As God’s amazing work of restoration begins with the coming of Christ, we also know it does not come to completion until He comes again. And there is a lot of work to be done.  So God calls and equips people to follow Him in this work.  We see this throughout the Christmas season as the Lord uses various people, including John, to “prepare the way.” So how is God calling each of us to follow not just during the holidays but daily?

I have enjoyed spending time with a woman who has three small children. I remember those days in the middle of raising a house full of little ones and just trying to survive. Life felt chaotic, but I knew deep in my soul that there was nothing more valuable than knowing God myself and helping my kids to know who He really is and to connect to the heart of God — His character and His power in their lives.

God is working directly in our lives and in the lives of our families. This Christmas season as we spend time with the extended family God has given us, think about sharing our faith when the opportunity arises, no matter how ill prepared we feel. Scripture is full of beautiful examples of God calling and equipping flawed people, from Moses to David to the twelve disciples. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

As we go throughout our holidays, remember: God calls us to plant and water the seeds of our family, but it is He and He alone who grows. So, take the pressure off yourself. God is doing a good work in your lives; just share it and He will use even our smallest seeds!

Timothy’s Ruth Circle gathered yesterday for its annual Christmas celebration, catered meal, and silent auction. Over $100 was donated for Community Services League, and over $600 was raised from the silent auction to benefit Timothy’s ministries, as determined in the new year.  Praise be to God for the opportunity to gather with Christian sisters in Christ!

Worshipers who mail correspondence or contributions to the RD Mize address should send to Wyatt address, effective January 1, 2024. That address is 301 E Wyatt Road, BSMO 64014. Please also contact any financial institutions asap who may regularly mail in your contributions. USPS will forward RD Mize – addressed mail to Wyatt address beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

Leadership is seeking help with flooring options for the Wyatt stage. There is also a need to store the Festival Committee freezer truck in covered storage until the new storage building is constructed. If you can help with either, please contact Louie Wilbers (816.988.6059).

Additional moving will occur during Christmas week (Dec. 26-29) for last-minute items. Leadership understands the timing of this is precarious with family celebrations and unknown weather conditions. If you can offer some hours anytime that week, please call the church office with your availability.

Please note that the Annual Voters’ Assembly Meeting will be Sunday, January 14, rather than the 7^th. This will allow worshipers time to fellowship and take in some of the “newness” of two services under one roof again rather than gathering for a church business meeting.

The congregation is invited to again stop by the tables in either lobby this Sunday to visit with Elders about the transition to one campus. This is also another chance to learn more about volunteer opportunities to help with this transition. Have you ever thought about serving as an usher either as an individual or a family? Perhaps as a worship assistant on Sunday to serve alongside the pastor, or maybe a front-desk volunteer during the weekdays? You may go to Timothy’s app or website to click on Volunteer or click on this link.
The Elders have scheduled a training session for all current and new worship assistants and ushers wishing to serve in either service moving forward on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 6:30pm in the Auditorium. Attendance is strongly encouraged to learn procedures that will impact both services, such as distribution of Holy Communion, collecting offering & attendance cards, and welcoming people to worship.

Have you ever desired to assist victims of national disasters, such as the recent tornadoes in Tennessee? Are you willing to go to such areas but feel ill-equipped? On Saturday, Jan. 27, St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit will host a Disaster Response Training workshop from LERT (Lutheran Emergency Responsive Teams) from 9am-3pm. LERT teams respond to local and national disasters. Once training is completed, you’ll be FEMA-badged and certified to serve in any community hit by a disaster in the United States. Please understand that serving doesn’t mean you are necessarily relegated to manual labor. A portion of the training will identify other ways to serve on the teams. LERT also provides numerous opportunities to serve your neighborhood in need during non-disaster times as well, such a building wheelchair ramps, updating homes for more accessible bathrooms, and much more. If interested in learning more, please visit https://www.lcms-lert.org/need/detail/?need id=869609. Please register by January 10, 2024, if possible. Questions can be directed to Tom Keel (816.213.5665 or twk500@gmail.com).

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Gospel of Luke”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell; No class Dec.24 or December 31. Resumes January 7, Library 9am

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1st & 3rd Mondays) 6:30pm fellowship; 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “The Gospel of Mark”, 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302); led by various men; No class December 26; Resume January 2nd, 4G’s.

