Trinity Newsletter for October 31, 2024
The Work of Your Church
From the Session
The Session met on September 15 and October 13, 2024 in Room 17 at Trinity Church. The next meeting of Session will be November 17,2024
During the September and October Session meeting the Elders:
Approved to dissolve our relationship with Scout Pack 214 effective 12/31/24.
Approved the Transfer of Barbara Willet’s membership to Campbell United Methodist.
Approved a Congregational meeting for November 3, 2024.
Approved for membership Barbara Welch and Bruce Bryant by reaffirmation of Faith.
Approved Trinity's Treasurer, Steve Kane, to accept a non-monetary gift of an automobile in good working order on behalf of Trinity Presbyterian Church for the purpose of selling said automobile for a nominal sum to a refugee family in need.
The Trustees approved insurance for this car through Church Mutual. The Trustees unanimously voted to authorize Bob Kick, Chair of Personnel Committee, to have Signatory Authority for titling and transfer purposes with this donated car.
Approved that all ordained Elders and Deacons be able to administer home communion.
Approved the Session shall develop an active, annual, sensitive process to assess the church roles yearly to identify inactive members.
The Transitional Pastor Search Committee (Teresa Olsen-E) recommends we hire the Reverend Dr. Thomas Willadsen as our Transitional Pastor. The contract between the Session of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Dr. Willadsen and John Calvin Presbytery will be effective December 1,2024 for one year. His first day in the pulpit will be December 1,2024.
The Session unanimously agreed to accept the contract.
The following is a list of various committees’ activities and their Chairperson.
Deacons: (Brenda Havens-D) Deacons met on October 13 to discuss congregational needs, Shepherd program, upcoming church activities, and Homebound Communion.
Finance Committee: (David Fleetwood-E) For the past couple of months, the Finance Committee has been working with Fritz, Nippes and Associates, LLC’ to provide a contract for core accounting services formerly provided by our Treasurer. Accounting source document submission to the external service to be ongoing by Trinity and Treasurer Stephen Kane, which will be about 2-4 hours per week instead of 16 hours. Until we can get a part time (volunteer) individual to take Steve’s position, he will continue to assist during the transition. If adopted, this contract would be effective starting in January 2025 and is to be presented to the Session in its November meeting for their approval.
The current workload for the Treasurer’s position has become too large a task to continue in a volunteer position. Steve has been doing this job as a volunteer for the past four years, and we need to thank him for his dedication and service to the church.
Anyone interested in doing this volunteer service as Treasurer, for approximately 2-4 hours a week after the contract is approved, please contact Dave Fleetwood or Steve Kane.
Generosity and Engagement (Carrie Arquitt-E) met as a virtual/in person hybrid meeting October 8, 2024. Carol Minton from Welcome and Fellowship, Pastor Bill Havens and Pastor Alyssa Spradlin were also present. We made final plans for the Stewardship Sunday service and Pie Supper on October 27, 2024.
Christian Education and Faith Formation: (Dave Muegge-E and Trustee) All are encouraged to engage with one of our Sunday School classes this fall, and the midweek Bible study. We look forward to upcoming Parents’ night out and Advent activities with children and youth.
Worship and Music: (Susan Uffmann) God continues to bless our vibrant worshipping community! The Worship & Music committee met on Oct. 9 to prepare for Advent and Christmas.
Coming up:
Sunday, Nov. 3 All Saints Remembrance and Communion in worship
Sunday, Dec. 1 Advent begins; Communion in worship
Sunday, Dec. 8 Advent concert by Ilace Mears at 6 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 12 Carols and S’Mores Outdoors at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19 Blue Christmas service at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22 Choir Cantata and Christmas Joy Offering in worship
Tuesday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service at 5 p.m.; Communion in worship
Sunday, Dec. 29 Don’t Forget to Laugh — A joyful Christmastide Hymn Sing service
Sunday, Jan. 5 Epiphany Sunday; Communion in worship
Mission and Public Witness: (Martha Sparrow-E) Trinity's Mission work will again support the upcoming Black Tie Gala as a Silver Sponsor. September 24 Trinity members took an evening meal to Safe to Sleep, which is an overnight women's shelter housed at Pathways United Methodist Church. Forty women were served dinner and many thanked Trinity for our support. We continue to provide a meal on the First Thursday of the month for the youth at Rare Breed.
