Weekly Newsletter - 2/11/21
Trinity Presbyterian Church PC(U.S.A.)
Welcoming you to share the joy of Christ
Worshiping Together | Serving Together | Caring Together
February 11, 2021
From Pastor Chris
Last week, I shared a glimpse into some of our plans for the season of Lent here at Trinity. This week, I'm excited to share a bit more detail! Please CLICK HERE to download our Lent 2021 highlight sheet. This one page PDF shares some of the ways you can engage with Trinity during this season of preparation.
The first activity I want to highlight is our Mid-Week Prayer Service. This service will broadcast live from the Trinity Chapel on our Trinity YouTube Channel at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday from February 17 through March 31. If you aren't able to join us for the live stream of the service, no worries. It will be available for later viewing on YouTube as well.
The second activity is our Mid-Week Study Group. I will be teaching a weekly study, starting Thursday, February 18, at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Titled "Testimony: Vocabulary of Faith," this study empowers people to live their Reformed faith by remembering, reclaiming and re-articulating what we believe about who God is and who we are, so the patterns of our lives embody the liberating love and grace of Jesus Christ. A Zoom link will be shared next week.
Third, I want to mention Ash Wednesday. Over the last few weeks we have considered many ways of holding a safe and meaningful Ash Wednesday observance. We have determined that keeping to our online only pattern of worship is best this year. Next week we will be sharing an online Ash Wednesday worship service, along with suggestions for observing this first day of Lent in your home.
Finally, we have two different daily devotionals to share with the Trinity family. We will be distributing both via email early next week. Additionally, we have made a number of copies of one devotional that are available for pick-up at the church at your convenience.
If you have any questions about these activities, or anything else in our life together, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Peace,
Pastor Chris
Welcome and Fellowship Seeks Additional Members
The Welcome and Fellowship committee needs additional members. Former members of the committee have been called to other church leadership; therefore, we need additional new committee members to join in the work of hospitality. The once monthly meetings last about an hour.
The committee also welcomes help from persons who can commit to work for a one-time event or who might work at a series of events throughout the year--no meeting time is required of these volunteers. Please contact committee members Gail Tombleson, Melissa Hutton, Randy Hoops, Cletus Johnson, or Sarah Muegge if you are interested in learning about the work of the committee.
We have missed planning fellowship events, but we anticipate a grand celebration once we are able to meet safely, face-to-face.
Carla's Corner
Sunday morning is Valentine's Day! By the time our zoom Sunday School begins, Tim and I will, hopefully, have delivered our little Valentine bags which you, our Trinity family, helped provide. Tim and I really like our Trinity Kids Deliveries. It takes about 2 1/2 hours and we love seeing all parts of Springfield from far North to South, East and West. Besides that, it is our "couple" time. As we are dropping off Valentine Bags to our Trinity kids this Sunday morning, it will also be providing Tim and I our own "Valentine" by being together for a couple of hours, without our kids or laundry or other duties; talking, taking in our beautiful city, and hopefully providing a little more "Trinity Love Connection" to our Trinity Kids.
Youth Group
Until we can start planning things in-person, we are going to have our youth group via Zoom, the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month starting at 6:30 p.m. This past weekend I attended the virtual APCE conference and got a lot of great ideas for online fun with youth. It's true a lot of kids are feeling "zoomed out", which I understand, but I have a few new things for us to try so maybe that will add a pleasant twist. I have also reached out to Westminster Presbyterian to invite their youth to join in the fun. One thing I'm learning about the Presbyterian church, which I love, is how connectional it is. So, we might as well start being connectional here in Springfield! And I want you to know this is for any youth you might know who you feel might enjoy some connection. They do not need to be a member of our church. If you have grandkids, relatives, friends or neighbors- all are welcome!
APCE Virtual Conference
This past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I sat in my "Carla Room" and attended the first-ever virtual APCE conference (Association of Presbyterian Church Educators.) I liked it. There were about 1000 people who attended virtually and I thought it was organized really well. I went to workshops regarding many aspects of youth and children and learned a lot. Some of my highlights involved children and worship. (Many congregations act like they want young families with children, but really? Is that the vibe your church gives during worship? Many people find children a hindrance in worship; they're distracting, talk too loudly, want to move around, etc.) another great workshop focused on the LGBTQIA+ folks and a greater understanding of how to make those kids/folks feel welcome and loved. The presenters have a website: www.mlp.org (More Light Presbyterians) which focuses on "working toward the full participation of LGBTQIA+ in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) -and in society." As we have become a "Matthew 25" church, many are also becoming a MLP Church. I encourage you to log onto this website to find out more.
Birthdays!
Today, February 11, is Ansley Arquitt's 16th Birthday! This coming Saturday, February 13 is Connor Holliday's birthday! This past Sunday was Emmett Douglas's birthday. I delivered Emmett's birthday bag and his mom sent me some cute pictures of him, which I added to our Trinity Kids Facebook Page. If you would ever like to send any of our kids a birthday card and need their address, just email/text or call me! 417-849-6865 or carlaw@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
Trinity Book Club
Do you love to read? Do you ever want to discuss books you have read? Do you need recommendations for future reading material? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may enjoy the Trinity Book Club which meets (via Zoom for now) on the second Monday at 7:00.
