Weekly Newsletter 4/1/21
Trinity Presbyterian Church PC(U.S.A.)
Welcoming you to share the joy of Christ
Worshiping Together | Serving Together | Caring Together
April 1, 2021
From Pastor Chris
Holy Week is at the heart of the Christian year. In these days we tell again the grand drama of our faith: how Christ gave the new commandment to love one another and then was betrayed by one whom he loved, how he shared a feast with his disciples and then was given the bitter cup on the cross, how even the most devoted of his followers could not stay awake in the garden or keep from denying him, yet Christ remained faithful to the end. In these days we remember, we lament, and we confess -- knowing that Easter is just a few days away.
We have put together a way for you to engage in this grand drama of Holy Week in your home, on your schedule. I've been joined by several volunteers and our worship staff to prepare for you a service of "The Three Days." Designed to be used over three days (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday), this is a cohesive service with three sections. There are full worship videos for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday plus a home worship guide for you to participate in The Great Vigil of Easter, the traditional first celebration of Christ's resurrection. I am really excited for you to participate in these services!
To make it easy to participate, we've created a web page with everything you need in one place: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/threedays
We are also putting the finishing touches on our Easter Sunday worship service, featuring wonderful music, a telling of the Easter story by our kids and youth, communion, and more. I trust this service will be a blessing for you. You can find it Sunday morning on our worship page: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/worship
Finally, please remember we are currently collecting two special offerings: the national One Great Hour of Sharing offering to support disaster relief and development work AND a new offering to support Eden Village as they raise funds to purchase space for a new emergency shelter to serve the homeless community in Springfield. There are articles on both of these efforts below; please consider making a gift if you have not done so yet.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
P.S. - I will be taking off the week after Easter to spend some time with my family. This means I will not be in the office or responding to messages from Monday, April 5, through Sunday, April 11. I will return to the office on Monday, April 12, (when we have our next curbside food drive). If you need assistance during those times, please check the "contacting Pastor Chris" section at the bottom of the newsletter for ways to reach our on-call care team.
P.P.S - All of our Zoom Sunday School classes will be taking Easter Sunday off to spend time with family; we will resume classes on April 11.
Work of the Church: March 2021
Highlights from the February 27, 2021, Meeting of John Calvin Presbytery, convened virtually. Rev. Chris Miller, Springfield Trinity Presbyterian, presided over Morning Worship and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The worship theme focused on the Laments and Hopes of the past year. The Necrology Report was offered with a remembrance of Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Cavicchia by Rev. Kent Hollingsworth and Trinity member Gayleen Jones. The Rev. Dr. Craig Barnes, President of Princeton Theological Seminary, brought the message and Trinity staff and members Robert Reed, Carla Wootton, and James Martin provided music and a liturgy. It was an impressive and meaningful service.
The JCP Administrative Commission presented a report on the grants funded since June. Trinity has received $4,000 in Community Needs Grants and $2,500 in AV/Technology Grants. This JCP grant program will continue for nine more months. The Treasurer reported a modest shortfall for the year 2020, which was less than expected due to good management of expenses and good return on most investments. The operating year of the Presbytery was changed from September-August to the calendar year.
Trinity’s Commissioners to John Calvin Presbytery are Sharon Marsh and Kathy Morriss.
The Deacons March Report: The Board of Deacons met by Zoom on Sunday, March 14, 2021. Highlights of their discussions included:
Concerns identified through Congregational Care and Deacon group contacts guide our prayers, particularly the families who are dealing with acute illness or loss of loved ones.
Deacons’ contacts are regularly logged in the CCB tool.
A proposal to expand the Congregational Care ministry is being drafted for Session review and feedback. We anticipate submitting it by the April Session meeting.
The next stated meeting of the Deacons is Sunday, April 11, 2021.
Kristin Butler is the Chair of Deacons, and Mary Kay Hoops is Clerk of Deacons
The Session met via video conference on Sunday, March 21, 2021. The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, April 18, 2021.
During their March meeting, the Session:
Approved the Access Agreement with Brentwood Christian Church, and accompanying Exhibits A, B, and C.
Amended the 2021 Budget to reflect the costs associated with the Access Agreement.
