Trinity Newsletter for September 28, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Two weeks from today on Thursday, October 12, Trinity is hosting a showing of the new Eden Village documentary film "No One Sleeps Outside" and we want YOU to join us. We will gather in Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m., watch the documentary (which is about 1 hour and 20 minutes long), and then have time for some Q&A with the Eden Village team. This event is free and open to the public.
Trinity has been a proud mission partner with Eden Village since 2018 when we funded the construction and furnishing of Trinity House. For the past five years we have continued our partnership by supporting Marie, our Trinity House resident, by funding the purchase of several "tear-drop" trailers for the Revive 66 campground, through jointly funding the office facility at the campground (along with our friends at Westminster Presbyterian), and with many other volunteer projects and funding initiatives. Most recently, your Mission & Public Witness Committee committed to fund the construction and furnishing of another home at Eden Village 3 and that work is already underway.
Whether you have done hands-on work with Eden Village or are just learning about this partnership, I hope you will make time on Thursday, October 12 at 6:00 p.m. to join us for this moving documentary highlighting the work and ministry of Eden Village. Together, we are making Springfield a city where No One Sleeps Outside, and that is good news indeed!
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 book you read, please reach out. I'd love to connect more.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Work of the Church: September 2023
The Session met on Sunday, September 17, 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, October 15, 2023.
During its September 2023 meeting, the Session:
Approved a request from PW to host a Mr. Rogers sweater drive from November 5-12, 2023, with donations sent to the Woodlands Heights Presbyterian Church Clothing Closet.
Continued to discuss the Trinity Ministry Plan, focusing on Action Plans which include an inventory of all current activities and programs.
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.
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 August 13 to discuss congregational needs.
Christian Education and Faith Formation (Leadership Team: Daphne Anderson (E), Dave Muegge (E), Amy Price (E), and Jan Redfern (D)).
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)).
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)).
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 discussed changes to the Book of Order that will affect church policies and training needs for Church leadership.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Carol Minton (E), Paula Tindell (D), and Gail Tombleson (D)). The Committee is working on the September 24 Trinity Connections Lunch and the October 1 Church Picnic.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Jeannie Reed (D), Susan Uffmann (E), and Mike White (E)). The Worship & Music committee met Sept. 7, seeking to make Trinity worship an inclusive and meaningful experience for all.
Highlights include:
Oct. 1 World Communion Sunday
Oct. 22 Pledge Sunday
Nov. 5 All Saints Sunday, a service of remembrance and hope (end of Daylight Savings time)
Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Day
Nov. 26 Christ the King Sunday, final week of the church calendar
Dec. 3 First Sunday of Advent
Dec. 17 Christmas Cantata in worship
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve worship at 7:30 p.m.; Christmas Joy Offering
Dec. 25 Christmas Day
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Visit the Trinity (Virtual) Library
Did you know that Trinity has an online library? From devotionals to small-group studies, we have collected a wealth of resources for your use. In the library you will find study curriculum for all ages, including several hundred units from The Thoughtful Christian and several years of Lent and Advent devotionals, along with a number of special issues of Call to Worship, a journal on worship published by the PC(USA).
All of these resources are free for our Trinity family to use! If your small group is looking for a new study guide, check out the library. If you've wanted to learn more about worship, check out the library. If you just want to learn more about a topic in scripture - you guessed it - check out the library!
The library is password-protected for copyright reasons. When you follow the link below the page will prompt you for a password; it is: "GodIsLove" Please do not share this password or any of the files in the library with individuals or congregations who are not directly affiliated with Trinity. Thank you in advance for helping us fulfill our copyright obligations.
Visit the Library Today: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/library
Church Picnic, Sunday October 1
Rain or Shine
1:00 p.m. - Immediately following worship
Inside the Botanical Center at Nathanael Greene Park
2400 S Scenic
Fried Chicken provided by the church.
You Need to Bring- A side dish and your own plates, table service & beverage. All seating is inside with tables and chairs, wheelchair accessible
Sign up sheets available 24 at Worship or call the office to RSVP
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.
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.
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
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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