Trinity Newsletter for January 26, 2023
From Pastor Chris
I have two invitations for you this week. First, I hope you will be able to attend the Ozarks Festival of Faiths. This free, interfaith event is taking place this Saturday, January 28, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Springfield Art Museum. There will be informational tables from many faith communities around the Ozarks, including Trinity, as well as art displays and musical performances. This promises to be an inspirational evening where we can learn from each other. I hope you will be able to attend this drop in event.
Second, I am excited to share an update on the work your leadership is doing as we discern together the vision God has for our congregation. As part of our commitment to be an active and vibrant community of faith, your Trinity leadership will be working over the coming months with an experienced leadership consultant, the Rev. David Smazik, a Presbyterian pastor who will be helping us develop a forward-looking, post-COVID vision for Trinity. While most of this work will be happening with our staff and Session through interviews, focus groups, and leadership retreats, I feel it is vital you know this work is underway.
Additionally, this discernment is not taking place in isolation. Since my arrival in 2017 we have engaged in a number of strategic visioning exercises, and the results from each has been shared with and reviewed by Rev. Smazik. I have compiled a summary of where we have been and where we are heading on our website, so you can have access to the same information our leadership is using during these important discussions. I hope you will take some time in the weeks to come to look over the resources found here:
https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/vision
On this page you can find information about our 2018 visioning process and goals, our work over the past 18 months with the Vital Congregations Initiative, and results from the United States Congregational Vitality Survey we took at the end of last summer.
This is an exciting time in the life and ministry of Trinity, and I am honored to be on this journey with you. If you have questions about our visioning work, or anything in the life and ministry of Trinity, I hope you will reach out. I always have time for a chat or a cup of coffee.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Work of the Church: January 2023
The Session met on Sunday, January 15, 2023, in person at the Trinity Room. The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, February 19, 2023.
During its January meeting, the Session:
Approved 2023 Trinity Committee Leadership assignments.
Appointed John Calvin Presbytery (JCP) commissioners.
Approved Trinity’s 2023 pledge of support to JCP for Shared Mission ($18,000) and the Theological Fund ($2,000).
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report (Preliminary balances):
Balances as of 12/31/2022:
Operating Budget Account: $37,428.31
Petty Cash: $122.71
Operating Funds Total: $37,551.02
Outstanding Checks: $ 3,671.79
Credit Card Balance 1/6/23: $0.00
Investment Balances: Total Investment Balances: $538,217.28
CFO Money Market Account (as of 1/10/23): $132,550.17
CFO Facility Legacy Fund (as of 1/10/23): $166,814.39
NCTC Mission Legacy Fund (as of 12/31/22): $238,852.72
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The Deacons Report: The Board of Deacons met on December 11 to share gratitude for the blessings of 2022 and to lift up those in need of prayer. The next stated meeting of Deacons will be announced after new officers are ordained/installed in early January, 2023.
The following is a list of the various committees and organizations of Trinity, along with their current leadership teams for 2023.
Christian Education and Faith Formation (Leadership Team: Daphne Anderson (E), Dave Muegge (E), Amy Price (E), and Jan Redfern (D)).
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Anne Crites (E) and Mike Simpson (D)).
Congregational Care (Leadership Team: Brenda Havens (D), Barbara Highley (D), Edith Reed (D), and Bill Trotter(D)).
Finance (Leadership Team: Anne Crites (E), David Hart (E), Bob Kick (E), and Mike Wills (E)).
Generosity and Engagement (Leadership Team: Carrie Arquitt (E), Jerri Ilkiw (D), and Mike White (E)).
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Carrie Arquitt (E), Ansley Arquitt (YD), David Conaway (D), and Mike Simpson (D)).
Nominating (Leadership Team: Dave Muegge (E)).
Personnel (Leadership Team: Bob Bell (E), Karen Cavicchia (D), and Bob Kick (E)).
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Carol Minton (E), Paula Tindell (D), and Gail Tombleson (D)).
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Jeannie Reed (D), Susan Uffmann (E), and Mike White (E)).
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Renovations are Underway
Construction has begun on new, fully accessible restrooms near the Sanctuary. The project will see the construction of three new "family style," ADA accessible restrooms. Additionally, when the new restrooms are complete the current main restrooms will be renovated and updated.
Here are some expected impacts of this facility upgrade:
Building accessibility on Sundays will NOT change. The current restrooms will remain accessible until the new facilities are complete and ready to use.
There will be construction items visible in the main hallway and in the downstairs kitchen as work progresses. We will strive to keep the disruption to a minimum.
