Trinity Newsletter for August 31, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Over the past few weeks we've been talking about the importance of building deeper connections, both here at Trinity and in our broader community. But what does that look like in practice?
This fall I hope you will join me for an 8-week study group where we will be exploring together what it might look like for us to intentionally build a community where we know not only names, but stories. We will be watching the documentary film Godspeed; the story of a fast-paced American pastor whose desire to change the world grinds to a halt in a Scottish parish. The film was shot in three days, in three villages, by three friends. What began as a five minute video ended as a half-hour portrait of the people and places who had taught Pastor Matt Canlis to repent & rest.
Featuring delightful conversations and thoughtful reflections, this film will serve as our guide as we explore how the way of Jesus can still shape our lives and relationships today. We will begin by watching and discussing the documentary during the first session, and then on subsequent weeks we will watch a brief additional video and then explore topics such as being present, being known, and finding stability.
We will be meeting on Thursdays, beginning September 21 and going through November 9, gathering from 10:30am until about noon here at Trinity. Each participant will receive a study guide / journal for our journey together. Please RSVP by Sunday, September 10 so we can order enough copies of the book. You may RSVP on the sheets at church or by emailing me directly (cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org).
I am so thankful I get to spend my time with you! If ever want to have a conversation about faith, the church, or the last great movie you watched, please reach out. I'd love to connect more.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Nominations for Elders & Deacons Being Accepted
The Nominating Committee is discerning Active Members of Trinity, for consideration of service as Elders and Deacons.
We invite all Active Members of Trinity to nominate themselves or others for consideration, whom they believe would be fruitful Trinity leaders as Elders or Deacons.
Simply let Dave Muegge, Chair of Nominating Committee, know whom you would like to be considered for formal nomination.
You can do this, by leaving your suggestion for nomination in the offering plate or by contacting Dave Muegge by phone at 417-773-7138 or by e-mail at DaveMuegge@MissouriState.edu
The Nominating Committee will review your ideas, as they prepare their formal slate of nominees for the Session to consider.
Please provide your nomination ideas by September 4, 2023.
Also, please prayerfully consider your response, should the Nominating Committee contact you after September 5 with a request to accept their formal nomination to serve as a Trinity Elder or Deacon.
It is an honor and a sign of trust in your abilities to be called to serve as a Ruling Elder or a Deacon.
If you agree to the Nominating Committee’s request for formal nomination, then the Session will review these nomination suggestions and share their final slate with the Congregation for election.
Once elected by the Congregation, the Elders and Deacons serve three-year commitments, involving monthly meetings and also regular committee/service work. These commitments start January 1, 2024.
Training is provided by Pastor Miller.
Elders are involved with the governance and administration of Trinity.
Deacons are involved with hands-on service for Trinity members and our community.
If you have any questions regarding the Nominating process for Elder and Deacon, please contact any member of the Nominating Committee: Dave Muegge, Daphne Anderson, Brenda Havens, Lois Zerrer, Al Dixon, Sarah Muegge, Brenda Sneed, or Betty Forrester.
Thank you,
Trinity Nominating Committee
B Street Bells!
On Sept. 24 our B Street Bells will be back, playing for Prelude. Our ringers from Brentwood and Trinity have been practicing on Monday evenings, with our own Ilace Mears directing their angelic sounds. You won't want to miss hearing them on the 24th!
Artwork Solicited
The Brentwood and Trinity congregations are filled with talented, creative artists. Our beautifully renovated church needs to visually reflect the people who worship within its walls. With that in mind, we are asking for artists of all ages to consider sharing their creativity by donating their original two-dimensional artwork. Art is needed for all areas of the church: the coffee fellowship area, hallways, classrooms, offices, bathrooms, and the fellowship hall. A committee from both congregations will curate the artist submissions to decide which artworks will work best and where they should be placed. We are asking artists to submit digital jpeg images with dimensions, media, and title. The artwork can be from any media—paint, fiber, collage, photography, mixed media, crayon, marker, etc. as long as it can be hung on a wall. Framed work is preferred. Unframed work will also be considered. Please send all digital submissions and questions to
Suzanne Thomas suzdthomas@gmail.com
Deadline to submit: October 1st.
New Children’s Book about the Psalms!
The Christian Education/ Faith Formation committee is excited to let you know that we plan to present the Trinity families with younger children this beautiful new book about the Psalms for the upcoming Christmas season. It will also be used in some of their future Sunday School activities. We will be placing an order through the church at a discounted price and want to offer you the option to order one for any of your own grandchildren or other family. Click on the image below to preview the book and lovely artwork.
