Weekly Newsletter 9-17-20
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
September 17, 2020
From Pastor Chris
Jesus teaches us, "Blessed are the peacemakers." The Presbyterian Church (USA) takes this teaching seriously and during the month of September we focus on ways we can be peacemakers in our congregation, community, and world. The last two weeks my sermons have explored ways we can faithfully navigate issues of conflict, repentance, and forgiveness in the church - a core element of peacemaking. We are preparing for an upcoming, congregation-wide book study on becoming allies in the work of justice in our society (see the article a little further down for more!) - for we know that peace comes when our society pursues justice.
Another way we work each year for peace is through our support of the national Peace & Global Witness offering of the PC(USA). This offering supports peacemaking efforts here in Springfield, across our region, and around the world. 25% of the Peace & Global Witness offering stays right here at Trinity to support our own peacemaking efforts. 25% supports regional efforts through John Calvin Presbytery, and 50% supports our national and international work through the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
In these days, it is even more important for each of us, as followers of Christ, to work for peace. Please consider making a gift today to the Peace & Global Witness offering. It's easy, here's how:
Make an immediate, secure gift online at: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give
Click "Make a One Time Gift" and then select "Peace & Global Witness" from the designation drop-down
Mail your check to Trinity with "Peace & Global Witness" in the memo line
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Attn: Steve Kane, Treasurer
1900 E Barataria St.
Springfield, MO 65804
Thank you for your generous support of Trinity and the broader church.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
P.S. - Please check out the articles below on our anti-racism book study and the fellowship of prayer!
--
Anti-Racism Book Study
This October and November, Pastor Chris will be leading a Trinity-wide book study as part of our commitment to work for the dismantling of structural racism in our society. We will be reading together No Innocent Bystanders: Becoming an Ally in the Struggle for Justice by Shannon Craigo-Snell and Christopher J. Doucot. Together we will explore why we need to be allies and how we can work for justice.
We want everyone to take part in this study without any barriers. To help support that goal, our Mission & Public Witness Committee will be providing one complimentary copy of the book for every Trinity household.
If you want to receive your complimentary copy of the book, you don’t need to take any action. We know, however, that some households may not be able to participate or would prefer to purchase an electronic / Kindle version of the book. We also know that some would like to make a donation to cover the cost of their book, or might want to order a second (or third) copy for a friend or family member.
If you want to opt-out of receiving a copy of the book, make a donation to cover your copy, or order additional copies, please go here and complete the short form: http://bit.ly/TrinityNIB You may also email or call the church office.
All forms must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 27.
Once the books are delivered, there will be an opportunity for you to pick up your book and study guide at a "drive-through" event at church. More information will be sent after all orders are in.
Fellowship of Prayer
This time of pandemic has been disruptive for each of us in so many ways, many of them unique and personal. However, one common theme I've found in my conversations with you all is this: the feeling of wanting to help, but not being sure how. Here is one way: a new group I'm forming, the Trinity Fellowship of Prayer.
The goal of this new group is to support our Deacons and Congregational Care team by having a group that will commit to holding our congregation, community, nation, and world in daily prayer. Each member will pray during a set time of the day, so all day long Trinity members will be lifting each other up in prayer. This group is specifically designed to operate from our individual homes, no meetings necessary, so anyone who feels led is able to participate.
Here is what is involved when you sign up:
You will choose an hour of the day (ex: 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.) and commit to pray daily during that hour. You don't need to pray for the whole hour, just at some point during the hour. We also know that things come up, so if you need to pray at a different time one day (or even miss an occasional day here and there) that is fine! The goal is simply to work toward a pattern.
I will provide you with a copy of the Book of Common Worship: Daily Prayer to serve as a guide for your prayers, along with some suggestions from me. We have 30 copies available, thanks to the generous support of our national office.
If we have enough interest, you will be paired with a prayer partner during your hour. You can pray together over the phone, or just have someone to help keep you on track as you need. If you have someone in mind, let me know!
If you've been wondering how you can help serve during this time, maybe the Fellowship of Prayer is for you. If you're interested, or just want to learn more, please email or call. (cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org OR 816.805.2742) I would love to chat more about this opportunity, or anything else on your mind.
