Remaining Connected - April 27, 2020

EDIT: The original version of this post had an incorrect link for our “Thursday Study Group” article. The link is now correct.

Happy Monday!  This week I have two mission opportunities to share with you, three new ways to connect online, and a parade.  Let's get started!

Trinity is a congregation committed to serving, and I have two mission opportunities for you this week.

Mission Opportunity 1 - Crosslines Supply Drive

Our Easter Weekend Supply Drive for Crosslines was a HUGE success, so we want to do another!  We will again be collecting donations at Trinity to take to Crosslines to help make sure no family goes hungry.  Here's how to help:

• Gather items from the list below.

• PLEASE only donate unopened, non-expired items and items NOT in glass jars.  Crosslines cannot use open, expired (even recently expired) items or items in glass jars.

• Once you have gathered your supplies, bring them to the church on Monday, May 4 from 10am to 1pm.

• Come to the West / Trinity entrance and pull up to the covered entrance.  I will meet you at your car to bring your donation inside.  Please wait in your car until the person ahead of you has unloaded.

• We will then make one delivery to Crosslines.

• NOTE: If you are unable to deliver your donation to church from 10-1 on Monday please contact Penni Groves or Sharon Marsh; one of our volunteer team would be happy to pick up your donation from your home.

Here are the items most in need this week:

• Jelly or Jam in Plastic Jars

• Canned Soup

• Canned Tuna or Chicken

Other items always in need:

• Peanut Butter

• Canned Veggies & Fruit

• Boxed Items (esp Cereal and Mac & Cheese)

• Spices (esp Salt & Pepper)

• Aluminum Foil

• Plastic Wrap

• Sandwich Bags

• Pet Food

What if I can't make it to the store?
No worries!  There will be more opportunities in the weeks to come. Additionally, financial assistance is always helpful.  You can make a gift right now via our church website: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give (there is also information there on how/where to mail a check if you prefer that route).  Gifts designated "COVID-19 Relief" will go to support local and immediate needs for relief.

Mission Opportunity 2 - Mask Drive for Crosslines

Crosslines is working to provide cloth face masks to any clients who might need one.  They are trying to gather 100 masks.  If you are in a position to sew even one or two face masks it would be helpful.  We will collect any masks during our supply drive (see the above item) and deliver them to Crosslines.  If you need information on how to make a face mask here is a PDF with directions for both adult and child sized masks.  (Thank you to Sarah Muegge and Julie Thomas among others for their work on this!)

A Trinity Parade!

Tom Cavicchia is celebrating his 91st birthday on Wednesday, and his wife Karen has asked for our help in celebrating.  Since we can't all go over for cake and punch, she has asked if we could do a "birthday car parade" instead.  So, if you are able, we will meet in the back parking lot at church at 3:45pm on Wednesday (April 29) and Robert Reed will lead our "parade" by Tom and Karen's house at 4:00pm.  NOTE: It is important that we maintain our physical distancing measures for the health and safety of everyone, so please do not get out of your cars at church.

Here are the ways you can connect with your Trinity family this week online:

Social Media Scripture - Daily, early afternoon
Each day I'll be sharing, via our social media channels, a verse or two of scripture from the daily lectionary along with a one or two sentence reflection. These aren't sermons, just a quick mid-day reflection on God's Word.  I hope you'll hop on Facebook, Twitter (@trinitysgfpcusa), or Instagram(@trinitysgfpcusa) and check out the posts, join the conversation, and share with your friends and family.

Coffee & Conversation - Tuesday from 2pm to 3pm
Join me for a time of conversation and checking in at our virtual coffee shop. We will gather via Zoom (from the comfort of our own home) to chat and check in with one another.  Bring your questions, prayer concerns, and more!  If you've not come before, why not give it a try this week?

• Join by computer/smartphone/tablet at this link: https://zoom.us/j/609200160

• Join by phone by calling +1 312 626 6799 and entering, when prompted:
  Meeting ID: 609 200 160
  Password: [Check your email or contact the office]

[NEW] Four and More Bible Study - Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm (NOTE: Different time than usual)
Join Rev. Jane Huffstetler for this journey through the Bible.  We are currently working our way through 1 Kings.  Since we haven't met together in several weeks, we'll start with a review.  No prior knowledge is necessary.  All you need is a Bible.

• Join by computer/smartphone/tablet at this link: https://zoom.us/j/92375610702

• Join by phone by calling +1 312 626 6799 and entering, when prompted:
  Meeting ID: 923 7561 0702
  Password: [Check your email or contact the office]

[NEW] Wednesday Night Youth Chat - Wednesdays from 7:30pm to 8:00pm
For our Middle & High School aged youth.  Join Carla on Zoom for a mid-week chat where we can play games, talk, and more.  Contact Carla for login information.

Thursday Study Group - Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm
Each week I'll be leading a discussion / study group via Zoom.  We will explore a new article / topic each week, so come when it is interesting to you!  This week we are reading an article on how to build a "Post-Anxiety Church."  (Even if you can't come I recommend the article!)

• Join by computer/smartphone/tablet at this link: https://zoom.us/j/93525254436

• Join by phone by calling +1 312 626 6799 and entering, when prompted:
  Meeting ID: 935 2525 4436
  Password: [Check your email or contact the office]

Sunday Morning Social Hour & Sunday School - Sunday from 10:00am to 11:30am
Join your Trinity family for a time of conversation this Sunday.  We will gather as a large group briefly at 10:00 and then into smaller groups for our Sunday School classes, plus a general space for those who just want to chat (or check out this whole Zoom thing).

• Join by computer/smartphone/tablet at this link: https://zoom.us/j/928867456

• Join by phone by calling  +1 312 626 6799 and entering, when prompted:
  Meeting ID: 928 867 456
  Password: [Check your email or contact the office]

[NEW] Sunday Night Youth Group - Sundays from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
For our Middle & High School aged youth.  Join Reed and Carla on Discord to play games and have fun.  Contact Carla or Reed for login information.

Check out our Zoom help guide here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/zoom

Thanks for being part of the Trinity family.  If there is a way I can be a good support to you and your family in these hard days, please let me know.

Peace,
Pastor Chris