It’s a Wonderful Life

Hey, have you watched any holiday movies yet? I love a quiet evening to myself, wrapping Christmas presents and watching a Christmas movie. Now, if you can’t stand made-for-TV holiday movies, don’t worry. I’m not really here to convince you they’re for everyone. Instead, I want to encourage you to embrace whatever simple comfort helps you find your way back to the Reason for this holiday season.

Does Christmas music warm your heart? Go for it.

Does driving past that house with the crazy lights make you laugh every time? Do it.

Are you craving daily Christmas cookies? Why not?!

Or on a more serious note . . .

Do you need to watch four different sermons this week because you’re missing in-person church so much?

Are you wishing you could stay home, even though everyone else is getting together?

Is your Advent devotional the only thing keeping you from spiraling into a dark place?

Then I say, Do it. Do whatever it is that brings you comfort and joy in this season, that pulls you closer to the One we celebrate this time of year — our Emmanuel.

The truth is that this year has been challenging in ways we never expected, ways we were not equipped to handle. We might be tempted to think our “silly” traditions don’t even matter.

But our reason for celebrating the holidays — with all the traditions — hasn’t changed. Our true comfort is in Christ, and our real joy is in Him.

We need the comfort of Christmas more than ever. And if you find some of that in candy canes or white lights or Christmas carols or even in my beloved holiday movies, I hope you embrace those things with joy. Just don’t forget the One who loves you most, who never changes, and who is always there for you.

Blessings, Miriam Lindemann

TLS Christmas Program

Timothy Lutheran School will present its Christmas Program tomorrow (Dec. 16) at 5:30pm at Wyatt. The theme is “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Even though this is a secular song, its history began in the sixteenth century. The gifts we sing about all represent hidden meanings which teach about the Bible. The preschool through 8^th grade students will perform songs, a dramatic presentation, and recitations, along with the Timothy Band playing a selection of songs. Please join us and prepare your heart for the good news and coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This program will be part of the final Advent Service.

Ken Holland
School Administrator

Children’s Christmas Program Update

Volunteers, students, and children have been working hard the past few months to prepare for this year’s Children’s Christmas Program on Sunday, Dec. 20, during the 10am worship service at Wyatt. The program will also be broadcast live via Facebook.

The finishing touches to the set were added this past Sunday by youth and volunteers. Now all eyes look to this weekend as the children prepare for their final practice at Wyatt on Sat., Dec. 19, from 9-11am. The hand bells choir will rehearse immediately after from 11am-1pm.

It’s not too late for children to join the program! This is an open invitation even if your child has not participated in the Wednesday practices. We welcome all of Timothy’s children to join us for practice this Sat. morning.

Hillcrest Thanks Timothy

Hillcrest sent Timothy a thank-you letter recently for a tithe contribution, excerpts of which are below. Thank you, Timothy, for your unwavering support through tithing.

December 8, 2020
Dear Timothy,

Thank you so much for your support of Hillcrest Transitional Housing. For more than 40 years, Hillcrest has helped families get back on their feet. Your gift enables us to provide homeless individuals, families, and youth with the skills and tools they need to lead self-sufficient lives and to heave behind the cycle of homelessness forever.

Serving together,
Cotton Sivils
Vice-President of Development

A Confirmand’s Faith Story

God’s blessings to Noah Hinkle, one of Timothy’s 2021 Confirmands, who shared his faith story, based on applying his chosen Bible verse (Jeremiah 29:11), with the congregation this past Sunday. (Click on picture below to see video)

In-Person Christmas Worship Questionnaire was emailed last Wed. afternoon to those signed up for church emails. Your responses will help staff and leadership plan for in-person Christmas worship service attendance on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was reported to staff and leadership that some who receive eNotes did not receive the questionnaire. If that applies to you, please contact Diane Mayfield.  Thanks to those who have responded so far. The replies are very helpful!
Christmas In-Person Services:

• Dec. 24:  2, 4, 7, & 10pm (10pm will be candlelight w/ Holy Communion), RD Mize
• Dec. 24:  4pm (also live-streamed), Wyatt
• Dec. 25: 10am (with Holy Communion), RD Mize

FaithRoots will resume Wed., Jan. 6, 2021.  Another reminder here that practice for the Children’s Christmas Program will be this Sat., Dec. 19, from 9-11am at Wyatt.

Drive-Thru Holy Communion will be offered on Wed., Dec. 23, 6:30-7pm, RD Mize. Please drive to north entrance (sanctuary doors), park at the curb, and enter lobby to receive the sacrament.

Looking ahead . . . A letter regarding 2021 First Fruits will be mailed later this week as well as emailed and placed on the church website. Thank you for tremendous support of the 2020 goal of $208,733.00, which was surpassed earlier this month. To God Be the Glory!

Next Generation Strategic Planning Committee needs members to help with Timothy’s vision casting and strategic planning for the next 3-5 years. Please contact Dave Domsch at daved146@gmail.com to join the group.  The committee will begin its work in early Jan.  Thank you!