Designated $50,000 from the ICS reserve fund to meet the obligations of Item 4, Capital Expenditures of the Access Agreement, under the direction of the Trustees.
Amended the 2021 Budget to support the hiring of a part-time Youth Staff.
Approved the Mission & Public Witness Committee to hold a fund drive / special offering to raise funds to support a new Eden Village Emergency Shelter Project.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report
Total Income
2/1-2/28/2021: $55,416.04 YTD (1/1-2/28/2021): $81,074.04
Total Expenses
2/1-2/28/2021: $34,472.68 YTD (1/1-2/28/2021): $59,873.78
Operating Budget Account Balance as of 2/28/21: $65,935.41
ICS (Insured Cash Sweep -- also known as “Trinity Funds for the Future”) Account Balance as of 2/28/21: $681,227.68
Petty Cash as of 2/28/21: $121.80
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The following is a list of the various committees and organizations of Trinity, along with their leadership teams for 2021. While we are unable to meet in person, most of the focus of the work of the church has been on mission outreach.
Christian Education and Faith Formation (Leadership Team: Nia Howard (E), Katie Kull (D), and Amy Price (E)). At the March meeting, the Committee continued discussion of a Sunday School curriculum and materials that have the potential to be used for all age groups, as well as inter-generational activities. Carla Wooten presented ideas for young children and worship from the conference she attended in February. The committee reviewed potential duties for the position of a Youth Staff person presented by Carla. Ongoing items include plans around Traveling Day Camp for Trinity children and the Montreat Youth Conference in North Carolina; both to take place in the Summer.
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Katie Kull (D), and Jim Stewart (E)).
Finance (Leadership Team: Bob Kick (E), Colleen Laas (D), and Susan Uffmann (E)). The Finance Committee met February 11. Discussions continue regarding the possibility of establishing two foundation funds.
Generosity and Engagement (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E), Max Perryman (D), and John Rush (E)). Because the pandemic has prevented an in-person ENGAGEMENT FAIR to showcase opportunities for members to become involved in the work of Trinity, the committee is exploring alternative options. Generosity and Engagement is encouraging each of the standing committees to write a summary in the Church Newsletter of its activities and procedures for volunteering.
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Penni Groves (E), Mary Kay Hoops (D), and Todd Morriss (E)). During its March 9 meeting, the Mission and Public Witness Committee:
Heard a presentation from Brian Fogel, Eden Village / Community Foundation Project, about proposed projects that would help meet the urgent need for emergency shelter for homeless individuals in the Springfield community.
Voted to pledge $15,000 to Eden Village for the purchase of The Redwood Motel, to be paid over 2 years.
Voted to request that the Session approve holding a special offering to help fund the purchase of The Redwood Motel.
Personnel (Leadership Team: Bob Kick (E), Jim Stewart (E) and Brenda Williams (E)). The Personnel Committee met in March to discuss adding a part-time Youth Staff position to the Trinity staff. This person will be responsible for Worship and Wonder on Sunday mornings, organize and lead the Youth Fellowship activities, and support and assist the Youth Sunday School. This position will be under the direction of the Children and Youth Coordinator. The committee approved the salary and job description for this position.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Randy Hoops (E), Cletus Johnson (E), and Gail Tombleson (D)). The Welcome and Fellowship Committee met on March 17. Anticipating the return of in-person worship and other activities, the Committee is exploring a number of potential activities, e.g. a church luncheon and picnic, for the next few months. The Welcome and Fellowship Committee is available to provide logistical assistance to other committees planning church-wide gatherings.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Susan Uffmann (E), and Brenda Williams (E)). The Worship & Music Committee met March 15 to formalize plans for Holy Week and Eastertide. All Trinity households will receive a mailing soon with palm leaf crosses, Holy Week devotions and information on special worship opportunities.
The committee also heard insights from Carla’s recent Association of Presbyterian Church Educators training; we are eager to engage Trinity children and youth with worship in new and creative ways. Jesus wants children to be full participants in the worshiping community!
