March 12, 2020 Newsletter
From Pastor Chris
I want to tell you about a friend of mine; his name is Noah. Noah was a colleague of mine in seminary; we had a couple classes together, but mainly I got to know him through worship and his preaching. While we have a lot in common, (he grew up in the Kansas City area and has family in Jefferson City and he was a debater in high school), there is one difference between the two of us: Noah is Deaf. Most of us at seminary interacted with Noah with the help of an interpreter. Noah's preaching and poetry is deeply powerful. While I heard the words through another's voice, the emotion -- the meaning -- came from Noah.
One of the things Noah taught us all was how to pass the peace in American Sign Language. From that service on, whether Noah was in his customary seat in the second pew on the right or not, we all shared the peace in ASL in addition to a handshake or a hug. Noah is now a PhD student at Princeton. In the semester prior to starting his doctoral program Princeton posted a short (just over one minute) video showing how to pass the peace in ASL. I would love for you to watch it.
Watch Noah's story here: http://gather-story.ptsem.edu/church-signs
In these days when we are all justifiably concerned about how we protect ourselves and one another, as we consider how our rituals such as passing the peace might be a risk factor, I think it is a beautiful reminder that we can share the peace with one another even when handshakes aren't the best idea. I will miss you all this Sunday while we are visiting family for David and Katherine's birthdays, but I look forward to teaching you how to pass the peace in ASL when I return on March 22.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
P.S. - During the time I'm on vacation (March 12 to 18), if you have a pastoral issue, please contact the church office, our care team, or Rev. Bill Havens. Contact information for them all is at the bottom of the newsletter.
P.P.S. - Remember our Thursdays at Trinity events continue this evening, with Rev. Bill Havens leading our study together. Also, please remember that you are welcome to attend any portions of the evening you wish -- if you just want to come for worship and prayer at 6:00 p.m., that is perfectly fine! If you want to join us for the study at 4:00 p.m. and leave after the supper at 5:15 p.m., that is also fine. It is a flexible evening.
Ways You Can Get Involved At Trinity This Week
Thursday, March 12
4:00 p.m. Lent Book Study - Fellowship Hall
5:15 p.m. Lent Soup and Bread Supper - Fellowship Hall
6:00 p.m. Lent Prayer and Communion Service - Chapel
Sunday, March 15
11:30 a.m. Sunday Worship - Sanctuary
5:30 p.m. Youth Group Activities - Trinity Room (Rm. 26)
Tuesday, March 17
10:00 a.m. Welcome and Fellowship Committee Meeting - Trinity Room (Rm. 26)
12:00 p.m. Brown Bag Fellowship Group - Room 17
Wednesday, March 18
4:00 p.m. Four and More Bible Study - Trinity Room (Rm. 26)
5:00 p.m. Knitting4Peace - Parlor (Rm. 11)
Thursday, March 19
4:00 p.m. Lent Book Study - Fellowship Hall
5:15 p.m. Lent Soup and Bread Supper - Fellowship Hall
6:00 p.m. Lent Prayer and Communion Service - Chapel
See a list of the many Time & Talent Opportunities at Trinity
Weekly Reminders
Worship Leadership
Liturgist: David Conaway
Lent Readers: Marsha Landrith, Rich Landrith
Acolyte: Grace Douglas
Ushers: Ed Daniel, Linda Daniel, Mellissa Hutton, Susan Uffmann
Closing the church: Ray Mears
Carla's Corner
This Sunday, March 15th, our children will be playing bells for the voluntary. We will practice during Sunday school, at 10:00 a.m., in Ms. Kristin & Mr. Ron’s room. Parents are welcome to join in with our younger Trinity bell-ringers! You won’t want to miss their rendition of “My Jesus, I Love Thee.” I hope everyone will be ready to ring those bells!
Sunday Night Youth Group!
This past Sunday our youth gathered, had some sub sandwiches (thank you, Groves family), had our first experience at playing the adult handbells, then had fellowship and games. On Palm Sunday, our youth are going to offer the song “Hallelujah” with voice and bells during offertory. We will hear the vocal stylings of Connor Holliday and Elijah Conaway, accompanied by our youth playing bells. You will not want to miss this on Palm Sunday!
This Sunday, if any youth are still in town and not off on Spring Break, we are planning on taking it easy and watching a movie at Trinity on the HUGE Trinity owned TV that is portable. We would like all who come to bring their favorite movie, popcorn, snacks, pillows, house slippers, and whatever makes you comfortable. We will vote on what movie to watch and will have an extended youth group time from 5:30-8:00. We need a volunteer for food that night! Youth, let Carla know if you will be there!
Can You Help Our Youth/Children?
Do you love our youth, and you’re wondering how you can help? Well, here are some things we need:
Individually packaged snacks and candy for Carla’s goody jar
Pop/drinks/bottled water for youth Sunday nights
Nerf hoops and balls
Games
Things you can do:
Be a “Faithful Friend” (I’m using this instead of Trinity Buddy…Thanks, Ms. Kristin!) You will be paired with one of our children/youth as part of their Trinity Family
Could you volunteer in Worship & Wonder once every other month?
Goodbye, Ms. Sarah….We will miss you!
