Weekly Newsletter 08/27/20
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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
August 27, 2020
From Pastor Chris
I have two exciting opportunities for you this week: our next Curbside Food Drive AND a new opportunity to connect with me and other Trinity members.
First, I'm excited to tell you about something I've been working on: Wednesdays on the Lawn. This will be a time of fellowship and connection hosted by me, here at church. We will meet outside on the lawn, under the shade tree on the southwest corner of the building (right outside our kids Sunday School classroom), for about an hour. Here are some key details:
We will have SIX meeting times to choose from: September 2, 9, or 16 at either 10:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.
We are limiting the size of the gathering to 15; therefore an RSVP is required. Tap here to RSVP online or email/call me and I'll get you on the list.
For now, please plan to attend only one gathering. Once I know how many are interested in attending we may open up additional spots.
Please bring your own seating (lawn/camp chair, picnic blanket, etc).
Masking and physical distancing are required.
Second, we are continuing our Curbside Food Drives and moving to a more regular schedule. Starting on Monday, September 14, we will hold a Curbside Food Drive every second Monday of the month from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. We will hold monthly drives through at least the end of 2020. You can find all the dates on the church calendar. Donations will support our local mission partners at Crosslines and Rare Breed.
This month we are asking for donations of the following:
Pre-packaged disposable silverware sets (like you get with takeout meals) for our meal kits to Rare Breed (NOTE: we do NOT need bulk plastic silverware, just any spare packets of silverware you might have around the house)
Canned tuna / chicken
Meal kits that use canned tuna or chicken (like "Tuna Helper")
Canned soup / vegetables / fruit
Non-perishable boxed items (especially cereal and boxed Mac and cheese)
Any other non-perishable, shelf-stable items. Please do not donate items that are expired or in glass containers, as these cannot be used.
I hope to see you at one of our Wednesday on the Lawn gatherings (Starting September 2) and at our next Curbside Food Drive (September 14)! If you have questions about either of these events, or anything else in our life together, please reach out.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
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Work of the Church: August, 2020
Highlights from the 199th Stated Meeting of John Calvin Presbytery: The meeting was hosted by St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Kimberling City, MO, via Zoom, on August 3, 2020, and was attended by Rev. Chris Miller and Trinity Commissioner Sharon Marsh (who reported on the meeting).
Rev. Chris Miller concluded his term as moderator of JCP with this meeting.
General Assembly Commissioners reported on the virtual General Assembly meeting. All spoke positively about this online experience. Trinity member Sophia Gentle was the Young Adult Advisory Delegate to GA from JCP.
Reports were received from the various Committees of John Calvin Presbytery. The Committee on Ministry presented 10 motions for approval. All were approved, including setting the minimum education allowance at $1500 for full-time and part-time calls.
The JCP General Council report included creating an Anti-Racism Subcommittee charged with writing a statement, plan, and guide for follow-up action and holding the Presbytery accountable in long-term work to dismantle racial injustice.
Other action taken by the GC included approving a Creative Ministries Grant of $1300 to Trinity Presbyterian of Springfield.
Tom Cavicchia will be honored at the February, 2021, JCP meeting as part of the reading of the Necrology.
The Mission and Nurture Committee reported on the virtual Equipping the Saints gathering featuring Dr. Rodger Nishioka on August 22 at 10:00 a.m. Registration is $5 per household or $25 per church. Dr. Nishioka’s topic will be an expansion of his 2019 presentation on “Reaching Young Adults.”
Trinity’s Commissioners to John Calvin Presbytery are Sharon Marsh and Kathy Morriss.
The Deacons met via videoconference on Sunday, July 12, 2020. They are taking a summer break during the month of August, and the next scheduled meeting of the Deacons is Sunday, September 13, 2020.
The Deacons’ July report: The Deacons continue to focus on the needs of members during our separation due COVID-19. Much of the meeting was spent in sharing member concerns and how Trinity is reaching out. Sharon Marsh reported on Congregational Care’s memorial gifts for members of the Trinity family.
Debbie Cron is the Chair of Deacons, and David Bohnenkamper is Clerk of Deacons.
The Session met via video conference for a called meeting on Sunday, August 2, 2020, and for their regular meeting on Sunday, August 16, 2020. They took their summer break during the month of July. The next scheduled meeting of the Session is Sunday, September 20, 2020.
