January 17, 2025

In this Timothy Connects you will find:

Outside the Boundaries

Current Sermon Series

First Fruits Giving                     

2024 Contribution Statements                Staff Highlight - Dana Purvis                  Bible Studies                                          January Middle School Event

National Lutheran Schools Week

Host an International Student

First Fruits 2025

Annual Scholarship Auction

Order Worship Flowers

January Donations

Do You Have A Story To Share?

Outside the Boundaries

Drastic times call for drastic measures. Elimelech and Naomi, in the midst of famine, took their family and left the Promised Land. With it, they left behind the promises. So when everything went south, what was Naomi going to do next? What will you do?

Current Sermon Series

January 19th - Outside the Boundaries

January 26th - Where You Go, I Will Go!

February 2nd - Giving in Abundance

(First Fruits Sunday)

February 9th - Generosity Costs!

February 16th - Generosity Through the Generations

Sunday Contemporary 9:00 am
Sunday  Traditional:   10:30 am
301 East Wyatt Road

Holy Communion 1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays

January 12, 2025

9 am 209
 10:30 am 142

January 12, 2025:
(Budgeted Weekly General Contributions: $24,038)
Actual General Contributions:$22,264.83
2025 First Fruits Budgeted Goal: $100,000.00 (1st $12,000 to NYG expenses)
Total to date: $435.00

Did you know that offering your First Fruits is a powerful act of worship?

In the Bible, First Fruits offerings held immense significance. They were a tangible expression of gratitude to God for His abundant blessings. By presenting the very first and best of their harvest, the Israelites acknowledged God as the true source of His generosity. This act symbolized their deep trust and commitment to honoring Him in all areas of their lives.

Join us in this meaningful tradition as we offer our First Fruits to God on Sunday, February 2, during worship.

By dedicating the first portion of your blessings back to God, you demonstrate your faith in His provision for the year ahead.

We invite you to prayerfully consider how you can participate in this special offering. Let us come together as a community of faith, expressing our gratitude and trusting in God's abundant grace.

May God bless you as you seek to honor Him with your First Fruits.

Staff Highlight - Dana Purvis

In a world where immediate gratification is often expected, Mrs. Dana Purvis consistently demonstrates that the best outcomes are achieved through hard work, dedication, and faith. Her students and colleagues are enriched by her commitment to excellence and service.

Her colleagues describe her as a collaborative and supportive team player, saying: "Dana is always willing to help. She’s a great team player who not only strives to do her best but also inspires all of us to be our best.” "As a master teacher, she is always prepared, knows her curriculum inside and out, and teaches with such heart and passion.”

“Dana loves her Lord which is evident in all that she does. Her compassion, patience, knowledge, dedication, and inspiration make her a treasured mentor. Dana goes beyond teaching; she connects with her students, understands their individual needs, and touches their lives for Jesus.”

TLS preschool students echo these sentiments with heartfelt reflections: “She was always supportive.” “She always has activities planned for us.” “She loves us no matter what.” “Miss Dana lets us have fun.”

Mrs. Purvis’s tireless efforts and Christ-centered approach make her a beloved teacher and a beacon of hope and inspiration in the lives of those she serves.

Bible Studies

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study; 9:00-10:00 am; Library; led by Fritz Barlag and Dale Russell

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study "Doing Good",10:30-11:30 am; led by Wayne Diveley, Lori Diveley, and Gary Storck. 8-week study.

Monday Morning Adult Bible Study 10-11 am, "Epistle to the Ephesians"; Pointe of Hope Coffee House; led by George Zimmerschied

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study "2 Corinthians", 6:30-7:30 am, Conference Room; 
led by various men

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study "Becoming like Jesus" by Cynthia Heald; 9-10:30 am, Pointe of Hope Library; led by various ladies

Wednesday Night Sr High Revolution 6:30-8 pm;  Mobile Classroom 4 (Youth Room)

Wednesday Night Confirmation 

6:30 - 8 pm; auditorium and various classrooms

January Middle School Youth Event

Join us for a night of cereal bars and serial hunts as we dive into a big bowl of your favorite morning treat and then try our hand at detective work, finding the clues that will lead us to Christ throughout the church.  

