Weekly Newsletter - 9/3/20
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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
September 3, 2020
From Pastor Chris
"Pastor, I just don't know how to help! It doesn't seem like there is anything that I can do." This time of pandemic has been disruptive for each of us in so many ways, many of them unique and personal. However, one common theme I've found in my conversations with you all is this: the feeling of wanting to help, but not being sure how. This week I want to offer one option for you: a new group I'm forming, the Trinity Fellowship of Prayer. The goal of this new group is to support our Deacons and Congregational Care team by having a group that will commit to holding our congregation, community, nation, and world in daily prayer. Each member will pray during a set time of the day, so all day long Trinity members will be lifting each other up in prayer. This group is specifically designed to operate from our individual homes, no meetings necessary, so anyone who feels led is able to participate.
Here is what is involved when you sign up:
You will choose an hour of the day (ex: 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.) and commit to pray daily during that hour. You don't need to pray for the whole hour, just at some point during the hour. We also know that things come up, so if you need to pray at a different time one day (or even miss an occasional day here and there) that is fine! The goal is simply to work toward a pattern.
I will provide you with a copy of the Book of Common Worship: Daily Prayer to serve as a guide for your prayers, along with some suggestions from me. We have 30 copies available, thanks to the generous support of our national office.
If we have enough interest, you will be paired with a prayer partner during your hour. You can pray together over the phone, or just have someone to help keep you on track as you need. If you have someone in mind, let me know!
If you've been wondering how you can help serve during this time, maybe the Fellowship of Prayer is for you. If you're interested, or just want to learn more, please email or call. (cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org OR 816.805.2742) I would love to chat more about this opportunity, or anything else on your mind.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
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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
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Carla's Corner
The school year has started and here in Springfield, it is different than ever before. I heard one of Tim's private trumpet students who attends another district tell him that the school year was the same for him, except everyone was wearing a mask. I was a bit jealous of how "normal" he seemed to feel, with the exception of the mask. But that's kids for you! They are much more resilient than we adults. As we move forward, the next couple of months are going to be very hard in many ways. Let's continue to keep each other, our kids, our families, our country in our prayers.
Back-to-school Surprise Delivered!
I was really excited this past week when Tim and I delivered the t-shirts, backpack tags and some other little goodies to all of our Trinity kids and friends. I would like to thank Julie Thomas, her daughter Laurie and their company Thirdstreet Sportswear, for helping in our design and printing of t-shirts for our kids. I would also like to thank Liz Sweet for writing a note to every single one of our kiddos for the goodie bags! We delivered 28 bags in all! Thanks Liz!
Youth Group Plans
After Labor Day, we are going to try our youth group in person. I have emailed all parents involved and am touching base regarding their wishes and comfort level. We have been doing youth Sunday nights online with Reed, virtually playing games thru Discord, since Covid began. Since the session is allowing us to meet in small groups of 15 or less, outside, I have proposed our youth coming to my house where we can swim, play volleyball, basketball, cornhole, or sit around a big fire pit and talk at a distance. I'm hoping this might appeal to more of our youth and we can have some in-person fun and fellowship. Plus, this can rotate to other homes where we can be outside and still have fun together. One family offered to have a movie on the lawn for our youth. There are all kinds of possibilities! If you know of any youth who might be interested, please let me know!
Trinity Children
We used to have SAK outings with Ms Sarah. (Sarah's Awesome Kids). Well, I'm unsure what to call it (CAK sounds a bit like some type of bird call or electronic device), but I'm going to talk with parents of our children (pre-k and elementary) to see if we might have some type of fellowship together now that we can meet outside, with 15 or less people. My goal is to have a Trinity Children's Outing once a month. This could be coming to my house for outside fun or any other idea our parents might have! I will be touching base with all our parents to see their thoughts!
Need A Happy Mood Pick-Me-Up?