During their August meetings, the Session:
Listened to a presentation and proposal from Anne Crites and Carla Wootton about supporting families as Springfield schools re-open with a hybrid of in-person and online learning. Determined our most effective action would be to support existing community programs and Trinity families. Tasked the committees of Mission and Public Witness and Christian Education and Faith Formation with working with Anne and Carla to identify existing community programs and how we might best support them, as well as the level of need among/ways to support Trinity families.
Received reports from Mission and Public Witness and Carla Wootton (Christian Education and Faith Formation) about Trinity’s response to the community’s and Trinity families’ needs for support as Springfield schools re-open. (See also Mission and Public Witness Report.)
Elected Sharon Marsh and Kathy Morris to serve as Trinity’s Commissioners to John Calvin Presbytery for the 2020-2021 term.
Appointed elder Patty Dunn to serve as Vice-Chair of the 2020 Nominating Committee, alongside elder and Chair Cletus Johnson.
Voted to move to Level 2 of Trinity’s Framework for Pandemic Response, with some amendments and guidance for small group gatherings. (See also Trinity newsletter for August 20, 2020.)
Checked in with one another and reported on congregation contacts.
Received a report on conversations between Trinity and Brentwood Christian Church about the extension of our partnership.
Spent time in small groups, and as a whole, discussing our self-evaluations as part of the Leadership Evaluation process for 2020. From that discussion, agreed as a Session to engage in a fall book study and authorized the purchase of the book for current and incoming Session members.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Anita Dixon, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report
Total Income
6/1-6/30/2020: $31,600.00 YTD (1/1-6/30/2020): $254,037.47
Total Expenses
6/1-6/30/2020: $27,509.98 YTD (1/1-6/30/2020): $188,005.49
Operating Budget Account Balance as of 6/30/20: $61,801.02
ICS (Insured Cash Sweep -- also known as “Trinity Funds for the Future”) Account Balance as of 6/30/20: $651,193.12
Petty Cash as of 6/30/20: $170.15
Total Income and Expenses are not yet available for July, 2020. Account balances:
Operating Budget Account Balance as of 7/31/20: $62,450.05
ICS (Insured Cash Sweep -- also known as “Trinity Funds for the Future”) Account Balance as of 7/31/20: $651,193.12 (Statement not yet received; no withdrawals.)
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)): The CE committee authorized a church registration for the John Calvin Presbytery program, Equipping the Saints, allowing all Trinity members to participate without a fee. The Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka spoke on the topic of Being the Church for Young Adults and All Ages in the Midst of Protests and a Pandemic. The committee also approved plans for welcoming Trinity children and youth back to school. The church-wide Sunday School classes led by Pastor Chris will continue through August.
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 August, the Mission and Public Witness Committee took time to remember Vernon Mears and his strong and faithful leadership. In addition, the committee
Discussed meals for Rare Breed. Trinity groups will now be providing meals for the organization 3 days per month.
Reported on the July Fifth Wednesday Meal at Grace and made plans for September’s meal. July’s meal was well-received and easy to prepare, so it will be featured again in September.
Will invite a representative of Rainbow Network to speak at its September meeting.
Decided to host a Trinity food drive for Crosslines once a month through the end of the year. The drives will be held on the second Monday of each month beginning September 14.
Discussed plans for continuing our Matthew 25 call to dismantling systemic racism. These include the 21-Day Racial Justice Challenge, a congregation-wide fall book study, and a separate small group study opportunity. Other plans include reviewing church policy and looking for ways to engage in the community.
Authorized grants to Boys and Girls Club of Springfield ($10,000); The Children, Youth, and Family Development Center ($2500); and Discovery Garden Montessori School ($2500). These grants are to be used for scholarships for low income families to allow them to participate in the wraparound programs created by each of these organizations to supplement the Springfield Schools’ hybrid model of in-person and online learning this fall. These grants were made from Mission funds earmarked for local COVID relief efforts.
