March 19, 2020 Newsletter

From Pastor Chris

What a year this past week has been. This time last week we were making plans on how to modify activities at Trinity in response to CDC and PCUSA guidance, then on Friday we made the decision to suspend activities at Trinity for two weeks. Now we are faced with a national situation where the CDC has called for all gatherings of 50 or more people to be suspended for at least two months -- and new guidance and information becomes available every day.

In these unprecedented times, I know the world can feel unmoored. I certainly have felt that way the past few days. We as a nation are being asked to stay home, avoid crowds and restaurants and church. As people of faith, we want to connect with one another, we want to gather and pray and sing. We want to be active in our community, being helpers for those impacted by the pandemic, but we are being asked to restrict our travel outside the home to essential movements.

I wish I had a fantastic, pithy, quotable line that would ease the tension of this moment in our life together. I wish I could give you a scripture verse that would give you hope, ease your fear, and make the world feel back to normal. More than anything, I wish I had a magic wand I could wave to make COVID19, and all the fear and pain and loss around the world, just go away. I hate to tell you this, but I don't have any of these. We are living in a time of crisis and tension. When we come through this - which we will - the world will be different in ways we cannot begin to predict.

Here is what I do know: there is nowhere we can go where God has not already been. From the quarantine ward to the individual self-isolating at home: from the parent working from home (while their kids are home from school) to the hourly worker who doesn't know where the next paycheck will come from: from the elder adult who doesn't dare go to the store to the stocker who works long hours to keep essentials on the shelves ... God is with each of these because God has already walked all the roads and waits for us. How do I know this? Because it is a promise of scripture in Psalm 139. This has been my prayer this past week; may it be a source of hope for you as well.

These weeks to come will challenge us all. They will also give us new opportunities to grow closer together as a community, even if we aren't in the same room. I will have more information to share with you soon about these opportunities, so keep an eye on your email. In the meantime, if you have a need - or just need to chat - give me a call.

May you be at Peace,

Pastor Chris

Ways You Can Get Involved At Trinity This Week

Due to concerns about the spread of the Corona virus, all activities at Trinity have been cancelled until at least March 27.

Weekly Reminders

Due to concerns about the spread of the Corona virus, there will be no formal worship service this week.

Carla's Corner

Well, what a week. Wait! It’s not been a week since life significantly changed for many of us, and in ways of which we are still unaware. Do you know on Sunday, for the first time ever, I stayed in my PJ’s all day? When I retired from teaching, that was one of my goals: to stay in my PJ’s one entire day. But, it wasn’t something of leisure as my friends had told me. As you can guess, it was a reaction to the unknown...fear for my family and friends and yes, you, my church family. But, I got up Monday and went to the Greenlawn north cemetery where I do a little walk/run, and God made it clear to me that this too shall pass…not sure when or how long. But it is important to keep grounded, whatever that means to you, and for each of us to give ourselves time to assimilate to what is going on. So, as I’m starting to feel more grounded to where I can get back to doing my church work, I’m wondering what that is? I have some ideas. One was inspired by Jerri Flickema. She mailed me an article about the importance of music in our church. It was delightful. In my days filled with fear and uncertainty, it was so nice to receive a piece of mail, open it up, and know someone was thinking of me. It brought a smile to my face, and for those minutes it took to read the article I was thinking about something I love: our church and music! What if we all did that? What if we all picked someone in our church (get out your directory) and mailed them a little note, card, or a good ole’ fashion letter? I think it’s the little things that matter the most sometimes. They make our abnormal lives feel almost normal again, and it says, “I’m here! I’m thinking about you! You aren’t alone!"

I’m gonna try it! How about you?

Sunday Night Youth Group

We will not be having our normal Sunday Night Youth group for a bit, but my mind is already thinking on ways to keep in contact with our kiddos! Everything is still so new regarding this virus, and we are learning more every day. I encourage everyone to be informed, but when things start feeling heavy and overwhelming, turn it off! Remember, our energy as parents definitely affects our kids.

So, this week I’m working on a Trinity Kids or Trinity Children & Youth Facebook page (still not sure what to call it.) I like to call what our government is asking us to do as “physical distancing” not “social distancing.” With the phone, internet, texts, and emails we can still be social with each other. We just don’t need to be physically close for a bit.

Pictures Next Week!

We now have ALL of our furniture for Carla’s corner hangout. The hanging egg chair is really cool and completes our furniture purchase, and I’ll send a pic next week. I’m anxious for all kids to claim their square on our Kid’s Wall, and decorate it as they will. I’ll let you know when that can happen. Namaste!

Presbyterian Women

Trinity PW is an organization that includes ALL women of Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). Together we celebrate the pleasure of being part of a community of faith that is so vibrant and joyful. Trinity PW has five Circles (small groups) that meet on different days at different times to accommodate individual schedules. If you are not in a Circle and would like to be, please contact Sharon Marsh for more information.

As Presbyterian Women and members of a connectional church, Trinity PW is assessed a per capita of $1.00 per ½ of our congregation ($.12 goes to the Synod of Mid-America PW and $.75 goes to the John Calvin Presbytery PW for their work and mission). In addition we support Presbyterian Women (PCUSA) worldwide with gifts to Birthday, Thank, and Mission Offerings. Other budget items include an annual contribution to a Church-wide Gathering fund designated to provide scholarships for Trinity members to attend the 2021 PW Church-wide Gathering, and the Fellowship of the Least Coin, an ecumenical worldwide offering, part of our connection to the Church Universal. Trinity PW’s Budget Report can be found in the 2020 PW Directory/Yearbook.

2020 Trinity PW Officers

Sharon Marsh – Moderator
Kathy Morriss – Past Moderator
Brenda Kane – Moderator Elect
Beth Kick – Secretary
Julia Gentle – Treasurer
Liz Sweet – Advisor

2020 Circle Liaisons

Esther Circle – Julia Gentle
Lydia Circle – Susan Uffman
Rachel Circle – Gail Tombleson
Rebecca Circle – Jan Redfern
Sarah Circle – Brenda Kane

Locally, nationally, and internationally Presbyterian Women understand that scripture calls us to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. We encourage you to prayerfully consider a donation to Trinity PW to support our mission and work here and in the wider church.

To support Trinity PW, please make your check payable to Trinity Presbyterian Women and give or send to Treasurer, Julia Gentle.

Church Garage Sale Postponed

May 7-9 Church Garage Sale Postponed for Now 

Continue to save your stuff, we will reschedule when it’s safe to do so.