Weekly Newsletter 10-1-20
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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
October 1, 2020
From Pastor Chris
Happy October! I've been enjoying the cooler days this week; it feels like fall is finally making an appearance in SW Missouri. It is a good reminder for me that the rhythm of creation continues - pandemic or not, political upheaval or not. The concerns of our world right now are real, and serious, and worthy of our consideration, care, and action - but we can hold them alongside the reality that God's creation is bigger and it will endure.
This Sunday we are celebrating World Communion Sunday. During worship we will reflect on our connection with Christians across the world and throughout history. I would encourage and invite you to make plans to participate in our celebration of the Lord's Supper on this special day. You can take part with whatever bread and cup you have on hand; God is a real presence at the table, not because of what we use, but because of who God is.
Please also remember that our next Curbside Food Drive is coming up in two weeks on Monday, October 12. We will, as usual, collect non-perishable food items to support our food pantry partner at Crosslines. In addition, we are collecting single-use hand warmers (the common brand is "Hot Hands") to support our homeless ministry partners at Grace UMC. Grace will give out over 400 hand warmers over the coming months to our friends in the homeless community; each donation is a practical resource to make the coming colder weather more bearable for those living on the street.
Friends, thank you for being part of the Trinity family. It is an honor to be journeying with you through these strange times.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
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Work of the Church: September, 2020
Welcome New Member! In September, the Session was delighted to welcome into membership Hazel Amoss, transferring from National Avenue Christian Church in Springfield, MO.
The Deacons met via video conference on Sunday, September 20, 2020. The next scheduled meeting of the Deacons is Sunday, October 11, 2020.
The Deacons’ September report: The Deacons continue to focus on the needs of members during our separation due to COVID-19 and spent time sharing member concerns. The Deacons also reviewed the results of the recent congregation-wide survey and engaged in a discussion of their leadership self-evaluations, as part of the new leadership and staff evaluation process.
Debbie Cron is the Chair of Deacons, and David Bohnenkamper is Clerk of Deacons.
The Session met via video conference for their regular meeting on Sunday, September 20, 2020. The next scheduled meeting of the Session is Sunday, October 18, 2020.
During their September meeting, the Session:
Approved a statement of intent to continue in partnership with Brentwood Christian Church beyond the expiration of the current agreement. Dialogue between representatives of the two churches will now begin to establish a continuing agreement.
Approved the baptism of James Martin and receiving him into active membership upon his baptism and profession of faith.
Approved a motion from Mission and Public Witness to co-sponsor a Community Blood Service of the Ozarks blood drive with Brentwood Christian Church.
Approved a motion from Personnel to maintain the Pastor’s benefits through the PC(USA) Board of Pensions with the same elections as 2020.
Discussed beginning the church budget process for 2021.
Reviewed the results of the recent congregation-wide survey.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Anita Dixon, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report
Total Income
7/1-7/31/2020: $25,988.00 YTD (1/1-7/31/2020): $280,025.47
Total Expenses
7/1-7/31/2020: $25,833.83 YTD (1/1-7/31/2020): $213,889.33
Operating Budget Account Balance as of 7/31/20: $61,727.89
ICS (Insured Cash Sweep -- also known as “Trinity Funds for the Future”) Account Balance as of 7/31/20: $651,193.12
Petty Cash as of 7/31/20: $170.15
Total Income
8/1-8/31/2020: $32,884.00 YTD (1/1-8/31/2020): $312,909.47
Total Expenses
8/1-8/31/2020: $45,199.46 YTD (1/1-8/31/2020): $260,821.79
Operating Budget Account Balance as of 8/31/20: $50,838.44
ICS (Insured Cash Sweep -- also known as “Trinity Funds for the Future”) Account Balance as of 8/31/20: $651,193.12
Petty Cash as of 8/31/20: $170.15
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The following is a list of the various committees and organizations of Trinity, along with their leadership teams. While we are unable to meet in person, most of the focus of the work of the church has been on mission outreach.
Christian Education and Faith Formation (Leadership Team: David Bohnenkamper (D), and Randy Hoops (E), Martha Sparrow (E))
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Debbie Cron (D), and Jim Stewart (E))
Finance (Leadership Team: Randy Hoops (E), Trace Johnson (E), and Colleen Laas (D))
Generosity and Engagement (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E) and Max Perryman (D))
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Debbie Cron (D) and Penni Groves (E)):
In September, the Mission and Public Witness Committee
Approved a recommendation to Session that Trinity co-sponsor, with Brentwood Christian Church, a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive.
Approved listing laundry vouchers for Grace United Methodist’s homeless ministry as a choice among the designated giving options on Trinity’s online donation platform.
Discussed meals for Rare Breed. Trinity groups will now be providing meals for the organization 3 days per month.
Made plans for the September Fifth Wednesday Meal at Grace. They will prepare 135 take-out meals with the same menu as July’s meal.
Made plans to visit Eden Village 2 with representatives of Westminster Presbyterian Church, with whom we are co-sponsoring the Village’s store. A payment towards that commitment was also approved.
Hosted a Trinity food drive for Crosslines on September 14. The drives will be held on the second Monday of each month, with the next one scheduled for October 12.
Discussed plans for the congregation-wide fall book study related to our Matthew 25 call to dismantling systemic racism.
Received an update from Pastor Chris on his decision to use some of his benevolence funds to purchase $25 meal gift cards for residents of Eden Village.
Allocated the local portion of this year’s Pentecost offering to Rare Breed.