Personnel (Leadership Team: Jim Stewart (E) and Brenda Williams (E)): Personnel has been working to develop an evaluation framework for church staff and leadership, recognizing leadership as a team effort. At the end of July, the committee distributed information regarding the process to the Deacons and Elders. Each body will spend time at one of its meetings discussing their self-evaluations and will also participate in evaluating the pastor. This process has replaced the church-wide pastoral evaluation.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E), Mary Kay Hoops (D), and Cletus Johnson (E))
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Katherine Arquitt (YD), Kristin Butler (D), Nia Howard (E), and Brenda Williams (E)): The Worship and Music committee did not meet in July. Online "extended" worship continues due to COVID-19, with Trinity members sharing recorded liturgy and music. Pastor Chris now records sermons from the church chapel; we hope this is a visual reminder of our ongoing church connection during a time of worshipping "together, apart."
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
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
Trinity Pandemic Response Survey
There are still a few days left to submit your responses for our Pandemic Response Survey. Your input is important to our staff and leadership as we plan for the coming months. If you've requested a physical copy of the survey, please make sure to get it in the mail as soon as you can. Otherwise, you can submit responses online through the end of the day on Monday, August 31. Click the here to get started.
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Carla's Corner
We are back at school! Although this is sooooo different this year, we know our kids and parents will make the best of it! We are praying for all of you, our teachers, our district, and our country!
Back-to-School Something Special!
If we weren't socially distancing, we would have had a big back-to-school bash with all our kids! But this year that's not what's happening, at least not yet. (I am hoping for a belated back-to-school bash.) So, I was planning on doing something special for the kids and then, exactly 2 weeks before school started, I got another idea and decided to go with that. And no, I'm not telling you what it is because that would ruin the surprise. But, because of my late start I wasn't able to make my delivery when I wanted, which would have been last week. However, I should be delivering this to our kiddos THIS weekend! So be looking on your front porches Saturday or Sunday for a delivery from Carla! And a BIG thank you to our CE committee for supporting me in this little venture.
Virtual Help?
This past weekend I sent a letter to all of our Trinity parents/kids and close friends asking if they needed any assistance on the virtual days their kiddos would be learning from home. I would like to help if I can! So please, parents, let me know your needs! I am a retired teacher and I loved teaching. If I can come to your home once a week for an hour or two to provide any support, I would love to do that! Just let me know!
Sunday Youth Group-A possible change?
The Session decided we could move to the next level on our pandemic response, which means we can gather outside in groups of 15 or less. I am currently wondering if our youth group, which has been meeting online, would like to try and come to my house on Sunday nights? We can be outside the entire time, distanced, and we have a lot of ways we can fellowship: swimming, basketball, a fire pit where we can sit at a distance and talk. I've contacted all parents and will be excited to know how all feel about this possibility. I'll keep you updated!
Wednesday Night: Chat and Games
Since school has started, we will no longer be doing our Wednesday night chat/games at 8:30 p.m. However, we are discussing a change where our youth group can meet in person again, if that is what our youth/parents would like, on Sunday nights for youth group and possibly Reed doing some type of virtual get-together via Discord during the week. I am gathering info from parents and will be in touch!
Trinity Mission Update
Since the start of the pandemic, Trinity has prioritized responding to the emerging needs of our community. Our Mission & Public Witness Committee has met frequently via video conference to hear updates from our mission partners, consider needs, and plan our response. We wanted to share a comprehensive picture of the work we have been able to do over the past five months in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trinity Mission Impact By the Numbers: Pandemic Response Since March
$33,750 in financial grants provided to local, national, and international mission partners. See below for the full list.
1,490 meals provided to homeless and food insecure families and individuals.
4,650 bottles of safe drinking water provided to homeless and housing insecure individuals.
4,200 pounds of nonperishable food provided to Crosslines food pantry.
575 pair of new socks for homeless and at-risk youth and young adults.
Pandemic Response Grant Recipients Since March
Crosslines - $5,750
Discovery Garden Montessori School - $2,500
Eden Village - $500
Grace United Methodist - $2,000
Merciful Nights Initiative - $3,000
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - $3,000
Rare Breed - $500
United Nations Relief Agency (Palestine) - $1,000
The Boys and Girls Club of Springfield - $10,000
The Children, Youth, and Family Development Center - $2,500
The Connecting Grounds - $3,000
Total Grants Provided to Date: $33,750
In addition to our pandemic response, Trinity is engaged in a number of other mission and witness activities, including:
Partnering with Westminster Presbyterian Church to fund the community store at Eden Village 2
Providing financial support to the Rev. Cheryl Barnes, an International Mission Co-Worker of the PC(USA) serving in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Tap here to read Cheryl's latest letter about her work. (https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/letter/do-it-for-the-children/)
Supporting the Shared Mission and Theological Education Funds of John Calvin Presbytery and the Synod of Mid-America
All of our mission work is enabled through your generosity. Each donation at our curbside food drives, each meal prepared, each pledge sent enables us to witness to the redeeming power of Christ in our world. Thank you! If you would like to know more about the Mission & Public Witness work of Trinity, please reach out to Pastor Chris or Mission & Public Witness Co-Chairs Penni Groves and Debbie Cron.
