As I watch my daughter schedule, plan and run her crazy agenda trying to keep up with the sports, school and personal events of their family, I breathe a sigh of relief at my own schedule.

Caregiving takes many forms. Our seasons of life may differ, but the effect of caregiving often looks the same: full calendars, limited margin, and bags under our eyes. We can begin to feel alarmed when we can’t identify moments in our daily lives that bring us personal joy. Doesn’t the book of James say. “count it all joy”?

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sister, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

Maybe God is calling us to reframe our Joy. (Not in some sort of spiritual bypassing way, where we need to pretend everything is okay, but in a simpler sort of way, to extend compassion to ourselves in the midst of challenging times.)

Demands are great and respite is often scarce – but even in these truths, there are still ordinary joys to be found, inviting us to breathe and remember that as we care for others, God cares for us.

There’s some excitement and hope brewing after the amazing Joining Jesus event last Saturday, April 29^th, at Pointe of Hope Lutheran Church. 65 Timothy members packed into the room with members from Pointe of Hope, Jesus el Buen, Messiah Lutheran, and St. Paul Lutheran.  Pastor Finke had us not only laughing but also thinking about the amazing invitation and calling Jesus gives us to love and create ripples of grace all around us. Best of all, it doesn’t mean changing our whole lives around, memorizing the entire Bible, or stepping way out of our comfort zone.

While you may not see it, there is a whole new group of Timothy members stepping into the mission field God has called us to! Those who are interested will catch up later this month to brainstorm what this looks like as we move forward and support one another as God’s people specifically here at Timothy. If you missed the event but want to connect, reach out to Pastor Ryan (ryanh@timothylutheran.com) so you can join this brainstorming group.

Timothy thanks Macy Pegram, Fran and Kay Lieb’s granddaughter, of Lincoln, NE, for donating six flannel, twin tie-blankets to be shared with Mother’s Refuge in Independence. Pictured here are Macy and Sandy Gregory, Timothy’s Care Coordinator. Thank you, Macy, for your generous, servant heart to transform lives through Christ, one blanket at a time.

The GROW Commission has rescheduled Timothy’s Immersive Prayer Journey for Saturday, May 13, from 10am-4pm at the RD Mize Campus.

Through a path of nine self-guided stations of the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer, you will engage in prayer and reflection, Scripture readings, and simple activities, all intended to deepen your connection with our Savior, so make plans to come experience the prayer Jesus Himself taught us to pray.

The prayer journey will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete, but the pace is up to you. Couples and families with small children are welcome to take the journey together, if desired. Sign-ups are necessary for people to move smoothly through the journey. We are excited about the impact this will have on our lives.

Please go to this “PRAYER LINK”  or church app (Events) to sign up for one slot per family. If there are more than three in the group, please sign up for an additional slot.  Thank you! And please keep this experience in your prayers!

Lutheran Urban Mission Agency Auxiliary

All skill levels are invited to JourneyMen’s first Pickleball event – beginners welcome too! Join us Thursday, May 11, 6-8pm, at the Grain Valley Community Center for an evening of fellowship, pickleball, and a short devotion. Don’t have a paddle? That’s OK, we have some to share. Our first event is FREE. All guys 16 and older are invited! Feel free to invite a friend. Visit the JourneyMen webpage for additional information www.TimothyLutheran.com/journeymen.

It’s time to put the Annual Adam’s Army Blood on your calendars! This blood drive, in its 18^th year, will be Sunday, June 4^th,, 9 am – 2 pm, in the Family Life Center at RD Mize.  Sign up at savealifenow.org/group and enter code CB3C. Questions concerning eligibility should be directed to 800.668.0900. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome as well. If you are unable to donate on June 4, doing so at any Community Blood Center close to that date and specifying Adam’s Army Blood Drive will be credited toward this annual effort. For additional details, contact Sandy Gregory at 816.228.5300 Ext. 8042 or sandyg@timothylutheran.com.

Timothy thanks the Reed family for keeping their son Adam’s legacy alive by hosting this annual event. The eldest son of Jeff & Mary Reed, Adam was diagnosed with leukemia just before his 13^th birthday, endured 2 ½ years in treatment with two bone marrow transplants and many rounds of chemo & radiation, and entered his eternal heavenly home in May 2005, at the age of 15.

The Timothy family was a huge support to Adam and the Reed family throughout his fight. “Adam’s Army” started as a group of church friends & family who faithfully lifted him in prayer, sent cards, visited, provided meals, organized fundraisers, and performed countless other acts of kindness & support.

After Adam went to heaven, his sister Jenna suggested that the family host a blood drive in his memory since blood and platelet transfusions were so vital during Adam’s treatment. It is a way to remember Adam while helping others in need. The first blood drive was held in 2006. May God be glorified and lives transformed through Christ as we strive to save lives through donating blood.

Smooth progress continues for the TLS Trailer #2 process! In addition to the City of Blue Springs issuing the construction permit on April 12th, Project Manager Gary Flandermeyer reports that the refurbishing of the unit began the last week of April, and the Timothy Trailer Team is tentatively scheduled to inspect the unit today, May 5th. All contractors have assured us that there are no material availability issues. The unit is scheduled to be delivered to Wyatt the week of June 5th.

Progress also continues on the sale of RD Mize. The real estate appraisal was submitted to leadership on May 1 in the amount of $3.3 million. A real estate task force, the Executive Board, and staff are moving forward with discussions among interested buyers. Please keep this process in your prayers. To God Be the Glory!