Trinity Newsletter for November 30, 2023
From Pastor Chris
This coming Sunday marks the beginning of a new church year as we prepare again for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As always, we have a number of special events planned - from concerts to caroling - and I hope you will make plans to join your Trinity family for many of them.
I also want to highlight our Advent and Christmas series: How Does a Weary World Rejoice? The familiar carol "O Holy Night" proclaims "a weary world rejoices!" - so this year we are asking "how?" How can we faithfully rejoice amid the strife of our world, amid lives where we so often find ourselves weary with the weight of responsibility and grief and worry? Each week we will look at one way we can rejoice amid the weariness. If you haven't already picked up our Advent devotional guide and calendars (both for adults and kids), I hope you will do so on Sunday.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Work of the Church: November 2023
The Session met on Sunday, November 19, 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, December 17, 2023.
During its November 2023 meeting, the Session:
Voted to submit the 2024 Terms of Call between Rev. Chris Miller and Trinity Presbyterian Church to the congregation for review and approval.
Approved revisions to the Trinity Family Leave Policy to bring our policy in line with the PC(U.S.A.) Book of Order 2023-2025 requirements.
Approved the Personnel Committee to begin a search for a part-time, interim child and youth staff person.
Approved transferring employment responsibility for the Director of Communications and Administrative Ministries position from Brentwood Christian Church to Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Approved establishing a Volunteer Receptionist Program to assist with administrative functions during weekday office hours, and using Trinity’s share of the proceeds from the 2024 garage sale to partially fund renovating the West Entry and main hallway.
Approved the Worship and Music Committee to purchase and install a hearing assistance system in the Sanctuary.
Approved Trinity’s commitment to sharing the Good News with the unchurched and to growing active membership, to be accomplished through activities of the Ministry Plan.
Set the date for Annual Officer Orientation as Saturday, December 16, 2023.
Set the date for Ordination and Installation of Officers as Sunday, January 7, 2024.
Continued to discuss the Trinity Ministry Plan.
Noted that on October 15, 2023, the Clerk of Session participated in the annual peer review of Session Minutes and Rolls and Registers for churches of John Calvin Presbytery. Trinity’s Session Minutes and Rolls and Registers for the period July 17, 2022, through June 18, 2023, were reviewed and approved without exceptions.
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)).
The Christian Education and Faith Formation Committee met on November 6, planning for Advent and the future, focusing on the vision statement as adopted earlier this year by Session.
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.
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)).
The Mission and Public Witness Committee is continuing monthly Rare Breed meals and quarterly Fifth Wednesday meals for the homeless (last one of the year is November 29). Crosslines also continues to have a robust commitment with our monthly food drive and shopping. New items were approval for tuition expenses of $600 each for three of our Afghan friends Hussein, Fahim and Hamid. Three new projects for Delaware Elementary were completed (Teacher Appreciation Breakfast October 20 in which Pastor Chris attended and delivered homemade and store-bought treats and he presented two separate $1,000 checks from Trinity to support Teacher Recognition and Mini Grants). There are now on-site recycling bins. Trinity continues to support Eden Village to include our donation to Eden Village 3 that will be part of the 2024 budget. Next meeting time TBD.
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 prepared the Pastor’s Terms of Call and Personnel Budget for 2024.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Carol Minton (E), Paula Tindell (D), and Gail Tombleson (D)).
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our interest survey! It will help us plan for fellowship activities in the coming year. Look for our yard sign alerting passersby to our Caroling and S’Mores event on December 20. And don’t forget we will be handing out cookie bags on Christmas Eve!
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Jeannie Reed (D), Susan Uffmann (E), and Mike White (E)).
The Worship and Music Committee met on November 1 to prepare worship that is inclusive and meaningful for all. Priorities included the November 6 All Saints Sunday service of remembrance and upcoming Advent observances, including a Christmas cantata on December 17, and an all-church (and neighborhood!) “S’more Carols” celebration on Wednesday, December 20. “Longest Night” worship will take place on Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m. This meditative service of hope and comfort is open to all, particularly those who are weary, grieving or facing an uncertain future. Trinity will celebrate communion in morning worship on December 3 and again on Christmas Eve (7:30 p.m. service).
