Trinity Newsletter for May 4, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Pastor Chris is on sabbatical through July. His column will return in August.
Work of the Church: April 2023
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation was held on Sunday, March 26, 2023, as a hybrid meeting (in-person at the sanctuary and via video-conference using the Zoom application), with Rev. Greg Esselman moderating. The purposes of this meeting were to:
Present the 2022 Trinity Annual Report including the 2023 Trinity Budget.
Vote on one amendment to the Trinity Bylaws.
Present the Pastor’s sabbatical plan.
Treasurer Stephen Kane presented a summary of Trinity’s financial status as of the end of 2022 and an overview of the 2023 Budget, with Elder David Hart of the Finance Committee providing additional comments.
Elder Bob Kick gave the report for the Personnel Committee including hiring the Rev. Dr. David Smazik as a consultant, and handling of anonymous emails received by the Session and Pastor.
Representatives of other committees briefly described their 2022 activities and plans for 2023.
For his Pastor’s Report, Rev. Chris Miller (via Zoom) noted that this year we celebrate that Trinity is meeting in-person, the sanctuary is renovated, and new AV equipment enhances the worship experience for those attending in-person and online. He also described his sabbatical plans (May through July 2023), including the goals, activities, and desired outcomes.
MOTION from the Session to Amend the Bylaws of Trinity. Rev. Esselman stated that the proposed amendment to the Bylaws of Trinity deletes phased-in language for the prior increase in the number of deacons. Rev. Esselman invited questions about the proposed amendment; there were none. The motion was voted on and passed unanimously.
The Session met on Sunday, April 23, 2023, with all attendees in person at the Trinity Room. The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, June 18, 2023.
During its April 2023 meeting, the Session:
Committed to a concerted effort by the Elder / Deacon pairs to reach out to individuals who have not been in worship, who are on the periphery, and those with high-level needs, for the purpose of rebuilding connections and bringing them back into the Trinity community.
Received a detailed plan from Rev. Chris Miller about his plans for continuity of care at Trinity during his sabbatical leave May through July 2023.
Approved cancelling the May 21, 2023, Session meeting, due to the Visioning Retreat scheduled for May 19-20, 2023.
Approved a revised facilities proposal to extend the flooring from the East Foyer through the main hallway and West Entryway. Additional funds were authorized for this purpose, to augment funds previously approved in November, 2022.
Approved donation of an HP printer from Sarah Muegge for use with the children’s program.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report (Preliminary balances) 3/31/23:
Funds Available-Cash Basis
Operating Account-US Bank
$51,688.77
Operating Account-Guaranty Bank
$31,495.38
Petty Cash
$133.88
Operating FundsTotal
$83,318.03
Money Market Account-Guaranty
$136,223.76
Facility Legacy Fund-CFO
$173,504.57
Mission Legacy-NCTC
$252,468.40
Investment Balances
$562,196.73
Funds Available-03/31
$645,514.76
Additional Information
Outstanding Checks
$2,389.83
Credit Card Balance
$2,689.73
$5,079.56
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The Deacons Report: The Deacons met on April 2 to discuss congregational needs in terms of prayer and support. Paula Tindell and Gail Tombleson are co-moderators of the Deacons.
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 met on April 3.
Our average Sunday Schools attendance for March was 31 people. Thus, of our 85-90 average church pew attendance weekly, about 1/3 of those in church are also attending a Sunday School.
Trinity and Westminster will hold a joint Parents Night Out event at Trinity, on Friday, April 28, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., for ages 4 years old through grade 5. A fun evening of pizza, games, crafts, and movies will occur.
Vacation Bible School will be held jointly with Brentwood Christian, Westminster, and Trinity, on Wednesday through Friday, July 5-7, at Westminster. Vacation Bible School was very popular last summer and looks to be well-attended again this year. Age ranges are 4 years through grade 5. The theme is Marketplace of Biblical times.
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)). The Generosity and Engagement Committee anticipates that Legacy Giving Sunday will be May 7.
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 20. The Committee discussed information that will be presented at the Congregational Meeting scheduled for March 26, 2023; discussed Pastor Chris’s upcoming Sabbatical plans; and discussed the planned meeting with the Rev. Dr. David Smazik on May 19 and 20, 2023.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Carol Minton (E), Paula Tindell (D), and Gail Tombleson (D)). We distributed 125 cookie bags on Easter on April 9. We are currently planning for the Summer Celebration on June 11. Work on the pew pamphlets is progressing. The annual church picnic will be at the Springfield Botanical Gardens on October 1. Welcome to Trinity lunches resumed with the first post pandemic lunch on April 30. We will be back on schedule and have new member lunches quarterly on the first Sunday of February, May, August, and November. We’re working on the process of finding shepherds for new members.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Jeannie Reed (D), Susan Uffmann (E), and Mike White (E)). The Worship & Music committee met April 13 with discussion of roles that are needed to be covered, expanded, or added for our worship experience. The guidance established by Pastor Chris Miller to enable smooth continuance of Worship during his Sabbatical time (May – July) was reviewed again with discussion and clarifications.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Household Items for Refugees
Due to lack of refugee sponsor groups to set up homes for incoming refugee families, the International Institute of Southwest Missouri is collecting household items. During the month of April, they are asking for towel sets. They would be very appreciative for donations from the community. They prefer new or almost new, if possible. They don't have to be expensive. You can leave them in the Sacristy (June’s old office) for the next three weeks. Thank you!
Trinity A/V Team Needs You!
Hello Trinity Family! Our Audio visual team needs more volunteers. We are getting ready for another training and would like to involve more of our Trinity family to help us. We really need you. This is not hard and if you would like to sit in the back to observe one Sunday, please do! We would love to have 3 volunteers each Sunday: soundboard, slides, live-streaming. Even if you can volunteer only once a month or every other month, that would be great! Please email, text, or call Carla if you can help. We Need You!
Carla: carlaw@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org, 417-849-6865
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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