Trinity Newsletter for October 5, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Over the next few weeks, as we prepare for Pledge Sunday on October 22, we will be sharing some reflections written by members of the Trinity family on why they financially support Trinity. Today I want to share with you why Mary Erin and I support Trinity each year with our pledge.
Throughout our lives both of us have been supported by the church. As children both Mary Erin and I had "church grandparents" and "church aunts and uncles" - adults who took a loving interest in our lives. They got to know us as individuals, not just "those kids in the youth group." As we grew, the church challenged us to take on leadership roles as acolytes, liturgists, and eventually for me, as a Deacon. When we went off to college, our respective churches supported us financially through scholarships and, more importantly, they supported us emotionally and spiritually through prayers, care packages, and supportive notes.
As I began my journey to ordination and entered seminary, the PC(USA) supported me in innumerable ways - from the official support of financial aid and guidance in the process, to our local church in Lee's Summit making sure I was never short on microwave popcorn. When times were hard we were loved and supported by the church, locally and denominationally.
So, in one way, we give because the church has given so much to us. It has given love and grace and education and support. But we also give because we have hope for the future. We trust that God isn't done with the work of the church, here in Springfield or around the world. We give so that the next generation of leaders can feel the same love and grace we have felt so often from the church. We give so the church can respond to crisis and need without hesitation. We give because we believe in the vision God has given to us.
This year we will be increasing our pledge by 10%. I hope you will prayerfully consider joining us in either making a pledge for the first time or in increasing your pledge from last year, so Trinity may be empowered to respond with hope and love to God's call upon our life together.
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 restaurant you visited, please reach out. I'd love to connect more.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Church Picnic
It was great to be able to share good food and good fellowship with so many of our church friends at the picnic last Sunday.
Musical Opportunity
On October 15 The Ozark Festival Orchestra, conducted by our own Carla Wootton, will be giving its first concert of the season at 3:00 p.m. in the Monett Performing Arts Center, 1650 E Cleveland Ave. It will be a fun concert and will also feature Tim, playing the Haydn Trumpet Concerto. Price for tickets: $10 adult, $5 senior, kids/students get in free. We hope you can come!
Artwork Solicited - Extended
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 15.
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
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 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.
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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