Trinity Newsletter for March 9, 2023
From Pastor Chris
As you may know, last Friday our daughter Elizabeth was admitted to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with a severe respiratory virus. Over the past days she has been receiving good care to keep her safe while her body fights off the infection.
Unfortunately, this particular virus is quite severe and she is needing a higher level of support. As I write this she is being prepared for transfer to the pediatric ICU for additional care. Mary Erin and I want to thank everyone for your prayers as we work to get her home as quickly and safely as possible.
If you have an urgent pastoral issue please contact the office, our congregational care team, or your Deacon for assistance.
I am hoping to be with you in worship on Sunday, but otherwise I will remain in Kansas City with Elizabeth until her discharge.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Work of the Church: February 2023
A Joint Meeting of the Elders and Deacons was held on February 25, 2023, in the Fellowship Hall of Trinity Presbyterian Church. This meeting was held within the 2023 Trinity Leadership Orientation meeting. The Joint Meeting included the following items:
Introduction and examination of Incoming Officers, which was conducted satisfactorily.
Receiving the Pastor’s Report, which noted the challenging but hopeful last two years for Trinity. Rev. Miller identified vision and connection as his personal priorities for 2023.
The required annual review of the membership rolls.
The Session met on Sunday, February 26, 2023, in person at the Trinity Room. The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, March 19, 2023.
During its February, 2023 meeting, the Session:
Approved convening the Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation on Sunday, March 26, 2023, after worship, as a hybrid meeting, for the purposes of: (1) presentation of the 2022 Annual Report and 2023 budget, (2) consideration of changes to the Trinity Bylaws, and (3) presentation of the Pastor’s Sabbatical Plan.
Approved the annual review of the Trinity Manual of Administrative Operations.
Approved the inclusion of three policies into the Trinity Manual of Administrative Operations: the Vaccination Policy for All Staff, Weather Cancellation Policy, and the draft Child, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults Policy as a pilot program.
Approved modest budgetary amendments to fund the pilot program of the Child, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults Policy.
Approved the 2022 Annual Statistical Report and Annual Reports to John Calvin Presbytery, including the 2023 Session and Minister Reports.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report (Preliminary balances):
Balances as of 1/31/2023:
Operating Account – US Bank: $68,832.10
Operating Account – Guaranty Bank $45,339.89
Petty Cash: $140.00
Operating Funds Total: $114,311.99
Outstanding Checks: $28,043.50
Credit Card Balance 1/6/23: $492.41
Investment Balances: Total Investment Balances: $563,808.28
CFO Money Market Account (as of 2/3/23): $133,427.39
CFO Facility Legacy Fund (as of 2/10/23): $176,340.36
NCTC Mission Legacy Fund (as of 12/31/22): $254,040.53
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The Deacons Report: The Deacons met on February 12 to discuss congregational needs in terms of prayer and support. The Deacons will be reaching out to members of the Trinity family in the near future.
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)). The Congregational Care Committee met on February 5, and reviewed procedures for providing birthday wishes for the Trinity congregation. The Committee enthusiastically supported a new ministry focused on Trinity members who are home-bound or are unable to attend worship services regularly.
Finance (Leadership Team: Anne Crites (E), David Hart (E), Bob Kick (E), and Mike Wills (E)). Treasurer Steve Kane reviewed the status of Trinity’s finances, which are currently sufficient to meet the current work of the Church in 2023.
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)). The Worship & Music Committee met Feb. 8 to discuss Lenten activities leading up to Holy Week, which include an Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) joint service, and a service of diminishing lights on each Sunday in Lent beginning Feb. 26 and ending on Palm Sunday, April 2.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
NOTICE: Annual Congregational Meeting
The Session of Trinity Presbyterian Church has called for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation and the Corporation to take place immediately following the 11:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Business to be conducted during this meeting shall be: (1) presentation of the 2022 Annual Report, which includes the 2023 Budget, (2) voting on one amendment to the Trinity bylaws, and (3) presentation of Pastor’s sabbatical plan.
