Trinity Newsletter for March 13, 2025
Annual Congregational Meeting
The annual Congregational Meeting will be held immediately after worship on Sunday, March 16
The Work of Your Church
From your Session
The Session met on February 16, at 12:45 p.m. in Room 17 at Trinity Church. The next meeting of Session will be March 16, 2025.
During this meeting, the Elders:
Approved the baptism of Aurora Joyce Butler, grand parents are Kristin and Ron Butler.
Approved Walter Beckman as a new Trinity Member
Approved Beth Kick to act as Trinity’s registered agent with Missouri’s Secretary of State.
Approved Susan Uffmann, Kristin Butler and Carole Hudgings (alternate) as Commissioners to John Calvin Presbytery.
Approved a key to the financial office for the Clerk of Session to access the Clerk’s records.
Approved Martha Sparrow to serve on the Nominating Committee
Approved Bob Kick as Treasurer for one year
Approved the Trinity 2025 budget as presented by the Finance Committee
Discussed the Communications Committee objectives and goals.
Approved the funds returned to Trinity from the Pastor’s move to be returned to him (which he turned around and donated back to the church).
Approved the April Session meeting be moved to April 27, 2025 to avoid meeting on Easter.
The following is a list of various committees’ activities and their chairperson.
Worship and Music: Teresa Olsen and Kristin Butler
The Worship & Music committee met via Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 6 to prepare for Lent and Eastertide. We are grateful for all “helping hands”, for those who are new and those who are already serving as ushers, liturgists and communion servers. Trinity will celebrate communion on Sunday, March 5.
March 2 Ash Wednesday (Trinity & BCC worship together; Taize-style service)
April 13 Palm Sunday
April 17 Maundy Thursday (Trinity & BCC worship together)
April 18 Good Friday (Trinity & BCC worship together; special liturgical drama)
April 20 Easter Sunday
Welcome and Fellowship: Kristin Butler
Fifteen people attended the Springfield Little Theater on February 15 matinee. We are making plans for a Potluck lunch for Sunday, March 23. Thank you to all of those who attended the Trinity Connects Luncheon and offered their assistance in the work of the church.
Christian Education and Faith Formation: Daphne Anderson
A “Kids Night In” with Westminster is planned for April 11 (5:30-8 pm) at Trinity. A Tuesday Lenten Study will begin March 11 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Participants will bring a Bible translation of their choice and a sack lunch, and will discuss lectionary readings of the weeks leading to Easter. Ministry Safe checks are being updated for those who work or volunteer with children and youth. Those who expressed interest in a book club are being contacted to set the schedule.
Generosity and Engagement: Bill Trotter
Generosity and Engagement did not meet in January 2025. We are sending out Thank-you letters to everyone who participated in the 2025 Pledge Drive.
Finance Committee: David Hart
The Finance Committee reviewed the budget based on committee requests and recommended that committees streamline their budgets as much as possible. The resulting 2025 proposed budget of $255,996 includes a projected deficit of $53,647.
Personnel Committee: Carrie Arquitt
The Personnel Committee met February 10, 2025. We are thankful to report Bob Kick made mailboxes that are in the copier room for all personnel, committees, Elders, and Deacons. The treasurer position is transitioning from Steve Kane to Bob Kick. We are grateful for all the time and expertise that Steve Kane volunteered in the Treasurer position. He went above and beyond and put in countless hours. We also thank Bob Bell and Ilace Mears for their years of service on the Personnel Committee as they rotate off.
Mission and Public Witness: Teresa Olsen, Martha Sparrow, and Mike Simpson
The Mission and Public Witness focus the last three months has been to assist refugees who legally immigrated to the US and were sent by the government to settle in Springfield. As Beth Kick outlined in her Minute for Mission, 100 refugees were welcomed by The Trinity Community Support Group (CSG) at the airport and given a hot meal and winter coats, hats, and gloves. Many arrived not prepared for the cold weather, with little more than a duffle bag. These refugees were told help would be provided for their first few months with housing, transportation and paperwork to apply for the necessary documentation to work and apply for SNAP cards etc. As I am sure you are aware, all funds have been frozen by the current administration and The International Institute of Southwest Mo had to furlough almost all employees, which included the caseworkers who are normally assigned to a family to help with their resettlement. Trinity's CSG has stepped in to assist two families. Please talk to a member of the CSG. You will be amazed by the time and resources Trinity is providing.
Treasurer’s report will be in the annual report handed out at the Congregational meeting March 16, 2025 after the service.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Patty Dunn, Clerk of Session.
Annual Garage Sale
It’s time again for the
Two Congregation Church Garage Sale
May 1-3, 2025
Save your stuff!
Details and volunteer sign-up sheets will be available in April
at the desk outside the Nave and at the West Door
Proceeds support Refugee Resettlement through the
International Institute of Southwest MO
Trinity/ Westminster Kids Night In
Save the Date for the
Trinity/ Westminster Kids Night In
Friday April 11, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Trinity Fellowship Hall
Invite a friend
Dinner, crafts and games.
