Trinity Newsletter for October 19, 2025
Trinity Connects
Curious about Trinity Presbyterian Church?
Recently joined, or considering membership?
You’re invited to TRINITY CONNECTS!
An informal lunch with Pastor Tom, an elder and a deacon, followed by a tour of the building. Bring your questions and join us right after worship on Sunday, Nov. 2 in the coffee nook (outside the sanctuary).
Lunch is on us!
RSVPs are appreciated but not required; call 417-414-5544.
All Saints’ Sunday: A Time of Remembrance
On Sunday, Nov. 2 we will pause during worship to remember those in our congregation and beyond who have entered the Church Triumphant at their death. As each name is read aloud a bell will ring, echoing our prayers of thanks for the "ordinary, holy lives of believers in this and every age."
Trinity's All Saints remembrance is not limited to members of this congregation. To request that a loved one's name be included, please contact Kristin Butler, 417-414-5544 by Oct. 31.
Upcoming Events at Trinity
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY, Oct. 26
It's a Trinity tradition to celebrate God's abundance with a pie supper on Stewardship Sunday each year. Welcome & Fellowship will host Trinity's 11th annual pie supper after worship on Sunday, Oct. 26! We need a few more folks to sign up to bring a pie.
PRESBYTERY MEETING, Nov. 1
Trinity is the host church for the John Calvin Presbytery meeting on Saturday, Nov. 1. We'll open with worship at 10:00 Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.. This is a great opportunity to meet Presbyterians from around the area and see your presbytery at work. Our own Brenda Williams serves as moderator of John Calvin Presbytery and we'd like to have a strong showing of welcome from Trinity!
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY, Nov. 2
We will pause during worship to remember those in our congregation and beyond who have entered the church triumphant at their death. This time of remembrance is not limited to Trinity members. To request that a loved one's name be included, please contact Kristin Butler, 417-414-5544, kristin.butler@sbcglobal.net.
TRINITY CONNECTS, Nov. 2
Welcome & Fellowship will host an informal lunch right after worship for anyone who's considering membership at Trinity.
Please bring your appetite and your questions! RSVP's are appreciated but not required; please contact Kristin Butler. 417-414-5544, kristin.butler@sbcglobal.net. or Sarah Muegge, 417-882-2471, twin2_53@hotmail.com.
Congregational Meeting, November 9, following worship, for the purpose of electing Deacons, Elders and the Nominating Committee for the Class of 2029.
Liturgists for October
We are grateful to the following people who are sharing their gifts with Trinity by serving as liturgists during the month of October.
Oct. 19 - Sarah Muegge
Oct. 26 - Sue Reynolds
If you would like to serve as liturgist, please contact Martha Bledsoe.
Join Our A/V Team and Help Our Ministry Shine!
Do you use a computer or text on your phone? If so, you already have the essential skills to become a vital part of Trinity's Audio/Visual (A/V) volunteer team! Our online ministry is a lifeline for many, bringing our Sunday services to members who can't be with us in person. The A/V team works behind the scenes every Sunday to make this possible. They ensure we see hymns, scripture, and all other elements of our service, and, most importantly, they enable our entire online presence. Without them, countless members would miss out on connecting with our church community from home. This crucial ministry relies on dedicated volunteers, and we need you!
Whether you can commit weekly, monthly, or just occasionally, your help makes a significant difference.
Curious to Learn More?
If you're interested but would like to see what it's all about before committing, you're welcome to sit in the back with our A/V team and observe during any service.
If you feel called to help, please contact me, Carla, directly. We'll be happy to meet with you and teach you everything you need to know.
Carla's email: carlaw@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
Slides Before Worship Service
If your group would like to get slides in the pre-service announcement time, they need to email them to Robert Reed.
Prayer Chain
There are currently 16 people on Trinity’s Prayer Chain. Pray-ers receive text messages whenever someone requests prayer. Prayer requests can be as specific or general as the requester wants. Two people were added to the Prayer Chain after filling out Helping Hands at Trinity Connects on January 26. If you would like to be added to the Prayer Chain, please text Pastor Tom at 920-237-9840. If you would like to request prayer, please text Pastor Tom at 920-237-9840.
Contacting the Church Office
To reach Alyssa Spradlin, Director of Communication & Administrative Ministries, to communicate with the church office use this and only this email address:
Screen Time?
Our wonderful AV team would like to request that if you ever need anything put on the screens for any service that is held at Trinity, please let us know in advance so we can load things into the program properly. Sometimes it is very hard to load things moments before an event. Thank you for this consideration.