Please call the church office by September 11 if you wish to purchase one. We anticipate the cost to be $12 plus any shipping.
News from Carla!
Hi Trinity Family! I wanted to share with you that I am now the music director/conductor of the Ozark Festival Orchestra in Monett, Mo. I am so thrilled to have this position and it will work well with my Trinity schedule, as the concerts are on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm. The OFO is a self-sustaining community orchestra that was established in 1985. Our first concert is Sunday, October 15, in the Performing Arts Center at Monett, High School. (It is a BEAUTIFUL facility.) It will feature Tim (Wootton) playing the Haydn Trumpet Concerto, as well as several other favorite pieces. The OFO is on Facebook and we are currently working on our website. We give 4 concerts a year (October 15, Dec 3, February 25, and April 14). I hope you might be able to come hear us play!
Carla Wootton
Music Coordinator
Trinity Presbyterian, PCUSA
Opportunities for Small Acts of Service
There are a few items that our wonderful former custodian, Vickie, did for us when she was working here that now provide opportunities to help in small but meaningful ways.
Water the plants that are both inside the church (all in the Fellowship Hall) and in the planters by the east and basement entrances.
Wash the towels and washcloths from the various meals that take place in our building (usually one small load a week).
Wash the mugs from the coffee time on Sunday mornings.
Make the ice (we have a countertop ice maker in the kitchen).
Whether it's one person who takes one task or a team who takes on them all, we would so appreciate any volunteers who would like to take on these tasks! Please contact the church office.
International Institute of Southwest Missouri Update
The International Institute is in great need of kitchen/dining room tables and chairs. There are several refugee families without them. If you have or know of any gently used tables and chairs that can be donated, please contact Andy Webb at 417-619-4118. Andy is in charge of finding and furnishing housing for incoming refugees at the Institute. They are getting several families a month, so the need is always there. Also, TVs are always requested by the families but not considered a necessity. As you upgrade to bigger and better, consider donating the still working TV to the Institute. Thank you for all your donations so far and your continued support.
Walk & Talk
During the Ozarks Festival of Faiths planning, an idea was brought up for a Walk and Talk.
The first one was successful and it was decided to continue them. This is a great opportunity to help heal our community of polarization and bring understanding and appreciation of differences.
Bring your water bottle and spread the word!
Do You Worship with Trinity Online?
Each week in the Sanctuary we pass our Fellowship Pads and Visitor Cards. We now have a digital Connection Card for all our friends who worship with us online! If you are a regular (or semi-regular) online worshiper, please consider using our mobile-friendly Connection Card the next time you join us for worship.
Simply follow this link to note your participation in worship, share a prayer request, and more: https://bit.ly/trinitysgfconnect
Thanks for helping us better connect with our Trinity family!
Trinity Sunday School Classes
Starting Sunday, September 10!
Sunday School opportunities for all ages. Please consider joining us in exploring our faith and learning from one another in spaces of grace and love. All classes begin at 10:15 a.m.
Young Children: Ages Kindergarten through grade 5 meet in the Children's Room in the southwest corner of the building. The Bible we use is called Growing in God's Love. Classes include activities and crafts. Teachers Sara Muegge and Jan Redfern would be happy to see our Trinity kids and their friends.
Youth-Opportunities to Connect: In the planning stages for this year! Friends are welcome to join in activities and events as we connect with each other in and outside of Trinity. Contact: Nissa Krier.
Adult Class Offerings
Studying the Word: (Formerly the Lectionary Class) meets in the Trinity Room. Participants can attend in person or by Zoom. Together we read scripture and apply its wisdom to our lives. We'd love for all interested in learning more about the Bible, one passage at a time, to join us. All are welcome. Contact: Susan Holiday.
Topical Discussions Fellowship: Adult learners of all ages meet in the Fellowship Hall. With good coffee and fresh treats from the class members, we strive to discuss a variety of topics relevant to our religion in today's society. We hope you will join us for fellowship and discussion. Contact: Dave Muegge.
SALT: This class typically decides on materials together and has used a variety of books and study formats, with questions to spark discussion of living out our faith in today's world. Come when you can, no experience required! SALT meets in Room 17. Contact: Amy Price.
Four and More: This Bible study derives its name from meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays (presently by Zoom). Anyone wanting to join can send their email address to the study leader Jane Huffstettler, and she will provide the Zoom link.
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