Weekly Congregation-Wide Study
Sunday Morning Social Hour & Sunday School - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
This week: Join Pastor Chris for a time of study and discussion; this week we will be taking a look at the theology of C.S. Lewis. Check our study page later in the week for resources.
To download the participant guide, go here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/study
August & September Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month!
August 5 Bob Bell
August 7 Colleen Laas
August 8 Jim Stewart
August 9 Carolyn Mitchell
August 9 Jeff Groves
August 14 Tim Wootton
August 15 Clancy Cherry
August 18 Shane Robertson
August 19 David Hart
August 20 Jane Perryman
August 20 Sharon Reed
August 24 Kensey Dressler
August 26 Chuck Christiansen
August 29 George Jones
August 30 Wes Dunn
Sept. 3 Katie Kull
Sept. 7 Randy Hoops
Sept. 9 Hope Trotter "60"
Sept. 9 Roger Schlemmer
Sept. 10 Susan Leonard
Sept. 11 Chris Plate
Sept. 14 Sue Woody
Sept. 14 Michael Howell
Sept. 16 Jack Johnson "13"
Sept. 17 Liz Sweet
Sept. 17 Don Holliday
Sept. 17 Ann Hall
Sept. 17 Kathy Morriss
Sept. 19 Richard Miller
Sept. 21 Jane Huffstetler
Sept. 28 Bill Havens
Sept. 28 Sandie Everett
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
Join Us For #Give828
On Aug. 28, 2020, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be joining #Give828, a national day of giving focused specifically on supporting Black-benefiting organizations. #Give828 isn’t like other fundraising campaigns. This day takes place during Black Philanthropy Month and commemorates multiple important historical landmarks in Black Americans’ march toward freedom. Did you know that on:
Aug. 28, 1955: 14-year-old Emmett Till was brutally murdered by three white men, which became a "flashpoint in the civil rights movement"?
Aug. 28, 1963: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the landmark March on Washington in Washington, D.C.?
Aug. 28, 2005: Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana? The storm, which devastated New Orleans, inordinately impacted many of the city’s black residents.
Aug. 28, 2008: Then Senator Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president, becoming the first black man to ever win the nomination and bid for the presidency
Your gifts to #Give828 will go to support leadership development for leaders of color by funding the Katie Geneva Cannon Scholarship and the Conference for Seminarians of Color. Donating to the campaign is one of the action steps you can take as a part of the Presbyterian Week of Action, Aug. 24–30.
Go to pcusa.org/weekofaction for more information on the Presbyterian Week of Action.
Resources
The Session has approved statements that help describe who we are. These are for your edification and reflection, as well as to share with other people. You can find these statements at this link.
For information on participating in the financial life of Trinity, including making a secure online gift, please visit https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give
Do you have a pastoral concern? Do you have a great idea that you want to share? Do you just want to setup a time to chat? Excellent! Pastor Chris would love to help. Here is how to get in touch:
The easiest way is by email: cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
Chris is in the office most days, Mon-Thur, from about 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., depending on evening activities and meetings. You are always welcome to drop by; however, it is best to call ahead to make sure he isn’t in another meeting or on a visit.
You can reach Chris via our Administrative Assistant, June, by calling our office (417.450.2544) during regular office hours (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.) and she can assist in scheduling an appointment. If it is an urgent situation, or it is outside of office hours, you can reach Chris directly at 816.805.2742.
NOTE ABOUT FRIDAYS: Pastor Chris takes Fridays as his Sabbath day to focus on his family. He will 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 Ann Hall, who is recovering from surgery and dealing with meningitis.
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
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Learn more about the denomination at http://www.pcusa.org