National Lutheran Schools Week

January 26 – February 1st- Timothy Lutheran School Book Fair and Activities

Sunday January 26th - TLS will sing at both services, 9 am and 10:30 am

Monday Dress: Blackout (Wear All Black)   Activity: Cards for home-bound members

Tuesday Dress: Your Favorite Holiday  Activity: Stretching, Moving, and Dancing Activity
Wednesday Dress: Chapel Family Choice     Activity: Zoo Mobile
Thursday Dress: Favorite Sport (Show Your Endurance)      Activity:Bible Bee
Friday Dress: Dress Your Best     Activity: Grandparent’s/Special Guest’s Day, and Talent Show

*3rd Quarter Mission Project (all week) Collecting non-perishable items for LUMA (Emmanuel Lutheran) and partnering with Thrivent for Matching Funds

Verse for the week:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

Please contact Cheryl Da Silva, PSE Regional Manager 617-710-5700 or cdasilva@pse-edu.org

www.pse-edu.org

Host an International Student!

PSE, a student exchange company, is sending Lutheran High School a 10th-grade French girl named Lilou, and they need a host family for her.  The monthly stipend paid directly to the host family is $700.  Lilou will be on the short-term program and will be here from 1/25/25-4/19/25.  Lilou will have her own spending money and health insurance.  PSE asks the host family to provide a bedroom/place to study and three meals per day.  Any meals eaten outside the home are paid by the student.  There is a local person in the community that supports the student and the host family.  It is a wonderful way to bring a great cultural exchange into your own family.

GriefShare and DivorceCare Resuming in February

Timothy Lutheran is here to support you through life’s challenges. GriefShare and DivorceCare will resume in February, offering a safe space for healing and encouragement. GriefShare helps those navigating the pain of losing a loved one, while DivorceCare provides guidance and hope for individuals going through separation or divorce. Both groups meet weekly, fostering community and spiritual growth. Don’t face these struggles alone—let Timothy be part of your healing journey.

For more details or to register, click the links below, visit https://www.timothylutheran.com/care-ministry-events-services/, or call the church office (816)228-5300.

Join Us for a Night of Fun and Fundraising!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and top-notch entertainment—all in support of Timothy Lutheran School Ministries' scholarship fund.

When: Saturday, February 22nd, 6 PM - 10 PM
Where: The Farmhouse KC

17221 E 32nd St S

Independence, MO 64055

Click the link below to register or go to the school website www.timothylutheran.com

Annual Scholarship Auction

Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors like you, we have provided over $124,000 in scholarships over the years to support families in need. Your kindness made it possible for many children to receive a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment at Timothy Lutheran School.

But we’re just getting started! With your continued support, we aim to help even more families in 2025, ensuring that a Timothy education remains accessible to all who seek it.

Donate an Item:
Every donation brings us closer to our goal! If you or your business would like to contribute a silent or live auction item, please click the link above to complete the donation submission form. Your generosity makes a lasting impact on the lives of our students and their families.

Thank you for being a part of this mission to bless our school community. Together, we can make a difference!

Order Worship Flowers

Celebrate a special occasion or honor a loved one by sponsoring worship flowers for Timothy Lutheran’s Sunday services. Flowers add beauty to our worship stage and serve as a meaningful way to commemorate anniversaries, birthdays, or memories of loved ones. Your dedication will be noted in the service bulletin.

To place your order, visit the church office or click the button to sign up below.

Availability fills up quickly, so reserve your spot today! Thank you for enhancing our worship experience with your thoughtful contributions.

Save the Date - Timothy Serve Day

Join us for Timothy Lutheran Serve Day, part of the Shine Missouri District Servant Event, as we spread Christ’s love in Blue Springs and nearby communities. Let’s come together to serve with joy and compassion, making a meaningful impact!

📅 When: Saturday, April 5th
📍 Where: Blue Springs, MO and surrounding areas

Sign-ups will be available at church services and online under the Serve tab on our website. Gather your friends and family, and let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus together. We can’t wait to serve alongside you!

