Trinity Newsletter for June 29, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Pastor Chris is on sabbatical through July. His column will return in August.
Work of the Church: June 2023
The Session met on Sunday, June 18, 2023, in person at the Trinity Room and via video/phone conference using the Ring Central application. The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, July 16, 2023.
During its June 2023 meeting, the Session:
Received a report from the Rev. David Smazik regarding the May 19-20, 2023, Visioning Retreat. As a result of this report and subsequent discussion, Session:
Approved Trinity’s Vision Statement: “A faith community known for nurturing all generations for authentic sharing of God’s love.”
Approved a small group to work with The Rev. Dr. Smazik to develop an action plan for specific next steps, based on the Vision Statement and identified priorities.
Reviewed and discussed a draft job description for Rev. Alyssa Spradlin relative to her support of Trinity.
Noted that the 2024 Pledge Campaign will begin on September 9.
Approved a request from John Calvin Presbytery to host a meeting on church economics between July and November 2023.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Report of the May 18, 2023, John Calvin Presbytery Meeting: Moderator, Kira Anderson, called the 210th Stated Meeting of John Calvin Presbytery to order. The meeting was held virtually with First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott, Kansas, “hosting”. An interesting brief history of the church, past and present, in its mission and ministry was given by Elder Mert Barrows. Highlights were that the church was put on the Historical Sites in 2008 and that First Presbyterian was debt-free when its doors were opened for the first time. The congregation remains active and effective even with a 2-year search for a minister.
It was noted that the changes to the Book of Order were approved by all presbyteries and ratified. The new Book of Order should be available on July 9, 2023.
Morning worship was led by the Rev. Daniel Davis and Rich Banz from First Presbyterian in Iola, Kansas. Elder Greg Emery (Transitional Project Consultant for JCP) gave the message referencing the “500-year upheaval/transition” repeated throughout the Church’s history referencing new structural forms with Spiritual input. Scripture readings were from Isaiah (doing a new thing – do you not perceive it?) and Acts 1:1-11 (Pentecost, natural world to supernatural world). Quote from C.S. Lewis, “Day by day, nothing changes; but when look back things are different.”
Executive Presbyter, Malinda Spencer, stated she has now been able to attend all but 2 of the churches in the Presbytery, and will be with those 2 very soon. As everyone is emerging from the pandemic and the ramifications and changes that it necessitated, she mentioned that across the nation, an average of 1/3 of pre-pandemic attendance has returned at this time.
Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) is located in Texas, Missouri, and Louisiana, with the following:
VISION – PCHAS believes that the most powerful way to help children is by strengthening their families. We accomplish this by living into our philosophy of care, which is to be family centered, strength focused, and goal driven.
VALUES – We are a faith-based Christian organization which strives to serve like Jesus. We meet our clients where they are and treat them with respect. We focus on our clients’ strengths rather than their problems. And we encourage our clients to focus on their future rather than their past. When we do this well, we help children and families find hope and know the love of God.
CORE GOALS - permanent homes for children and self-sufficiency for their families.
Lots of opportunities exist for churches and members to become supportive and involved. Learn more about PCHAS: www.pchas.org
The following is a list of the various committees and organizations of Trinity, along with their current leadership teams for 2023:
The Deacons Report: The Deacons met on May 7 to discuss congregational needs in terms of prayer and support. Paula Tindell and Gail Tombleson are co-moderators of the Deacons.
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 May 1 and June 5.
The Combined Adult Summer Sunday School Series begins on June 4 and ends on August 27. There will not be a class on July 2. This annual series allows our adults to learn and fellowship together during the summer break from our regular classes. The combined class will be in Fellowship Hall, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Topics will include guest speakers for mission areas our church supports, overview of our adult and children Sunday school activities, John Calvin Presbytery annual summary, and special presentations by our Pastors. The Committee encourages all Trinity adults to attend this series, as we fellowship and disciple together this summer. Coffee will be served, and live streaming via Ring Central will also be available.
Vacation Bible School will be July 5 -7. Please contact Sarah Muegge with any questions.
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 committee will begin actively campaigning for the Fall Pledge Campaign on September 9.
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)).
In April, the Personnel Committee discussed Pastor Chris’s upcoming Sabbatical plans and coverage during his absence; preliminary administrative staffing changes proposed by Brentwood Church; the planned meeting with the Rev. Dr. David Smazik on May 19 and 20, 2023, and planned tasks for the Committee in 2023. During its June 12 meeting, the Personnel Committee discussed the job description for Rev. Alyssa Spradlin.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Carol Minton (E), Paula Tindell (D), and Gail Tombleson (D)).
Children’s activity bags are available for children in worship. Ushers can distribute them as needed. The Summer Celebration was held on June 11. Around 50 people enjoyed salads and slider sandwiches with ice cream for dessert. We are discussing the possibility of a welcome back potluck breakfast in August. The annual church picnic will be at the Springfield Botanical Gardens on October 1. A new member Welcome to Trinity lunch was held on April 30 after a pandemic hiatus.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Jeannie Reed (D), Susan Uffmann (E), and Mike White (E)).
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Vickie Van Zandt has taken excellent care of Brentwood and Trinity's building for 16 years, ensuring our space for community and worship is clean and set up for a variety of meeting needs. While we hate to see her go, we wish her all the best in retirement. There will be a retirement party for Vickie on July 2 at 10:45am in the coffee area. Brentwood will be ending their service early to make time to honor her.
We encourage you to express your appreciation to Vickie as generously as you're able. There will be a card basket and money tree set up at the party. If you're unable to attend, you can mail your card and/or gift to Brentwood or Trinity and we will get it to her (1900 E. Barataria, 65804). Thanks in advance for showering her with your generosity and expressions of love!
Presbyterian Women Summer Luncheon
All Presbyterian women from Trinity should mark your calendars for Saturday, July 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We will be having our annual summer luncheon at Bambino’s Italian restaurant located at the corner of Lone Pine and Battlefield. This is for all women from Trinity . We have reserved the room off to the side, and there will be a Buffet. The cost is $20. This includes all you can eat buffet with four kinds of pasta, salad, dessert, and beverage. It will also include tax and gratuity. Please pay cash or write a check to Presbyterian Woman for $20 and give to Carol Minton, Gail Tombleson, or Brenda Kane.
If possible please have your payment turned in by Sunday, July 2.
You payment will secure your reservation. This is always an exciting and fun event and an opportunity to fellowship with other women from our church. Please secure your place before it fills up.
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!
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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