Weekly Newsletter 11/19/20
If you would like to receive the Trinity Presbyterian Church newsletter every week, you can sign up here.
Trinity Presbyterian Church PC(U.S.A.)
Welcoming you to share the joy of Christ
Worshiping Together | Serving Together | Caring Together
November 19, 2020
From Pastor Chris
Today I have some exciting news to share! Over the past couple of months I've been working with our Worship & Music and Welcome & Fellowship committees to make this Advent and Christmas season the best it can be. We all know it won't be the same celebrating from a distance, but I believe with some creativity we can still find blessings this season.
To help make it a bit easier, we've created the Trinity Advent & Christmas Kit! This is a care package for our Trinity family, packed with resources to help you celebrate at home. Inside you will find LED Advent Candles (safe for any home) so you can join in our tradition of lighting candles each week as we move toward Christmas, along with a custom Advent and Christmas home worship guide. In the guide you will find daily and weekly prayers, readings, and devotionals in a variety of styles so you're sure to find something just right. There's even a special liturgy you can use with your family at the start of the season.
There's a lot more in the kit - including a brand-new Trinity mug loaded with goodies and custom Christmas Cards designed by our own Dora Elliott - and it's all packed in a brand-new Trinity tote bag. I've put together a short video showing you everything that's included - check it out HERE.
Come by Trinity this Sunday (Nov 22) from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or Monday (Nov 23) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to pick up your kit. I'll be at the West / Trinity doors, just pull up and I'll bring it to your car. If you aren't able to come by church, please reach out to me or the office and we will arrange a volunteer to bring your kit to your home.
One more thing - I want to know your favorite verse of scripture. Each day on our social media pages I share a verse of scripture and a sentence or two about it. I would like to feature the favorite verses of Trinity members over the coming weeks. Here's what to send:
· Your favorite verse of scripture. Just the reference is fine if you wish (i.e. John 1:1).
· One or two sentences sharing why it is your favorite.
· Let me know if I may include your first name with the post. (Unless you specifically say it's OK, I won't include it)
Email it to me: cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org or drop a note in the mail!
Friends, I'm proud to be your pastor. Please reach out if I can help in any way this week.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
PS - I had the joy a month or two ago of being interviewed by the editor of Presbyterians Today for a story about creating sacred space at home. The article was just published in their Advent issue. If you'd like to read it, the article is here:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/pt-1120-home/
NOTICE: Congregational Meeting
The Session of Trinity Presbyterian Church has called a meeting of the congregation on Sunday, November 22, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. to be conducted via Zoom to consider the following business:
· An amendment to the Trinity Bylaws;
· Receive and act on the report of the Nominating Committee;
· Receive and act on the proposed 2021 Terms of Call between Rev. Christopher Miller and Trinity Presbyterian Church.
The full packet with agenda, instructions for participating in the meeting, text of the proposed Bylaws amendment, nominating slate, and proposed Terms of Call was distributed to all members of Trinity via email and postal mail during the first week of November. If you need a packet, please contact Clerk of Session, Anita Dixon.
Congregational Book Study - No Innocent Bystanders
We are in the final week of our congregation wide study on the powerful book No Innocent Bystanders. Our online gathering to discuss the book will take place tonight Thursday, November 19 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
We still have copies of the book available, so if you haven't picked up your complementary copy yet please reach out to either the office or Pastor Chris and we will be glad to make arrangements to get you your copy. We hope to see a lot of people on the Zoom call this evening as we discuss this powerful book!
Worship With Trinity
Even though the pandemic means we aren't gathered together in the same physical space, we are still worshiping together at a church family. Find our latest worship service, plus weekly resources for families, devotional links, and much more on our worship page.
https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/worship
From the Generosity and Engagement Committee
We have begun our 2021 Stewardship Campaign. Our theme is "Faith for today, Hope for tomorrow." We are all too aware of the challenges we have faced in 2020. Our faith has carried us through these difficult times and faith, along with hope, will do the same for us in 2021. You will soon be receiving a letter and pledge card in the mail. It will contain information about both the sources of our funds and the many missions those funds have allowed us to accomplish. Please pledge generously as you are able.