January Donations

Thank you for your faithful support of our food donation ministry, which continues to bless those in need within our community. This month, all donations will be delivered to Hillcrest Transitional Housing, an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families move toward independence.

🛒 Where to Donate
Please place your donations in the grocery cart located in the church lobby, just to the right (east) of the south entry doors.

📋 What to Donate
Be sure to check the basket in the lobby for a list of Hillcrest most-needed items. Every contribution helps provide nourishment and hope to someone in need.

Your generosity is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it makes a real difference in the lives of others. Together, let’s continue to be the hands and feet of Christ through this vital ministry.

Thank you for sharing His love through your food donations!

Do You Have A Story To Share?
If you have an article or celebration you would like to share with the members of Timothy, please submit it to
Mary Taggart: maryt@timothylutheran.com
Please keep your submission 200 words or less.

In Search of Jesus Part 1

The Story of Jesus’ birth is a tale of wonder and intrigue. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a group of wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem seeking the “one who has been born king of the Jews.” There’s no doubt they had notions of what they would find. Guided by a star, they followed its light until they found the young lowly child. He wasn’t anything “special” nor was he found in a kingly palace. Yet upon seeing him, they worshiped and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This event, known as the Epiphany, marks the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah to the Gentiles. As we relive this point in history we consider what our expectations are of Christ today and how faith shapes our search for who God truly is and what He truly came to do.

Sunday Contemporary 9:00 am
Sunday  Traditional:   10:30 am
301 East Wyatt Road

Holy Communion 1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays

December 29, 2024

9 am 154
 10:30 am 147

December 29, 2024:
(Budgeted Weekly General Contributions: $24,038)
Actual General Contributions: $37,033.75
2024 First Fruits Budgeted Goal: $100,000.00 (1st $12,000 to NYG expenses)
Total to date: $90,885.57

Dear Timothy Lutheran Congregation Members,

The staff of Timothy Lutheran Church hopes this letter finds everyone well and filled with the joy and peace of the Christmas season. On behalf of the entire team, they would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the thoughtful and generous appreciation gifts bestowed upon them this Christmas. The kindness and support of the congregation mean the world to them, and they feel truly blessed to be part of such a loving and caring community.

May the blessings of this joyous season continue to fill the hearts and homes of the congregation with love, peace, and happiness. The staff thanks everyone once again for their wonderful gifts and for being such an integral part of the Timothy Lutheran family.

With heartfelt thanks,

Timothy Lutheran Staff

Join us on Sunday, January 12th, as we gather to install Timothy's lay leaders for the 2025 calendar year. This special service will celebrate and commission our new executive board members, elected elders, school board, and commission leaders, affirming their dedication to serving the Lord and His church.

Installation of Timothy’s Lay Leaders

As Paul reminds us in 1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

Let us come together as a church family to pray for and support those who have answered the call to lead.

Bible Studies

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study; 9:00-10:00 am; Library; led by Fritz Barlag and Dale Russell

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study "Doing Good",10:30-11:30 am; led by Wayne Diveley, Lori Diveley, and Gary Storck. 8-week study starting this Sunday.

Monday Morning Adult Bible Study 10-11 am, "Epistle to the Ephesians"; Pointe of Hope Coffee House; led by George Zimmerschied

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study "2 Corinthians", 6:30-7:30 am, Conference Room; 
led by various men

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study "Becoming like Jesus" by Cynthia Heald; 9-10:30 am, Pointe of Hope Library; led by various ladies

Wednesday Night Sr High Revolution 6:30-8 pm;  Mobile Classroom 4 (Youth Room)

(Resumes January 8th)

Wednesday Night Confirmation 6:30 - 8 pm; auditorium and various classrooms

(Resumes January 8th - Oasis Night)

Oasis Night 6:00-7:30 pm

Join Us for Oasis Family Night - January 8th!

Life can get hectic, and we all need moments to pause, reconnect, and recharge. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to the next Oasis Family Night on Wednesday, January 8th, from 6:00-7:30 PM!