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
212th Stated Meeting of John Calvin Presbytery
November 4, 2023
First Presbyterian Church Joplin, Missouri
YOUR Presbytery at work! At this meeting the following names were elected to begin leadership terms starting January 1, 2024. Please keep these and all who continue the work of the church through the Presbytery in your prayers.
Presbytery Moderator Elect – Brenda Williams FRE - Trinity Springfield
Presbytery Moderator – Rev. Dan Davis MTE Iola
General Council Moderator – Rev. Kira Anderson FTE - Joplin First
Moderator AMC – Rev. Bob Dahlgren MTE - West Plains
Moderator COM – Rev. Kent Hollingsworth HR
Moderator CPM – Rev. Dixie Anders HR
Moderator Mission and Nurture – Rev. Daniel Lee MTE – Willard
Trinity Members and Friends Elected to Committees:
Permanent Judicial Commission (6-year term) class of 2029: Rev. Bill Havens HR
Committee on Ministry (3-year term) class of 2026: Rev. Barry Williams HR; Susan Uffmann FRE Trinity Springfield
Sexual Allegation Investigation Team (3-year term) class of 2026: Lois Zerrer FRE Trinity Springfield; Rev. Bill Havens HR
Sexual Misconduct Allegations Response Team (3-year term) class of 2026: Rev. Jane Huffstetler HR
(HR: Honorably Retired; F/MRE: Female/Male Ruling Elder; F/MTE: Female/Male Teaching Elder; CRE: Commissioned Ruling Elder)
Action items passed from the General Council:
Dates for the 2024 Stated Meetings of John Calvin Presbytery
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Per Capita apportionment for 2024:
General Assembly $9.85
Synod of Mid-America $3.15
John Calvin Presbytery $27.25
2024 Per Capita $40.25
Administrative Commissions were appointed to work with First Presbyterian Church in Joplin, MO. (campground); Stockton Presbyterian Church; and Hollister Presbyterian Church.
Respectively submitted,
Susan Uffmann
Candidates for Elder, Deacon, & Nominating Committee
Below are some brief biographical sketches of candidates for Elder, Deacon, and Nominating Committee.
ELDER:
Dave Fleetwood
I was born and raised in Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, where I was baptized into the Methodist Church. I remained in that church until I married my high school sweetheart Laura, after which we joined First and Calvary Presbyterian Church while attending Southwest Missouri State University. I was later ordained as an Elder in that church and taught a third/fourth grade Sunday school class. After living in Springfield for thirty years and raising our family, Laura and I moved to Bella Vista, AR, where she accepted a call to the Bella Vista Community Church. Six years later Laura received a call to the First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville, where I served two terms as an Elder.
In 2021, we returned to Springfield to be closer to children living here, one of whom is Patty Dunn (and Wes), also members of Trinity. I have become an active member, attending worship as well as the Topical Discussions Sunday school class most Sundays. My wife and I participate in the mission outreach through the meals for homeless people every fifth Wednesday. We also support food and clothing drives, as well as attending church social events.
My hope is that Trinity will continue and increase its mission outreach to the community and the broader Presbyterian church.
I also hope that the church will continue to reach out to younger families to strengthen and grow Trinity. My hope is that Trinity will continue to be the “beacon on the hill.”
Teresa Olsen
I grew up in the wonderful small town of Minden, Iowa, where the population is still 450. In Minden, I was a member of the Minden United Church of Christ.
I was a member of First and Calvary in Springfield. Then a kind open invitation from Mike and Nancy White introduced me to Trinity, where the inclusivity, openness, faithfulness and enthusiasm of everyone I met as an unknown made me feel that I had found my new “home church”.
I am a member of the choir and so enjoy the fellowship of the music ministry in our church.
I recently retired and will be able to become more actively involved in the church, which is something I have longed to do but was unable to do previously due to time commitments as a physician.
For Trinity I hope:
-We continue to grow in our faith
-Increase our community presence and contribution
-Find ways to grow our congregation, reaching out as a group and as individuals
-Continue to be relevant
-Find ways to keep us excited about our faith, our congregation and all the lives we can touch
Max Perryman
I grew up in Willard, MO
Prior to Trinity, Jane and I worshiped at First and Calvary where we were married 57 years ago!
We came to Trinity because its statements on "beliefs and missions" were more in line with our own religious beliefs and those of inclusion of all people. We believe in the statements of beliefs of the PC(USA).
I regularly serve as liturgist and usher, as well as assisting with serving food at special events (including feeding the homeless at Grace Church.)
