Trinity Newsletter for January 30, 2025
The Work of Your Church
From the Session
The Session met on November 17 and December 15, 2024 in the Trinity Room and January 19 in Room 17 at Trinity Church. The next meeting of Session will be February 16,2025.
During these meetings, the Elders
Approved membership of Howard Henry by letter of transfer from Tustin, California.
Announced the Reverend Jill Carr transferred to John Calvin Presbytery.
Announced Brenda Williams was elected the Moderator of John Calvin Presbytery.
Approved a contract with Nippes and Associates to expand our requirements of their services.
Announced a task force will be formed to celebrate Trinity’s tenth Anniversary.
Approved Officer Orientation for Elders and Deacon on January 4, 2025.
Approved Officer Installation during the service on January 5, 2025.
Announced that as of December 13, 2024, 73 pledges were received totaling $305,886. That is 10% behind 2024 pledges.
Approved Leadership Training Day for John Calvin Presbytery, Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Trinity Presbyterian in Springfield.
Approved a $5,000 bonus for Reverend Alyssa Spradlin for time and effort from July to December 1, 2024.
Announced that Sarah Muegge will train members on the Automatic External Defibrillator by appointment.
Treasurer’s Report:
Questions about the Treasurer’s report may be directed to the Treasurer Stephen Kane.
The following is a list of various committees’ activities and their chairperson.
Deacons: Paula Tindell and Cynthia Oliver Co-chairs, The Deacons met on November 10 and December 8, 2024 and January 12, 2025. They discussed congregational needs, Shepherd program, and upcoming church events. In January they introduced new members Diane Meade, Marilyn Bell, Nancy Winchip, and Sarah Muegge. They discussed mission activities and the Connect Luncheon on January 26, 2025.
Christian Ed. And Faith Formation: Dave Muegge 2024, Daphne Anderson 2025, The CE and FF committee met November 4 and December 2, 2024 and January 9, 2025. They discussed Advent studies for all ages and called all children to ring chimes on December 8. The committee looked forward to 2025 with new opportunities for connection and spiritual growth for all ages. They are also planning youth and intergenerational activities. There was a joint Sunday school on January 5 and 12 led by Reverend Willadsen and the topic was “Transitional Conversations”. A book club and a Lenten study are under consideration.
Generosity and Engagement: Carrie Arquitt 2024, Bill Trotter 2025, Generosity and Engagement met in person December 10, 2024. We reviewed the report from Treasurer Steve Kane that the current pledge count is 75 units. We also discussed our proposed budget request for 2025, drafted the thank you letter from the committee to the pledge drive participants, and discussed future plans for 2025. There wasn’t a meeting in January. The committee is in the process of sending thank you letters to all those who participated in the 2025 pledge campaign.
Finance Committee: David Fleetwood 2024, The committee met November 10 and December 12, 2024. In late 2024 the financials were still showing a positive trend in both cash on hand and expenses vs budget. The Church’s investments continued to provide some increases in income. Overall, income continued to cover expenses. The committees were asked to review their 2024 line items and propose their 2025 budgets in December. The proposed Budget for 2025 continues to seek to support core programming and staff while demonstrating fiscal responsibility, as the budget is a working document that can be reviewed and altered during the year as needed. Opportunities for further engagement and cost reductions will continue to be explored.
Personnel Committee: Bob Kick 2024, Carrie Arquitt 2025. The committee met in December and January. The Personnel Committee prepared the Pastor Terms of Call for Reverend Tom Willadsen and the 2025 Personnel Committee Budget, which were sent to the Finance Committee for their use. The Committee recognized and appreciated the work of Trinity Staff and the many associate pastors who loved Trinity members in the time following the departure of Reverend Chris Miller and the arrival of Reverend Tom Willadsen. The Personnel Committee also met on January 13, 2025. We discussed options for the Treasurer position as we are still looking for someone to fill the position when Steve Kane finishes his excellent work as Treasurer and Nippes accounting takes over a bulk of the responsibilities. We are very grateful for all the hours Steve has spent on the financial work of the church. We reviewed with Pastor Tom Willadsen any needs for equipment and support. We are working on a compensation for Pastor Alyssa Spradlin with the extra hours she worked in the interim time of July through November, 2024 between Pastor Chris Miller’s departure and Pastor Tom Willadsen start on December 1, 2024.
Mission and Public Witness: Moderator TBD. Thank you to everyone who donated cookies/brownies for the evening meal December 1 at the Veterans Coming Home Center. Alyssa shared that 179 meals were served and the wonderful desserts were much appreciated. Trinity also provided our final meal at Rare Breed. The number of young people served has dwindled over the last few months so the committee will be looking for other opportunities to serve the community. The Community Support Group had an active month welcoming new refugees to Springfield and providing a hot first meal. More refugees are expected throughout December. Your mission funds also supported: Living Waters, specifically to support the mission work being carried out by our Trinity team, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, The Victims Center, Isabel's House, Harmony House, Rare Breed, and the International Institute of Southwest Mo.
