God Is the Hero: A Devotion

I used to keep a mental highlight reel of my worst offenses. Although I confessed those sins to God and asked for His forgiveness, I couldn’t seem to forgive myself. Did I believe my sins were so enormous and unique that they were beyond His ability to forgive? In spite of the magnitude of God’s mercy and of the sins I know He’d forgiven, why did I act like He couldn’t handle mine?  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

We see divine forgiveness in the story of King David, who took what wasn’t his in Bathsheba and then orchestrated her husband’s death by sending him to the front of the fiercest battle. David did not recognize the scope of his sin until it was exposed to him by the prophet Nathan. David repented and then followed the Lord the rest of his days, serving and honoring Him. David’s story comforts me. We can dwell on our sins, but surely God prefers we take Jesus’s advice to “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). God’s grace and capacity for forgiveness are beyond comprehension. When we give in to guilt and focus too much on our role as the villain in our own life story, we forget that God is the hero who has redeemed us.

Adam’s Army Blood Drive Follow-Up

Thank you, Timothy, for once again supporting the Adam’s Army Annual Blood Drive! A total of 43 usable pints (including four first-time donors—awesome!) was donated which was greatly appreciated by the Community Blood Center, as shared yesterday in an email message to Mary Reed and Nancy Nowiszewski:  “I want to thank you for all your continued support by hosting a drive in memory of Adam. We are privileged to honor his life by receiving donations to save other lives in our community. We had an amazing turnout during these different times, and EVERY unit counts as we are in a deficit right now. It is dedicated blood drives like yours that have helped us get through this pandemic, so for that, we are forever grateful. Thank you, Dawn Eblen (Donor Recruitment Account Manager)

New Volunteer Work Day Opportunity

Drain pipes atop the Fellowship Hall at RD Mize will be removed to a new location THIS FRIDAY, July 2, starting at 7am, rain or shine, in preparation for roof replacement. Louie Wilbers and Don McGhee could use your help! Please bring ladders and cordless drills. Questions? Contact Louie Wilbers after 5pm at 816.988.6059 or Don McGhee at 816.810.4701 during church business hours (8:30am-4:30pm). Thank you!

Children’s Ministry Supplies

Even though it’s still summer, the days & weeks are flying by! Starting another school year is right around the corner, so it won’t be long before local stores advertise school supplies sales.

Timothy’s in-person FaithRoots and CrossWalk classes are gearing up to resume in early August, and Children’s Ministry staff and volunteers appreciate donations. While donations of all types of supplies are appreciated, the following are especially helpful:  glue sticks, markers, crayons, mini-staplers, staples, rubber bands, sanitizers, and 8 oz. bottled water.

Starting this Sunday, July 4, and running through Sunday, Aug. 8, you can drop off donations in bins clearly marked Children’s Ministry Supplies at both campuses. It will all be very much appreciated! Thank you!

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

Are you looking for a new home for some of your shoes? Timothy’s Youth Ministry has connected with a fundraiser organization to collect new or gently used (free of holes, rips, tears, & excessive wear) shoes of all sizes and shapes. Proceeds will benefit Timothy’s Youth Group trips for 2021-2022.

Collection period will be for 2 months (July 11-Sept. 12) in lobbies of both campuses. Stop by the tables at both campuses on July 11, 18, & 25 to learn more details, drop off shoes, and to volunteer (both students & adults) to help with a community drop-off opportunity at Timothy on July 18, 25, & Aug. 1 (see below). After July 25, you can drop off shoes in the bins at both campuses (no tables set up).

A Community Shoe Drive will occur on July 18, 25, & Aug. 1 from  5-6:30pm at RD Mize, so spread the word among your family, friends, neighbors, etc about this opportunity. Youth and youth leaders will collect bag of shoes from the donors’ cars. Your support is greatly appreciated!

If Not for Grace

The If Not for Grace ministry, one of Timothy’s tithe organizations, is expanding and looking to fill a new part-time position, Ministry Coordinator. Position description:  “Coordinate day-to-day operations and the various ministry services & deadlines (Abortion Recovery Groups, Reconciliation Weekend, and Next Steps Studies & Events). Work with Executive Director to develop systems & processes for efficient operations. Collaborate with ministry leaders to recruit & train volunteers.”  If you or someone you know may be interested in this position, please contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com) or Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com) for more information

Adopt-a-Light Fundraiser Update Thank you, Timothy, for your support! Look for a financial goal update in Friday’s eNotes.  As a reminder, there will be envelopes for this opportunity in the bulletin on Sunday, and you can donate on Timothy’s website as well. Your donations are very much appreciated!

Children & Youth Ministry Skate Party TOMORROW, June 30, 5-7pm, Rink Ratz; $5/skater includes skate rental, open skate & fountain drink. Children 5^th grade & younger should be accompanies by parent/guardian. Adult volunteers/leaders will attend; snacks provided. Contact Sarah Hinkle (shinkle80@hotmail.com) with questions.

Church & School Offices will be closed Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day.  There will be no eNotes emailed on Tuesday, July 6. Thank you!

Women of Hope Leadership Team Timothy’s WOH Leadership Team is eager to bring additional women on board to plan activities for this women’s ministry group. Any time available (once a quarter, once annually, more often, less often) is gratefully appreciated. Contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com) or Diane Mayfield (dianem@timothylutheran.com) with questions. Thank you!

FaithRoots classes will resume in-person learning on Sunday, Aug. 1, during the worship service at both campuses.

Food Donations for the month of July will be delivered to BS Community Services League. Thanks for your ongoing support!

Vacation Bible School July 19-23 (9am-noon) with kickoff on July 18, RD Mize; Theme:  Rocky Railway:  Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through; register NOW (volunteers & Pre-K thru 5^th grade) on church website. Stop by lobbies to choose items you wish to donate to ensure FREE attendance for all children. Thank you!

21^st Hillcrest Transitional Housing Annual Gala Thurs., Aug. 19, 6-9pm, Arrowhead Stadium. Contact Nancy Nowiszewski (nancyn@timothylutheran.com) to purchase tickets ($75 each) to site with Team Timothy. Checks payable to Timothy & left at church office by Aug. 5. Contact Nancy or Dan Sbisa (dan.sbisa@gmail.com) about donating a basket (minimum $50 value) for the silent & live auctions (due by Aug. 10). Thank you!

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “Defending Your Christian Faith: Are you Ready, Willing, or Able?” 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302); 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 Women’s Bible Study I Want to Know You by Ann Arthur; 6:30-8pm, Room 111, 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. NOTE: Next class on Aug. 2.

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “Living by Faith”; 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Bob Downs.

Tuesday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Book of Acts”; 10-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Pastor John.

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

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 Study “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. NOTE: next session on Aug. 21.