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle; 9-11 am, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies; No class December 26 or January 2; January 9 at Pointe of Hope

Tuesday Morning Adult Bible Study “Book of Jonah”; 10-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Pastor John; No class December 26, January 2, or January 9; Resumes January 16 Pointe of Hope.

Wednesday Night Sr High; Youth Room(506); 6:30-8 pm; Confirmation; 6:30 -8 pm; Room 501; No class December 20 or December 27; Classes resume January, 10

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study; 6:30-8pm; Youth room (506), led by Miriam Lindemann; No class Dec 21 or 28. Resumes January 4, Conference Room

Saturday Morning Moms Bible Study (1st & 3rd Saturdays) 9-10am, 4 G’s Wyatt; led by Kaye Gray

Advent is a time to think about the coming of Jesus. But there’s more to the story than a cute little baby wrapped in swaddling cloths. After all, the manger didn’t draw that much attention.  However, the coming of Jesus was part of God’s great plan.  And we see in our readings today how the people longed for God to come and for His mission to commence because they knew it would change everything.

I remember the first time someone told me I was a leader. I looked at her in disbelief. I could think of at least a dozen reasons why she was wrong. But leading an organization or a ministry isn’t what makes me a leader. What makes me a leader is the calling Jesus placed on my life, when He commissioned me to go and make disciples.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:19-20

Let me tell you right now, you are a leader. Don’t discount your sphere of influence. You know and spend time with people who need to hear about Jesus. People who are longing for greater meaning, freedom, and truth in their lives. The answer to their longing is Jesus. The fields are ripe and ready for harvest. Jesus said so Himself. They just need some workers.

We need to live a life worthy of the calling Jesus has given us: to go and make disciples, to partner with what the Holy Spirit is already doing, and to help lead people right back to Jesus.

As part of your preparation for celebrating the birth of the Christ Child, make plans to join your Timothy family at this year’s Advent Services. The service on Wednesday, Dec. 6 will be in the sanctuary at 6pm. The Dec. 13 Advent service will be in the Wyatt Auditorium at 6:30pm in conjunction with the TLS 1st through 8th grade Christmas program.

You are invited to select gift tags from Timothy’s Giving Trees in the lobbies for the annual Journey to the Manger ministry, which will occur on Sunday, Dec. 10. This year, we will support families as identified by Community Services League, Hillcrest Transitional Housing, and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in KC. The tags may be selected until Dec. 9, with all gifts, with tag attached, returned on December 10^th during either worship service. Please check your gift tag to determine if the gift should be wrapped or unwrapped. Please note that there will be no inventory list identifying donor’s name with a certain gift tag.

Please plan to attend the second Town Hall Meeting THIS Sunday, Dec. 3^rd, at 11:30am in the Wyatt Auditorium to hear the latest updates since the first Town Hall. Questions are still encouraged and can be directed to the same link on Timothy’s website by clicking on Church, then Next Generation, or by clicking here The meeting will be recorded and placed on church website on Monday, Dec 4th.

Leadership is seeking individuals with knowledge and expertise regarding flooring options for the Wyatt stage. Please contact Louie Wilbers (816.988.6059). Thanks!

Worshipers who mail correspondence or contributions to the RD Mize address should send to Wyatt address, effective January 1, 2024. That address is 301 E Wyatt Road, BSMO 64014. Please also contact any financial institutions asap who may regularly mail in your contributions. USPS will forward RD Mize – addressed mail to Wyatt address beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

Closing with Harvest Baptist Church is scheduled to occur between Jan. 4-12.

1.  Can you elaborate more on the setup that will need to take place that is pushing the traditional service to 10:30? We believe that during this transition we will be susceptible to member attrition and that further disrupting the schedule has been followed for many years (contemporary following traditional since we started attending 15 years ago) will lead to lower church attendance. Our fear is that implementing this change, then reviewing in the first six months will be too late.  Response:  It usually takes worship staff 30 minutes prior to the arrival of the musicians and worship team to clean the stage floor. The tech people arrive early to get the sound system up and running. Then mics and belt packs are set out, as well as whatever else the musicians/vocalists need to prepare for the service, followed by a sound check with musicians and vocalists to ensure balance among them. Finally, the rehearsal starts, as this is usually the only rehearsal with musicians, and then any final corrections just in time for the start of the service. On Communion Sundays, the team assists with the table and cloth so altar guild volunteers can prepare the communion ware. The entire process takes 90 minutes.