This special evening is a chance for families to come together for:

• A free meal and time to enjoy fellowship.

• Opportunities for kids to grow in faith and build friendships.

• A meaningful time for confirmands to continue their journey.

• A relaxed space for parents/guardians to dive into God’s Word.

Oasis is all about creating a laid-back atmosphere where you can find renewal for your soul and reconnect with those around you.

RSVP today! Click the button below or visit our website to register so we can plan for food. We can’t wait to see you there!

Can’t make it to Culver’s Night but want to donate to NYG. Click the link below to donate directly. Click One-Time donation and drop down to Endure Gathering - Donation.

NYG Fundraiser

Join Us for a Night Out at Culver’s!

Date: Tuesday, January 14th
Time: 5 PM - 8 PM
Location: Blue Springs Culver’s

Support Timothy Youth as they prepare for the National Youth Gathering 2025! During this special evening, 10% of all orders and any tips collected will be donated to help fund the trip.

Enjoy a delicious meal, fellowship with others, and make a meaningful impact on our youth as they grow in faith and community.

We can’t wait to see you there!

LUMAA Gathering in January

The Lutheran Urban Mission Agency Auxiliary will gather on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Pointe of Hope Lutheran Church at 1215 NW Hwy. 7, Blue Springs, MO. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the opening service at 9:30 a.m. T.J. Geise from Drumm Farm for Children will be the featured speaker. The in-gathering collection will be monetary donations to support VBS and youth activities. Please bring your sack lunch; breakfast snacks, beverages, and dessert will be provided. Kindly RSVP by January 12th to Kim Duffy at ksd0852@gmail.com. All ladies of the congregation are welcome to attend, and your donations for the in-gathering collection are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Heit’s Point Lutheran News!

Please join us on Saturday. January 18, 2025, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm if you’d like to be trained to become a Point Champion!! What does that mean? We’re looking for 20 people across the MO/KS districts to HELP US get the word out about Heit’s Point and our newest upcoming events! You’d be trained in giving our presentation to LCMS churches and/or schools! You’d be the first to get the word and then you’d share it to your pastor/circuit/area and personal contacts!! If you have any questions, please call Pastor Rocco and Janine Mallardi, Heit’s Point directors at 620-795-2008. THANK YOU so much!!

January Donations

Thank you for your faithful support of our food donation ministry, which continues to bless those in need within our community. This month, all donations will be delivered to Hillcrest Transitional Housing, an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families move toward independence.

🛒 Where to Donate
Please place your donations in the grocery cart located in the church lobby, just to the right (east) of the south entry doors.

📋 What to Donate
Be sure to check the basket in the lobby for a list of Hillcrest most-needed items. Every contribution helps provide nourishment and hope to someone in need.

Your generosity is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it makes a real difference in the lives of others. Together, let’s continue to be the hands and feet of Christ through this vital ministry.

Thank you for sharing His love through your food donations!

Do You Have A Story To Share?
If you have an article or celebration you would like to share with the members of Timothy, please submit it to
Mary Taggart: maryt@timothylutheran.com
Please keep your submission 200 words or less.

Advent Conspiracy: Love All

At Christmas, one of the things that should distinguish a Christ follower is a love that reaches out to the marginalized and forgotten. Such giving is an act of true worship. Over and over again in scripture, we see Jesus teaching that He is on the side of the impoverished. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same - to lavishly love the poor, the hurting, the lonely. The people in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in our cities, and around the world. When God’s people serve in humble, generous ways, the story of Jesus is told again and again. Through our actions and our words, people will be reminded that they are loved by the Creator of the universe and He has not forgotten them. We radically love others because we have personally experienced the radical love of God. That changes our hearts and should change the way we celebrate Christmas. When we show up and love in the name of God, God shows up.