Personnel (Leadership Team: Jim Stewart (E) and Brenda Williams (E)): The Personnel Committee discussed and approved to recommend Session continue the same Board of Pensions benefits for Pastor Chris that were covered for 2020. We will meet later this month to begin our annual pastor evaluations and to share how we can all help each other grow our ministry here at Trinity.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E), Mary Kay Hoops (D), and Cletus Johnson (E)): The Welcome and Fellowship Committee met on August 18 and, due to the continued restrictions on large gatherings, made the decision to cancel the fall congregation-wide picnic. The Committee is considering organizing small group picnics as an alternative. Also under consideration are ways to commemorate Trinity’s five-year anniversary.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Katherine Arquitt (YD), Kristin Butler (D), Nia Howard (E), and Brenda Williams (E)): The Worship and Music Committee met via Zoom on Monday, Sept. 14. Discussion included expenditures since the last meeting as well as budgeted purchases we have not made due to COVID-19. Pastor Chris shared highlights from the recent congregational survey. These are very helpful as we work to make worship accessible and meaningful during this long period of physical distancing. We considered some new ways to creatively celebrate Advent, which begins Sunday, Nov. 29, and will meet soon to formalize plans.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Peace and Global Witness Special Offering
Each year, Trinity works to support peacemaking in our community, region, and world through our support of the national Peace & Global Witness offering of the PC(USA). This offering supports peacemaking efforts here in Springfield, across our region, and around the world. 25% of the Peace & Global Witness offering stays right here at Trinity to support our own peacemaking efforts, 25% supports regional efforts through John Calvin Presbytery, and 50% supports our national and international work through the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
You can learn more here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/peace
In these days, it is even more important for each of us, as followers of Christ, to work for peace. Please consider making a gift today to the Peace & Global Witness offering. It's easy, here's how:
Make an immediate, secure gift online at: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give Click "Make a One Time Gift" and then select "Peace & Global Witness" from the designation drop-down
Mail your check to Trinity with "Peace & Global Witness" in the memo line. Trinity Presbyterian Church Attn: Steve Kane, Treasurer 1900 E Barataria St. Springfield, MO 65804
Thank you for your generous support of Trinity and the broader church.
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
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Carla's Corner
As we have now started having small gatherings outside, I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our youth, children, AND their parents. Since my work at Trinity is music and children/youth coordinator, I find myself having to realize there is only so much I can do and I will need the help of you, my Trinity family. So here is the first request: I would like any of you who are empty nesters and interested in our children/youth families, to consider adopting a family. I would pair you up with a family (and you could request a certain family if you already have a connection), and you could help keep our Trinity connection strong with our kids. I am one person and can't do this alone. But with many of you helping me, we could let our kids know how much they are loved. Ideas would be birthday cards, phone calls, emails, goodie bags, crafts, or lunch dropped at the house and more! I'm sure all of you will have some wonderful ideas. So, if you would be willing to "Adopt a Trinity Kid Family" please let me know! My contact information is carlaw@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org or text/call at 417-849-6865.
Children's Sermon This Week
You won't want to miss the children's sermon this week, as our own Brenda Sneed will be giving it! We want to thank Ms. Brenda for agreeing to share her thoughts and love for our kids with us!
Rare Breed Mission
A big THANK YOU to the Crites Family, Garvin Family, Miller Family and Wootton Family for providing sack meals for Rare Breed this past Friday. Our youth/children provide these meals the 4th Friday of every month. For October, we need 2 more of our families to volunteer. Let Carla know!
Making Plarn Mats
We will have 2 dates in October when all who are interested can come and help make our plarn mats for the homeless. We will be doing this outside, and if the weather does not cooperate I will let everyone know. The dates are Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. - noon outside at the Wootton house and Thursday, October 15, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Trinity on our West Pavillion. Youth and Congregation members alike are invited to help. All who would like to donate plastic bags can drop them off at Trinity.
Trinity Youth Direction
Reed Dressler, our youth pastor, will continue doing our online virtual Sunday night youth group at 6:30 every Sunday evening for all Trinity youth interested. Carla will continue providing opportunities in Fellowship, Mission, and Worship for our youth. As all have very busy schedules, plus we are trying to navigate challenging times, we hope all youth will find a way that is meaningful for them to stay connected with our Trinity Family. An email was sent to all parents highlighting what is coming up in October regarding Rare Breed, Plarn Mat making, a Halloween Bonfire, and a request for our youth to participate in recording selections for our offertory spot during our October virtual worship services.
October Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month!
Oct. 2 Joyce Criswell
Oct. 2 Susie Holliday
Oct. 9 Linda Kernohan
Oct. 14 Dave Muegge
Oct. 15 Sue Bohnenkamper
Oct. 15 Suzanne Dollar
Oct. 17 Mike Plate
Oct. 23 Sue Reynolds
Oct. 31 Gail Tombleson
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
The Fall 2020 schedule of classes can be found on the Trinity Website.
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 Class meet via Zoom from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
The Topical Discussion Class is participating in a 7- part series from The Thoughtful Christian running September 20 through November 1. The theme is "The History of Religion and Politics in America", using contributions from various theologians and politicians.
Discussion will be facilitated by various class members. Handouts are available on the Trinity Website.
Oct. 4: Session 3- John Danforth on Religion and Politics -Rich Landrith
Oct. 11: Session 4- Ron Sider on Religion and Politics - Todd Morriss
Oct. 18: Session 5- Barack Obama on Religion and Politics- Eltjen Flikkema
Oct. 25: Session 6- Tony Campolo on Religion and Politics- Jim Stewart
Nov. 1: Session 7- Marian Wright Edelman on Religion and Politics-Carole Hudgings
Oct. 25- Session 6- Tony Campolo on Religion and Politics
Nov. 1- Session 7- Marian Wright Edelman on Religion and Politics
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 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
