Trinity Newsletter for August 17, 2023
From Pastor Chris
A little over a year ago, Trinity began exploring together what God was calling our community of faith to do and be in the coming years. We have held focus groups, leadership retreats, and congregation-wide studies and surveys. Over the past months the feedback from all of these events has been brought together as our leadership worked with the Rev. Dr. David Smazik to create a forward-looking, post-COVID vision for our common ministry here at Trinity.
Today I am delighted to share with you some of what has come from this work! Your Trinity Session has approved a new vision statement for Trinity to help guide us in our work over the coming years:
Trinity is a faith community known for nurturing all generations for the authentic sharing of God's love.
This vision, of a community known for our care and nurture of all people, from the youngest child to the most seasoned member, speaks to our common understanding that God is calling us to grow in our commitment to faith formation across all ages, but especially with our younger generations. This vision also speaks to our shared calling to show God's love with those outside our congregation through acts of service and witness. It is a vision born out of our history as a congregation and our hope for the future, and I couldn't be more proud of the work of our leadership!
Of course a vision statement on its own, no matter how motivational, cannot accomplish ministry. That is why over the coming weeks and months you will be hearing more from our leadership about how we plan to make this vision a reality. What I want you to know today is that we are working together to take seriously God's call to be a vibrant and faithful community and I hope you will continue to pray for me, our leadership, and our whole congregation as we continue to seek to follow in the way of Jesus.
As a reminder from last week, if you haven't already, would you please take 3 minutes and let me know what you think about some possibilities for upcoming connection and formation events? You can read about both ideas and let me know if you're interested right here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/32/responses/new
As always, I am here to be a support to you and I hope you will feel free to contact me anytime I can be of assistance! I would be delighted to share some time in conversation together.
Email: cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
Text & Phone: 417-450-4574
Mail: 1900 E Barataria St, Springfield, MO 65804
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Opportunities for Small Acts of Service
There are a few items that our wonderful former custodian, Vickie, did for us when she was working here that now provide opportunities to help in small but meaningful ways.
Water the plants that are both inside the church (all in the Fellowship Hall) and in the planters by the east and basement entrances.
Wash the towels and washcloths from the various meals that take place in our building (usually one small load a week).
Wash the mugs from the coffee time on Sunday mornings.
Make the ice (we have a countertop ice maker in the kitchen).
Whether it's one person who takes one task or a team who takes on them all, we would so appreciate any volunteers who would like to take on these tasks! Please contact the church office.
Update on Gary Shirkey
Hello Trinity Family,
Gary Shirkey has now moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to be with his son Kurt and his family. He is living at Cottonwood Creek and his address is:
Gary Shirkey
Cottonwood Creek
1245 E Murray Holladay Rd, Apt 134
Salt Lake City, Utah 84117
He would love any cards or phone calls. His cell number is 417-766-4300.
Roadwork Awareness
The city will soon begin improvements on and around Battlefield Road, between Glenstone and Lone Pine avenues. Consider using an alternate route if this impacts your travel to and from Trinity.
International Institute of Southwest Missouri Update
The International Institute is in great need of kitchen/dining room tables and chairs. There are several refugee families without them. If you have or know of any gently used tables and chairs that can be donated, please contact Andy Webb at 417-619-4118. Andy is in charge of finding and furnishing housing for incoming refugees at the Institute. They are getting several families a month, so the need is always there. Also, TVs are always requested by the families but not considered a necessity. As you upgrade to bigger and better, consider donating the still working TV to the Institute. Thank you for all your donations so far and your continued support.
Walk & Talk
During the Ozarks Festival of Faiths planning, an idea was brought up for a Walk and Talk.
The first one was successful and it was decided to continue them. This is a great opportunity to help heal our community of polarization and bring understanding and appreciation of differences.
Bring your water bottle and spread the word!
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!
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!
August 20: Rev. Chris Miller – Sabbatical Presentation, second session.
August 27: Potluck breakfast
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