Welcome and Fellowship: (Carol Minton-E) This committee met October 14 and discussed the Pie Supper on October 27 following Dedication of the pledges during the Worship service. Trinity Connects, for new members and others who are interested in learning about Trinity, will occur in 2025 on January 26, April 27, July 27, and October 26. Caroling and S’mores will be December 12, 2024. The committee also discussed cookies for Christmas eve.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Patty Dunn, Clerk of Session.
Reset Clocks this Weekend
Stewardship Sunday
Stewardship Sunday and the Pie Supper were this past Sunday October 27. Pastor Bill Havens led us in worship, and then we gathered in the Fellowship Hall for some delicious sweet and savory pies and fellowship. Treasurer Steve Kane totaled the pledges and there were 65 pledges and $269,226 pledged so far this year. Thank you to everyone!
Editor's Note:
Rev. Bill Havens asked that the following message be run in the newsletter the week before Stewardship Sunday. Unfortunately, technical difficulties beyond my control prevented the publishing of a newsletter last week. I have been asked to run the message this week, with Rev. Havens' permission.
STEWARDSHIP DEDICATION SUNDAY
Stewardship Dedication Sunday comes October 27, when we can make a thankful response to God and declare our part in the mission and ministry of Trinity Church.
Your presence and participation means that you are part of a vibrant mission in our community and far beyond.
During the Second World War parachutes were packed by hand in a tedious, painstaking, repetitive, boring process. The workers crouched over sewing machines and stitched for 8 hours a day. The endless line of fabric was all the same color. Then they folded, packed, and stacked the parachutes. All that was left was for someone to pull the rip cord.
How did they stand it? They stood it because every morning, before they began their work, they gathered as a group. One of the managers reminded them that each parachute they made would save someone’s life. They were then asked to think, as they sewed, folded, and packed, how they would feel if that parachute was strapped on the back of their son, their father, their brother.
These laborers worked sacrificially, unerringly, without complaint, because someone connected what they were doing to a larger picture, to a larger mission that involved the saving of lives.
As we answer Christ’s call, we learn to give—not because we have to, but because we want to express our gratitude to God. And we will help this church continue to be a giving church—in so many wonderful ways. And here in this church, you will continue to receive--you will be nourished and fed by the good news of God who is always a giver to you.
Grace and Peace,
Bill Havens
Lost and Found
Wondering where your pen, mug, charger, book, hat, sunglasses, or other elusive item is? Items turned into the church office will be placed in our new Lost & Found tubs, located on the shelf above the accessibility devices near the West entrance.
Screen Time?
Our wonderful AV team would like to request that if you ever need anything put on the screens for any service that is held at Trinity, please let us know in advance so we can load things into the program properly. Sometimes it is very hard to load things moments before an event. Thank you for this consideration.
New Office Volunteer Sign-ups are Available
Can 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. Volunteer shifts are usually 9:00 a.m. to Noon or Noon to 3:00 p.m. You do not need to be tech-savvy to volunteer.
The primary responsibilities are to answer the main Trinity and Brentwood phones and assist callers with grace; assist with basic office tasks, such as folding and stuffing bulletins or mailings; and – most importantly – to be a friendly, welcoming face for anyone who comes to our doors.
You can sign up for one shift a week, one shift a month or anything in between. There are available dates through Nov. 4, with more dates added each week. 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.
Get More Each Week
Our weekly email newsletter contains more updates than we include on the website. Get our monthly birthday updates, prayer requests, and more by signing up to get the newsletter delivered to your inbox each Thursday morning. Tap the button below to sign up now.
Trinity Officer Slate for 2025-2027
Your Trinity Nominating Committee has worked prayerfully and diligently to discern members for the offices of Elder, Deacon, and Nominating Committee member. The following individuals have answered the call to serve our congregation. They have submitted these answers to questions about what drew them to Trinity and how they have been involved, as well as their hopes for our church.
For Elder and Trustee:
Beth Kick
Trinity was born in a troubled time when large Presbyterian churches were experiencing conservative takeovers and leaving the PC(USA). As clerk of session at First and Calvary in 2015, I stayed with the PC(USA) remnant of local congregations prioritizing: Honesty and transparency in decision-making and leadership, People over property, Full welcome of LGBTQIA+ persons, And joy in the broad range of Christian expression found within the PC(USA).
Within Trinity I currently participate in the Community Support Group, helping to resettle refugee families. I also occasionally run the slides in worship, staff the reception desk, serve at Crosslines food pantry with Trinity’s team, and participate in Rebecca circle.
