Weekly Newsletter 11/26/20
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Trinity Presbyterian Church PC(U.S.A.)
Welcoming you to share the joy of Christ
Worshiping Together | Serving Together | Caring Together
November 26, 2020
From Pastor Chris
Happy Thanksgiving! While this year our celebrations look and feel different, today is still a day for us to give thanks for the blessings of God. I would encourage you to set aside some time today and write down at least 10 things you are grateful for right now. When we aren't able to be with family the way we want to be, it can be easy to focus on the negative. By shifting our focus to gratitude, we take a step toward flourishing.
I'm also excited to share a new project that has been growing in the background for several months and is finally ready to launch! This summer, I began brainstorming ways we might build connections in our congregation when we couldn't be physically together. I kept coming back to a conversation I had during my hospital chaplaincy internship. My supervisor, Jack, would always remind us that there are no boring people. If someone seemed boring, it was almost always for an interesting reason. We just had to take the time to learn the real story. He told us that every story was worth sharing.
With that conviction, and the financial support of a Creative Ministry Grant from John Calvin Presbytery, we began The Common Table podcast. This podcast, essentially an on-demand Internet radio show, features interviews with members of the Trinity community, local faith leaders, and others with interesting stories to tell. Each week I sit down with somebody, have a conversation, and then share their story with you. Our first full interview, featuring Trinity member and News-Leader reporter Katie Kull, will be available next Wednesday, but you can listen to a teaser episode right now featuring clips from our first handful of interviews. Just go to https://commontablepodcast.com
I am so excited to get to share these interesting and moving stories with you. If you know of someone who you think would be an interesting guest on The Common Table, please reach out. I'm grateful to be your pastor.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
P.S. - I still want to know your favorite verse of scripture. Each day on our social media pages I share a verse of scripture and a sentence or two about it. I would like to feature the favorite verses of Trinity members over the coming weeks. Here's what to send:
Your favorite verse of scripture. Just the reference is fine if you wish (i.e. John 1:1).
One or two sentences sharing why it is your favorite.
Let me know if I may include your first name with the post. (Unless you specifically say it's OK, I won't include it)
Email it to me: cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org or drop a note in the mail
Work of the Church: November, 2020
The Work of the Nominating Committee Cletus Johnson (Chair, E), Patty Dunn (E), David Bohnenkamper (D), David Hart (2020), Margaret Turk (2020), George Arquitt (2021), Katherine Bohnenkamper (2021), and Susie Holliday (2022)) was completed in early November and acted on at the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, November 22, 2020. We offer our thanks to the Nominating Committee for their dedicated and prayerful work in seeking those to be called to service. We welcome and congratulate our newly elected slate of officers with gratitude for their willingness to answer the call and serve. In addition to the officers listed below, the Nominating Committee nominated Carole Hudgings to serve as Clerk of Session (2021-2023). Clerk of Session is elected by the Session, and Carole was officially elected at the October Session Meeting. Welcome and thank you, Carole.
Elders
Class of 2021: John Rush; Class of 2023: Bob Kick (Trustee), Todd Morriss, Amy Price, and Susan Uffmann
Deacons
Class of 2023: Katie Kull, Gail Tombleson, and Bill Trotter
Youth Deacon (1-year term): Rachel Groves
Congregational Nominating Committee
Class of 2022: Julie Thomas; Class of 2023: Al Dixon and Lois Zerrer
Highlights from the 200th Stated Meeting of John Calvin Presbytery: The meeting was hosted by First Presbyterian Church in Crocker, MO, via Zoom, on October 24, 2020. The highlights are pulled from the John Calvin Presbytery newsletter.
SUMMARY of Motions
Dates and Host Churches for 2021 stated Presbytery meetings:
Saturday, February 27 – Trinity Presbyterian, Springfield (Zoom meeting)
Thursday, May 20 – First Presbyterian, Parsons (Zoom meeting)
Tuesday, August 3 – First Presbyterian, Iola (Zoom or in-person)
Saturday, November 6 – First Presbyterian, Neosho (Zoom or in-person)
Presbytery took these financial actions at our 200th Stated Meeting....
