Weekly Newsletter - 9/10/20
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Trinity Presbyterian Church PC(U.S.A.)
Welcoming you to share the joy of Christ
Worshiping Together | Serving Together | Caring Together
September 10, 2020
From Pastor Chris
This week I want to share a brief thought with you on self-care. One thing that is abundantly clear about the Trinity family is that we are carers -- we care for one another, our community, and our world. We will go to great lengths to make sure those in our church family are well cared for. This is one of the great strengths of our church.
However, I want us to each make sure we are checking in on one other person: ourselves. There is no doubt we are living in a time of great anxiety and stress in our world; pandemic, racism, a divisive election cycle, just to name a few. We need to be aware that this anxiety and stress can have real-world health consequences for us. It can also impact our ability to care for others.
So this week I charge all of us to do a self-care check-in. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating good, real food? Are you taking time for physical movement each day? Are you caring for your own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being?
If the answer to any of these is "no," then consider what steps you might take to move yourself to a healthier place. You don't have to do it all; just one small step can be an improvement. My doctor reminded me that even 5 minutes of meditation and physical movement a day can make a difference. If you're not sure where to start, reach out. While I don't have all the answers, I'd be happy to chat about some things you might try.
Friends, let's take care of ourselves and each other. We're going to make it through this season; let's make sure we are strong and ready for what comes next!
Peace,
Pastor Chris
Adult Sunday School Returns This Week!
After our Labor Day break, our adult Sunday School time is returning this week with a slightly modified pattern. All of our classes will continue to meet via Zoom for the foreseeable future.
9:30 a.m. - Lectionary Class (1st & 3rd Sundays of the month, plus this Sunday)
10:00 a.m. - All Class Check-In and Prayer Time w/ Pastor Chris
10:10 a.m. - Topical Discussions & SALT Class (Every week)
Fellowship of Prayer
This time of pandemic has been disruptive for each of us in so many ways, many of them unique and personal. However, one common theme I've found in my conversations with you all is this: the feeling of wanting to help, but not being sure how. Here is one way: a new group I'm forming, the Trinity Fellowship of Prayer.
The goal of this new group is to support our Deacons and Congregational Care team by having a group that will commit to holding our congregation, community, nation, and world in daily prayer. Each member will pray during a set time of the day, so all day long Trinity members will be lifting each other up in prayer. This group is specifically designed to operate from our individual homes, no meetings necessary, so anyone who feels led is able to participate.
Here is what is involved when you sign up:
You will choose an hour of the day (ex: 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.) and commit to pray daily during that hour. You don't need to pray for the whole hour, just at some point during the hour. We also know that things come up, so if you need to pray at a different time one day (or even miss an occasional day here and there) that is fine! The goal is simply to work toward a pattern.
I will provide you with a copy of the Book of Common Worship: Daily Prayer to serve as a guide for your prayers, along with some suggestions from me. We have 30 copies available, thanks to the generous support of our national office.
If we have enough interest, you will be paired with a prayer partner during your hour. You can pray together over the phone, or just have someone to help keep you on track as you need. If you have someone in mind, let me know!
If you've been wondering how you can help serve during this time, maybe the Fellowship of Prayer is for you. If you're interested, or just want to learn more, please email or call. (cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org OR 816.805.2742) I would love to chat more about this opportunity, or anything else on your mind.
Pastor Chris
Worship With Trinity
Even though the pandemic means we aren't gathered together in the same physical space, we are still worshiping together at a church family. Find our latest worship service, plus weekly resources for families, devotional links, and much more on our worship page.
https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/worship
Carla's Corner
This week I'm very excited about several things. First, we get to have our first in-person youth Sunday night, which we haven't had since March. Secondly, I am playing for the MSU production of The Secret Garden. Rehearsals have been socially distanced, with everyone wearing a mask. Many musicians; strings, percussion, vocalists and keyboards can keep their masks on the entire time. Of course, when I play flute, I can't. However, I have a little plexiglass cubicle that I really like. It's my own little space to make music. I have been impressed with the lengths the MSU Theatre and Dance Department have been taking to keep everything safe for their students and yet, to still get the experience of doing a musical. They were supposed to do this in the spring, but it was delayed due to the pandemic. Starting Friday night, tickets will go on sale for a "digital delivery." The show will be captured on video and people can watch next week, Tuesday through Friday. I hope you might buy your "digital ticket!" You can follow Missouri State Department of Theatre and Dance on Facebook for ticket details. (Side note: my first experience at playing The Secret Garden was with our own Robert Reed playing one of the lead roles. Every time I hear the song "Lily's Eyes" sung, I still picture Robert singing it!)