Conversations are ongoing about a phased return to in-person worship. Please watch for a brief congregational survey about this process, which we often refer to as “a dial, rather than a light switch.” Recorded and even live-streamed services will continue for the foreseeable future.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Update on Charlotte Dugan
A Note from Catherine Kussman (Charlotte Dugan’s daughter) shared from CaringBridge:
Hello Everyone!
I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything here. Mom, Suzy and I are missing Mike a lot! Seems like there are so many little memories I have of him saying or doing something that I think of him daily!
The main reason for this post, though, is that April 5th is a big day for mom! It’s her 80th Birthday! What a milestone, given all she has been through the last two years. We are so grateful to still have her with us and to be able to visit her more as COVID restrictions have been eased in our area and mom has had her two vaccine shots! We even hope to have her out to our house on Easter. All of Scott’s and my kids will be home and Suzy will be here. I know her kids will be here in spirit and maybe even FaceTime or Zoom.
If you would like to send a picture of yourself or a short video clip saying Happy Birthday to Charlotte you can post them on her Facebook account or you can send to me via email to cathkooz@gmail.com or text to my number (309) 830-4333 and I will be sure she sees them. If you would like to send a card her address is 801 N Gregory St., Apt 112. Normal IL 61761. She misses her family, friends, PEO group, church and neighbors. She would love to hear from you! You are also welcome to call or text her at (417) 861-2989.
Please know she thinks of you often! You will always have a place in her heart! Let’s get together and wish Charlotte the happiest 80th Birthday!
Carla's Corner
Yesterday, as my husband was getting ready to head to Evangel to teach his brass class he said, "You know, I feel really hopeful. Last year at this time I was spending about 20 hours a week just trying to figure out how to teach this brass class virtually, with kids who had to move home due to Covid who didn't have a good internet connection, and then we had to figure out how to get them an instrument, textbook, not to mention finding a time when all could Zoom. Now we're getting to meet in person (masking and distanced) and I'm getting to teach. So some might still feel very depressed about this situation, but I'm feeling so much better!" We also talked about the warmer weather and how spring is in the air and things are blooming. As I sit here writing this article, I can hear the birds outside just chirping away. And how appropriate that this Sunday is Easter. To me, Easter is the pinnacle of hope. I hope you all are feeling it. When Jesus died on that cross and rose from the grave 3 days later, he set the standard for hope. I hope you feel it; now....today. It is definitely here!
Vaccine From a Friendly Face!
Most kids don't like getting shots, but when our own Sarah Muegge is the one giving it, you know it's okay! Carrie Arquitt sent me pics of Katherine and Ansley getting their Covid shots, and Sarah was the nurse in charge. So move over Mary Poppins with your "spoonful of sugar-helps the medicine go down..." We have Sarah!
Youth Time This Saturday!
Instead of getting together this Sunday on Easter, all youth & friends are invited to my house at noon this Saturday and we are going to drive to Fellows Lake (5 minutes from my house), have a picnic, walk some of the new trails and maybe fly some kites. I'm planning on getting Subway sandwiches for our picnic lunches, so all youth coming should let me know what they prefer. As of right now, we will be having youth time in-person as much as possible. We have been aiming for the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, but we will reevaluate that depending on the schedules of our youth who want to participate.
Easter Sunday Preview!
I'm very excited about our children and youth reading the scripture from John for our Virtual Easter Service. This will be similar to the reading our kids did for the virtual Christmas Eve service. I have divided up the 18 verses and the kids are reading a verse with their parents making a video of them doing it. The videos are texted or emailed to me and then I put it all together for our service. We will also have some very special music that you won't want to miss! We hope everyone has a very happy Easter Sunday!
Youth Parent Meeting Regarding Montreat
I am currently trying to find a good time to have a parent meeting for the kids (grades 9-12) who want to go to Montreat in July. I will be reaching out to all of our youth parents in the next week to secure a time when we can meet in-person or via Zoom, whatever works best for those involved.
What do YOU worry about?
Some of us remember a Bobby McFarrin song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Despite how simple that sounds, we really can’t help but worry.