Set per capita for 2021 at $38.50 (an increase of 50 cents from 2020)
Approved a 7% pay raise for all staff for 2021
Approved terms of call for 2021 for Pastoral Presbyter and Stated Clerk
Approved continuing the $11,000 grant to First Presbyterian Church, Webb City, to pay for medical coverage for the Pastoral Presbyter’s family through the Board of Pensions (saving John Calvin Presbytery about $16,000/year)
Approved 2021 Presbytery budget
Presbytery made these changes in the Presbytery’s ministry:
Elected the Rev. Bob Dahlgren moderator of Administrative Ministries Committee
Examined and received the Rev. Vicki Evans as an Honorably Retired member of Presbytery
Dissolved pastoral relationship between the Rev. K.O. Noonoo and Pittsburg Presbyterian Church
Elected the Rev. John Nipper to serve on the Administrative Ministries Committee (Class of 2021)
Gave notice that General Council will offer a change to the Bylaws and Manual of Operations at the next stated Presbytery meeting to change terms of service for presbytery officers and committee members to a calendar year (January through December)
Trinity’s Commissioners to John Calvin Presbytery are Sharon Marsh and Kathy Morriss.
The Deacons met via video-conference on Sunday, November 8, 2020. The next scheduled meeting of the Deacons is Sunday, December 13, 2020, during which the Joint Annual Meeting of the Session and Board of Deacons and Officer Training will take place.
The Deacons’ November report: The Deacons continue to focus on the needs of members during our separation due to COVID-19 and spent time sharing member concerns. Sharon Marsh reported on the work of the Congregational Care Committee, and Kristin Butler (on behalf of Worship and Music) shared some information about the Advent kits that will be distributed to the congregation. Budgets and budget request deadlines were reviewed, along with a look ahead to what to expect for Officer Training this year.
Kristin Butler is the Chair of Deacons, and David Bohnenkamper is Clerk of Deacons.
The Session met via video-conference on Sunday, November 15, 2020. The next scheduled meeting will be the Joint Annual Meeting of the Session and Board of Deacons on Sunday, December 13, 2020. The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, December 20, 2020.
During their November meeting, the Session:
Approved a grant application to John Calvin Presbytery from the Mission and Public Witness Committee for $2500 to be used for the purchase of snacks, breakfast bags, and 10 Coleman cots to benefit the Men’s Shelter ministry of the East Sunshine Church of Christ.
Discussed upcoming end of year items, including deadlines for budget requests and committee annual reports.
Set Sunday, December 13, 2020 (11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), as the date for the Joint Annual Meeting of the Session and Board of Deacons and Officer Training.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Anita Dixon, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report
Total Income
10/1-10/31/2020: $31,527.84 YTD (1/1-10/31/2020): $388,977.67
Total Expenses
10/1-10/31/2020: $23,714.35 YTD (1/1-10/31/2020): $310,413.99
Updated account balances for October were not available at the Session meeting. The September balances are included below.
Operating Budget Account Balance as of 9/30/20: $68,421.27
ICS (Insured Cash Sweep -- also known as “Trinity Funds for the Future”) Account Balance as of 9/30/20: $651,209.48
Petty Cash as of 9/30/20: $200.00
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The following is a list of the various committees and organizations of Trinity, along with their leadership teams. While we are unable to meet in person, most of the focus of the work of the church has been on mission outreach.
Christian Education and Faith Formation (Leadership Team: David Bohnenkamper (D), and Randy Hoops (E), Martha Sparrow (E)): The regular Sunday School schedule will continue throughout the Season of Advent. Rev. Miller has plans for an Advent study to take place on Thursdays. Watch for more details to come.
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Debbie Cron (D), and Jim Stewart (E))
Finance (Leadership Team: Randy Hoops (E), Trace Johnson (E), and Colleen Laas (D))
Generosity and Engagement (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E) and Max Perryman (D)): The Generosity and Engagement Committee has mailed pledge packets to all congregation members for the 2021 Pledge Campaign, Faith for Today, Hope for Tomorrow. They will also provide minutes for mission during the worship services throughout the month of November. Members are encouraged to prayerfully consider and make their pledges by the end of November.
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Debbie Cron (D) and Penni Groves (E)):
In November, the Mission and Public Witness Committee
Received a report on Trinity’s November curbside food drive for Crosslines, which was well-supported. Crosslines is in need of additional volunteers, and a notice will be included in the Trinity newsletter.
Discussed the preparation of another COVID-19 Emerging Needs Grant from John Calvin Presbytery to provide additional help to the homeless. The funds, if approved, will be distributed to the East Sunshine Church of Christ Men’s Shelter for the purchase of snacks and breakfast packages, as well as 10 Coleman cots, to replace those which have worn out over time.
Determined their 2021 budget request to be submitted to Session at the December meeting.
Voted to allocate $900 to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for the purchase of supplies for 12 disaster assistance buckets.
Discussed ideas for supporting the Welcome and Fellowship Committee in the distribution of Advent kits to the residents of Eden Villages I and II.
