Trinity Newsletter for May 16, 2024
From Pastor Chris
This weekend, along with Christians around the world, Trinity will celebrate Pentecost. Originally a Jewish harvest festival, Pentecost is more readily known today as the moment the Holy Spirit was made known to the early church. Pentecost comes at the end of the season of Easter and is sometimes called the birthday of the church.
Over the past few weeks we have been exploring together what it means for the Holy Spirit to be active in our church and our lives. One common theme has been disruption. The Spirit often moves in ways we might not expect, predict, or even necessarily like. Yet, when the church follows the Spirit's leading we can find moments of joy, hope, and transformation.
I would encourage you to spend some time over the coming days to pray for the Holy Spirit's leading to be known and followed in our world. Yes, we want to pray for the Spirit to guide us here at Trinity, but also in our broader community, our nation, and our world. There can be no doubt that God's Spirit is needed in these days, so let us each pray with hope and expectation.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Update: Trinity’s Refugee Resettlement Activities
In September 2021, the Mission and Public Witness Committee of our Church provided starter funds to the International Institute of Southwest Missouri, to aid in development of an Afghan Refugee settlement program in Springfield. Working closely with the International Institute, Trinity Members formed a Community Support Group (CSG), which from late 2021 through 2023, worked to resettle eight refugees – young men from about 17 to 30 years of age - in Springfield.
We provided dinner on the night of their arrival and, as soon as possible, we took each refugee shopping to provide food, familiarize them with the available choices, and teach wise choices on a budget.
The International Institute arranged rental housing, including furnishing beds and many supplies. Church members donated furniture and other items, and the CSG bought other necessities to outfit the home. Additional support from Trinity paid rent for the first several months.
As the refugees had few clothes, we purchased day-to-day clothing, shoes, and winter coats, and later dress clothing for job interviews, as needed.
The International Institute helped the refugees find work and the CSG provided many car rides to job interviews.
Health care needs had begun to be addressed at military bases before the refugees arrived in Springfield; however, many needs remained to be addressed. The CSG provided transportation and assistance with mental health appointments from Burrell facilities; medical appointments at Jordan Valley Health Center; and appointments as needed with optometry, dental services, pharmacy, and additional medical care providers as needed.
Attempts to introduce each new refugee to the Springfield community meant enjoyable times and the development of significant friendships. Members of the CSG visited the refugees in their homes, prepared food, attended a baseball game together, decorated Christmas cookies, watched movies, shared meals during Ramadan, and provided a meal in celebration of Eid.
The CSG provided transportation, clerical assistance, and social support as the refugees worked to fulfill the many legal requirements necessary to obtain asylum.
Currently, all eight refugees have been granted asylum. They are now scattered in many directions across the country but are working diligently at one or more jobs, paying their bills, increasing their English proficiency, continuing their education, and seeking to secure family members’ relocation to the U.S.
Many thanks to Trinity members who contributed so much to the successful resettlement of these men including:
Martha Sparrow
Mike and Jeanne Simpson
Kate and Melissa Companik
Susie Dollar
David and Christy Conaway
Brenda Havens
David and Kathy Bohnenkamper
Beth and Bob Kick
And of course, all Trinity member through donations of gift cards and household items, and your pledges.
Trinity is about to begin working with a new group of refugees. Stay tuned for more details.
Thanks to the Trinity Children's Bell Choir for their wonderful contribution to worship last Sunday.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
PW in the PC(USA): Triennial CHURCHWIDE GATHERING
St. Louis, MO
“Do Everything in Love”
Thursday, August 8 - Sunday, August 11, 2024
Join women from all over the World!
(Visit presbyterianwomen.org/gathering for information and registration)
PW at Trinity:Summer Luncheon
Trinity Presbyterian, Springfield, MO
Saturday, July 13, 2024
1:30 p.m.
Join new and old friends as we gather to celebrate our past, present and future!
(More information to come)
We hope to see everyone at one, two, or all three exciting events!
AND DON’T FORGET -
Send your contributions to Trinity’s PW today to continue our exciting work together!!
Mail to: Gail Tombleson
2717 W Trevor Trail
Ozark, MO 65721
Do You Worship with Trinity Online?
Each week in the Sanctuary we pass our Fellowship Pads and Visitor Cards. We now have a digital Connection Card for all our friends who worship with us online! If you are a regular (or semi-regular) online worshiper, please consider using our mobile-friendly Connection Card the next time you join us for worship.
Simply follow this link to note your participation in worship, share a prayer request, and more: https://bit.ly/trinitysgfconnect
Thanks for helping us better connect with our Trinity family!
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.
Young Children: Ages Kindergarten through grade 5 meet in the Children's Room in the southwest corner of the building. The Bible we use is called Growing in God's Love. Classes include activities and crafts. Teachers Sarah Muegge and Jan Redfern would be happy to see our Trinity kids and their friends.
Youth-Opportunities to Connect: In the planning stages for this year! Friends are welcome to join in activities and events as we connect with each other in and outside of Trinity.
Adult Class Offerings
Room 17 Adult Class: Starting April 14 the Room 17 Adult class will begin the study series: Reading the Bible for Understanding:
This study introduces important means to consider when interpreting different parts of the Bible: narratives, poetry and wisdom, and letters. It also reviews what Reformed and Presbyterian Christians believe about the nature of the Bible, and texts and translations that are available to us. There will be an extra classroom copy of the participant book for anyone who wishes to drop in and join us during the six-week study. This will take us through the end of the Sunday School year in May. Through the summer, participants will be able to join in the combined adult Sunday School beginning June 2.
Topical Discussions Fellowship: Adult learners of all ages meet in the Fellowship Hall. With good coffee and fresh treats from the class members, we strive to discuss a variety of topics relevant to our religion in today's society. We hope you will join us for fellowship and discussion. Contact: Dave Muegge.
Four and More: This Bible study derives its name from meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays (presently meeting in person in room 17 at Trinity, and by Zoom). Anyone wanting to join can send their email address to the study leader Jane Huffstetler, and she will provide the Zoom link.
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