Trinity Newsletter for October 12, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Earlier this week I got a wonderful email from one of our Trinity family asking me some questions about my sermon on the Ten Commandments this past Sunday. He wondered if I might share some other examples of how we might re-envision the commandments in constructive language. The question captured my imagination, so I thought I'd share my musings with everyone this week!
I think it's helpful to note that "The Ten Commandments" is a mistranslation. From the JPS Torah Commentary, "The Hebrew (`aseret ha-devarim) means, rather, “The Ten Words,” which the Jews of ancient Alexandria in Egypt translated literally into Greek as deka logoi. This gave rise to the more accurate English alternative “Decalogue.”"
This brings me to my musing: what if, instead of thinking of them as commandments, we thought instead of "The Ten Words that Bring Abundant Life." We might find this alternative reading:
I am God, who created the world and called it good. I have been by your side since the beginning, even when you couldn't see it, even when you felt alone. When you decide what and who in life to worship, I want you to remember my grace and love.
I know the world will temp you with so many things. The world will ask you to worship power and wealth, beauty and success. The world will ask you to forget about me and put these things on a pedestal. Instead, I want you to live a life focused on loving God and loving others.
When you speak of your faith, or of me, I want you to do it in a way that builds others up and helps them find their way to me. Claiming "God is on my side" is a powerful statement, so use it wisely and with compassion.
You are created for more than productivity - you are created for an abundant life filled with joy - so take time every week to rest from your work, to rest from the busyness of the world, and to re-center yourself in my way.
I know human families aren't perfect - the story of my people is the story of family issues - but I want you to know that families, biological and chosen, are created to be a blessing for the world. As much as it is up to you, try to show love and grace to those you do life with so you may demonstrate my way of love to the world.
Live your life in a way that honors and protects the lives of all people, for every person carries the Image of God inside them.
Seek a life that rejoices in the love of others and do your best to support and encourage healthy relationships of mutual love and care.
I want you to live in such a way that you constantly seek the good of those around you as much as you seek your own good. Build a world where everyone has enough - enough food and clothing, enough housing and healthcare, and enough love - so there is no need to steal from others to survive.
Build a world where there is enough - enough trust and respect, enough justice and truth - so there is no need to lie or deceive. Build a world where everyone is enough; where no one is judged by possessions or titles or wealth, but is simply known by their true name: Child of God.
I am God, who created the world and called it good. I am giving you these words that you might have life and have it abundantly. Know that you are loved; now go and do likewise.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
TONIGHT - No One Sleeps Outside
This evening, 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 the Sanctuary 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, so please invite your friends, family, and neighbors.
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!
Pledge Sunday - Why I Give
Pledge Sunday and the Pie Supper are less than 2 weeks away on October 22, 2023 and we hope to see you there! Big thanks to Elder Susan Uffmann as she was so gracious to share her words on Why I Give? Please see her heartfelt statement below on her lifetime in the church and how these experiences have shaped her stewardship giving today.
“Why I Give” By Susan Uffmann
When asked this question, my first thought was “that was the way I was raised.” From early childhood on, I was given the opportunity to participate in “giving back” with my family. For my first monetary offerings, weekly envelopes were filled with a coin or two for each child; later we put a part of our own allowance in the envelope each week to be placed in the offering plate. (I felt like I was “big stuff” to be able to participate). In later years, I understood more fully just what our offerings were able to support and what was made possible through the giving to our church and also joining with other churches.
I also learned early in life that there were many other ways of “giving back” to the church. From helping to clean, folding bulletins, sorting mailings, working in the nursery, teaching Church school (any age), advising youth groups, guiding mission trips, singing in choirs, playing instruments, visiting people, feeding people, gardening, knitting, participating/leading Bible studies, serving on committees, serving as an Elder or Deacon, participating in Presbyterian Women (all levels), and representing your church at Presbytery or Synod or General Assembly are just a few of the ways.
Many opportunities are available for all ages to share gifts of time and talents – we need to keep our eyes, ears and heart open to where we might be being called next to serve.
Why do I give?
I can only accomplish a little by myself; but together, we can accomplish much more for God’s kingdom. (It IS exciting, isn’t it?).
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.
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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