Trinity Newsletter for May 18, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Pastor Chris is on sabbatical through July. His column will return in August.
Sarah Circle Mission Project
This year the Sarah Circle did a mission project in which we donated a monetary gift of $200 to Newborns in Need. This wonderful nonprofit agency makes quilts, blankets and clothes for newborns in needy families. With this gift we prayed blessings on their volunteers, their skillful hands and the newborns that are the recipients of their gifts. We felt privileged to do this and it was definitely a feel good project.
Memorial Service for Joyce Shirkey
There will be a memorial service for my mother - Joyce Shirkey - at the Church on Friday, May 26 at 11:00 a.m. I want to take a moment to thank the Church, and particularly Pastor Chris and Pastor Bill, for all of the help and support they have given to our family during this difficult time. We are all so appreciative of the kind words and nice messages that we received over the past few weeks, and the many visits that your staff and members made to my mom while she was in the hospital. Thank you!
With Gratitiude,
Kurt Shirkey
Joyce Elanie Shirkey
November 27, 1936 - May 7, 2023
Joyce Elaine (Chamberlain) Shirkey of Springfield, MO passed away at the age of 86 on Sunday, May 7, 2023.
Joyce was born in Charlotte, Michigan on November 27, 1936 to Gertrude and Lyman Chamberlain, the third of five children.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, a son Kraig Shirkey, sisters Beverly (Gordon) Meeder and Sue Huffman, and brother Richard Chamberlain.
Joyce graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954 and Butterworth Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1957, and she worked for over 40 years as a Registered Nurse in many different settings. She started her career as an ER nurse, then worked in a private clinic and as an industrial nurse, before settling in with the Springfield Public School system. Joyce spent 20 years as a school nurse at Holland, Bingham, and Delaware Elementary schools. Joyce was also a long-time member of the Missouri Association of School Nurses and, following her retirement, she volunteered with the Springfield chapter of P.E.O. In her spare time, Joyce enjoyed hitting the links at Springfield Golf & Country Club, and attending events at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Joyce is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gary; sons Kyle (Deborra) and Kurt (Judalyn); grandchildren Aiden, Deja, and Bob Earl; sister Ruth Sigler; nieces Susie Oliver, Nancy Folkertsma, Cindy Dunn (David); nephew Gary Meeder; and great-nieces Shannon, Kelly and Erin Dunn.
Cremation arrangements are by Greenlawn Funeral Home. A memorial service for Joyce will be held on Friday, May 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Springfield, MO.
Update on Jerusalem Marketplace Vacation Bible School
July 5,6,7 - hosted at Westminster Presbyterian for children age 4 through grade 5
Registration forms for VBS students are available now - please reserve a spot for your child or grandchild as soon as possible as we need to order craft supplies and make “Biblical clothing” for the children and volunteer leaders by mid-June.
We are looking for adult and teen volunteers to assist with various activities related to VBS. There are opportunities to make costumes and props on your schedule from home or you can assist with crafts or serving a lunch and snack, which is a single day assignment. Tent parents and assistants, who guide a tent family of 7-8 children to the activities, is a three- day assignment. Adult and teen volunteers working directly with children will need our standard background check.
Based on participation last year, we anticipate there will be 25-30 children from the 3 congregations participating. The majority of VBS will be inside Westminster Church so weather should not be an issue.
Please see Sarah Muegge or Nissa Krier for a registration form or to sign up to help.
Passing of Joan Baird
Joan Pearson Baird, born on March 4, 1931, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2023. Joan was born and raised in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She was married to her beloved husband Philip A. Baird of Springfield, Missouri who pre-deceased her in 2005.
She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who touched the lives of many with her kindness, grace, and love.
Joan was also an avid reader and loved nothing more than curling up with a good book. She was a lifelong learner, always curious and interested in the world around her.
Joan's family and friends will always remember her as a kind, generous, and loving person who had a positive impact on everyone she met. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.
The family will be holding a memorial service in Davenport, Iowa this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Literacy Council of Springfield, Missouri, an organization for which she proudly volunteered.
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!
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
Please join us for a Combined Adult Sunday School Class during the months of June, July and August.
We have guest speakers on a variety of topics, from our mission partners to music (see the schedule below). The class will meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall at 10:15 a.m. Come when you are able!
June 4: Malinda Spencer will speak to us about The Work and Mission of John Calvin Presbytery.
June 11: Rebekah Thomas- International Institute of SW Missouri.
June 18: Jaimie Trussell- Crosslines Ministry.
June 25: Nate Schlueter – Eden Village.
July 2: No Class.
July 9: Topical Discussion and Studying the Word Classes- Learn more about us!
July 16: Rev. Bill Havens- The Song’s Setting.
July 23:Bill Havens – The Song’s Setting, second session.
July 30: Sarah Muegge- Young Children’s Class. Learn more about us!
August 6: TBD
August 13: Rev. Chris Miller- Sabbatical Presentation.
August 20: Rev. Chris Miller – Sabbatical Presentation, second session.
August 27: TBD
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