To learn more about our 2021 Pledge Campaign, and to make your pledge securely online, please visit https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/pledge
Urgent Need at Crosslines
Trinity is still working at Crosslines the third Friday of each month. The pandemic has taken a toll on our volunteers, who work from 8:30 - noon. Also, the church that volunteered to work the afternoon shift (11:30 - 1:45) is no longer serving. We have been asked if we can supply workers for that shift. We've barely been able to supply workers, and need help! There is no contact with clients - just between our workers, who are wearing masks. Your temperature is taken on arrival, so the risk is rather low. If you would be willing to help out with either shift, please contact Cynthia Oliver. Our next day to serve is November 20. Thanks!
From the Creation Care Committee
Old magazines to get rid of? Extra junk mail in the recycle bin?
The City of Springfield is challenging residents to recycle 100 tons of paper between Nov 15 and December 17, 2020. A normal month is 80 tons, so dig into the garage or basement and get rid of old files, magazines, things that need to be shredded, and take them to one of the city’s recycling centers. Just the incentive you need to get rid of some “2020 stuff” to start fresh for a better 2021!!
Here is a link to the city’s Facebook announcement:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=368975127860755
Carla's Corner
Carla is taking some vacation time, but her column will return on Nov. 26.
November Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month
· Nov 4 Toni White
· Nov 6 Rachel Groves
· Nov 7 Penni Groves
· Nov 8 Kristin Butler
· Nov 9 Elly Crites
· Nov 9 Jon White
· Nov 17 Katt Douglas
· Nov 20 Stella Martin
· Nov 22 Julia Gentle
· Nov 22 Barbara Hunter
· Nov 25 Jodie Greer
· Nov 25 Linda Lange
· Nov 26 Joann Lucietta
· Nov 26 Jennifer Reynolds
· Nov 27 George Arquitt
· Nov 27 Joyce Shirkey
If you would like to be included in our birthday list, please be sure to update your records with the church office before your birthday occurs. You may call or email your information.
Remaining Connected During Social Distancing
Even though we aren’t together for in-person worship, there is still a lot happening with your Trinity family right now. To see the latest, and how you can get involved in safe ways, visit our News & Updates page on the church website: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/news
Sunday School Classes
The Fall 2020 schedule of classes can be found on the Trinity Website.
The Lectionary Class meets via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.
The Salt and Topical Discussion Classes meet via Zoom from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Resources
· Participate in our Financial Life
Contacting Pastor Chris
I want to be the best support I can for you. Here is how to get in touch:
· The easiest way is by email: cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
· I am also available by phone or text at 816.805.2742
· I am in the office most days, Monday through Thursday. I am currently holding personal meetings / counseling sessions outside under the covered Trinity entrance. Call or email to schedule a time for us to meet.
· NOTE ABOUT FRIDAYS: I take Friday as my Sabbath day to focus on my family. I try to not reply to email, phone, or text. However, if there is an urgent pastoral issue, please contact Deacon Sharon Marsh at 417.880.5988/smarsh43@icloud.com or Deacon Greg Redfern at 417.225.2435/jredfern1313@gmail.com and they will make any necessary arrangements. If you have an immediate need to speak with a pastor and it is a Friday or Chris isn’t in town, you may call Rev. Bill Havens at 417.350.4507.
Prayer Concerns
If you or someone you love want to be included on the prayer list, please let the office know. (Always get permission before submitting information.) Also, when you want your name removed from the prayer list (or an update added), please let the office know at 417-450-2544 or office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org.
· For the family and friends of Michael Howell, who passed away on Tuesday evening. Please hold Charlotte Dugan and all who love Michael in your prayers in this time. A service for Michael will be held at a later date.
· For the Luce family, upon the passing of Mona.
· For Jeanne, Mary Erin Miller's mother, as she continues treatment and evaluation for pancreatic cancer.
· For Teresa Olsen's brother, Craig, who lives in a care facility and has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
· For friends of David and Susan Hart who have been diagnosed with cancer.
· Brenda Havens continues to make progress on her recovery, and appreciates all the prayers.
· For Lori Becker as she undergoes medical care.
· For Chris Plate and his family, as he continues medical treatment.
· For Charlotte Dugan, as she receives medical care.
QUICK NOTES
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 3486, Springfield, MO 65808-3486 | 1900 E. Barataria Street | 417-450-2544 | office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
Learn more about Trinity Presbyterian Church at http://TrinitySpringfieldPCUSA.org
Be sure to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/trinitypcusaspmo/
Learn more about the denomination at http://www.pcusa.orgs medical care.
