Trinity Newsletter for August 15, 2024
New E-mail Address for Church Newsletter
Beginning this week, all submissions for the church newsletter should be sent to newsletter@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org. Please have all articles submitted no later than Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.
Trinity Nominating Committee Needs Your Input
As we begin to consider church officers for the coming year, we invite your recommendations for individuals to serve as Elders, Deacons, and members of the Nominating Committee. You may recommend yourself!
Please send names and specify office to Daphne Anderson by Sept. 1.
We ask for your prayers and thoughtful consideration of these opportunities to serve God and your church.
Have You Read This?
God is Like ... Three Parables for Children. By Julie Walters.
The beautiful watercolor pictures show what a rock, a spark of light, and a breath of wind really can be.
Book found in the Infant – Age 5 section.
The War That Saved My Life. By Kimberly Brubacker Bradley.
Most days Ada sits by the window looking out but never leaving the apartment. She can’t walk but has taken care of her little brother, Jamie, since birth when their abusive mother is at work. Ada’s decision to learn how to walk on her clubfoot saves her and Jamie’s life when they must evacuate to the countryside to avoid the bombing of London during World War 2. They are placed with Susan Smith, who at first does not want them but has no choice but to take them in. All three change, but that ends when their mother forces them to return to London with her. The next morning, when the bombs start falling, how does Ada get out of the apartment after her mother threw away her crutches and special shoes?
Book found in the Middle School section.
Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again.
By Rachel Held Evans.
Rachel Evens tries to find answers to questions like "Is the Bible inspired or is it an instruction manual?". She examines then explains possible interpretations, retellings, and debates about our favorite Bible stories, most difficult passages, and scriptural mysteries in the Bible. How does she help us to understand and learn that the Bible is a living, breathing book to equip one to join in God’s work in the world?
Book found in the Faith Formation section.
All these books and more are available in the Redfern Memorial Children’s & Youth Library.
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.
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!
Transitional Pastor Search Committee (TPSC) Update
The TPSC has 5 members: Teresa Olsen (Moderator), Daphne Anderson, Carrie Arquitt, Dave Fleetwood, and Bill Trotter. We have also had input and support from Rev. Barry Williams, Ruling Elder Malinda Spencer, and Clerk of Session Patty Dunne.
We have met 7 times since May 28. The progress has included completing a Ministry Discernment Profile. After approval by our session and then the COM (Committee on Ministry) the profile was uploaded to the CLC (Church Leadership Connection). This allows us to match with pastors seeking a Transitional Pastor position. We have been in contact with numerous applicants. We will meet again August 14.
Calvin Classic 2.0 Golf Tournament
Teams are still forming for the Calvin Classic 2.0 golf tournament, Sept. 7 at 10:00 a.m., at Deer Lake Golf Course. The total cost per foursome is $216. Lunch is included. Check-in starts at 9:00 a.m. in the clubhouse. Deer Lake is offering prizes of free rounds of golf for a Hole-in-One on #9; Longest Drive on #16; Closest to the Pin on #11; and Lowest Team Score. Contact Mike Simpson for more information.
Thank You from Care To Learn
Trinity Presbyterian Church,
Thank you so much for participating in our Care to Learn donation box drive! We truly appreciate your support and all you do for our community. We couldn't do what we do without you!
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Jill Rea
Chapter Services Project Coordinator
Care to Learn
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.
Faith Like A River-Resources Mentioned in Class
As a follow-up to last week’s Sunday School
Presentation by Jane Huffstetler, here is the PCUSA podcast “A Matter of Faith” with Brian Kaylor, a Missouri author, on his book about mainline denominations’ contributions to Christian Nationalism:
Also, here is the link to the voting issues guide from the Office of Public Witness:
August: Deserts, swamps, and floods: How do challenges affect our faith, and what are possible responses?
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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