2. Shouldn’t we consider paying off more debt instead of building a large shed or hiring another employee when we don’t know the future direction God will take us? Response:  A Wyatt storage building is required to provide a safe and secure location for existing church property, equipment and supplies currently in the storage buildings at RD Mize and Timothy members’ homes. Stored equipment and supplies include building and lawn maintenance, snow removal, tools, cleaning equipment, Fall Festival equipment, church seasonal items, ministry supplies, and youth/school equipment and supplies. Reducing even more debt after the sale of RD Mize will be part of a debt reduction plan established by the Executive Board.

3. Instead of renting locations to hold Bible studies, have we thought about using members’ homes? Response: Timothy is blessed to partner with our sister Lutheran church, Pointe of Hope, on North 7 Highway for three gatherings (Tuesday AM weekly Adult Bible Study, Tuesday AM weekly Women’s Bible Study, and Ruth Circle on 2nd Thursday). All other Timothy activities do not need off-site scheduling because they can occur at Wyatt. The Adult Bible Study and Ruth Circle gathering are too large to meet in members’ homes. The smaller Women’s Bible Study investigated meeting in members’ homes, but the presence of steps, both inside and outside the homes, is not workable for several women.

4. Has there or will there be any round tables or small group gatherings to help plan the future of Timothy as this is such a large church and will most likely change the culture of the church? Response: The current expansion plan will be revisited since God led a buyer to purchase the RD Mize Campus sooner than expected. These discussions will likely be included in the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan process. This plan will be shared with leadership in December and then shared with the congregation at the Annual Voters’ Meeting on January 7, after which the congregation will be encouraged to participate.

5. Will we begin the call for a Senior Pastor or reach out to our current pastors now that we will be at one location and that might be more suitable to someone? Response:  The 2024-2028 Strategic Plan includes a focus on staffing, the goal being to develop and implement a staffing plan, which includes calling a senior pastor, by first identifying and establishing a funding source as well as identifying and establishing a new Call Committee in 2024.

Volunteers are priceless, and Timothy needs you as we transition to one campus. Have you ever thought about serving as an usher either as an individual or a family? Perhaps as a worship assistant on Sunday to serve alongside the pastor, or maybe a front-desk volunteer during the weekdays? You are invited to stay after worship next Sunday, Dec. 10, at either campus for information and an opportunity to ask questions. You may also go to Timothy’s app and church website and click on Volunteer or click on this link. Please watch for other volunteer opportunities soon. Thanks for your support!

Food Donations in December THANK YOU, Timothy, for the generous response to the brown bag food donations.  You have helped provide meals for the needy during this holiday season.    You may still donate food this weekend.  Community Services Leagues has been our regular December food drive, and thankfully because Blue Springs responded heartily during Community Unity Week, they are well stocked for this month. So, because of our impending church move to Wyatt, Timothy will NOT be collecting groceries in the grocery carts during December.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Gospel of Luke”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1st & 3rd Mondays) 6:30pm fellowship; 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “The Gospel of Mark”, 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302); led by various men

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle; 9-11 am, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies

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

Wednesday Night Sr High; Youth Room(506); 6:30-8 pm; Confirmation; 6:30 -8 pm; Room 501
Note: No classes on Nov.22.

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study; 6:30-8pm; Youth room (506), led by Miriam Lindemann

Saturday Morning Moms Bible Study (1st & 3rd Saturdays) 9-10am, 4 G’s Wyatt; led by Kaye Gray

Last week, we were reminded that we live expectantly. We look forward to the day when Jesus will return. But what does that look like in practical terms? It means living responsibly. God has entrusted us with so much: our time, our talents, and our treasures. We invest those in ways that will have a return for the Kingdom of God. While we wait, we lie responsibly.

The other day, I was greeted by my 4-year-old granddaughter in a wool dress, who grabbed her hem and very joyfully announced to me, “This dress is made of SHEEP.”

Something in me clicked back to that childlike joy and I said to her, “Really??”

She smiled and said, “YES.”