Youth Sunday-Nights In-Person!
I'm very excited about this coming Sunday, September 13th. It will be our first in-person Sunday night youth group since March. We are going to meet here at my home and the kids will have the option of swimming, basketball, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, cornhole and who knows what else we might come up with. Parents are welcome to come, as we have a courtyard area in the back where they can socially distance, yet sit around and talk while the kids are having fun. We are doing this from 6:00 -8:00 p.m.
Forgiveness
About 20 years ago I heard a definition of forgiveness that I instantly adopted. It is "giving up the hope that the PAST could be any different." After all, forgiveness, in my humble opinion, is more about the person giving it than who/what they are forgiving. I have to apply that to our pandemic. I see a lot of folks who have not accepted that there is something going on, a virus, that has not only had an effect on our own USA, but on the world. I heard an interview with Dr. Ralph Baric who has been studying corona viruses for more than three decades. It was fascinating. When listening to this doctor/scientist, it is puzzling how there are folks who refuse to admit our planet has been infected by a new pandemic. They haven't forgiven Covid19 yet. They haven't given up hope that it's something other than what it is. I've heard all kinds of conspiracy theories.....even by some who claim to be doctors. (But when you check their credentials, they are not quite in the ballpark with Dr. Baric.) However, I've decided that I don't like Covid19 but I'm going to accept it and what I need to do to keep it out of my life. I'm going to mask, socially distance, and try to do as much as I can to lead my life in a new-normal. I'm not going to be angry all of the time about the change that has taken place in my life, my city, my country, and our world. I am amazed at how many people spend so much energy in fighting change and living in anger. We all have been angry about this. But to stay in that state of mind isn't healthy. Change is hard. But it is coming. And with it I think we, as God's people, are going to need to hang on to the idea of forgiveness.
School Update
I'm excited to get to spend a couple hours a week working with a few of our Trinity children and their virtual learning. As our school year progresses and we are still doing virtual learning, I want all parents to remember I'm here if you need any extra support. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what you need. Here at our house, it's been tough trying to figure out the online resources and how to navigate the sites. I find myself getting frustrated trying to do my work and deal with everything for school we parents are expected to understand. However, we are all attempting to figure this out together and our teachers and district understand this is uncharted territory. So, a lot of grace is given as we are starting our school year. We are all in this together, and I'm here if you need me, parents!
Favorite?
Do you have a favorite musical selection that has been in our virtual service? Or, do you have a favorite song, hymn or musical selection you would love to hear on one of our upcoming Sunday services? Would you write, call or text me and let me know? I'll be looking forward to your responses!
Curbside Food Drive Coming Up!
Our Curbside Food Drives are moving to a more regular schedule. Starting on Monday, September 14, we will hold a Curbside Food Drive every second Monday of the month from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. We will hold monthly drives through at least the end of 2020. You can find all the dates on the church calendar. Donations will support our local mission partners at Crosslines and Rare Breed.
This month we are asking for donations of the following:
Pre-packaged disposable silverware sets (like you get with takeout meals) for our meal kits to Rare Breed (NOTE: We do NOT need bulk plastic silverware, just any spare packets of silverware you might have around the house)
Canned tuna / chicken
Meal kits that use canned tuna or chicken (like "Tuna Helper")
Canned soup / vegetables / fruit
Non-perishable boxed items (especially cereal and boxed Mac and cheese)
Any other non-perishable, shelf-stable items. Please do not donate items that are expired or in glass containers, as these cannot be used.