Christmas Eve Services

4 pm Contemporary

(Live streamed on YouTube - 4 pm)

6 pm Traditional

9 pm Candlelight & Carol Singing

(Holy Communion at 9 pm)

Sunday Contemporary 9:00 am
Sunday  Traditional:   10:30 am
301 East Wyatt Road

Holy Communion 1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays

December 15, 2024

9 am 211
 10:30 am 121

Christmas Day Service

10 am

With Holy Communion

December 15, 2024:
(Budgeted Weekly General Contributions: $24,038)
Actual General Contributions: $30,864.06
2024 First Fruits Budgeted Goal: $100,000.00 (1st $12,000 to NYG expenses)
Total to date: $74,505.67

Staff Highlight Don McGhee: A Faithful Servant at Timothy

Since joining Timothy Lutheran Ministries in 2016, Don McGhee has been a cornerstone of our facilities team and a beloved community member. Known for his cheerful demeanor and willingness to lend a helping hand, Don’s servant's heart has touched countless lives within our church family.

Over the years, Don’s dedication has ensured that our spaces are welcoming, safe, and functional for all who enter. His tireless work behind the scenes has been instrumental in supporting our ministries and events, and his presence is a source of encouragement to everyone he encounters.

As we prepare to transition to a new facilities management structure in the new year, we are thrilled to share that Don will continue serving Timothy in a part-time capacity as Facility Assistant starting in January.

We are deeply grateful for Don’s years of service and look forward to the continued blessing of his faithful contributions to our mission. Thank you, Don, for your unwavering commitment to Timothy and your love for this church family!

Bible Studies

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study "Advent Conspiracy"; 9:00-10:00 am; Library; led by Fritz Barlag and Dale Russell

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study "Doing Good",10:30-11:30 am; led by Wayne Diveley, Lori Diveley, and Gary Storck. 8-week study starting January 5th

Monday Morning Adult Bible Study 10-11 am, "Epistle to the Ephesians"; Pointe of Hope Coffee House; led by George Zimmerschied

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study "2 Corinthians", 6:30-7:30 am, Conference Room; 
led by various men

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study "Becoming like Jesus" by Cynthia Heald; 9-10:30 am, Pointe of Hope Library; led by various ladies

Wednesday Night Sr High Revolution 6:30-8 pm;  Mobile Classroom 4 (Youth Room)

Wednesday Night Confirmation 6:30 - 8 pm; auditorium and various classrooms

Come worship with us!

Family Sunday

December 29th will be FAMILY SUNDAY. On our 5th Sundays throughout the year, we have been encouraging the entire congregation to worship together with one voice.

So, there will be no Faith Roots on that Sunday. However, there will be Epiphany activities to pick up in the sanctuary for our young, sermon notes for our slightly older little ones, and coloring sheets. There will be some music in the service that our kids can participate in. This is a great opportunity to teach and lead our kids in what worship is all about. And just to ramp it up, there will be chocolate milk available!

Fall Generosity Emphasis

Please remember to provide your name on the outside of the envelope so it can be returned to you at this time next year.   

Generosity commitment card envelopes are on tables in the lobby

Year-End Giving Made Simple and Smart

As 2024 draws to a close, are you looking for ways to give generously while saving on taxes? If you own an IRA and must meet your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).

A QCD allows you to donate directly from your IRA to Timothy Lutheran Ministries or another qualified charity without counting it as taxable income. When your trustee sends the contribution directly to Timothy, you can experience tax savings while supporting the church’s mission.

The Bible reminds us: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV).

It’s simple: contact your IRA trustee, request a direct contribution, and know your generosity is advancing God’s work here at Timothy.

Thank you for including Timothy in your prayers and plans. Your thoughtful giving helps grow His ministries and ensures we continue sharing His love.

December Donations Support the Community Services League

As the Christmas season approaches, Timothy Lutheran Ministries focuses on supporting the Community Services League (CSL) through our December donation drive. All month long, we invite you to join us in giving back to those in need.

Donations can be placed in the grocery cart located in the church lobby, just to the right (east) of the south entry doors. Suggested donation lists are available in the cart to guide your contributions. Simply take a list, fill a grocery bag with items, and return it to the same location at your convenience throughout December.

Your generosity helps provide essential support to the Community Services League as they assist individuals and families in need during the holiday season.

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ through this vital ministry. Blessings to you and your family this Christmas!