Personnel (Leadership Team: Jim Stewart (E) and Brenda Williams (E))
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E), Mary Kay Hoops (D), and Cletus Johnson (E)): The Welcome and Fellowship Committee is working together with Worship and Music to provide Home Advent Kits for all Trinity households to enhance the observance of the Advent season this year.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Katherine Arquitt (YD), Kristin Butler (D), Nia Howard (E), and Brenda Williams (E)): The Worship & Music committee is thinking creatively about Advent and Christmas in this very unusual year. Our goal is to provide meaningful touch points as we support the congregation and welcome neighbors. Some beloved traditions will be implemented in different ways, and new ones may begin as we prepare to welcome Christ again.
Home Advent kits will be assembled for all Trinity households. This project is a joint effort of the Worship & Music and Welcome & Fellowship committees.
Worship, while still “extended,” will feature Advent symbols and music of the season, with candle lighting and special liturgy opening each service.
Other highlights will include a parking lot Carol Sing; midweek homilies on the Nativity from Pastor Chris; a Service of Healing and Wholeness for those experiencing loss or sorrow; and special Christmas Eve worship.
Please watch for details on all Advent observances.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Worship With Trinity
Even though the pandemic means we aren't gathered together in the same physical space, we are still worshiping together at a church family. Find our latest worship service, plus weekly resources for families, devotional links, and much more on our worship page.
https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/worship
Carla's Corner
I'm back!!!! I loved my little "staycation" and it was just what I needed. It let me know that it is really important for all of us to take time for ourselves once in a while just to regroup and, in my case, work around my new home, do laundry and start my favorite time of the year, which is the Christmas season. As my family's Thanksgiving has changed this year, as many of yours has also, we're embracing having a nuclear family type holiday. If anything, we will appreciate next Thanksgiving even more when we can be together with extended family. But I think this Thanksgiving we will be thankful for what we have right now, in this moment and time. And you know what, that is a LOT!
Thanksgiving Craft via Julie Thomas
A big THANK YOU to our own Julie Thomas for masterminding our Thanksgiving craft for our Trinity kids. Julie came up with our original Thanksgiving scene with pilgrims, turkey and native American, then I recorded her and made a little instructional video for the kiddos. Tim and I then dropped off everyone's Thanksgiving craft bag this past Sunday.
Christmas Craft for our Kiddos
Because we will not be having any in-person events in December, I am planning on a couple of cool "Christmasy" things for our kids. One is an Ornament Bag, where we have some different types of ornaments made by some of our crafty members of Trinity. I will pack up all of the supplies, drop them off at our kiddos homes and they and their families can make a few more ornaments for their tree. One really fun thing for me is videoing our "crafty people" making their ornaments and turning that into an instructional video for our kids. Do YOU have a favorite homemade ornament you feel would be great for our ornament craft bag? If so, please contact me! (carlaw@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org or call/text 417-849-6865)
Christmas Eve Virtual Nativity via Trinity Kids
Since we will not be doing a live creche this year, of course we will do a virtual one! I will be enlisting the help of all our Trinity kids, young and old, and having them recite different parts of the Luke passage. We even have a lot of costumes I could drop off on doorsteps for those who wanted to truly get in the spirit! More info will be sent to parents, but I hope everyone will be planning on watching our live-streamed Christmas Eve service!
Advent Plans
I am sooooooooooo excited about our music for this Advent season. Although we are meeting virtually, we will still be blessed with some wonderful & diverse music in our virtual service. This Sunday we will be blessed with the vocal stylings of Mary Alexander and her dear friend, Maredith Sisco. Many of you might recall that Maredith is the voice behind "These Ozark Hills" on KSMU, and she and her music were highlighted in the movie "Winter's Bone." Maredith will have a new CD coming out shortly, which also features Mary. Their voices blend in a way that is very soothing and calming (something I truly need) and perfect for our First Sunday of Advent. We also have our own Johnson family starting Advent season with lighting the hope candle and leading us in an advent liturgy. Each Sunday we will have a different family leading us in this tradition. Stay tuned because next week I'll let you know what is happening for our 2nd Sunday in Advent...............
Parking Lot Carol Sing
December 5th at 3:00 pm we will be having our 2nd Parking Lot Sing-A-Long a Trinity. Robert will be leading us in some of our favorite carols and Christmas tunes. There will be a lot of wonderful tunes for all! We hope you can come!
Trinity Book Club
Attention all book worms! The Trinity Book Club is meeting by Zoom on Monday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. We will be discussing The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. If you would like to be on our email list, please contact Penni Groves.
