Trinity Newsletter for September 7, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Two invitations this week! First, if you've not yet RSVP'd to participate in our Godspeed study on how the way of Jesus can shape our lives and relationships, please do so today (and no later than Sunday!) so we can be sure to have a copy of the book for you when the group starts on September 21. See the article below for more details.
Second, on Sunday, September 24, I will be hosting a luncheon after worship for anyone who is interested in learning more about how to connect with Trinity. Maybe you are looking for a new way to volunteer, or you are newer in the Trinity family and are wanting to learn more about our study options, or you are considering becoming an official voting member of Trinity -- wherever you are in your journey with Trinity I'd love for you to join me for lunch and a time of connection. To help with planning, would you please RSVP by sending me an email (cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org) so we can properly plan for lunch?
I am so thankful I get to spend my time with you! If you ever want to have a conversation about faith, the church, or the last great album you enjoyed, please reach out. I'd love to connect more.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Work of the Church: August 2023
The Session met on Sunday, August 27, 2023, in person at the Trinity Room and via video/phone conference using the RingCentral application. The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, September 17, 2023.
During its August 2023 meeting, the Session:
Approved the Ministry Plan developed by the Rev. Dr. David Smazik and a Session appointed Task Force. The Ministry Plan includes Trinity’s Mission and Vision Statements, Priorities and Initiatives for the next few years, and an Action Plan to implement these Initiatives.
Approved a job description for Trinity’s Director of Communications and Administrative Ministries.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report:
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
Report of the August 3, 2023, John Calvin Presbytery (JCP) Meeting: The 211th Stated Meeting of JCP was called to order by Moderator Rev. Kira Anderson at
9:00 a.m. The meeting was held virtually by Zoom, and opened in prayer by Rev. Julie Mercer of the host church, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian. She shared the history and mission work of their church, including a diaper bank ministry. Rev. Mercer led the morning worship service which featured a presentation from JCP Living Waters Mission Team about their recent mission to the Dominican Republic. Part 2 of the Necrology Report was given, including a tribute to the late Rev. John Wesley Skillings. Educational sessions followed with breakout discussion rooms. Topics included: Things you love about the PC(USA), Things you wish were different, and Things you wish your own church would do. We all love the connectional nature of the PC(USA), and shared some helpful insights that might improve the call process. We all work to minister to young and old alike.
Reports were received from the various committees and councils, with the following highlights:
September 7 will be JCP night at Springfield Cardinals game.
Update on the church closing in Mulberry, Kansas, with sale of building expected to be complete by November.
Voted to add language from the new Book of Order to JCP Policy Steps for sale of property.
International Peace Maker visit to JCP will be in September, 2023.
Representative from the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation discussed the opportunities available through the Pastoral Revitalization Program.
Reports from our Executive Presbyter and Synod Executive.
The following is a list of the various committees and organizations of Trinity, along with their current leadership teams for 2023:
The Deacons: Paula Tindell and Gail Tombleson are co-moderators of the Deacons.
The Deacons met on July 9 to discuss congregational needs in terms of prayer and support.
Christian Education and Faith Formation (Leadership Team: Daphne Anderson (E), Dave Muegge (E), Amy Price (E), and Jan Redfern (D)).
An end-of-summer/back to school Breakfast Brunch was held during the Sunday School hour on 8/27/2023. This was held in the Fellowship Hall, and was co-hosted by the Welcome and Fellowship and Christian Education Committees. Other updates include:
Children ages 3 through grade 5, Sunday school class will resume on September 10 at 10:15-11:15 am.
Adult Sunday schools: Studying the Word, SALT, and Topical Discussions, will resume on September 10, at 10:15-11:15 am.
Monthly Junior High School/Senior High School events, including social, scriptural, and service activities will resume in September on a Sunday afternoon, date TBA.
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Anne Crites (E) and Mike Simpson (D)).
Congregational Care (Leadership Team: Brenda Havens (D), Barbara Highley (D), Edith Reed (D), and Bill Trotter(D)).
The Committee met on August 6. Prayerful consideration was given to the current concerns and special needs of the congregation, with a focus on strengthening connections among the Trinity family.
Finance (Leadership Team: Anne Crites (E), David Hart (E), Bob Kick (E), and Mike Wills (E)).
The Finance Committee reviewed up-to-date cash flow and financial reserves and determined that both are sufficient for meeting the needs of Trinity Church.
Generosity and Engagement (Leadership Team: Carrie Arquitt (E), Jerri Ilkiw (D), and Mike White (E)).
The Committee is actively working on the Fall Pledge Campaign.
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Carrie Arquitt (E), Ansley Arquitt (YD), David Conaway (D), and Mike Simpson (D)).
Nominating (Leadership Team: Daphne Anderson (E) and Dave Muegge (E)).
Personnel (Leadership Team: Bob Bell (E), Karen Cavicchia (D), and Bob Kick (E)).
The Personnel Committee met on August 14 and discussed staffing needs that may stem from the updated Vision Statement to “nurture all generations”, especially to provide Christian education to children and youth and to equip adult members to embrace and share our faith.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Carol Minton (E), Paula Tindell (D), and Gail Tombleson (D)).
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Jeannie Reed (D), Susan Uffmann (E), and Mike White (E)).
The Worship & Music committee met on July 7, seeking to make Trinity worship an engaging experience for all.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
RSVP Today for Godspeed: An 8-Week Study with Pastor Chris
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 the documentary during the first session and then on subsequent weeks we will watch a brief additional discussion and 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 10:30 a.m. 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).
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.
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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