Trinity Newsletter for February 2, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Last weekend, Trinity had the joy of participating in the Ozarks Festival of Faiths. With over 20 different faith groups represented it was a wonderful opportunity for us all to learn from one another. I think it is especially appropriate timing, as yesterday marked the beginning of World Interfaith Harmony Week; an official UN observance encouraging faith leaders to engage in dialogues of love.
Below are a couple of photos; one of Trinity's display and one from my vantage point at our table (during one of the less crowded moments). If you didn't get a chance to see our display this past Sunday it will remain up for one more week in the West entryway. I hope you get a chance to take a look and maybe even learn something about Presbyterians!
On a personal note, I want to say thank you to everyone who shared kind words (or took part in the surprise at the chili supper - I really had no idea!) for my 40th birthday. Please know how meaningful your love and support is to me!
Finally, after being rescheduled, our daughter Elizabeth's next surgery has been set for February 15 at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. I will be out of the office from Sunday, February 12 through at least Sunday, February 19 to help with her preparation and recovery. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Visioning Update
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 have 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.
Pastor Chris
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.
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
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.
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