Lost and Found
Wondering where your pen, mug, charger, book, hat, sunglasses, or other elusive item is? Items turned into the church office will be placed in our new Lost & Found tubs, located on the shelf above the accessibility devices near the West entrance.
Wiggle Room
Everyone is welcome in the sanctuary. If you have a fussy child and would like to step out while continuing to participate in worship, please feel free to make use of our new Wiggle Room in Room 14. The room is outfitted with comfortable chairs, a changing table, a small bathroom, and a new (to us) television mounted on the wall, showing the livestream. Please note that children in the Wiggle Room must be accompanied by a grownup who brought them. Children three-and-under can be dropped off in the Nursery in Room 12.
Trinity Sunday School Classes
Sunday School opportunities for all ages. Please consider joining us in exploring our faith and learning from one another in spaces of grace and love. All classes begin at 10:15 a.m.
Children's Class
A broad overview of important Bible stories we plan to study this fall:
How the Bible came to us, the 2 stories of Creation, The Covenant with Noah, The Covenant with Abraham & Sarah, The Brothers Esau & Jacob, Joseph and his brothers, Moses and the Exodus. In December we will look at stories related to the birth of Jesus.
We hope to also schedule a fun event with children from Westminster, Bell Ringing during Worship Service and the chance to make Christmas Crafts and Cookies. Stay Tuned.
Adult Class- Room 17
Anyone is welcome to join us as we explore our faith together. September 7 will include an introduction to the study and short video segment.
Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi
In this Bible study based on her Short Stories by Jesus, Amy-Jill Levine analyzes these "problems with parables" taking readers back in time to understand how their original Jewish audience understood them. With this revitalized understanding, she interprets these moving stories for the contemporary reader, showing how the parables are not just about Jesus, but are also about us—and when read rightly, still challenge and provoke us two thousand years later.
This study includes a participant guide and videos. Please contact Amy Price or Daphne Anderson with questions, or if you'd like a participant guide.
Topical Discussions Class
Please join with us for Sunday School weekly in the Fellowship Hall. We enjoy good fellowship, hot coffee, and delicious treats as we discuss God’s presence in our daily lives.
In October, our topics include:
October 19 Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness…………...Laura Fleetwood
October 26 Parable of the Soils.……………………Jill Bryant
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Slate of Candidates for Church Officers
The Nominating committee presents the following list of candidates for church officers. A brief biography of each candidate appears below.
ELDERS: Mike Simpson, Martha Bledsoe, Larry Bledsoe ( two years), Brenda Havens, Lois Zerrer * (Accepted Trustee Also)
DEACONS: Bruce Bryant, Sue Reynolds, Harvey Hank, Betty Forester ( one year )
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Amy Price, Carol Minton
Mike Simpson
When Jeanne and I moved back to SpringfieLd in 2021, Jeanne’s mom, Joyce Forkner, declared that we would all go to Trinity. I had also heard that Trinity had a group that was working with Afghan refugees, a mission that was close to my heart as I had served in Afghanistan in 2004, so that sealed the deal.
I have served the past three years as a Deacon, working with the Mission Committee. I have been active with the Community Service Group (CSG) that works with refugees. As part of the Mission Committee, I’ve worked with Trinity groups at Eden Village, Harmony House, and Safe to Sleep, among others. I am also the unofficial dishwasher after potluck dinners .
I hope that Trinity will continue on its current path of being a safe and welcoming place for all people. In addition, I hope that Trinity will continue to support those in need in this community and around the world.
Martha Bledsoe
What brought me to Trinity when Larry and I moved to Springfield from Nevada, Mo. 4 years ago? I have always been Presbyterian so it was a given that we would join a Presbyterian Church. I knew Sharon and Rick Marsh through Living Waters participation and Pastor Chris from a Presbytery committee I had served on. They all encouraged me to visit Trinity and due to the friendly welcome we quickly realized this would be our home. I am involved at Trinity by serving on the Worship Committee and attending Sarah’s Circle.
My hopes for Trinity are that the congregation will be welcome to change and remain openhearted to all, our mission work will be blessed and continue to nurture those we are called to serve, and that our faith will strengthen and grow to enable us to flourish as a Christian community in answering God’s call.
Larry Bledsoe
When we moved to Springfield, I was attracted to Trinity because they were such a welcoming congregation, heavily involved with work in the community and mission projects, and the knowledge and preaching of Pastor Chris. At Trinity I serve on the finance committee. My hopes for Trinity are for growth in spirituality and members and to remain financially stable to be able to fulfill its missions and goals as a Christ led community.