This Sunday will be Ms. Sarah Stephenson’s last Sunday with our Trinity Children. We have truly appreciated all she has devoted to our kids. I know all kids have loved Ms. Sarah’s stories and crafts! However, we know we will get to see her as she will still be at Brentwood. Please send all of your love and prayers to Ms. Sarah (and any cards or notes of appreciation. Put them in Carla’s mailbox outside of her office door)
Children/Youth Committee Meeting Rescheduled for April 19th
All children/youth committee members and parents are invited to attend our first meeting on Sunday, April 19th, immediately following worship. Lunch will be provided, and we will discuss long-term goals, planning for summer months, Heartland traveling day camp, and more! Please let Carla know if you will be there!
Thursdays at Trinity: Lent 2020
This year at Trinity we are offering a new Lenten opportunity for you to join with your Trinityfamily each Thursday evening for discussion, food, and prayer. Each evening will involve these three items, and you are welcome for any combination that is life giving for you! Thursdays in Lent at Trinity begin on Thursday, February 27, and conclude with our Maundy Thursday Service on April 9.
We begin the evening at 4:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall with our Lenten Study Group.We will be exploring the importance of keeping the Sabbath as I lead us in a study of Walter Bruggemann’s fantastic book Sabbath as Resistance.
We continue in fellowship at 5:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall with our Lent Soup & Bread Suppers. These simple meals, prepared by various groups at Trinity, will consist of homemade soup and bread. We are reminded in these meals that our nourishment comes not from food alone, but also from the company in which we share our meals.
We conclude in worship at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel with Prayer & Communion. Each week we will participate in a short (30-40 minute) service of prayer, meditative music, and communion. This time of centering in the middle of the week will help us all remain focused on our journey to the cross.
From The Creation Care Committee
Spring is coming, and it’s time for another round of the City of Springfield Environmental Services Department's Dish to Dirt home compost workshops!
If you haven’t yet joined us, sign up now for the spring 2020 series!
Use this link to register!
https://doodle.com/poll/vczimzgwcy6xr2u3
Dates and times for our spring series are:
Thursday, March 19 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 31 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 2 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
All workshops will be held at the Botanical Center located in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will receive a home compost bin, kitchen scrap collection bin, and aeration tool.
8 Things to Know About the Church Garage Sale
Sale Date - Thur./Fri., May 7 & 8, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and
Sat., May 9, 8:00 a.m. - noon.
1. Start saving items now.
2. It is extremely helpful if you have items sorted by category so we can take them directly to the location where they will be displayed and sold. Categories are
Clothes and shoes
Linens and housewares including pictures and picture frames, lamps, etc.
Books, CDs, DVDs, etc.
Sporting equipment, tools, etc.
Toys and children’s clothing
Holiday decorations
Office, craft supplies, small furniture, vacuum cleaners, etc.
Collectables- baskets, knick knacks, etc.
Jewelry, watches, scarves, etc.
Misc.- special items, please identify as they are brought in (see # 6 below)
3. Begin bringing items to church between Sunday April 26 – Monday May 4th. Based on last year, we know we need more time to set up and price items.
4. Only bring items that are clean and in working order. Clothing, dishes, shoes, books, toys, etc. (unless they are collectable) do not need to be marked ahead of time, we will price them as we set up.
5. Health regulations do not allow us to sell mattresses or box springs. We are not able to accept non-working Television screens or electronics as we have to pay to dispose of them if they do not sell.
6. If you have something that is unique, collectible and/or has significant value- please, please, please, provide a description or history about the item and mark a suggested price attached to the item.
7. Keep track of what you donate if you want a tax deduction. You may request a donation form that you can complete for tax purposes.
8. Sign-up sheets to help advertise, price, setup, work the sale, etc., will be available beginning April 5.
Ashley House Luncheon
The Ashley House and PCHAS will hold a luncheon on April 2 in Springfield. Join us to hear inspirational stories from people who are impacted by the work we are doing. We would love for you to join us. There is no cost to attend, but we will ask for donations. RSVP by calling Patty Kissinger - 573-338-3766, or email patty.kissinger@pchas.org
Please come join your Trinity family and learn about all the opportunities to be involved in the life of Trinity beyond worship. The Generosity and Engagement Committee is hosting an Engagement Fair on March 29 during the Sunday School hour. Enjoy doughnuts and coffee in the Fellowship Hall, and then visit the booths where fellow members will be explaining their group’s goals, opportunities to join or volunteer and contact information. Trinity is a vibrant community committed to serving Christ through mission, fellowship, study, and service. This is your chance to come to the Fair and learn all the ways to plug in and become more involved.
Brown Bag Fellowship
The Brown Bag Lunch/Bible Study will begin an 8-week study on Lent beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and running through April 7. All are welcome.
If you have any questions or want more information please call Sandy Rush at 417-886-7416.
Sunday School - March 15, 2020
Children: Room 18
"Jesus Washes Feet," John 13:1-17
Youth: Youth Room (Rm. 27)
Faith Questions About Relationships - March 15: "Does God Love Me?"
Adults:
Topical Discussion Fellowship Fellowship Hall
S.A.L.T. Room 17
Join us the next three weeks as we study the Lenten Book The Week That Changed Everything.
March 15, Led by Molly Plate.
Lectionary Class Trinity Room (Rm. 26)
Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42
Led by Brenda Williams
