Trinity Newsletter for October 26, 2023
From Pastor Chris
This past Sunday we had a joy-filled Pledge and Pie Sunday! As of Sunday, 67 households at Trinity have pledged their financial support for 2024, with a total value pledged of $304,726. This is a very strong position for our annual pledge campaign at this point in the year; in comparison, at the end of December 2022 we had 89 households pledging a combined $333,680. We haven't crossed the finish line yet, but we are making great progress!
If you have already made your financial pledge to Trinity for 2024, thank you! Your generosity empowers Trinity to fulfill our vision of becoming a faith community known for nurturing all generations for the authentic sharing of God's love.
If you have not yet made your financial pledge, I would ask you to prayerfully consider what commitment you are called to make in the coming year. When you partner with Trinity you are helping make our worship more vibrant and inclusive, you are helping provide opportunities for everyone -- from the youngest to the most experienced -- to grow in their faith, and you are directly impacting our community and world through life-changing mission and witness.
Making your pledge is important and easy. You may:
Make your pledge quickly and securely on our website at: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/pledge
OR return your 2024 paper pledge card in the offering plate during worship,
OR return your 2024 paper pledge card to the church office during office hours.
If you have any questions about our 2024 pledge campaign, or want to learn more about supporting Trinity, please reach out.
Thank you again for your prayerful support of Trinity in this year to come!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
P.S. - On a personal note, Mary Erin and I are quite excited to celebrate with you this Sunday during worship as our daughter Elizabeth is baptized! We will be welcoming back the Rev. Dr. Alexander Wales, my childhood pastor, to officiate the baptism. I do hope you will be able to join us in worship for this joyful moment.
Work of the Church: October 2023
The Session met on Sunday, October 15, 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, November 19, 2023.
During its October 2023 meeting, the Session:
Received with joy Elaine Esselman as a member of Trinity, pending receipt of a letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church, Carthage, MO.
Approved December 3, 2023, as the tentative date to call a Congregational Meeting for the purposes of electing officers and voting on the Pastor’s 2024 Terms of Call.
Approved a facility use request from Brentwood Christian Church to use our joint facility during the months of November and December as part of the Cooperative Crisis Cold Weather Shelter.
Continued to discuss the Trinity Ministry Plan, refining and updating the four Action Plan steps.
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.
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)). The Pledge Campaign kickoff began September 17, 2023, and was announced during the worship service by Mike White. The Pledge drive letter, brochure and 2024 pledge cards will be mailed later this month by Jerri Ilkiw. We are looking forward to Pledge Sunday and the Pie Supper October 22 in the Fellowship Hall.
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Carrie Arquitt (E), Ansley Arquitt (YD), David Conaway (D), and Mike Simpson (D)). The Mission and Public Witness Committee is continuing the Rare Breed meals and Fifth Wednesday meals for the homeless. Crosslines also continues to have a robust commitment with our monthly food drive and shopping. New items were approval to send $2,000 for Presbyterian Disaster Relief for them to purchase disaster buckets. There continues to be support of our eight Afghan friends. New business included discussing a new partnership with Delaware Elementary School to include meal assistance, teacher support, and student support. We are also going to work on the inventory for the Ministry Plan to turn in later.
Nominating (Leadership Team: Daphne Anderson (E) and Dave Muegge (E)).
Personnel (Leadership Team: Bob Bell (E), Karen Cavicchia (D), and Bob Kick (E)).
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Carol Minton (E), Paula Tindell (D), and Gail Tombleson (D)). The Committee is looking forward to helping with the Pie Supper on October 22 and preparing for the holiday activities of caroling and s’mores in December and distributing Christmas Eve cookie bags.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Jeannie Reed (D), Susan Uffmann (E), and Mike White (E)). The Worship & Music committee met on October 5 to prepare worship that is inclusive and meaningful for all. Priorities this month included the Trinity Ministry Plan, All Saints Sunday, and Advent.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
All Saints' Remembrance
On Sunday, November 5 we will pause during our morning worship for a time of remembrance for those in our congregation and beyond who have entered the Church Triumphant at their death. As each name is read aloud a bell will ring, echoing our prayers of thanks for the "ordinary, holy lives of believers in this and every age."
Trinity's All Saints remembrance is not limited to members of this congregation. To request that a loved one's name be included, please contact Kristin Butler, 417-414-5544 by Nov. 1.
Welcome & Fellowship Wants Your Input!
Our Welcome & Fellowship Committee is working on plans for church fellowship activities in 2024 and wants YOUR input. Complete our short questionnaire on the kinds of activities you would be interested in to help us plan exciting events for our church family. Tap on the link below to share your thoughts!
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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