Trinity Newsletter for April 30, 2026
The Work of Your Church from the Session
The Session met April 19, 2026, in the Trinity Room after the worship service. The next meeting of
the session will be May 17,2026.
The Session approved a motion to procure a CD from Guaranty Bank by moving $100,000 from the Money Market Account. It will be a 7-month CD with a 3.55% earning rate.
The Session approved increasing the minimum salary for a new pastor from $75,000 to $90,000 to attract more candidates.
The session approved no meeting to be held in July.
Treasurer’s report: First Quarter financial statement includes a surplus in the Operating budget of $47,140.89, Total Funds Available totals (operating plus MMKT) $440,672.06 and the Legacy Funds of $545,392.88. Total Funds are $986,064.94.
The following is a list of various committee activities:
The Finance Committee continues to monitor Trinity’s financial position. The church ended 2025 and continues 2026 in a positive financial position. This includes the adjustment of Reverend Alyssa Spradlin’s employment from a shared position to a full-time Trinity position.
The Communications Committee has reorganized under the direction of Elder Brenda Havens. At our first meeting, we discussed Trinity’s various means of communication and provided first thoughts about areas with growing edges. The committee’s first action was to direct Rev. Alyssa Spradlin, Church Administrator, to create “proof of concept” displays for each entrance on Sundays, highlighting special activities in the life of the church.
The Worship & Music Committee met on Wednesday, April 8. We reviewed feedback about Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday. Easter was marked by joyous music, messages, fellowship, and communion. We continue to offer worship that is creative and meaningful. Trinity will celebrate communion on May 24; home communion will be served on May 3. Ushers and liturgists are scheduled through May.
The Welcome & Fellowship Committee had a working meeting on Thursday, April 3 to prepare cookie bags for Easter Sunday. We continue to review Alyssa’s weekly attendance reports for follow-up with visitors. We will review a draft Trinity Info Sheet at the May meeting; once finalized, this document will help Trinity Connects participants become acquainted with the life and ministries of Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Next meeting: Thursday, May 7 at 2 pm in the Trinity Room
The Christian Education and Faith Formation Committee reported that Topics for Adult Summer Sunday School are identified and now they are lining up teacher/facilitators by mid-May
Clerk’s Report, Patty Dunn Clerk of Session: Trinity’s membership total is 211 and from March 15-April 12,2026 average in-person attendance is 110 participants.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Patty Dunn, Clerk of Session.
Prairie Planting
Lois Zerrer and Amy Price joined Brentwood's Green Chalice team in planting 320 seedlings in the prepared space south of the parking lot, on Saturday, April 25. Prairie gardens create "a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape that supports local pollinators and birds while restoring biodiversity. Once established, these gardens require no mowing or watering, prevent soil erosion, and provide a changing, colorful, and scenic view throughout the year," according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Church Garage Sale Results
Thank You- Trinity
Our garage sale earned over $10,000 to support building safety and security upgrades
Many people contributed fantastic items for the sale.
The following people, (listed in no particular order), contributed their time to set-up, work the sale, take down and make delivery donations to Thrift Haven for unsold items.
Jerri Ilkiw Martha Sparrow Jan Redfern Scot McLaughlin Teresa Olsen Sarah Kapp Daphne Anderson Paula Tindell
Susie Dollar Dave Muegge Sarah Muegge Marsha Landrith Rich Landrith Beth Kick Susan Uffmann Bob Kick
Martha Bledsoe Brenda Havens Joann Lucietta Jerry Lucietta Beth McGee Susie Holliday Bill Trotter Susan Hart
Linda Daniel Sydney English Cindy Rogers Dave Bohnenkamper Shane Baker David Smith Bruce Bryant Betty Forrester
Sorry if your name was omitted.
Trinity is the best- love the way we work as a team!
Young Bell Ringers Needed
Calling Trinity kids and grandkids
join us to play bells on
Mother’s Day May 10
We will practice that morning during the Sunday School Hour (10:15)
No experience necessary
Presbyterian Giving Catalogs
The 2025-2026 Presbyterian Giving Catalogs, titled Give with a Purpose, have arrived. You can find them at the west entrance of the church to the left of the nametag board on a display rack with other pamphlets and information. You can also find the catalog online at the denomination’s website.