This was big news. This was good news. This was fun news. And we talked about how neat it is that a sheep has wool, and we can turn it into things like her purple dress.

I don’t have conversations like that with my friends in small group. I know that wool exists, but I don’t go telling people how it’s made. To children, everything is interesting and everything has a bigger headline. You can make a dress out of sheep!

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-3 

Become like children. Uninhibited. Free. Not holding back or wondering what people will think. Perhaps Jesus is inviting us to not overthink and just slow down and ask questions. To notice the very obvious and celebrate the very ordinary. Because the Kingdom is for all of us, even those who can’t quite read, and when we invite their joy and wonder and delight into our lives, we see the Kingdom better.

Our Middle and Senior High kiddos took to the streets for our 3rd annual video scavenger hunt.  They completed odd tasks like singing the national anthem at a baseball field, saying “hi” to 10 strangers in the park, and finding weird books in the library.  There was an abundance of laughter, but only one team took home the coveted trophies!  Thanks for supporting our youth as we transform lives through Christ!

The new resident in Timothy’s Hillcrest apartment, Cordell Wright, is settling in nicely. Timothy’s Hillcrest team leaders, Dan & Pam Sbisa, visited with Cordell recently and report that he is a very nice, grateful young man. He was living in his car but now enjoys a nice apartment and can focus on working out some of his financial challenges. He works the afternoon/night shift at Lee’s Summit Price Chopper. He is doing everything he can to work with his budget counselor to save money to get some things in order. He was grateful for the prepared meal and supplies and is very impressed with the Hillcrest food pantry.

Please keep Cordell in your prayers and feel free to send a card to him at 501 SW Mission Rd. Apt. 507C, LSMO 64063. Thanks to the congregation and the Hillcrest Team for its ongoing support of this valuable ministry. We praise God for the opportunity to serve!

It’s that time of year to stock up on nuts & candy for your holiday celebrations and gifts! Stop by the LWML table in either lobby this weekend for an order form or order online on Timothy’s website (www.timothylutheran.com  Click on Events).  Filled orders can be picked up the week following placement of the order. This year, proceeds will be designated for mission mites (10%) and security & safety upgrades at Wyatt (90%). This year’s sale runs until next Sunday, Nov. 26, so time is running out! Thank you!

Make plans to attend the annual TLS Trivia Night TONIGHT, Nov. 17, beginning at 6pm at Elks Lodge, 100 SE Brizendine Rd. for a fun evening of trivia that benefits the TLS Scholarship Fund! You don’t want to miss it! You are guaranteed plenty of laughs and a chance for prizes, such as Winning Trivia Team, Best Themed Costumes & Table Decorations, and Last Place Team! Cost is $20 per person or $150 for table of 8. You do not need to form a team—organizers will match you with other players! It’s a great way to get to know other Timothy families. A food truck will be on site as well as desserts available for purchase (proceeds support 7th & 8th grade class trip). A cash bar will be open inside the lodge. Be sure to bring cash to purchase extra Mulligans (9 for $20) and Block-Your-Neighbor tokens (2 for $10—limit one per team). Childcare will be available at TLS for freewill donation (proceeds also support 7th & 8th grade class trip)—drop off at 5:30pm, pick up 30 min after trivia ends. Seats are limited, so be sure to grab your tickets at https://timothylutheranschool.com/trivia-night/ before they are history! Call the school office with additional questions (816.228.5300 Ext. 8017).

Make plans to attend the Thanksgiving Eve Service on Wed, Nov. 22, at 6pm at RD Mize. Holy Communion will be celebrated. As is traditional at Timothy, the offering that evening is designated for Timothy’s Emergency Assistance Fund. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

Timothy’s annual Journey to the Manger ministry will occur in both services on Sunday, Dec. 10. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 22, worshipers may select gift tags from the Giving Trees at both campuses to support families in need as identified by Community Services League, Hillcrest Transitional Housing, and Our Redeemer Lutheran in KC. The tags may be selected from either tree until Dec. 9. Please check your gift tag to determine if the gift should be wrapped or unwrapped. This year, there will not be a registry to log givers’ names with specific gift tags.  Thank you for returning your gift(s), with tag(s) attached, on Sunday, Dec. 10! Please contact Sandy Gregory (816.228.5300 Ext. 8042) with questions.

