Weekly Newsletter 1 1/21/21
Trinity Presbyterian Church PC(U.S.A.)
Welcoming you to share the joy of Christ
Worshiping Together | Serving Together | Caring Together
January 21, 2021
From Pastor Chris
As I write to you this week, it is Wednesday evening. Earlier today I sat with my daughter and watched the inauguration of our President. I listened to his address, speaking of hope and unity in these deeply divided times. I was moved by the words of the poet laureate, reminding us of the work ahead.
My emotions this day are mixed. On one hand I have hope that the coming years may be filled with less controversy and more cooperation. I am overjoyed that my kids will grow up these next years seeing a woman of color as our Vice President. I was moved deeply to hear President Biden speak in his address of his faith, even quoting St. Augustine.
However, I also know that our ultimate hope is not found in political power. Whether we agree or not with the current political officials, we are called to the deep work of the Kingdom of Christ. It is work that transcends political administrations and refuses to be tied to party affiliation.
So, on this day, we lift up President Biden and Vice President Harris in prayer. May they be guided and guarded as they serve our nation. May they be given the courage and strength to do the hard work of governance in these days. More importantly, may we remember that the work of healing does not rest on their shoulders alone - it is for each of us.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
NOTICE: Annual Congregational Meeting
The Session of Trinity Presbyterian Church has called for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation and the Corporation to take place on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom. Additional information on how to participate in the meeting will be sent to members prior to the meeting. Business to be conducted during this meeting shall be the presentation of the 2020 Annual Report.
2020 Annual Report
The 2020 Annual Report for Trinity, which includes the 2020 end-of-year financial report, will be presented at the annual meeting on January 31, 2021. Copies will be distributed to all members the week before the meeting, and print copies will be available on request.
Carla's Corner
Do you ever feel like you complete one week saying, "Wow! What a week! I hope things calm down" only to find the following week is just as trying? Well, that was what last week was like for me. After my 2nd Shingles vaccination, I found myself experiencing all of the possible negative side effects as laid out by the CDC. But that is behind me now and, you know, that's life. I had some pain and discomfort as a result of my Shingles vaccination, but I know getting Shingles is FAR worse. Sometimes we have to experience a little discomfort in the short term, so we can have a brighter, healthier long term. And that is something I want for ALL of us!
Good-Bye Reed
Reed Dressler, who has been our Trinity Youth Pastor for the past several years, is leaving for Basic Training on February 1st. He will do that and his AIT (Advanced Individual Training) consecutively. Due to this and the hope that once he is done with all of his training we will be back to worshiping in person, this is probably good-bye to Reed, as he lives in Utah. I know Reed and Lexy would appreciate prayers and any well-wishes you would like to send. I have loved working with Reed and hope all the best for him in his future endeavors!
Here is his address:
Reed Dressler
878 E 4070 S.
Apt 17
Millcreek, UT 84107
Trinity Kids Newsletter
I'm not sure many have noticed, but I have been a little late on my January newsletter. I've actually decided to send out a January/February newsletter, so you will be getting that in the next week. Although we only had 1 Trinity kid with a birthday in January (Grace Douglas), we will have 3 Trinity kids with February birthdays; Emmett Douglas-Feb 7, Ansley Arquitt -Feb 11, and Connor Holliday-February 13. This and more will be highlighted in our Trinity Kids Newsletter, that will be emailed to you!
Rare Breed 4th Friday Sacked Meals
Our Trinity Kids will be continuing to provide 40 sacked meals to Rare Breed the 4th Friday of every month. At some point, post-Covid, all Trinity kids who want to help will be able to get together at church and make these sacked meals for Rare Breed. But right now we're all making them in our own homes. I will pick them up around 10:00 a.m. at your house on Friday morning then take them to Rare Breed. This month we want to thank the Garvin Family, Miller Family, Groves Family and Wootton Family for providing the sacked lunches. Any Trinity kids’ families who want to participate for next month should text me and let me know! 417-849-6865.
Youth Sunday School
As Reed departs, Pastor Chris has offered to teach our youth Sunday School class for the month of February. That will give me time to talk with parents and the CE committee about Reed's replacement and what direction we would like to go regarding our youth. I will be contacting all of our parents, but please feel free to reach out to me with ideas. All youth that want to participate in Sunday school will log onto our church zoom link Sunday morning and will then be sent to a breakout room, just like the other Sunday School classes. We will not be using Discord. As Reed is getting ready for a new chapter in his life so are our youth, and we want to make it as wonderful as possible!
Trinity Board of Deacons Report for January, 2021
The Board of Deacons met via Zoom on Sunday, Jan. 10. Kristin Butler was elected moderator and Mary Kay Hoops was elected clerk. Topics of discussion were
Prayer requests, including joys and sorrows identified through Congregational Care and Deacon group contacts
Church officer training modules to be completed by Jan. 31
Group assignments for incoming Deacons
Refining our process for making and managing contacts
Considering whether Trinity would benefit from additional Deacons.
Pastor Chris offered a reminder that holding our church family together with love and care, especially in this time of pandemic, is an essential ministry.
The Common Table Podcast
Our new podcast, featuring conversations with Trinity members, ministry leaders, and others in our community, is now live! Our eighth episode is now available, featuring a great discussion with Trinity's Director of Music, Robert Reed. To listen and learn more about The Common Table, visit https://commontablepodcast.com
Here is the schedule of current and upcoming episodes of The Common Table:
Dec 2 - Katie Kull
Dec 9 - Rev. Bill Havens
Dec 16 - Katherine Arquitt
Dec 23 - James Martin
Dec 30 - Rev. Jacob Douylliez (Seminary colleague of Pastor Chris)
Jan 6 - Brenda Sneed
Jan 13 - Malinda Spencer (John Calvin Presbytery Pastoral Presbyter)
Jan 20 - Robert Reed
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
January Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month
January 9 Harry Criswell
Jerri Flikkema
Joan Menchetti
Martha Sparrow
January 10 Nell Jersak
January 11 Grace Douglas
Rachel Plate
January 12 DeAnn Holt
Sarah Muegge
Julie Thomas
January 15 Denise Miller
January 17 Rich Landrith
Marilyn Lowe
January 18 Rev. Chris Miller
January 21 June Thomas
January 25 Jillian Kane
January 26 Jim Forrester
January 28 Carole Douglas
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:
January 3: Class sharing and discussion-all members.
Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by United Methodist Pastor and Bishop, Robert Schnase.
Jim Stewart will teach and facilitate these classes, enriched with scripture and thoughtful discussion questions.
January 10: Radical Hospitality
January 17: Passionate Worship
January 24: Intentional Faith Development
January 31: Risk-Taking Mission and Service
February 7: Extravagant Generosity
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 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.
Prayers for Bill and Hope Trotter on the death of Bill’s father, Yates, on Sunday, January 17. Please hold the family, and all those who love Yates, in your prayers.
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 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
Brentwood Wi-Fi Information
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Learn more about Trinity Presbyterian Church at http://TrinitySpringfieldPCUSA.org
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Learn more about the denomination at http://www.pcusa.org
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Have something to add to our newsletter? Please send submissions to David Bohnenkamper at dabohnenkamper@gmail.com by Monday at 6:00 p.m.
