Trinity Newsletter for November 2, 2023
From Pastor Chris
Today my note is simple: thank you. Thank you to everyone who showed our family love this past weekend at our daughter Elizabeth's baptism. Your kind words, notes, and many expressions of love are so appreciated by our whole family. We were blessed to have our parents and some extended family with us and they all noted the grace and love of the Trinity family as well.
So, thank you. Thank you for being who you always are, not just for us, but for every part of our church family.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Mr. Rogers Sweater Drive
Presbyterian Women are sponsoring a Mr. Rogers Sweater drive again this fall. As you are aware, Fred Rogers was a public television children’s show host and he was also a retired Presbyterian minister who loved a warm sweater! Donating sweaters in honor of Fred Rogers has been a tradition across the country for a few years now. Trinity is proud to continue this tradition in our own community.
Beginning November 11 through the end of the month there will be a large box at the west entrance for sweaters to be donated. They can be women, men or children’s sweaters. Please be sure the sweaters are clean. They will be donated to the Woodland Heights Presbyterian Community Donation Closet. Please be looking through your closets for sweaters to donate.
Pledge Update
On October 22 we had a joy-filled Pledge and Pie Sunday! As of Pledge 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!
Pastor Chris
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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