Trinity Newsletter for May 30, 2024
From Pastor Chris
This coming Sunday we will begin our summer series focused on building deep relationships by asking courageous questions. I want to highlight a few ways you can get the most from this four-week series:
Attend worship starting this Sunday, either in-person or online. Our services will include artwork, poetry, and prayers to supplement the scripture and sermon as we explore how asking thoughtful questions can lead to deep relationships.
Participate in our mid-week discussion and study group. Each Wednesday in June, Pastor Chris will lead a group at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity where we will dive deeper into the week's topic, including video reflections from four pastors and theologians.
Make use of our at-home study guide and question pack. We will have printed copies available for everyone starting this Sunday. These resources will give you tools to reflect on our weekly topics and put the practices we are discussing into use.
Please do remember that we have an important congregational meeting after worship this Sunday where we will discuss the transition process as I move to my next pastoral call in Kansas City. This will include an important procedural vote and other helpful updates, so please plan to attend.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
I've Been Meaning to Ask...
a series for curiosity, courage, & connection
Often in worship and study here at Trinity we reflect on the fact that we are living in a very divided society. Across all social groups people report feeling more disconnected and lonely than nearly any point in recent memory, yet we don't know what to do about it.
During the month of June, Pastor Chris will be leading us through a series of events focused on addressing this pressing question in our society and church. During this series, our leading question, "I've been meaning to ask... "conveys intentionality, warmth, curiosity, and consideration. In essence, this question also implies the following statements: "I've been thinking about you and I've been wanting to check in... You've been on my mind... I haven't known how to have this conversation, but I'm getting started with a question." The ellipses symbolize the main objective of this series: to cultivate courageous conversations-- and to keep having them, even if we need to pause. Our weekly sub-themes provide a trajectory for going deeper. These questions aren't surface level; they invite us to share our pain and seek ways to care for one another. We pray that through vulnerability and authenticity these conversations lead us to glimpse hope, joy, and beauty.
There will be several ways for you to take part:
Weekly Worship: Each of the first four weeks of June will focus on this series.
Mid-week Discussion Group: Each Wednesday in June Pastor Chris will lead a discussion group at 10:30am. (See the article below for more details)
Self-Guided Resources: We will have both a study guide and discussion prompts for everyone to use at home starting the first Sunday in June.
Mark Your Calendars: Special Study Opportunity With Pastor Chris
During the month of June our worship focus will be on building deeper relationships and connections in our community as we engage in the series "I've Been Meaning to Ask..." (See the article above fore more details!) As part of our study, Pastor Chris will be hosting a mid-week discussion group to dive deeper into the topics we will explore in worship. No RSVP is needed, simply join the group each Wednesday in June at 10:30 a.m. in Room 17 at Trinity.
Volunteers Needed for Safe To Sleep
Dear Friends,
Safe to Sleep has an immediate need for more volunteers to support our mission of providing emergency shelter for women in our community.
On June 3rd from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., we are opening our doors to anyone who is interested in volunteering to learn more and see the shelter as it is operating.
Anyone who is interested in attending can RSVP to jluraas@ccozarks or contact our office at (417) 862-3586 ext. 119.
Thank you for your dedication to our shared mission!
Sincerely,
Jessica Luraas
Assistant Director
Safe to Sleep
Wiggle Room
Everyone is welcome in the sanctuary. If you have a fussy child and would like to step out while continuing to participate in worship, please feel free to make use of our new Wiggle Room in Room 14. The room is outfitted with comfortable chairs, a changing table, a small bathroom, and a new (to us) television mounted on the wall, showing the livestream. Please note that children in the Wiggle Room must be accompanied by a grownup who brought them. Children three-and-under can be dropped off in the Nursery in Room 12.
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.
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.
Combined, Summer Adult Class
Faith like a River
Spend time with friends this summer learning and discussing together what contributes to our experience of faith. Many streams may contribute to the flow of faith, some similar for us all, and some that may vary. Sunday School for all adults this summer is designed as lesson topics that are related but also stand alone, so anyone can come to any session as you are able.
June: Springs of Origin – How does faith develop?
June 2 Introduction and beginning exploration (Chris Miller, Brenda Williams, Daphne Anderson) What does our Reformed Faith tradition say about the beginnings of faith, and what “faith” actually means? We will explore contributions to the origin of individual stories of faith, from early experiences with family, and at church, church camp, and the “sense of wonder” that we experience in the world.
June 9 Learning from the Bible (Jane Huffstettler) How do we understand and “read” Scripture, what is its role in faith development, and how can it hinder faith if used in ways that are unhelpful?
June 16 Lifelong Faith Formation (Dave Muegge) APCE material based on work of Jon Roberto, author and teacher, using Roberto’s recent book, Lifelong Faith: Formation for All Ages and Generations.
June 23 Listening and Care (Bob Kick) How do we “show up” for others, and what has been our experience of others “showing up” for us? This quality in relationships (both among church members and between family and friends) can be a powerful means of helping faith grow as we show God’s love. Adapted from presentations at Presbytery event by Dr. Beth McGraw
June 30 Learning from Culture – TV and movies! (Sarah Muegge) Finding themes of grace in Frasier or All in the Family.
July: Tributaries – How does faith grow over time?
July 7 Individual practices for growing faith (Daphne, Cletus, Colleen H) What are some spiritual practices of real-life people? Come learn from those you know about the ways they have experienced faith in everyday life.
July 14 Engagement and Generosity as means of growing our faith (Carrie Arquitt and committee members)
July 21 Reaching out to others through Service (Martha Sparrow). How does our involvement with those who are experiencing need affect our own faith? (may also include a segment on Psalms)
July 28 Cultural influences for good and ill (Jon White) Broader cultural influences that have affected church life as well as our individual experiences of faith, and what are ways of being true to our faith even as we grapple with these changes?
August: Deserts, swamps, and floods: How do challenges affect our faith, and what are possible responses?
August 4 The once and future church (Malinda Spencer) The church cannot be the same over centuries and even over decades! How can the church adapt and stay healthy, even if it might look very different? Also, hear a brief update about actions of General Assembly.
August 11 What is the current challenge of politics and Christian Nationalism? (Jane H) As we have seen, in recent years many have tried to meld religion into public life in ways that challenge our faith. How can we engage in ways that foster dialog and understanding across differences?
August 18 Working with challenges (Barry Williams) Churches have periods of challenge and sometimes great conflict. What are ways we can learn from tension, acknowledge pain, work together through changes, and find energy for the future?
*August 25: Summary and potluck breakfast*
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