Would you like to support TLS while Christmas shopping? Purchase a card at face value through Scrip, and a portion of the proceeds is given back to the school for its Scholarship Fund. Pretty cool!

• If your budget is $450 for Amazon, order an Amazon gift card for $450 from the school to use for placing your order.
• Do you know where you shop on Black Friday? Buy a gift card to use at those stores.
• Plan to use gift cards as Christmas presents and stocking stuffers? Order from the school.

The list of retailers includes places like Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, Ulta, Panera, Casey’s, and so many more. Check out the complete list of participating retailers at https://www.raiseright.com/brands .

To place your order, contact Kristen Anderson at 816-228-5300 ext. 8017 or at kristena@timothylutheran.com. Orders will be placed weekly, depending on the number of orders that come in! Delivery time is about a week. Thank you for supporting our school!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”  1 Peter 1:3

Giving Tuesday 2023 falls on November 28^th. It is a wonderful opportunity to join others across our nation in giving hope through financial donations. You can provide real hope by making a special #Giving Tuesday donation to Timothy to support its mission of Transforming Lives through Christ. Timothy has been sharing the hope we have in Jesus throughout the community for over 60 years. We are thankful and praise God for all the prayers and support given through our congregation.

Would you prayerfully consider giving a special #Giving Tuesday donation to help us continue sharing the HOPE we have in Jesus while meeting our budgetary needs? The need is real, and we trust that God will provide through our brothers and sisters in Christ. Please watch for email on November 27^th and help Timothy continue to share HOPE. Thank you for your support!

All Timothy ladies and their friends are invited to the annual Women of Hope “A Prayer Evening” on Friday, December 1, from 6-8pm in the Fellowship Hall at RD Mize.

We welcome guest speaker Jennifer Huecker who will share insights and reflections associated with two books, Holy Moments and God Winks. A member of Zion Lutheran in Lone Elm, MO, Jennifer is an active member in LWML where she has served many faith-filled women as MO District LWML President, LWML Vice-President of Christian Life, and preparer of many Bible studies, conferences, and conventions. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014 and recently completed chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation for breast cancer, she has been blessed with the outpouring of God’s love through so many sisters and brothers in Christ.

Ladies will enjoy broccoli cheese soup, vegetable soup, pinwheels, and Christmas sugar cookies. Please RSVP by Nov. 22 by calling church office (816.228.5300), or clicking this link (https://timothylutheran.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/27283b98-56e1-41e4-b624-09a4ba79d332) to help organizers in planning.

The Blue Springs Community Services League at 200 SW 10^th Street in Downtown Blue Springs is accepting 3-4 volunteers to assist shoppers at its Christmas Store on Dec. 21^st from 12:40-4pm. In addition to helping the community members “shop,” the volunteers may help with light clean-up at conclusion of the shift. Perhaps a family or other small group would enjoy this as a holiday project for community service in seeing how our donated items are appreciated by the community shoppers. There is also a need for someone with a truck to return shopping carts to Price Chopper & HyVee. Please contact Diane Mayfield (816.228.5300 Ext. 8040) by Nov. 21^st  if you can help with this project on Dec. 21^st. Thank you!

Timothy’s GATHER Commission encourages you to consider the many ways in which God blesses you, your family, and your friends. At either campus during November, feel free to stop by the interactive Grateful backdrop in the lobby and grab a leaf to write something you are thankful for. Then hang it up on the backdrop! The backdrops will be displayed through Thanksgiving. Thanks!

Please plan to attend the second Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, Dec. 3^rd, at 11:30am in the Wyatt Auditorium to hear the latest updates since the first Town Hall. Questions are still encouraged and can be directed to the same link on Timothy’s website by clicking on Church, then Next Generation, or by clicking here

Leadership is seeking individuals with knowledge and expertise regarding flooring options for the Wyatt stage. Please contact Louie Wilbers (816.988.6059). Thanks!

Worshipers who mail correspondence or contributions to the RD Mize address should send to Wyatt address, effective January 1, 2024. That address is 301 E Wyatt Road, BSMO 64014. Please also contact any financial institutions asap who may regularly mail in your contributions. Thank you!