Prayer Chain
There are currently 11 people on Trinity’s Prayer Chain. Pray-ers receive text messages whenever someone requests prayer. Prayer requests can be as specific or general as the requester wants. Two people were added to the Prayer Chain after filling out Helping Hands at Trinity Connects on January 26. If you would like to be added to the Prayer Chain, please text Pastor Tom at 920-237-9840. If you would like to request prayer, please text Pastor Tom at 920-237-9840.
Contacting the Church Office
To reach Alyssa Spradlin, Director of Communication & Administrative Ministries, to communicate with the church office use this and only this email address:
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.
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WELCOME, SPRING!
You're invited to celebrate this season of renewal with good fellowship and a potluck meal:
Sunday, March 23
Immediately after worship in the Fellowship Hall
Bring your favorite dish to share.
No RSVP necessary. Invite a friend!
Trinity Mission Opportunity
Tuesday March 25, 2025, Trinity will be providing 200 boxed dinners for the people at the Veterans Coming Home Center. The Center distributes meals to those in need during the cold weather months, November thru March.
You can help with this mission by volunteering to make cookies, brownies or any dessert that can be packed in a meal box. They do not have to be individually bagged/wrapped. Bring your dessert to the fellowship area outside of the sanctuary on Sunday, March 23.
You can also help package and prepare the meal on Tuesday, March 25. We plan to gather in Fellowship Hall at 2:00 p.m.
If you are interested in helping by providing a dessert or preparing meals please contact Kate Companik by phone 417-631-8190 or email kcompanik17@yahoo.com
Silent Welcome Walk
SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 5
What: Silent Welcome Walk from South Street Christian Church to Park Central Square
When: 10:30 a.m. followed by speakers & international choirs on the square @ 11:30 a.m.
Why: Stand with our Neighbors: Welcoming Refugees
Sponsored by: Missouri Faith Voices, International Institute of Southwest Missouri, NAACP
ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!
Thank You from John Calvin Presbytery
Saturday March 1 we hosted the annual education event for John Calvin Presbytery.
They gave Pastor Tom this note to share:
Thank you for all the kindness you bring to the world.
Please convey our thanks to the Session and congregation of Trinity Pres. Church. We appreciate your willingness to host the Tool Box event! JCP appreciates all you do!
Peace,
Diane Cook, JCP Planning Team
New AA Group Meeting in the Chapel
A new AA group meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. Use the west doors of the church (the ones closest to the Battlefield Mall). You don't have to be a member of either church to attend.
Care Groups are Coming!
Watch the mail for information about your Care Group. Each member and friend of Trinity is assigned to a Care Group, led by a Deacon and Elder. One of your Care Group leaders should be in touch with you soon, to get acquainted and check to see if the information we have about you and your family in the data base is current.
Lenten Bible Exploration
Starting Tuesday, March 11, Lenten Bible Exploration will meet in the Trinity Room, each Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Explorers should bring their Bibles, their lunches, and their curiosity. Each session we will read aloud and discuss lessons for future Sunday worship services.
Here’s the schedule for readings:
March 11 Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 and Luke 13:1-9
March 18 Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15
March 25 Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, Philippians 3:4-14, John 12:1-8
April 1 Luke 19:28-44, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
April 8 Pastor Tom will be away, no meeting
April 15 Luke 24:13-49, Isaiah 25:6-9
Aging In Place Informational Meeting
Interested in learning about a novel healthcare option in Missouri? Plan to attend this informational session about PACE: Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, on Sunday, March 16, at 1:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, presented by one of our Brentwood friends, Dr. Elizabeth Lucore. Brentwood will be finishing their fellowship meal so please feel free to bring a sack lunch (something you can easily warm up) or to make a quick run to a nearby restaurant.
Newly available in our region, PACE is a hybrid insurance/healthcare model which seeks to support older adults who wish to age in place. With a combination of home- and clinic-based care, as well as a dedicated day center, this team-based approach aims to address the psychosocial, emotional, and physical well-being of each participant. This is not a sales pitch and nothing will be for sale. All ages are welcome.
Liturgists for March
Thank you to the following people for sharing their talents by serving as liturgist in the month of March.
March 2 - Lois Zerrer
March 9 - Bob Kick
March 16 - Patty Dunn
March 23 - Colene Hank
March 30 - Mary Kay Hoops
If you would like to volunteer for liturgist, please contact Martha Bledsoe
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 Topical Discussions Fellowship for Sunday school. We meet 10:15-11:15 in Fellowship Hall, with good fellowship, coffee, and treats.
If you would like to join the class by Zoom, please contact Dave Muegge ahead of class, for assistance (Cell 417-773-7138).
Our topics in the remainder of March are:
The Message of Jesus: Words that Changed the World text and video by Pastor Adam Hamilton
March 16 Who Do YOU Say that I Am?: Dave Muegge, facilitator
March 23 Final Words: Dave Muegge, facilitator
Seder Meal
March 30 Seder Meal participation and presentation Sophia Platz, facilitator
This Lenten Season, the Room 17 Adult class will be using the Devotional Everything [in] Between created by A Santified Art, a group of artists and clergy who can help us experience scripture through their creativity.
The Gospel of Luke is the focus of this devotional series which we will begin on Sunday, March 9 at 10:15. Devotional Books are available at the west entrance.
We hope you will join us on this journey through Lent.
Questions to the church office or Amy Price.
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
