Trinity Newsletter for April 6, 2023
From Pastor Chris
My encouragement this week is a simple one: I hope you will take part in some or all of our remaining Holy Week services at Trinity! Join us tonight for a delicious soup and bread supper at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by Maundy Thursday Communion at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Our Maundy Thursday service will be held jointly with Brentwood, and it promises to be a moving time of reflection and worship.
Then, tomorrow evening, please join us in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. for our Good Friday remembrance. With scripture, prayer, and music we will honor and remember Jesus' path to the cross. Finally, we come together on Easter morning at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary for a service of light and beauty - and there might even be cookies!
May you know peace this week,
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Work of the Church: March 2023
The Session met on Sunday, March 19, 2023, as a hybrid meeting (in person at the Trinity Room and via video conference using the Zoom application). The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, April 16, 2023.
During its March 2023 meeting, the Session:
Received with joy, the following members of Trinity: Diane Meade, Randy Meade, and Arlene Crawford, pending certificates of transfer from Cross Roads Church, San Antonio, Texas.
Appointed Elder Daphne Anderson to serve on the Nominating Committee for a two-year term. Elder Anderson will serve as Vice Chair of the Nominating Committee in 2023, and Chair in 2024.
Approved sending a letter to Southminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield, MO, noting their faithful service during the past 65 years.
Discussed several items of strategic importance, including financial issues, pledging, and worship attendance.
Approved transfer of membership for Sharon Marsh to Village Church, Prairie Village, Kansas.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report (Preliminary balances):
Balances as of 2/28/2023:
Operating Account – US Bank: $53,292.40
Operating Account – Guaranty Bank $49,465.99
Petty Cash: $140.00
Operating Funds Total: $102,898.39
Outstanding Checks: $27,481.92
Credit Card Balance: $3,414.60
Investment Balances:
Total Investment Balances: $560,546.79
CFO Money Market Account: $0.00
Money Market Account-Guaranty $135,981.23
CFO Facility Legacy Fund $177,404.17
NCTC Mission Legacy Fund: $247,161.39
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The Deacons Report: The Deacons met on March 12 to discuss congregational needs and the need for congregants to be sure to contact Pastor Chris, the church, and/or their Deacon if care needs arise. If in the hospital, they are not allowed to call with that information now to be compliant with HPAA guidelines/rules.
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)).
The Christian Education/Faith Formation Committee is planning summer opportunities for faith formation for all members. Dates for Vacation Bible School have been set. As in past years, a less formal Sunday school schedule will be adopted. Plans for Adult Sunday School include inviting a variety of speakers as well as holding some multi-generational classes. If you have a speaker suggestion or a topic you would like to be a focus, please contact one of your CE/FF Elders; Dave Muegge, Amy Price, or Daphne Anderson.
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 March 5. Current concerns and special needs of the congregation were discussed, and prayerful attention was given to each. The Homebound Ministry seems to be a blessing to many.
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)).
The Generosity and Engagement Committee reviewed past agendas to determine where our initial priorities should be for 2023.
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Carrie Arquitt (E), Ansley Arquitt (YD), David Conaway (D), and Mike Simpson (D)).
Nominating (Leadership Team: Daphne Anderson (E) and Dave Muegge (E)).
Personnel (Leadership Team: Bob Bell (E), Karen Cavicchia (D), and Bob Kick (E)). The Personnel Committee met on March 19.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Carol Minton (E), Paula Tindell (D), and Gail Tombleson (D)).
We are currently working on preparing cookie bags to distribute for Easter on April 9. Look for the sign-up sheet if you are interested in making cookies. Set aside June 11 for a Summer Celebration cookout and October 1 for the annual church picnic at the Springfield Botanical Gardens.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Jeannie Reed (D), Susan Uffmann (E), and Mike White (E)).
The Worship & Music Committee met March 2 to continue planning and preparation for the Lenten season of prayer, study and reflection. Trinity will celebrate Communion on the following dates:
March 5 (second Sunday of Lent)
April 2 (Palm/Passion Sunday)
April 6 (Maundy Thursday)
April 9 (Easter Sunday)
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Holy Week Activities at Trinity
Holy Week is a highlight of our church year, and we hope you will take part in many of our activities. Here are some ways you can get involved:
Palm Sunday Worship: Sunday, April 2
11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Holy Week Book Study & Lunch: Wednesday, April 5
Noon in the Fellowship Hall
Maundy Thursday Dinner & Worship: Thursday, April 6
5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for Dinner
6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary for Worship
Good Friday Worship: Friday, April 7
7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Easter Sunday Worship: Sunday, April 9
11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Be Safe Online - From Pastor Chris
Earlier this week, I heard from a member of our Trinity family that they had been contacted via text by someone claiming to be me. Thankfully, the individual involved checked with me personally and I was able to confirm that this was not a legitimate message. This message, and any like it, did not originate from Trinity, but are instead an attempt to run a scam. Unfortunately, it is easy for scammers to create fake phone numbers and email addresses that at first glance appear to come from a legitimate source, but are in fact fraudulent.
The only phone numbers I will ever contact you from are my Trinity number (417-450-4574) or my personal cell (816-805-2742). If you receive a text message from another number claiming to be me (or any other member of Trinity leadership) it is almost certainly NOT trustworthy.
If someone claims they need immediate help, but tells you that you cannot contact them, this is a good sign it is a scam. Call the individual involved, or a family member, and check the story.
Please know that I will never email or text you asking you to purchase items for the church with your own funds. Neither will any member of Trinity leadership. We will not ask you to purchase gift cards, send money orders, or anything similar. You will never be asked to wire funds to bail someone out of jail, pay medical costs, or to help with legal issues. As a congregation we have official avenues for providing financial support in times of crisis; asking you to buy a gift card over the internet is NOT one of those ways.
Unfortunately, there are individuals who will take advantage of the goodwill of people of faith. There is usually a very emotional story that sounds plausible and requires immediate help; if someone (especially via email or text) pressures you to provide immediate financial assistance take a step back and double check the situation.
If you are ever unsure that a communication is from Trinity please call me or the church office. My cell number is 816.805.2742 and our office number is 417.450.2544. When in doubt, double check.
Wishing you the best,
Pastor Chris
Garage Sale Update
Look for the notebook at the West Entrance and sign up to help with Two Congregation Garage Sale.
Help us get a new dishwasher.
Set up, sale and clean up – May 1 through May 6.
All Help Appreciated.
A Note from Karen Cavicchia
After two years of pandemic delays, my own health scares, and all the planning and coordinating of two meaningful celebrations for family and loved ones in two different states, five months apart, here is the completed video of the Celebration of Life, Remembrance, and Gratitude for The Reverend Dr. Thomas H. Cavicchia at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Springfield, MO, October 15, 2022.
The video is 1 hour 38 minutes. The first 20 minutes include exquisite classical music played by Robert and Sharon Reed, Carla and Tim Wootton, followed by speakers The Reverend Christopher Miller (Minister at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Springfield, MO), Ms. Malinda Spencer (Executive Presbyter of John Calvin Presbytery), Thomas D. Cavicchia (son), Janine Cavicchia (daughter), and Robert Reed (friend).
Do You Worship with Trinity Online?
Each week in the Sanctuary we pass our Fellowship Pads and Visitor Cards. We now have a digital Connection Card for all our friends who worship with us online! If you are a regular (or semi-regular) online worshiper, please consider using our mobile-friendly Connection Card the next time you join us for worship.
Simply follow this link to note your participation in worship, share a prayer request, and more: https://bit.ly/trinitysgfconnect
Thanks for helping us better connect with our Trinity family!
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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