During the record cold weather a few weeks ago many of us worried about frozen plumbing, power outages, or an old furnace that might not keep up. Those are all legitimate worries. However, there are many people in our community that don’t have to worry about those things. They have to worry about hypothermia, dehydration, and where will they sleep tonight. Of course, I’m talking about the homeless population of our community. Finding cold weather shelters for the homeless this winter has been a challenge.
Well, there is a solution that has just been made available. In an email to our Mission and Public Witness Committee, fellow Trinity member Brian Fogle, President of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, has made us aware of this opportunity. Here’s an excerpt from Brian’s email. “The opportunity has come up for Eden Village to buy a motel next to their campground on W Chestnut. It’s only 20 units, but has been totally rehabbed, and has room to add another 30 units later, which would be the max we could have in one place."
$150,000 has already been pledged toward the $750,000 price of the motel. Mission and Public Witness has pledged $15,000. The committee would like to challenge the members of our congregation to contribute another $5,000 toward this project. Some of us will receive tax refunds. Some may receive economic stimulus checks even though we may not have been economically impacted by the pandemic.
If you would like more information about this project please contact Penni Groves (pennimarie@msn.com) or Todd Morriss (rtoddmorriss@gmail.com)
If you would like to help, here’s how:
Visit our online giving page (https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give) and click "Make a One Time Gift." Enter the amount you want to give and select "Eden Village" from the designation drop-down menu. Follow the prompts to enter your payment information and make your secure online gift. You can also mail a check to the church with "Eden Village" in the memo line. Our address is:
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Attn: Treasurer / Eden Village Fund
1900 E Barataria St
Springfield, MO 65804
However you give, thank you for your generosity!
Transportation Help Needed
A Trinity member needs to go to St. Louis on Friday, May 21, and return to Springfield on Monday, May 24. This person will pay for meals and will help with gas expenses. Please contact Sharon Marsh at (417) 880-5988 (call or text) if you can help with one or both day’s transportation.
Trinity Book Club
The next meeting for the Trinity Book Club will be on April 12 at 7:00 p.m. We will be discussing the book Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Richardson. We hope to see you there.
The Common Table Podcast
Each week Pastor Chris is joined by a guest to discuss life, faith, and where we are on the journey. From Trinity members and staff to local ministry leaders and community members, there's always room at The Common Table! Listen and learn more at: https://commontablepodcast.com
We will be taking a break from new episodes of The Common Table until after Easter, so now is a great time to get caught up!
One Great Hour of Sharing
Make your gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering between now and Easter by visiting https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give and selecting One Great Hour of Sharing as your gift designation. For more than 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need. In fact, OGHS is the single, largest way Presbyterians come together every year to work toward a better world.
The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People, all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
Visit our OGHS page on the Trinity website to learn more: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/oghs
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
April Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month
Apr 4 Pat Lange
Apr 5 Charlotte Dugan
Apr 6 David Bohnenkamper
Apr 6 Phyllis Holmes 95
Apr 9 Laura Fleetwood
Apr 10 Katie Groves
Apr 17 Jeanne Reed
Apr 20 Cindy Rodgers
Apr 22 Leah Stewart 7
Apr 22 Logan Stewart 7
Apr 27 Jan Dunn
Apr 30 Bea Duddridge
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
Topical Discussions Fellowship:
April 4 Easter, no Sunday School class
We encourage anyone who doesn’t have a Sunday school home to join us for fellowship, discussion, and new insights into our faith. Furthermore, with our Zoom format for a little bit longer, the coffee will always be ‘just the way you like it’.
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
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 and she 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.
Johnny Woody entered the Church Triumphant on Friday, March 26. Please hold his wife Sue and the whole family circle in your prayers in the coming days.
Nancy Menzel joined the Church Triumphant on Wednesday morning, March 24, in Gainseville, Florida, after a year of failing health. Trinity (and First & Calvary before Trinity) were all very important to the Menzels. Nancy was very active in Presbyterian Women. They "appreciate Trinity very much."
For Grace Schroff, who had knee replacement surgery on March 30.
For the family and friends of Liz Sweet, upon her passing.
For Jan Redfern on the passing of her husband, Greg.
For Todd Morriss, as he is evaluated by a specialist team for possible cancer surgery.
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 face health challenges and appreciates your continued prayers.
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
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