Trinity Newsletter for June 20, 2024
From Pastor Chris
Over the past few weeks we have been exploring together how we might build deeper, more connectional relationships, both here at Trinity and in our broader lives. We have discussed how asking questions, like "...where are you from? ...where does it hurt? and ...what do you need?" can allow us to move beyond surface-level interactions into authentic connection.
On Sunday, we will finish this four-week series by asking the question "Where do we go from here?" What happens after we take the first step; after we open ourselves up? Once we have worked up the courage to ask the vulnerable question, to go deeper in relationship, where do we go next?
I hope you will be able to join us for worship as we explore together, and plan to stick around for our start-of-summer potluck lunch! One way we can go deeper in connection together is by sharing meals and conversation, so this Sunday will be a great way to practice together.Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Volunteer Need: Trinity Welcome Desk
Could you give three hours a month to help Trinity be a more welcoming place? We are looking for some friendly folks to help staff our volunteer Welcome Desk during the week, and I would like you to consider trying it out. Our goal is, between Brentwood and Trinity, to have at least one volunteer at the desk during office hours (Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.), with each volunteer taking either a morning (9:00 a.m. - Noon) or afternoon (Noon - 3:00 p.m.) shift.
Alyssa will train all volunteers, but the basic duties are:
Be a friendly, welcoming face for any visitors to the church.
Answer the main Trinity and Brentwood phones and assist callers with grace. Take messages or transfer calls as needed.
Assist with basic office tasks, such as folding and stuffing bulletins or mailings.
Have fun!
We know that committing to a long-term role is sometimes hard, so we want to invite you to choose a time that works for you and try a single shift to see if it's a good fit. If you enjoy it, consider returning once a month, once a week, or simply whenever fits into your schedule. We have volunteer slots currently available through August 1, with more coming soon.
To sign up, simply follow the link below, choose an open time slot(s), and enter your name, email, and phone number. There is no login or password needed. SIGN UP HERE.
Thank you in advance for helping make Trinity a more welcoming place!
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.
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.
Adult Class Offerings
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 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*
The Work of Your Church From Session
TPSC update: What is TPSC? Transitional Pastor Search Committee. We are: Daphne Anderson, Carrie Arquitt, David Fleetwood, Teresa Olsen (Chairperson), Bill Trotter, Moderator of Session, Barry Williams, and Executive Presbyter, Melinda Spencer.
We have met multiple times and are working to quickly complete and submit our Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) in order to begin to request matches for a transitional pastor. This process, although complicated, has helped us to realize that we are a desirable church with a faithful congregation living our mission. With this foundation holding us up, although anxious we are also hopeful. During this time of transition we all are experiencing some anxiety. However, we also are excited about our future and what we can become as we embark on this faithful journey. Please feel free to contact any of the members with concerns, questions, or suggestions.
Welcome and Fellowship:
There will be a summer fellowship potluck lunch following worship on June 23 in the fellowship hall. If you would like to leave a card for the Millers we will have a card basket out. The annual Church Picnic will be held on World Communion Sunday, October 6.
Christian Ed. And Faith Formation:
Vacation Bible School - This joint program with Trinity and Westminster Presbyterian churches was held May 28-31, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Thanks to the 43 volunteers and Coordinator Sarah Muegge, who provided a wonderful set of activities for 19 active children. This year’s VBS involved a theme of food: for skits, games, science demonstrations, songs, and crafts, as metaphors for a fun and vibrant Christian faith with the children.
Summer Adult Sunday School Combined Class - The annual combined Adult Summer Sunday school is underway. The theme this summer is Faith Like a River, with topics addressing faith formation, spiritual practices, and more. This combined class meets weekly in the Fellowship Hall, from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. The classes occur June 2 through August 25. Participation, discussion, and fellowship are encouraged. Coffee and Tea are served.
SALT and Topical Fellowship Adult Sunday school classes are in abeyance for the summer months, as is the Children’s Sunday school class.
Worship and Wonder, for children ages 3 through grade 3, continues to meet weekly in the summer, during the Sermon time, in Room 16.
Jerry Redfern Memorial Children and Youth Library- Is open for use in Room 21. Please visit this lovely library and check-out books for your children and youth this summer.
Generosity and Engagement:
The committee met every other month this year in February, April, and June 2024. We reviewed the 2023 Pledge Drive, including the 166 pledge envelopes that were mailed. Thank you notes from the 2023 Pledge Drive were mailed in early 2024. We discussed Legacy Giving Sunday on May 26, the Stewardship Navigator timeline, potential dates for the 2024 pledge drive, and potential themes.
Finance Committee:
The Finance committee continues to monitor the church finances every month with our Treasurer and, to date, our financial position is very good. We are also continuing the process to find a new treasurer, since Steve Kane will be leaving this position at the end of 2024. Please contact a member of the Finance Committee with any suggestions for a replacement. This individual should have an accounting background.
Personnel Committee:
During our time at Brentwood Christian Church (Brentwood), Brentwood has paid for two nursery workers for the entire Sunday morning time, starting with Brentwood’s Sunday School hour and finishing with the end of Trinity’s worship service. Starting in June 2024, Trinity will reimburse Brentwood for childcare services from 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., which currently totals $60.75 per Sunday.
Mission and Pubic Witness:
Mission and Public Witness will be serving a meal at The Youth Connect Center in downtown Springfield on July 31. This meal continues to support the work being done by Grace Methodist and Trinity's commitment to help on the fifth Wednesday. The Community Support Group has been informed by the International Institute of Southwest Missouri that there will be several refugee families arriving in Springfield at the end of June. The group is ready and excited to support a new family.
Treasurer’s report:
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!
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