Food Donations November As has been a tradition for quite some years, Timothy can help provide food for a holiday meal for recipients  at Jesu El Buen Pastor (The Lutheran Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd) in Kansas City.  Brown grocery sacks with attached food list are available in the grocery cart in the lobby at each site.  Filled sacks can be returned on any Sunday in November.  THANK YOU for sharing with those in need.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Gospel of Luke”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1st & 3rd Mondays) 6:30pm fellowship; 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “The Gospel of Mark”, 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302); led by various men

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle; 9-11 am, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies

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

Wednesday Night Sr High; Youth Room(506); 6:30-8 pm; Confirmation; 6:30 -8 pm; Room 501
Note: No classes on Nov.22.

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study; 6:30-8pm; Youth room (506), led by Miriam Lindemann

Saturday Morning Moms Bible Study (1st & 3rd Saturdays) 9-10am, 4 G’s Wyatt; led by Kaye Gray

Today’s readings turn our attention to the future. John reminds us that one day, not only will we be face-to-face with Jesus, but we will be like him, transformed fully into the people God always meant for us to be. And the reason why is because we are children of God, something we became because God lavished His incredible, unending, indescribable love upon us!

Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7

This was a tough week. God has placed our family on a roller coaster with my seventeen-year-old grandson’s health: lymphoma, kidney infection, not seen in a child this age, tentacles, mass. I feel confused, burdened and simply paralyzed as we wait for the tests. But I am certain there is Hope in the Lord.

Whether you find your heart burdened today by what’s happening around the world, what’s happening inside your home, or even in the confines of your own heart, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed… paralyzed… confused… and unsure of how to move forward. Thankfully God understands. He knows this world is full of trouble and heartache, and He provides everything we need to navigate our uncertainty.

Psalm 37:1-9 provides direction when we just don’t know what to do. They guide us to: not worry, trust, take delight, commit, stop! See how God graciously guides us through the steps of surrendering our worries and placing our trust back where it belongs — in Him alone.

This Sunday we celebrate All Saints Sunday in both services. We pray that our member brothers and sisters in Christ departed during the past year rest in peace in the hands of Jesus. You are welcome to access the video in their honor by clicking on this link:  https://youtu.be/JDIwQmgHApU

Jean Hyde

Roger Maisch

Alexa Bragg

Rex Thompson

Wyan Stockdell

Linda Staller

George Averill

Robert Mueller

Bart Prather

Ken Robbins

Tom Nowiszewski

Wes Powers

Lavona Dittmer

New Timothy members Brad and Kathy Elledge arrived before 9am last Sunday at Wyatt and set up two griddles in the music room to make well over 100 pancakes. This was a special treat in addition to the regular donuts and coffee members enjoyed before service. An additional round table was set up to accommodate all the parents and kids enjoying the warm pancakes, butter, syrup, and chocolate chips.

More than just a special treat, Brad and Kathy’s act of service was a reminder of the love and community that we share as a church family. It was a tangible expression of the Gospel message, which calls us to love and serve one another. We are so grateful to Brad and Kathy for their generosity and kindness. Their pancake breakfast was a wonderful way to start our Sunday morning, and it set the tone for a day filled with praise and worship.

It’s that time of year to stock up on nuts & candy for your holiday celebrations and gifts! Stop by the LWML table in either lobby this weekend for an order form or order online on Timothy’s website (www.timothylutheran.com  Click on Events) starting Monday, Nov. 6^th.  Filled orders can be picked up the week following placement of the order. This year, proceeds will be designated for mission mites (10%) and security & safety upgrades at Wyatt (90%). This year’s sale runs until Sunday, Nov. 26, so do not delay! Thank you!

Would you like to support TLS while Christmas shopping? Purchase a card at face value thru scrip, and a portion of the proceeds is given back to the school for its Scholarship Fund. Pretty cool!

• If your budget is $450 for Amazon, order an Amazon gift card for $450 from the school to use for placing your order.
• Do you know where you shop on Black Friday? Buy a gift card to use at those stores.
• Going to use gift cards as Christmas presents and stocking stuffers? Order from the school.

The list of retailers includes places like Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart, Ulta, Panera, Casey’s, and so many more. Check out the complete list of participating retailers at https://www.raiseright.com/brands .

To place your order, contact Kristen Anderson at 816-228-5300 ext. 8017 or at kristena@timothylutheran.com. Orders will be placed weekly, depending on the number of orders that come in! Delivery time is about a week. Thank you for supporting our school!