Brenda Havens
My husband, Bill, was a part of Trinity from its beginning. When we were looking for a church after his retirement, I visited several churches in the area. Trinity welcomed us and we liked the opportunities to serve here in many areas of ministry, especially mission. I have always felt called to feed the hungry and soon was invited to join in doing that here. We felt at home and that we were where God wants us to love and serve
I have served a term as deacon where I was on the Congregational Care committee as well as the Nominating committee. I attend Rebecca Circle and currently am a member of the Mission and Public Witness committee and the Community Support Group (CSG) for the refugee families.
I hope Trinity calls a pastor who will lead us to fulfill our ministry in the community and beyond, who will challenge us to grow and flourish in faith and mission according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Lois Zerrer
I have been a member of Trinity since its inception. I have served on several committees over the years including Generosity and Engagement, and the Nominating Committee. I also attend the meeting of the Brentwood Green Chalice Committee which is similar to the Creation Care Committee that formerly existed at Trinity. I am looking forward to serving on the Session as we plan for a new pastor to walk with the congregation into the future.
Bruce Bryant
Bruce Bryant recently celebrated his 30 year anniversary with a company in the automotive finance world. He has one son and three grandchildren. Bruce grew up attending a small Church of Christ in southern Arkansas where family and friends were all farmers. The area is known as the rice and duck capital of the world. Bruce is a sport pilot who enjoys flying his powered parachute. Other passions include smoking meat, camping, and visiting National Parks.
What brought me to Trinity?
The answer is love. I met and fell in love with Rev. Jill Carr. She reintroduced me to Christianity. Jill and I were married earlier this year; I like to think she saved me in more ways than one.
How am I currently involved with the church?
Since joining our church, I have become an active member and discovered that my theology aligns with Trinity. We attend the Topical Discussions Sunday School class. I’m at home at Trinity. .
What are my hopes for Trinity?
Continued growth through ministering to younger families which is crucial for our congregation's long-term growth and vitality.
Harvey Hank
What brought me to Trinity?
After COVID, we were trying to locate a church that was inclusive and welcoming to all God’s children. After listening to a sermon, the Christmas Cantata by Trinity choir, studying a photograph of current members posted on the website, along with hearing how active the members were in mission work, we chose to visit one Sunday, and the rest is history.
How am I currently involved?
Attending and teaching Sunday School, have also served communion, lit the advent candles during Christmas season, help with Crosslines every other month, and am a member of the refugee committee.
What are my hopes for Trinity?
To support Trinity’s mission statement and continue our community outreach.
I am Betty Forrester, and I appreciate all you do to benefit others.
I grew up in Ava and Ozark, MO. I had 65 years of good marriage to Jim Forrester. We have three wonderful daughters, Amy Price, Sarah Filley, and Christy Drennan. They have given me five grandsons, one granddaughter, and four great grandchildren.
My career was in campus ministry at SMS—six denominations as one—serving as the office girl/bookkeeper at the Ecumenical Center.
God bless you, and thank you for putting your trust in me as your Deacon.
Amy Price
I have been a member of Trinity since moving back to Springfield five years ago. I grew up in Springfield, and my parents were some of the original members of Trinity. I had visited worship services while here on holidays and appreciated the energy and spirit of Trinity; especially the intentional inclusiveness that was part of Trinity’s formation.
I currently serve on the Christian Education and Faith Formation Committee and previously served as an Elder.
My hopes for Trinity include remaining grounded in openness and acceptance, no matter where God leads us in our journey. I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Nominating Committee.
Carol Minton
I was invited to join Trinity by Daphne Anderson and/or Brenda Williams early on. I was called and invited to attend a meeting at Westminster. My earliest memories of attending Trinity include walking in with Jane Huffstetler and feeling so comforted by her leadership. Also, one hot Sunday afternoon I was approaching the west entrance of Westminster and saw the welcoming wave and smile of Brenda Sneed ushering me in and I felt such a relief that I was home.
Currently I serve on the Welcome and Fellowship and the Worship and Music Committees as a congregational member. I also volunteer to help with the audiovisual aspect of our worship services so people at home can join in.
My hope for Trinity is that we can share our hope. I hope that future generations may join our fellowship and find the love of God within our walls. I hope that, as recipients of God’s love we may all become vehicles of His grace and love to those around us and in the world.
