Remaining Connected - May 18, 2020
There is no doubt we are living in a season of disruptions, and as if we had any doubt of that, look no further than our technical issues this past Sunday during our Social Hour. The Zoom service suffered a 3.5 hour, world-wide malfunction, and our usual time together fell right in the middle of it. Please know that I am sorry for any frustration this might have caused and thankful for the grace with which our community navigated the situation.
While it appears the issues have been resolved, please make sure to update your Zoom app (either on your computer or smart device) before your next gathering. This can be typically done by closing and restarting your Zoom app; alternately you may look for a "check for updates" option (either in a dropdown menu or your devices App Store).
In a couple weeks we will be celebrating Pentecost, and I want your help! As part of our Pentecost worship we will be sharing a montage of messages from our Trinity family. Here's how you can take part:
Record a short (max 20 second) video of you / your family completing the sentence, "I/we see the Spirit at Trinity when..." Recording on your phone is totally fine; just make sure your phone is horizontal when you record.
Send the video to me by email no later than Friday, May 29. If the file is too big consider using Dropbox or OneDrive; if you have an Apple device it should automatically use iCloud to send a link.
If you can't record a video, write out your one sentence answer and email it to me and I may be able to include some text as well.
Look for a special message as part of our worship email on Pentecost, which is Sunday, May 31.
If there are ways I or Trinity can be a good support to you this week please reply to this email (or give me a call) to start the conversation!
Here are some 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 Email or Contact Office]
Four and More Bible Study - Wednesday from 4pm to 5pm
Join Rev. Jane Huffstetler for this journey through the Bible. We are currently working our way through 1 Kings. 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 Email or Contact Office]
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 where we discuss a weekly topic or article. I'm listing the topic in this email each week; you don't have to show up every week -- come when the topic is interesting to you! This week we are reading an essay titled What Are We Really Doing When All We Can Do Is Pray? We will consider how our faith informs how, and why, we pray in times of crisis.
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 Email or Contact 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 Email or Contact Office]
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 are ways the church and I can be a good support to you and your family in these days, please let me know.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