Please join us November 17 at Elks Lodge, 6 pm for some Trivia. Tickets are available to purchase online at the school’s website: www.timothylutheranschool.com. Just click on the Trivia Night advertisement.
Cost is $20/person or $150/team of 8. The theme is “Let’s Make History!” All proceeds go to the Scholarship Fund.

Make plans to attend the Thanksgiving Eve Service on Wed, Nov. 22, at 6pm at RD Mize. As is traditional at Timothy, the offering that evening is designated for Timothy’s Emergency Assistance Fund. Thank you for your ongoing generosity.

All Timothy ladies and their friends are invited to the annual Women of Hope “A Prayer Evening” on Friday, December 1, from 6-8pm in the Fellowship Hall at RD Mize.

We welcome guest speaker Jennifer Huecker who will share insights and reflections associated with two books, Holy Moments and God’s Winks. A member of Zion Lutheran in Lone Elm, MO, Jennifer is an active member in LWML where she has served many faith-filled women as MO District LWML President, LWML Vice-President of Christian Life, and preparer of many Bible studies, conferences, and conventions. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014 and recently completed chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation for breast cancer, she has been blessed with the outpouring of God’s love through so many sisters and brothers in Christ.

Ladies will enjoy broccoli cheese soup, vegetable soup, pinwheels, and Christmas sugar cookies. Please RSVP by Nov. 22 by calling church office (816.228.5300), or clicking this link (https://timothylutheran.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/27283b98-56e1-41e4-b624-09a4ba79d332) to help organizers in planning.

Timothy’s GATHER Commission encourages you to consider the many ways in which God blesses you, your family, and your friends. At either campus during November, feel free to stop by the interactive Grateful backdrop in the lobby and grab a leaf to write something you are thankful for. Then hang it up on the backdrop! The backdrops will be displayed through Thanksgiving. Thanks!

Annual Voters’ Assembly Meeting Jan. 7, 2024, following second service, Wyatt Auditorium.

DivorceCare meets Mondays, 6:30-8 pm at RD Mize, Room 102.

GriefShare Thursdays, 6:30-8 pm, at RD Mize, Fireplace Room.

Donations Requested: Clean plastic bags and reusable cloth or plastic bags, if available, are appreciated for the staff at Lutheran Urban Mission Agency Auxiliary(LUMAA) to package food for its clients. Please place donations in clear tub in RD Mize mailbox area. Thank you very much!

Food Donations November As has been a tradition for quite some years, Timothy can help provide food for a holiday meal for recipients  at Jes’us El Buen Pastor (The Lutheran Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd in Kansas City).  Brown grocery sacks with attached food list are available in the grocery cart in the lobby at each site.  Filled sacks can be returned on any Sunday in November.  THANK YOU for sharing with those in need.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Gospel of Luke”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1st & 3rd Mondays) 6:30pm fellowship; 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “The Gospel of Mark”, 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302); led by various men

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle; 9-11 am, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies

Tuesday Morning Adult Bible Study “1st and 2nd Samuel”; 10-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Jon Kraft

Wednesday Night Sr High; Youth Room(506); 6:30-8 pm; Confirmation; 6:30 -8 pm; Room 501

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study; 6:30-8pm; Youth room (506), led by Miriam Lindemann

Saturday Morning Moms Bible Study (1st & 3rd Saturdays) 9-10am, 4 G’s Wyatt; led by Kaye Gray

Throughout human history, God pictured the coming redemptive King through various images of His promise, providence, provision, and protection for His people. We could easily become down and out because of the evil of our world, and quickly give up because of the constant bad news. But hope, peace, joy, and love is the promise of our God for His people. Christ is the King of Glory! The Gospel is our only hope, as the King of glory comes in, with, and through the Gospel, as we were buried with Him in Baptism and raised with Him to a new life!

During times of trauma, we sometimes feel we are disposable! No one has to actually say those words, but in the upheaval and grieving we can be left with that feeling. During this time of transition at Timothy, there were times I told myself those words: You are disposable! You don’t matter! You are insignificant! As I look around on Sunday at my church family and listen to the message God has for me, I hear a different message. I matter. I am seen. I am valued. I am heard.