Upcoming books:
March 8-Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe
If you are interested, contact Penni Groves at pennimarie@msn.com or 417-840-5264
The Common Table Podcast
Each week Pastor Chris is joined by a guest to discuss life, faith, and where we are on the journey. From Trinity members and staff to local ministry leaders and community members, there's always room at The Common Table! Listen and learn more at: https://commontablepodcast.com
Volunteer Opportunity: Brentwood Emergency Cold Weather Shelter
Throughout the pandemic, Trinity has been working to help meet the emerging needs of our community. One of the most pressing needs is emergency shelter for those without a safe place to stay at night. Our facility partners at Brentwood have just received authorization to open our Fellowship Hall as an Emergency Cold Weather Couple's Shelter. This is especially important, as shelter space for couples is almost non-existent.
While we are working with Brentwood to identify specific additional needs beyond space, there is one pressing need: volunteers. There are two shifts per night (5.5 hours each), with two volunteers needed per shift. Volunteers are only used on nights when the temperature drops below the threshold set by the city to activate the shelters, but we are hoping to have volunteers lined up in advance for all nights just in case.
You can sign up online by CLICKING HERE, OR contact Pastor Emily with Brentwood to get more information. Her email address is: rev.emily.bowen@gmail.com
COVID Vaccine Information from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department
As vaccination distribution efforts continue in our community and across Missouri, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department is encouraged by the ongoing community efforts to vaccinate eligible individuals against COVID-19. Although vaccine is extremely limited in Missouri, community and state partners have continued to solidify plans to distribute vaccine as efficiently as possible as supply has become available.
Mass vaccination opportunities to come
The governor’s office announced this week that mass COVID-19 vaccination sites will soon be established across the state to provide further access to eligible Missourians. The Missouri National Guard and Department of Health and Senior Services will establish mass vaccination teams in each of Missouri’s nine Highway Patrol regions. While we do not know when a mass vaccination site will be set up in our region, the governor’s office expects all nine sites across the state will be operational by the end of January. Each site will have the capacity to provide up to 2,500 doses per day. The governor’s office will announce dates and locations at a later time.
Health care vaccine opportunities
The COVID-19 vaccines are currently available to people who are eligible in the state’s current phases of vaccine distribution, but are in limited supply. Eligible groups include: healthcare workers, first responders, emergency service workers and certain high-risk individuals. Most people will receive the vaccine from their healthcare providers. You can sign up to receive updates at the links below.
Mercy: mercy.net/MOvaccine
CoxHealth: coxhealth.com/covid/vaccine
Jordan Valley Community Health Center: jordanvalley.org/covid-19-vaccine
Continuing to stay vigilant
Until there is a sufficient supply of vaccine available for everyone, our community will remain vulnerable. Individuals need to continue to wear a mask, watch their distance, wash their hands and avoid large crowds even if they receive the vaccine. If an individual has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if they have symptoms, it’s important for them to seek testing. Our community has worked hard to expand access, and we are confident in our ability to test people who need to be tested. To learn more on how to get tested, visit our testing information here.
Staying up-to-date
The health department is committed to keeping our community informed on vaccine distribution. There are several ways individuals can stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments:
Sign up for regular email, text messages and automated phone calls at health.springfieldmo.gov/FinishStrong. There you can also sign a pledge to keep up prevention efforts.
Visit health.springfieldmo.gov/COVIDvaccine for information on vaccine safety and availability, as well as Frequently Asked Questions.
For questions not answered on our website, please call our COVID-19 call center Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at 417-874-1211. Selection Option 2.
Sign up to receive our news releases by using the Notify Me tool on our website.
Follow our social media accounts at facebook.com/SGCHD andtwitter.com/SGCHD
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
February Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month
Feb 4 Daphne Anderson
Feb 7 Emmett Douglas
Feb 11 Ansley Arquitt
Feb 13 Ronora Correll
Connor Holliday
Feb 14 Barbara Highley
Feb 15 Reed Dressler
Feb 17 Brenda Williams
Feb 19 Caleb Conaway
Joshua Conaway
Pamela Schlemmer
Feb 23 Sarah Gugliotta
Feb 24 Cynthia Oliver
Feb 27 Betty Forrester
Susan Uffmann
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
Sunday School Classes
Topical Discussions Fellowship:
January 3: Class sharing and discussion-all members.
Three Week Study from the Thoughtful Christian - What Does the Lord Require?
Feb 14- Do Justice - Sarah Muegge facilitating
Feb 21- Love Kindness- Todd Morriss facilitating
Feb 28- Walk Humbly- Carole Hudgings facilitating
We encourage anyone who doesn’t have a Sunday school home to join us for fellowship, discussion, and new insights into our faith. Furthermore, with our Zoom format for a little bit longer, the coffee will always be ‘just the way you like it’.
The Lectionary Class meets via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.
The Salt and Topical Discussion Classes meet via Zoom from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
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.
David Anderson is home and doing well. Thank you all for your prayers.
For Jeanne, Mary Erin Miller's mother, as she continues treatment and evaluation for pancreatic cancer.
For Teresa Olsen's brother, Craig, who lives in a care facility and has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
For friends of David and Susan Hart who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Brenda Havens continues to face health challenges and appreciates your continued prayers.
For Lori Becker as she undergoes medical care.
For Chris Plate and his family, as he continues medical treatment.
For Charlotte Dugan, as she receives medical care.
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
If you would like to receive the Trinity Presbyterian Church newsletter every week, you can sign up here.
Have something to add to our newsletter? Please send submissions to David Bohnenkamper at dabohnenkamper@gmail.com by Monday at 6:00 p.m.