My hopes for Trinity are that we continue to find new ways to do what we do best: care for each other, reach out to help our hurting world, and creatively worship God with many a joyful sound.
For Elder:
Marsha Landrith
Trinity was formed at the time my husband and I were retiring and planning on spending more time in my hometown area of southwest Missouri. Trinity was full of the people I respect the most and shared my loyalty to the PC(USA).
We attend the Topical Discussions Sunday School. I am a member of the Rachel Circle. When in town, I sing in the choir. I knit with Knitting-4-Peace knitters.
I hope to see the congregation of Trinity thrive in its care and concern for one another and those of the larger community of region and world, which would include a strong mission outreach. I want to see a strong connection to the PC(USA) continue and strengthen.
Kristin Butler
Coming to Trinity was an easy decision in a difficult time. I had always belonged to larger Presbyterian churches (in Portland, St. Louis, Denver, and Springfield) but God did something beautiful in bringing together this little body of believers! From its earliest days, Trinity has been a community of inclusion, discipleship, and service. I love the sense of family here.
Currently I sing in the choir, ring with the B Street Bells and serve on the Worship and Music Committee, and I am a member of PW Rachel circle. In years past I have served as chair of Deacons, member of the Health Advisory Committee, and teacher of children’s Sunday School.
Trinity is “blessed to be a blessing!” I hope we are always a place where people experience welcome and connection. I hope our worship glorifies God in both familiar and new ways. I hope that during this season of transition and beyond, we remain faithful to God’s calling-remembering that God promises and provides.
For Deacon:
Sarah Muegge
I came to Trinity with friends who believed that church was a place to explore, study, and grow in faith and community.
I’m currently teaching Children’s Sunday School, participate in PW circle and serve on the Welcome and Fellowship Committee and Congregational Care Committee. A highlight of my week is attending the Wednesday afternoon Bible Study. I’m also on a committee at the presbytery and synod level.
My hopes for Trinity are that we continue to care for one another and be a light for those who worship with us, that we attract new worshippers, and that our community continues to be a positive force within our group and beyond.
Diane Meade
My husband, my mother, and I moved to Springfield in December of 2020. We had been living in San Antonio, TX, but wanted to be closer to my sister and her family who live in the area. As it was the middle of the pandemic, we continued to worship online with our previous church. As things began to open up, we knew we wanted to find a church family here. After visiting a number of churches, we were happy to find a home at Trinity.
I was not able to get very involved at first as I am caregiver for my husband, Randy, and my mother, Arlene. Randy is now living in the memory care facility at the VA home in Mt. Vernon so I have more free time. I have enjoyed playing in the bell choir and I volunteer one day a week to help out in the office.
While this time of transition may bring a fear of the unknown, I hope that it will also give us a chance to stretch ourselves to see where God is calling us now. May we all have an open mind to new leadership and accept the challenge of change.
Marilyn Bell
After memberships in various church denominations as we followed Bob’s career through AR, DE, NE, SC, MO, and Springfield, I was drawn to Trinity first by an acquaintance in 2019 and loved what I found here: a really friendly, inviting, and caring fellowship, actively studying and growing in knowledge and faith, and engaged with the surrounding community in issues to help and heal.
At Trinity I am part of Rachel Circle and Topical Discussions Class.
My hope is for Trinity Congregation to continue to uphold and minister to each other as we serve our greater community as hands and feet of Christ in Springfield and beyond with PC(USA).
Nancy Winchip
I was asked by Brenda Sneed to visit before I moved to Springfield. We worshipped online during Covid, and then I started attending regularly when I moved to Springfield in fall of 2022. I felt it was and is a very welcoming congregation. I have always felt welcome and it’s uplifting to be part of a community group that is inclusive. I like the mission work as I have been in South America and Mexico, so I know how important it is to help others locally and internationally.
Currently I am involved with ushering, and I have donated items for rummage sale and brought food for our monthly food drives. I support the church in tithing and other special projects.
My hope for Trinity is to keep doing our outreach and being inclusive and inviting to all. I look forward to my time in service to the church.
For Nominating Committee:
Bob Kick
I joined Trinity at its inception upon the realization that others were willing to try to discern the will of God in this time and work together to make our world a better place for all peoples.
During my time at Trinity, I have served in a variety of roles including on Personnel, and Finance Committees, helping to resettle refugees, and as Trustee, Audio Technician, Crosslines volunteer, and Choir Member.
My hope for Trinity is that through our gifts, work, and prayer we can improve the lives of people in our local community and around the world.