If you didn't catch our virtual service this past Sunday, I would like to encourage you to watch it. I thoroughly enjoyed Pastor Chris's sermon and the wonderful anthem from the Shannon family! But I will say I was a little partial in seeing our Trinity Kids and Friends waving to us in the video made by Katherine Arquitt for Pentecost. With Katherine's permission, I tweaked it a bit for back-to-school. I PROMISE you that it is IMPOSSIBLE to see all of our kids and not have a big smile on your face the entire time!
Parents, How's It Going?
I believe all of our students are now back in school, in some form. Our kids attending SPS are seated 2 days a week and 3 days virtual and many of our surrounding schools are seated 5 days or all virtual. I know that sometimes it takes us several weeks to figure out a schedule and a routine, but I want all parents to remember that I am here to provide any support you may need. Please do not hesitate to touch base with me and I'll be touching base with you too!
Curbside Food Drive Coming Up!
Our Curbside Food Drives are moving to a more regular schedule. Starting on Monday, September 14, we will hold a Curbside Food Drive every second Monday of the month from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. We will hold monthly drives through at least the end of 2020. You can find all the dates on the church calendar. Donations will support our local mission partners at Crosslines and Rare Breed.
This month we are asking for donations of the following:
Pre-packaged disposable silverware sets (like you get with takeout meals) for our meal kits to Rare Breed (NOTE: We do NOT need bulk plastic silverware, just any spare packets of silverware you might have around the house)
Canned tuna / chicken
Meal kits that use canned tuna or chicken (like "Tuna Helper")
Canned soup / vegetables / fruit
Non-perishable boxed items (especially cereal and boxed Mac and cheese)
Any other non-perishable, shelf-stable items. Please do not donate items that are expired or in glass containers, as these cannot be used.
New, in-package personal grooming items: ail clippers, combs, and hairbrushes. (These items will help pack personal care kits at Grace UMC)
Wednesdays on the Lawn
Wednesdays on the Lawn are a time of fellowship and connection hosted by Pastor Chris at church. We will meet outside on the lawn, under the shade tree on the southwest corner of the building (right outside our kids Sunday School classroom), for about an hour. Here are some key details:
We have FOUR MORE meeting times to choose from: September 9 or 16 at either 10:00 a.m or 6:30 p.m.
We are limiting the size of the gathering to 15; therefore an RSVP is required. Tap here to RSVP online or email/call me and I'll get you on the list.
For now, please plan to attend only one gathering. Once I know how many are interested in attending, we may open up additional spots.
Please bring your own seating (lawn/camp chair, picnic blanket, etc).
Masking and physical distancing are required.
Weekly Congregation-Wide Study
All our Sunday School classes are taking this Sunday off for Labor Day weekend, so no Zoom gatherings this Sunday. Look for more details about our fall class schedule next week!
September Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month!
Sept. 3 Katie Kull
Sept. 7 Randy Hoops
Sept. 9 Hope Trotter "60"
Sept. 9 Roger Schlemmer
Sept. 10 Susan Leonard
Sept. 11 Chris Plate
Sept. 14 Sue Woody
Sept. 14 Michael Howell
Sept. 16 Jack Johnson "13"
Sept. 17 Liz Sweet
Sept. 17 Don Holliday
Sept. 17 Ann Hall
Sept. 17 Kathy Morriss
Sept. 19 Richard Miller
Sept. 21 Jane Huffstetler
Sept. 28 Bill Havens
Sept. 28 Sandie Everett
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
Resources
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.
Current
For Ilace Mears as she recovers from Covid-19. Fortunately, she's had a very mild case.
For Ann Hall, who is recovering from surgery and dealing with meningitis.
For Luke, nephew of Ron and Kristin Butler, who is receiving critical medical care, and for his family - parents Gretchen and Mark, and brother Jackson - as they navigate these challenges with him.
Brenda Havens continues to make progress on her recovery, and appreciates all the prayers.
For Lori Becker as she undergoes medical care.
Chris Plate and his family as he continues medical treatment.
Charlotte Dugan, as she receives medical care.
Michael Howell as he recovers from an auto accident.
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