We are asking all WEEKDAY access to the building use the West / Trinity doors, as the Foyer / East doors will be used for construction access.
We anticipate the work will take approximately six weeks to complete, but if this changes we will let you know.
This accessibility and access improvement is being funded by our facility partners at Brentwood Christian Church.
A Note From Dora Elliott
My Dear Friends,
I wish I could send a card or note to each of you and thank you for every prayer, call, card, note, and letter. Also, for you asking my sister, Sarah, about me and sending loving thoughts my way. It has meant more to me than I can express. You have made me feel connected even when I can’t be. I treasure that.
You are in my thoughts and prayers also. I think of you more than you know.
Love to all of you,
Dora
Laptop for Fahim Ahmadi
Good afternoon, Trinity!
I am writing to let you know that Fahim has enrolled at MSU and will be doing certificate work during the four semesters of the Spring Session in the Geography Dept. He is awaiting the results of an MSU-specific scholarship application.
If you are aware of a laptop in good shape that Fahim can use for his class work at MSU please contact me. This fine young man is also seeking asylum for his wife and 2-year-old daughter.
These young men are working hard and setting the pace for achievements!! They appreciate all the support from the congregation and the Mission Committee!!
Peace,
Martha Sparrow, CSG leader
865-300-8715
Happy Birthday, Chris
Here are a few photos from Pastor Chris's birthday celebration last Sunday.
Church Garage Sale - Coming Soon
It’s almost time again for the Two Congregation Church Garage Sale
May 4-6, 2023
Start saving your stuff- Details will follow, including ways for volunteers to help with set-up, sale days and clean-up
Only small furniture (no larger than a kitchen chair, end table, etc.) will be accepted for sale.
NEW in 2023- we cannot accept larger furniture as there is no place to donate this if it doesn’t sell. We cannot accept beds, cribs or grills.
PW Circle Days/Times
Lydia Circle: 1st Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity (Susan Uffmann, 417-827-2487)
(Note: September will be on Sept. 13)
Sarah Circle: 2nd Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity (Brenda Kane, 417-773-5583)
Rachel Circle: 2nd Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. in homes (Cynthia Oliver, 417-719-8070)
Rebecca Circle: 2nd Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. at Trinity (Jan Redfern, 417-225-2435)
Esther Circle: 3rd Monday , 6:00 p.m. in the Trinity room (Kristin Butler, 417-268-8015)
Morning, afternoon, or evening – there is a time and place for you to join other women in fellowship, growth and friendship as we walk through studying the Bible together.
Trinity Sunday School Classes
There are Sunday School opportunities for all ages from Kindergarten on. 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.
Adult Class offerings:
Studying the Word- (formerly the Lectionary Class), meets in the Trinity Room. Participants can attend in person or by Zoom. Together we read scripture and apply its wisdom to our lives. We’d love for all interested in learning more about the Bible, one passage at a time, to join us. All our welcome! Contact person: Susan Holiday
Topical Discussions Fellowship- adult learners of all ages meet in the Fellowship Hall. With good coffee and fresh treats from the class members, we strive to discuss a variety of topics relevant to our religion in today’s society. Topics last year included: Immigration in the US, The Apostles’ Creed by Pastor Adam Hamilton, and Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes. We hope you will join us for fellowship and discussion. Contact: Dave Muegge
SALT - a casual class in a discussion format. Studies are chosen with a focus on material that can be engaged in with little preparation. We share in leading lessons based on participant comfort level. Come when you can, no experience required! SALT meets in Room 17. Contact: Amy Price
Four and More- this Bible Study has this name from meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays... presently by Zoom. We have been walking through the Bible together for four years and are presently studying the book of Romans. Anyone wanting to join can send their email address to leader, Jane Huffstetler. She will provide the Zoom link. huffstetlerjane48@gmail.com
Youth:
Lunch and Lessons - Middle and High School youth enjoy lunch the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month while exploring topics youth members select from our resources. We intend to have a safe space for open conversation in hopes of supporting independent thought while offering a faith-based perspective. Contact: Nissa Krier- nissakrier@gmail.com
Young Children- Ages Kindergarten through grade 5 meet in the Children's Room in the Southwest Corner of the building. The Bible we use is called Growing in God's Love. Classes include activities and crafts. Teachers, Sarah Muegge-(twin2_53@hotmail.com) and Jan Redfern- (jredfern1313@gmail.com) would be happy to see our Trinity kids and their friends.
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.