Pastor Chris
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
--
Carla's Corner
I had so much fun this past Sunday at our first youth get together since March! We had 7 Trinity youth come to our house. We played games outside, sat around the fire pit, talked and some even swam! I love having a space large enough that we can distance and still fellowship together. This Sunday we are going to meet again and celebrate our September birthdays! (Katherine Arquitt- "sweet 16" and Jack Johnson-"13! Jack's now a teenager!)
Virtual Worship
I keep forgetting each week to let you know what you can expect, as far as music goes, in our virtual worship service. This week our offertory will feature one of my best friends, who happens to be the horn professor at MSU and principal horn of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra; Dr. Lisa Casey. Last week we featured my brother-in-law, Dan Wootton, for our anthem spot, singing a beautiful contemporary Christian tune called, "Beautiful." Plus, our own Barbara Page played a lovely classical violin piece for the offertory. I will try and do a better job at keeping you up to date on what is coming for our Sunday Virtual Worship!
Another Plus of our Curbside Food Drive is......
Chris and I get to talk to you! I really enjoyed my time Monday, not only helping with the food drive, but seeing my Trinity family and talking! It was so nice to visit with people I haven't seen in a while, PLUS, I was able to recruit some more of our Trinity talent for our virtual worship services. Be looking for some vocal solos from Randy Hoops, David Bohnenkamper, Jeff Groves, David Conaway and more! Plus, some of our youth are going to be providing musical offerings too! There are wonderful things coming in our virtual service. I can't wait to share it with you and I know you will feel the blessings of our talented Trinity family.
Rare Breed Mission for Trinity Kids
Next Friday, September 25th, we will be delivering 40 sack meals to Rare Breed. We need 4 of our Trinity Kids families to volunteer 10 sack meals each. I will pick them up Thursday night or Friday morning (whichever is more convenient) and deliver to Rare Breed on Friday. Our Trinity kids are doing this the 4th Friday of every month. Parents, let me know if you would like to volunteer to make some sack meals!
September Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month!
Sept. 3 Katie Kull
Sept. 7 Randy Hoops
Sept. 9 Hope Trotter "60"
Sept. 9 Roger Schlemmer
Sept. 10 Susan Leonard
Sept. 11 Chris Plate
Sept. 14 Sue Woody
Sept. 14 Michael Howell
Sept. 15 Bill Trotter
Sept. 16 Jack Johnson "13"
Sept. 17 Liz Sweet
Sept. 17 Don Holliday
Sept. 17 Ann Hall
Sept. 17 Kathy Morriss
Sept. 19 Richard Miller
Sept. 21 Jane Huffstetler
Sept. 22 Sue Phillips
Sept. 28 Bill Havens
Sept. 28 Sandie Everett
Sept. 28 Marilyn Bell
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 Class meet via Zoom from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
The Topical Discussion Class is participating in a 7- part series from The Thoughtful Christian running September 20 through November 1. The theme is "The History of Religion and Politics in America", using contributions from various theologians and politicians.
Discussion will be facilitated by various class members. Handouts are available on the Trinity Website.
Sept. 20 - Session 1- The History of Religion and Politics in America by Martha Bettis-Gee
Sept. 27- Session 2 - The History of Religion and Politics in America by Martha Bettis-Gee
Oct. 4- Session 3- John Danforth on Religion and Politics
Oct. 11- Session 4- Ron Sider on Religion and Politics
Oct. 18- Session 5- Barack Obama on Religion and Politics
Oct. 25- Session 6- Tony Campolo on Religion and Politics
Nov. 1- Session 7- Marian Wright Edelman on Religion and Politics
Resources
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.
Current
Ann Hall reports she is at home in a wheel chair and doing better in her recovery, but still asks for your prayers.
For David Bohnenkamper's aunt, Sharon, who has been diagnosed with bone cancer.
For the family and friends of Everett Evans at his death, especially his wife Janice and son Kyle, both of whom are Trinity members.
For friends of David and Susan Hart who have been diagnosed with cancer.
For Luke, nephew of Ron and Kristin Butler, who is receiving critical medical care, and for his family - parents Gretchen and Mark, and brother Jackson - as they navigate these challenges with him.
Brenda Havens continues to make progress on her recovery, and appreciates all the prayers.
For Lori Becker as she undergoes medical care.
Chris Plate and his family as he continues medical treatment.
Charlotte Dugan, as she receives medical care.
Michael Howell as he recovers from an auto accident.
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.org