Carole Hudgings
When I retired in 2019 and moved back to Springfield, I searched for a PC(USA) church. I visited a couple of other churches, but the first Sunday I attended Trinity I knew this was the church for me. There were two major reasons for this. I was very impressed by the percentage of the budget devoted to mission activities (I chaired the Mission Committee at my church in Maryland). The welcoming, inclusive, and enthusiastic nature of the congregation also contributed to my decision to make Trinity my new church home.
I have been an active member of the Congregational Care Committee since 2020 and served as Trinity’s Clerk of Session from 2021-2023. In addition, I serve on the John Calvin Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry.
My hopes are to see the Trinity congregation grow in faithfulness and involvement; to continue and expand important mission ministries; and to increase communication about Trinity’s ministries both internally and externally.
We are thankful for these fellow members who have responded to the Spirit’s call in their lives; we will support them prayerfully as they “seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.” Please plan to attend the Congregational Meeting on November 3, 2024, immediately following worship service for elections. Nominations can also be accepted from the floor, but the nominee must agree to have their name submitted.
Mr. Rogers Sweater Drive
Again this year, the Presbyterian Women are sponsoring the annual Mr. Rogers Sweater and Coat Drive. There will be donation boxes at the west entrance for children’s and adult size sweaters and coats. They will be donated to Crosslines. The sweater and coat drive will begin on Sunday, October 20 and run through Sunday, November 3. Please make sure all items are professionally cleaned or machine washed before donating. Thank you for making the time for this important mission for our community.
All Saints’ Remembrance
On Sunday, November 3 we will pause during worship for a time of remembrance for those in our congregation and beyond who have entered the Church Triumphant at their death. As each name is read aloud a bell will ring, echoing our prayers of thanks for the "ordinary, holy lives of believers in this and every age."
Trinity's All Saints remembrance is not limited to members of this congregation. To request that a loved one's name be included, please contact Kristin Butler, 417-414-5544 by Oct. 31.
Upcoming Pulpit Supply
With grateful hearts, we should all feel the joy that we at Trinity have in our church family. What resources we each have and we can ALL share our gifts with each other! The Worship and Music committee is grateful for those who have helped in “filling our pulpit” at this time of change until a Transitional Pastor is called to serve with us here at Trinity.
Nov 3 Jane Huffstetler
Nov 10 Robert Reed
Nov 17 Howard Cavner
Nov 24 Bill Havens
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.
Children's Sunday School: We meet from 10:15-11:15 in room 10. In October we will study Joshua, in November we will study lessons about David, and December lessons will be related to Adventure.
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
Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit
The combined SALT/Studying the Word class is excited to be utilizing the book Tending the Wild Garden by Eugenia Gamble. The PCUSA store states: "In a world fixated on outward appearances, discover the joy of cultivating an inward relationship with the Spirit, where virtues like love, joy, and self-control blossom naturally."
We welcome all to come when you can during this 10-week study (Schedule below). There are books still available.
Please join us in Room 17 at 10:15 a.m. as we continue our Faith Journey.
Sept. 29: Love Nov.3: Goodness
Oct. 6: Joy Nov. 10: Faithfulness
Oct. 13: Peace Nov. 17: Gentleness
Oct. 20: Patience Nov. 24: Self-Control and conclusion
Oct. 27: Kindness
Contact Amy Price if you have any questions
Topical Discussions Fellowship: Topical Discussion Fellowship meets each Sunday, 10:15 to 11:15, in Fellowship Hall, with coffee, treats, Christian education, discussion, and fellowship. You are welcome and encouraged to take part in this enjoyable Fellowship of friends!
Our current study and discussion is from Pastor Adam Hamilton’s book and DVD titled Wrestling with Doubt and Finding Faith. Pastor Hamilton reminds us that doubt is not the enemy of faith. Rather, our faith can strengthen when we are open to discussing and exploring our questions. If you have wondered: Is there a God, How to Understand the Bible, What is Heaven and Hell, When Prayers Seem Unanswered, and Why do the Innocent Suffer, then we encourage you to join our Fellowship as we discuss Pastor Hamilton’s teaching along with our own ideas.
If you cannot attend in person, please join us by Zoom: TAP THE LINK BELOW TO JOIN THE TOPICAL DISCUSSIONS FELLOWSHIP CLASS: Topical Discussions Fellowship Class Meeting ID 872 5897 6689 Passcode: 225115
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