Wednesdays on the Lawn
Wednesdays on the Lawn are a time of fellowship and connection hosted by Pastor Chris at church. We will meet outside on the lawn, under the shade tree on the southwest corner of the building (right outside our kids Sunday School classroom), for about an hour. Here are some key details:
We have TWO MORE meeting times to choose from: September 16 at either 10:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.
We are limiting the size of the gathering to 15; therefore an RSVP is required. Tap here to RSVP online or email/call me and I'll get you on the list.
For now, please plan to attend only one gathering. Once I know how many are interested in attending, we may open up additional spots.
Please bring your own seating (lawn/camp chair, picnic blanket, etc).
Masking and physical distancing are required.
September Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month!
Sept. 3 Katie Kull
Sept. 7 Randy Hoops
Sept. 9 Hope Trotter "60"
Sept. 9 Roger Schlemmer
Sept. 10 Susan Leonard
Sept. 11 Chris Plate
Sept. 14 Sue Woody
Sept. 14 Michael Howell
Sept. 15 Bill Trotter
Sept. 16 Jack Johnson "13"
Sept. 17 Liz Sweet
Sept. 17 Don Holliday
Sept. 17 Ann Hall
Sept. 17 Kathy Morriss
Sept. 19 Richard Miller
Sept. 21 Jane Huffstetler
Sept. 22 Sue Phillips
Sept. 28 Bill Havens
Sept. 28 Sandie Everett
Sept. 28 Marilyn Bell
If you would like to be included in our birthday list, please be sure to update your records with the church office before your birthday occurs. You may call or email your information.
Remaining Connected During Social Distancing
Even though we aren’t together for in-person worship, there is still a lot happening with your Trinity family right now. To see the latest, and how you can get involved in safe ways, visit our News & Updates page on the church website: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/news
Resources
Contacting Pastor Chris
I want to be the best support I can for you. Here is how to get in touch:
The easiest way is by email: cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
I am also available by phone or text at 816.805.2742
I am in the office most days, Monday through Thursday. I am currently holding personal meetings / counseling sessions outside under the covered Trinity entrance. Call or email to schedule a time for us to meet.
NOTE ABOUT FRIDAYS: I take Friday as my Sabbath day to focus on my family. I try to not reply to email, phone, or text. However, if there is an urgent pastoral issue, please contact Deacon Sharon Marsh at 417.880.5988/smarsh43@icloud.com or Deacon Greg Redfern at 417.225.2435/jredfern1313@gmail.com and they will make any necessary arrangements. If you have an immediate need to speak with a pastor and it is a Friday or Chris isn’t in town, you may call Rev. Bill Havens at 417.350.4507.
Prayer Concerns
If you or someone you love want to be included on the prayer list, please let the office know. (Always get permission before submitting information.) Also, when you want your name removed from the prayer list (or an update added), please let the office know at 417-450-2544 or office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org.
Current
For the family and friends of Everett Evans at his death, especially his wife Janice and son Kyle, both of whom are Trinity members.
For friends of David and Susan Hart who have been diagnosed with cancer.
For Ilace Mears as she recovers from Covid-19. Fortunately, she's had a very mild case.
For Ann Hall, who is recovering from surgery and dealing with meningitis.
For Luke, nephew of Ron and Kristin Butler, who is receiving critical medical care, and for his family - parents Gretchen and Mark, and brother Jackson - as they navigate these challenges with him.
Brenda Havens continues to make progress on her recovery, and appreciates all the prayers.
For Lori Becker as she undergoes medical care.
Chris Plate and his family as he continues medical treatment.
Charlotte Dugan, as she receives medical care.
Michael Howell as he recovers from an auto accident.
QUICK NOTES
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 3486, Springfield, MO 65808-3486 | 1900 E. Barataria Street | 417-450-2544 | office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
Learn more about Trinity Presbyterian Church at http://TrinitySpringfieldPCUSA.org
Be sure to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/trinitypcusaspmo/
Learn more about the denomination at http://www.pcusa.org