Welcome and Fellowship: Carol Minton 2024, Kristin Butler 2025. They met on November 11 and December 9, 2024 and January 13, 2025. The committee looked forward to meeting the new transitional pastor on December 1. Coffee and snacks were provided in the coffee area after church on December 1 and 8. Caroling and S’mores was held outside on December 12 at 5:30 p.m. They asked each committee chair that could use additional volunteers to make sure there is a representative from the committee they represent to be available to attend the Trinity Connects luncheon. They wanted to have the committee representative be ready to describe and answer questions about their committee’s activities and volunteer opportunities at our all church “Trinity Connects” fellowship lunch after church on January 26, 2025. We will have a spring lunch on March 23 after church.
Worship and Music: Susan Uffman 2024. The Worship & Music committee met on Nov. 13 to prepare for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. May we experience the HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE of Jesus Christ in new ways! The Worship & Music committee met Jan. 8 to reflect on Trinity’s Advent and Christmas season and begin planning for Lent. We are mindful of the need to offer worship that engages all the senses in both new and familiar ways. Trinity will celebrate communion on Sunday, Feb. 5.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Patty Dunn, Clerk of Session.
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.
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.
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Liturgists for February
Thank you to the following people for sharing their talents by serving as liturgist in the month of February.
Feb. 2 - Ilace Mears
Feb. 9 - Barbara Welch
Feb. 16 - Max Perryman
Feb. 23 - Howard Henry
If you would like to volunteer for liturgist, please contact Martha Bledsoe
Springfield Little Theatre
Join us at the Sat., Feb. 15, 2:00 p.m. Matinee
Depending on group size, tickets $25-$35
Sign-up list at West Desk
Deadline Feb. 5, please
Join Trinity’s Ministry of WELCOME
Trinity is a connecting community, and that starts with a warm greeting as people enter our doors. Could you welcome worshippers, pass offering plates and assist with some simple tasks such as gathering friendship pad sheets and turning out lights after church? Volunteer for as many or as few Sundays as you like. Please contact Kristin Butler, 417-414-5544.
First Impression Volunteers
Are you looking for a way to support Trinity with your gift of time? Volunteer to serve as a Greeter at the Welcome Desk in the West Lobby -- once a month, every week, or somewhere in between.
Volunteer shifts are usually 9 a.m. to Noon or Noon to 3 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. Help us make a good first impression!
There are available dates through March 31, 2025. 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!
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.
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.
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.
Children's Sunday School: We meet from 10:15-11:15 in room 10. This semester the Children's Sunday School will be studying the ministry of Jesus and stories of people he interacted with. We will have special lessons related to One Great Hour or Sharing and Easter too. The semester will conclude by learning stories about Paul and his travels.
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
Please join us in the Topical Discussions Fellowship for Sunday school:
January 26-Christian Doctrine by Guthrie, re: our Christian hope for the afterlife
February 2-Christian Doctrine by Guthrie, re: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
February 9-Examples of the Holy Spirit-Part 1
February 16-Examples of the Holy Spirit-Part 2
February 23-The Message of Jesus: Words that Changed the World by Hamilton
Part 1: The Kingdom of God Has Come Near
We meet 10:15-11:15 in Fellowship Hall, with good fellowship, coffee, and treats.
If you are not able to join our in-person class, then Tap the Link Below to join the class via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87258976689?pwd=8qbytxuvmIuv7KfyJTbLAQ0GaYTiUQ.1
Meeting ID 872 5897 6689
Passcode 225115
January 26 through March 9, the adult class in room 17 (formerly SALT and Studying the Word) will be sharing a video and discussion series: Painting the Stars; Science, Religion and an Evolving Faith.
Celebrating the communion of science and faith, Painting the Stars explores the promise of evolutionary Christian spirituality. Featuring over a dozen leading theologians and progressive thinkers, the program includes video and guided discussion.
Video speakers include: Philip Clayton, Michael Dowd, Rachel Held Evans, Matthew Fox, Catherine Keller, Megan McKenna, Michael Morwood, Jan Phillips, Barbara Rossing, Bruce Sanguin, Bernard Brandon Scott, John Shelby Spong, Gretta Vosper.
Join us for any of our sessions. Participant reading guides will be provided.
Contact Amy Price with questions or to get a copy of the reading guide.
To join us remotely via Ring Central, use the link below!
https://v.ringcentral.com/join/501232148?pw=e591c158b387dcd1a17ec4c6d1cefb90
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