When we feel vulnerable, invisible, or forgotten, remember that God not only sees us, but comes alongside us and cares for us. Matthew 6:26 reminds us:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”  

When lies try to deplete us, we can ask the One who sees us to remind us of our visibility, our value, and our significance, bringing us back to the truth. Rehearse truth’s song. Turn up the volume. You matter. You are seen. You are valued. You are heard.

Timothy’s annual observance of LWML Sunday will be celebrated this Sunday at both campuses. This year’s theme of “The King Is Coming” will be shared in the sermon message and at the display tables in the lobbies. Be sure to stop by to learn about LWML and how you can participate in proclaiming its mission of joyfully sharing Christ, supporting missions, and equipping women to honor God by serving.

Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! (Psalm 24:7–10)

I have often wanted to write a devotion about John 21, staying in the boat.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.” John 21:7-8

Our faith, at times, asks us to step out into the water, but sometimes we need to stay in the boat and row to shore. There are those who faithfully serve, making sure the fish can be counted, the miracle is acknowledged, and God’s message can be shared.

We at Timothy have many servant hearts, and one of them is Gayl Calvin. She is stepping down from playing organ
more than 60 years in various congregations. During worship this Sunday, we will take a moment to rejoice at this life of service and her dedication to share His Word through the gift of music for so many years.

The Lutheran Urban Mission Agency Auxiliary will meet on Wednesday, November 15 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 613 South Main, Independence, MO. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the opening service at 9:30 a.m. The speaker will be Lu Ann Ross from Hillcrest Transitional Housing. The Mission of the Month collection is winter necessities for food pantries: men, women and children’s socks, gloves, hats, scarves, new coats, long underwear for men/women and new blankets/quilts (full and queen). Lunch will be served. Please RSVP by Nov 12 to Jane Clark 816-616-3383 / jclark2100@att.net. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend and all donations for the Mission of the Month collection are appreciated. Thank you!

 
Tomorrow, Oct 21, 5:30-8 pm, all middle schoolers and their friends are invited to Falloween at RD Mize Campus. They will be treated to pumpkin carving, dinner, games, and prizes.
Bring your own pumpkin to the Falloween. Plan to attend!

Called Staff Appreciation Month Please keep all of Timothy’s staff in your prayers and extend words of thanksgiving, encouragement, and appreciation as you have opportunity.

Annual Voters’ Assembly Meeting Jan. 7, 2024, following second service, Wyatt Auditorium.

DivorceCare meets Mondays, 6:30-8 pm at RD Mize, Room 102.

GriefShare Thursdays, 6:30-8 pm, at RD Mize, Fireplace Room.

Donations Requested: Clean plastic bags and reusable cloth or plastic bags, if available, are appreciated for the staff at Lutheran Urban Mission Agency Auxiliary(LUMAA) to package food for its clients. Please place donations in clear tub in RD Mize mailbox area. Thank you very much!

Food Donations during the month of October are designated for Hillcrest. Always needed are pasta, boxed potatoes, tuna and canned meat,  cereal, crackers, cake mix and frosting. Sugar, flour, cooking oil, coffee, tea, salt, pepper and spices are especially appreciated.   Thank you, Timothy, for continuing to remember those in need.. Drop off in grocery cart at either campus.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study “The Gospel of Luke”; 10:15-11:15am, Fireplace Room (302), RD Mize; led by Fritz Barlag & Dale Russell

Monday Evening Adult Bible Study (1st & 3rd Mondays) 6:30pm fellowship; 7pm study; Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Roxanne Kerwood

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study “The Book of Philippians”, 6:30-7:30am, Fireplace Room (302); led by various men

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle; 9-11 am, Room 111, RD Mize; led by various ladies

Tuesday Morning Adult Bible Study “1st and 2nd Samuel”; 10-11am, Fellowship Hall, RD Mize; led by Jon Kraft

Wednesday Night Sr High; Youth Room(506); 6:30-8 pm; Confirmation; 6:30 -8 pm; Room 501

Thursday Evening Women’s Bible Study (Women of Thursday) Book study; 6:30-8pm; Youth room (506), led by Miriam Lindemann

Saturday Morning Moms Bible Study (1st & 3rd Saturdays) 9-10am, 4 G’s Wyatt; led by Kaye Gray