Trinity Newsletter for March 16, 2023
From Pastor Chris
We are about half-way through the season of Lent and it's a good time to check in with yourself. How have you been doing with your Lenten disciplines or faith practices? If you're like me, when Ash Wednesday comes you set out with great plans to make time every day for prayer and devotional reading... and after a couple weeks you realize that every day has become every other day, or every few days.
I want to give you some reassurance. There isn't a prize for the "most devout of Lent" (nor is there a punishment for the "least devout"!). The goal of Lenten disciples or practices isn't to prove to God, or anyone else, that you are good or holy. Rather, think of this as a time to give yourself the space to connect more deeply with God - the same God who calls you beloved and longs for you to embrace that identity.
If you have drifted a bit from your original intentions for this season, or maybe if you didn't really even start, now is a good time to get back on the path. Not because you have to, not because you are a better or worse person, but simply because spending time in prayer each day will draw you closer to the one who knows you better than you know yourself...
the one who longs for you to know
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Easter/Spring Cookies Needed
Would You Like to Join the Trinity Prayer Team?
I want to extend an invitation for you to go deeper into your connection with prayer and the Trinity family.
In the early days of the pandemic we formed the Trinity Prayer Team. This group doesn't meet in-person but, rather, agrees to set aside time most days to hold the Trinity family in prayer. Some pray in the morning, some at night. In addition to regular prayer for our church, this group also lifts up specific needs as we learn of them, holding in prayer those in our community who are healing or grieving or celebrating.
If you feel called to join this group, please give Pastor Chris a call or an email. We have daily prayer books available to help you in your prayer. If you have felt a desire to get more connected with Trinity, but have difficulty attending regular, in-person events, this might be a great fit for you. Whether you feel led to join our prayer team or not, please know how thankful I am that you are part of our church family!
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.
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.
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