From the Generosity and Engagement Committee
We have begun our 2021 Stewardship Campaign. Our theme is "Faith for today, Hope for tomorrow." We are all too aware of the challenges we have faced in 2020. Our faith has carried us through these difficult times and faith, along with hope, will do the same for us in 2021. You will soon be receiving a letter and pledge card in the mail. It will contain information about both the sources of our funds and the many missions those funds have allowed us to accomplish. Please pledge generously as you are able.
To learn more about our 2021 Pledge Campaign, and to make your pledge securely online, please visit https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/pledge
Urgent Need at Crosslines
Trinity is still working at Crosslines the third Friday of each month. The pandemic has taken a toll on our volunteers, who work from 8:30 - noon. Also, the church that volunteered to work the afternoon shift (11:30 - 1:45) is no longer serving. We have been asked if we can supply workers for that shift. We've barely been able to supply workers, and need help! There is no contact with clients - just between our workers, who are wearing masks. Your temperature is taken on arrival, so the risk is rather low. If you would be willing to help out with either shift, please contact Cynthia Oliver.
From the Creation Care Committee
Old magazines to get rid of? Extra junk mail in the recycle bin?
The City of Springfield is challenging residents to recycle 100 tons of paper between Nov 15 and December 17, 2020. A normal month is 80 tons, so dig into the garage or basement and get rid of old files, magazines, things that need to be shredded, and take them to one of the city’s recycling centers. Just the incentive you need to get rid of some “2020 stuff” to start fresh for a better 2021!! Here is a link to the city’s Facebook announcement:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=368975127860755
November Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month
· Nov 4 Toni White
· Nov 6 Rachel Groves
· Nov 7 Penni Groves
· Nov 8 Kristin Butler
· Nov 9 Elly Crites
· Nov 9 Jon White
· Nov 17 Katt Douglas
· Nov 20 Stella Martin
· Nov 22 Julia Gentle
· Nov 22 Barbara Hunter
· Nov 25 Jodie Greer
· Nov 25 Linda Lange
· Nov 26 Joann Lucietta
· Nov 26 Jennifer Reynolds
· Nov 27 George Arquitt
· Nov 27 Joyce Shirkey
If you would like to be included in our birthday list, please be sure to update your records with the church office before your birthday occurs. You may call or email your information.
Remaining Connected During Social Distancing
Even though we aren’t together for in-person worship, there is still a lot happening with your Trinity family right now. To see the latest, and how you can get involved in safe ways, visit our News & Updates page on the church website: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/news
Sunday School Classes
The Fall 2020 schedule of classes can be found on the Trinity Website.
The Lectionary Class meets via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.
The Salt and Topical Discussion Classes meet via Zoom from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Resources
· Participate in our Financial Life
Contacting Pastor Chris
I want to be the best support I can for you. Here is how to get in touch:
· The easiest way is by email: cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
· I am also available by phone or text at 816.805.2742
· I am in the office most days, Monday through Thursday. I am currently holding personal meetings / counseling sessions outside under the covered Trinity entrance. Call or email to schedule a time for us to meet.
· NOTE ABOUT FRIDAYS: I take Friday as my Sabbath day to focus on my family. I try to not reply to email, phone, or text. However, if there is an urgent pastoral issue, please contact Deacon Sharon Marsh at 417.880.5988/smarsh43@icloud.com or Deacon Greg Redfern at 417.225.2435/jredfern1313@gmail.com and they will make any necessary arrangements. If you have an immediate need to speak with a pastor and it is a Friday or Chris isn’t in town, you may call Rev. Bill Havens at 417.350.4507.
Prayer Concerns
If you or someone you love want to be included on the prayer list, please let the office know. (Always get permission before submitting information.) Also, when you want your name removed from the prayer list (or an update added), please let the office know at 417-450-2544 or office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org.
· For the family and friends of Michael Howell, who passed away last week. Please hold Charlotte Dugan and all who love Michael in your prayers in this time. A service for Michael will be held at a later date.
· For the Luce family, upon the passing of Mona.
· For Jeanne, Mary Erin Miller's mother, as she continues treatment and evaluation for pancreatic cancer.
· For Teresa Olsen's brother, Craig, who lives in a care facility and has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
· For friends of David and Susan Hart who have been diagnosed with cancer.
· Brenda Havens continues to make progress on her recovery, and appreciates all the prayers.
· For Lori Becker as she undergoes medical care.
· For Chris Plate and his family, as he continues medical treatment.
· For Charlotte Dugan, as she receives medical care.
QUICK NOTES
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 3486, Springfield, MO 65808-3486 | 1900 E. Barataria Street | 417-450-2544 | office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
Learn more about Trinity Presbyterian Church at http://TrinitySpringfieldPCUSA.org
Be sure to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/trinitypcusaspmo/
Learn more about the denomination at http://www.pcusa.org