The meeting will be a hybrid meeting, both in-person at the sanctuary of Trinity Presbyterian Church and via audio/video conference using the Zoom application.
The meeting packet with agenda and instructions for participating in the meeting will be distributed to all members of Trinity via email, or by postal mail if no email address is available, in the coming days. A link to the 2022 Annual Report will be distributed to all members the week before the meeting, and print copies will be available on request.
The proposed bylaws changes to be voted on are as follows:
Amend Section XIII of the Bylaws of Trinity to delete phased-in language increasing the number of Deacons.
Current language: XIII. Deacons
The congregation shall elect twelve (12) deacons divided into three equal classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at a congregational meeting for a three-year term. During the 2022 calendar year the board of deacons shall comprise a minimum of 10 deacons and a maximum of 12. During the 2023 calendar year the board of deacons shall comprise a minimum of 11 deacons and a maximum of 12. One additional deacon shall be elected from the youth to serve an annual term. No deacon shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A deacon having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for reelection to the board of deacons for a period of at least one year. The pastor shall be an advisory member of the board of deacons. A quorum for the board of deacons shall be the majority * of the members, including the moderator.
* A majority is defined as one half plus one. With 11 or 12 deacons, the quorum shall be 7. With 10 deacons, the quorum shall be 6.
Proposed language (changes are in bold type or strike-through):
The congregation shall elect twelve (12) deacons divided into three equal classes, one class of whom shall be elected each year at a congregational meeting for a three-year term. During the 2022 calendar year the board of deacons shall comprise a minimum of 10 deacons and a maximum of 12. During the 2023 calendar year the board of deacons shall comprise a minimum of 11 deacons and a maximum of 12. One additional deacon shall be elected from the youth to serve an annual term. No deacon shall serve for consecutive terms, either full or partial, aggregating more than six years. A deacon having served a total of six years shall be ineligible for reelection to the board of deacons for a period of at least one year. The pastor shall be an advisory member of the board of deacons. A quorum for the board of deacons shall be one half the majority * of the members, including the moderator.
* A majority is defined as one half plus one. With 11 or 12 deacons, the quorum shall be 7. With 10 deacons, the quorum shall be 6.
Spring Forward
Daylight Savings Time starts this Sunday. Don't forget to set your clocks ahead on Saturday night.
Knitting4Peace
We are meeting on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at noon until 2:00 p.m. The next meeting will be March 20, 12:00-2:00 p.m. by the west entrance to Trinity.
Attention knitters (and crocheters) - any experience level welcome as evidenced by sister helping sister shown here.
You can find more information about the organization here:
Trinity Meal Ministry
From time to time, there arises a need within Trinity for support of families who have illness, surgeries, bereavement, etc. with provision of an occasional meal. This can be in the form of a homecooked meal, purchased food or gift card. Congregational Care committee coordinates this ministry. We maintain a list of people who are willing to be called upon when the need arises.
We would like to offer the opportunity to serve in this way to others in the congregation who might feel called to participate. If after prayerful consideration you would be able to provide an occasional meal for someone, please let me know.
417-766-0040
607 East Berkeley Street
Springfield, MO 65807
Lent Devotionals Available
If you are like me, one of the first things you think about with Lent is the idea of giving something up; maybe it's chocolate or soda or even social media. The reason Christians have traditionally observed some kind of fasting during Lent is the goal of making space for the movement of God in our lives.
I think the goal of making space for God in our lives is always a good one, but this Lent I would also encourage you to not just give something up, but to take something on. I am encouraging every member of the Trinity family to take time every day for prayer and reflection. What that looks like for each of us will be different, but if you want a place to start, I have pulled together three different devotional resources for your use.
Tap here to view all three of our devotional resources for Lent. Each of these can be downloaded and saved to your device. You can print them for easier reading if you wish. If you have trouble accessing our devotionals electronically, please contact the office and we will be happy to print a copy for you. I hope you will take time to look at each of these resources as we all grow closer to God, and to one another, during this holy season.
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.