Previously, I served as a deacon, member of the Generosity and Engagement Committee for several years. as well as volunteering for special projects.
I accept this Elder call with humility and gratitude. My hopes are to see Trinity:
"To live life in rhythm with God's kingdom."
Continuation of our current missions and programs.
And, very importantly. how we can "grow" especially with a broader base of younger families/members.
Martha Sparrow
I grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, until leaving after college for Medical School and Pediatric private practice in New Orleans.
I was a member of Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church, where I served on the Staff-Parish-Committee, sang in the choir, and led an adult Sunday School Class. I worked at East Tennessee Children’s hospital for 25 years.
My introduction to the Presbyterian Church was of an ongoing nature, through my sister, Reverend Jane Huffstetler.
I am the leader of the Trinity Community Service Group for the resettlement of Afghan refugees, a member of choir, and a member of the Mission and Public Witness Committee. I am Ordained Elder.
I hope for continued Love and generosity of Spirit from our congregation, to effect change in the lives of all God’s people.
DEACON:
Cletus Johnson
A biographical sketch was not received by the time of this printing. Cletus is a graduate of the College of the Ozarks and also earned a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
After arriving in Springfield, from Texas, Cletus reviewed the PC(USA) churches and selected Trinity.
A scholar of the Bible, Cletus is active in Sunday school and choir at Trinity.
In the Presbytery, he serves on the Mission and Nurture committee.
Professor Johnson also teaches Art History, as a part-time Faculty at the College of the Ozarks.
Brenda Kane
I grew up in Springfield, Mo. and I attended First and Calvary Church before attending Trinity.
When I voted to stay with the Presbyterian Church (USA) I did not realize that meant leaving my church. I had mixed emotions. However, I followed my husband and have grown to love Trinity.
I am involved in Trinity by volunteering to usher and I belong to Sarah’s Circle. I also currently serve on the Welcome and Fellowship Committee and the Coordinating Team for Presbyterian Women.
I would like to see Trinity grow. I would like to see more young families join and have a bigger youth group.
Colleen Lightwine
Colleen grew up in Fort Scott, Kansas where she attended First Presbyterian Church. After moving to Springdale, Arkansas and attending First Presbyterian Church there she came to Springfield and selected Trinity to attend.
Since joining Trinity, she has participated in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Living Water International.
At Trinity, Colleen is a member at large for Presbyterian Women and is also active in the Sarah Circle.
Colleen would like to see an orientation for the various activities Trinity is involved with. As a new member, it can be hard to navigate all the new activities and information.
Cynthia Oliver
I was born and reared in Springfield. I left when I married and returned forty years later in 2004. I have been a member of several Presbyterian Churches including: First Presbyterian in Branson; University Presbyterian Church in San Antonio; First Presbyterian (elder) Liberty, Mo.; Westminster Presbyterian (elder) in St. Joseph, Mo.; and Trinity Presbyterian (via F&C).
I felt called to join Trinity shortly after it was organized.
At Trinity I am a member of the Missions Committee, serve at Crosslines Food Pantry (17th year), Rare Breed, Grace 5th Wednesday meal, Rachel Circle, and occasionally usher and clean up after the coffee hour.
My hope for Trinity is to see more young families with CHILDREN become active members and to continue to care for all.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Kate Companik -Class of 2024
I grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Ladue High School.
When I moved to Springfield to attend Southwest Missouri State, I attended First and Calvary Presbyterian Church. Through the years I continued to sporadically attend First and Calvary. One of the groups that interested me was the Binnie Clements Guild, so when I retired from teaching I began attending the meetings and became friends with Joan Menchetti. In 2015 she told me about a new church that was forming and invited me to come with her. I believe the first time I attended what would become Trinity, was the second Sunday service. I knew from that first Sunday that I had found my church.
I am currently a member of the Mission and Public Witness Committee and actively involved in providing meals for the Fifth Wednesday Meals at Grace Methodist and monthly meals for Rare Breed. I was a member of the home team supporting the resident of Trinity House at Eden Village 1 and I am a member of the Community Support Group working with our Afghan friends.
My hope for Trinity is that everyone who worships will feel the love of God and acceptance I felt that first Sunday. That they will find a place in our church community. Ask and you will be amazed by all the ways Trinity members are involved!