Here’s an example of a gift: You can give a clutch of chickens for only $25. Eggs for food, feathers for pillows and fertilizer for crops. By giving a clutch of chickens, you will be helping to improve food security for farmers and families around the world.
We all have friends/relatives for whom it is impossible to buy a gift as they already have so much. Give that person the honor of having the clutch of chickens given in their name or a sewing machine to a woman who can then start her own business. The list of items is long and varied in price. It’s fun to see the opportunities that are available.
Synod School
The annual Synod of Lakes and Prairies Synod School will be at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA from July 26-31.
Here's the website: Synod School | Lakes & Prairies
Here's a short video about it: Welcome to Synod School! | Videos & Movies on Vimeo
Here's a link to the catalog: 2f3070_d4251797461446039c88b1d93d713468.pdf
Pastor Tom has 10 print catalogs and will happily answer any questions you have about this spectacular week of education and fun!
There are partial scholarships available for first time attendees!
Pastor Tom’s Mini-Sabbatical
On May 25, the day after Pentecost I will begin a five-week mini-sabbatical. I am very grateful to the Session for allowing this change in my contract.
As a Transitional Pastor I never serve a congregation long enough to “earn” a sabbatical. Yet, I find I need one. There are several projects that I am looking forward to giving some steady attention to. Also, after scheduling my mini-sabbatical I signed a contract to complete a book. The last half of my time away will be a trip with my brother. We’re taking Amtrak to New York City, where we will visit my old neighborhood in Brooklyn and Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.
The timing works well for the church as well. The Pastoral Nominating Committee is up and functioning and I’ve already completed the “transitional tasks.” My being away will make the adjustment to your next pastor smother, I believe. Also, the Session has dedicated the money saved on my salary and benefits to cover pastor search expenses.
I expect to be back in Springfield at something like full strength on June 29, and will lead worship on Sunday, July 5.
Trinity Book Club
Our group meets monthly to discuss books over delicious treats at Neighbors Mill at 9:00 a.m. Please note a few date changes for the schedule the next several months:
May 16- Horse by Geraldine Brooks
June 20-Lake of the Ozarks by Bill Geist
July 18- The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan
August 15- The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
Please contact Daphne Anderson for information or to be included on our email list.
Liturgists for Upcoming Sundays
We are grateful to the following people who are sharing their gifts with Trinity by serving as liturgists.
May 3 - Howard Henry
May 10 - Beth Kick
May 17 - Diane Meade
May 24 - Susan Uffmann
May 31 - Cletus Johnson
If you would like to serve as liturgist, please contact Martha Bledsoe.
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. 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:
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
April lessons with be “post - Easter” stories leading to Pentecost and we will conclude in May with stories from James, 1 John and 3 John about Living as Christians.
SALT (Studying and Learning Together):
Please join us for this discussion-style class in room 17. Our discussion-style class is open to all, join us in person or virtually! Please contact Amy Price or Daphne Anderson with any questions.
Through May 17: The Heart of the Psalms by James C. Howell. This study focuses on six psalms, each offering a unique glimpse into God’s heart: Psalm 8 (awe), Psalm 27 (beauty), Psalm 51 (mercy), Psalm 73 (surely), Psalm 90 (time), and Psalm 116 (love). This includes a study book and video.
Topical Discussions Class
Please join 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. Ask any class member if you have questions, or call Dave Muegge.
In May, our topics include:
May 3 Heart of the Psalms: Psalm 90, Time Pastor James Howell…..David Hart
May 10 Heart of the Psalms: Psalm 116, Love Pastor James Howell…..Susan Hart
May 17 Spring Check-in, Together Class updates and sharing
May 24 No Class: Memorial Day Weekend End of our Spring Semester
Four and More Begins Again!
Rev. Jane Huffstetler has agreed to lead Bible study on Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. (thus the name). We meet both at the church and by Zoom if that is what works for you. If you want to be included in the weekly reminder that also includes the Zoom link, please send Jane an email. We will begin with Genesis and work our way through the Bible. No prior knowledge is needed, just a Bible and a desire to study with others.
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