedar St., Pleasant Hill, MO 64080. Thank you!

“Dear Timothy Care Ministry, We wanted to thank you all for the love and support that you gave to Annita Theroff throughout her prolonged illness. The cards, prayers thru the prayer chain, and the prayer shawl were so uplifting for her during very difficult times. The personal visits from Pam Lund, Pastor Lieb, and Pastor Ryan were so comforting. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for all your work passing on the grace and peace of God. Thank you, Marv, Erin & Eric Theroff”

FaithRoots Classes for Pre-K thru 5^th grade students resume on August 8^th (NOT AUGUST 1^ST), during worship services at both campuses. Additional volunteers are always welcome and appreciated. Contact church office (816.228.5300) to get connected.

Families of 2021-2022 College Students are encouraged to connect with the MO District Campus Ministry Network (www.molcms.college). There is a simple process in place to submit referral information through this network to keep college kids connected with the body of Christ while they are away at school. Each referral goes directly to the designated contact person for the local campus ministry. Check it out!

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

21^st Annual Hillcrest Transitional Housing Gala Thurs., Aug. 19, 6-9pm, Arrowhead Stadium. Contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com) about tickets or donating live/silent auction gift baskets.

Children’s Ministry Skate Party for tomorrow, July 28, is CANCELED.

LUMAA Back-to-School Clothing Collection thru Aug. 22 at both campuses. Special requests include new t-shirts, a-shirts, socks, undergarments, shirts, pants for boys & girls, pre-school thru high school. Pantry items needed are pasta sauce and alfredo sauce. Contact Lois Domsch (lois.domsch@gmail.com) with questions. Thank you!

Youth Ministry Shoe Collection thru Sept. 12; new or gently worn shoes/sandals (no tears, holes, excessive wear) may be dropped off in bins at both campuses; proceeds from organization sending shoes to third world countries to benefit Timothy’s youth group trips in 2021-2022, including the National Youth Gathering next summer. Goal is 2,500 pairs of shoes! Your help is appreciated!

Girls on the Run Timothy will host a session again this fall. Coaches for girls in 3^rd-5^th grade are needed. If you can help, please contact Sarah Hinkle (shinkle80@hotmail.com). Thanks!

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Pilgrims Come to America”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Dale Russell & 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”; 6:30-8pm, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood. Resumes Aug. 2.

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 NEW TOPIC: “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 Discovery Class Learn or review foundation of the Christian faith from a Lutheran perspective; 6:30-8pm, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Pastor Rod.

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Class “The Women of Easter”; 6:30-8pm, offsite thru Aug.; call church office for location; 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 Aug. 21.