Susan Hart -Class of 2026
I grew up in Springfield, although I am originally from Mtn. Grove, MO. We moved to Springfield when I was eight. My father had died four years prior and mother sold the pharmacy. I grew up in the Methodist church.
Prior to Trinity I was a member at First and Calvary, which I joined in 1985.
I/we came to Trinity after the split with F&C. It seemed normal and natural to go where like-minded friends were.
I am currently a choir member, have scheduled liturgists for worship for four years and counting, and thus serve on the Worship and Music committee.
I serve/prepare meals for Trinity Fifth Wednesday at Grace United Methodist, have prepared meals for Rare Breed in the past, served on the Conservation committee when it was more active, occasionally serve as usher, communion server, and collect food for Crosslines at Trinity on even numbered months.
I hope that Trinity will see more new members including those with children of any age. Also, that we will stabilize and not lose members as we have.
Brenda Williams -Class of 2026
I grew up in Jennings, Louisiana, a town of 10,000 in the prairie of Southwest Louisiana. It was settled by families from Iowa and other Midwestern states in the 1880's, so it did not seem like a "Southern" town to me then, although it was influenced by Acadian culture as well as its Southern neighbors. The regional economy included rice and soybean farming, which our family was involved in.
I was a member of First and Calvary after joining when we moved to Springfield in 1996.
I believed that the PCUSA's foundational understanding of God as Love, offering us grace, hope, and courage throughout time and in all circumstances, was central to my own beliefs and identity, and thus felt led to join Trinity.
I believed God was doing a new thing in our midst, and I was excited to be part of this community! I also trusted Melana Scruggs, who was our presbytery clerk and helped us see that this "new church" was indeed not only possible but providential.
I am active in my Sunday School class, the Esther PW circle, choir, and CE/Faith Formation Committee. I have also recently joined Knitting for Peace.
I hope that as we become more established and develop traditions here, we also remain open to the leading of God's Spirit, being willing to see new opportunities and to not be afraid of the future. I hope we remain committed to being a church whose love, service, and openness to God's ongoing call keep us growing, both as individuals and in community.
NOTICE: Congregational Meeting
The Session of Trinity Presbyterian Church has called for a Meeting of the Congregation to take place immediately following the 11:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Business to be conducted during this meeting shall be to:
Receive the report of the Nominating Committee and elect officers
Receive and act on the proposed 2024 Terms of Call between Rev. Christopher Miller and Trinity Presbyterian Church.
The meeting will be a hybrid meeting, both in-person at the Sanctuary of Trinity Presbyterian Church and via audio/video conference using the RingCentral application.
The full packet with agenda, instructions for participating in the meeting, nominating slate, and proposed Terms of Call will be distributed to all members of Trinity via email, or by postal mail if no email address is available.
Ozark Festival Orchestra Christmas Concert
The OFO will be giving their 2nd concert of the season this Sunday, December 3, at 3:00 p.m. in the Monett High School Performing Arts Center. Besides Carla directing, our own David Hart will be helping out in the percussion section. The concert will feature many loved tunes of the season such as Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells, an all-strings version of Silent Night, and movements from "The Nutcracker", which will feature the Midwest Regional Ballet from Joplin. Santa Claus will even be there for pictures with the kiddos! Admission is: students 18 and under are free, senior citizens $5 and adults $10.
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
A Concert of Carols and Tunes from Ilace Mears and David Wilson
Sunday, December 3, 6:00 p.m., Trinity/Brentwood sanctuary
Begin your Advent journey with an hour of peace, listening to beloved tunes of the season played on hammered dulcimer, fiddle, mandolin, and other seasonally appropriate instruments! Sing along! Ilace and David are teaming up again to create musical magic that is guaranteed to lower your blood pressure and raise your spirit. This concert is a gift to the community. All are welcome!
Office Volunteering Opportunities
Every month there are opportunities to volunteer in the church office, answering phones for both congregations and responding to the west side door. These times allow Alyssa, who serves both congregations, opportunities to participate in ministry functions outside the walls of the building. In January she will be out-of-state for two weeks to attend in-person classes for her Doctor of Ministry program. Those days have been broken up into three-hour blocks, but can be reconfigured to accommodate a potential volunteer. Shifts and the opportunity to sign-up to cover them can be found on Sign-Up Genius here. For more information, contact the church office.
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!
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