Trinity Newsletter for December 21, 2023
From Pastor Chris
As we rapidly approach the end of 2023 I would like to offer one thought and two reminders.
First, the thought: gratitude. This week I've been exhausted with all the demands of the holiday season, and so I paused earlier today to consider where, amid my exhaustion, I was feeling gratitude. And so I want to share: I am grateful for you.
I'm grateful you take the time, week-by-week, to read my newsletter note. I'm grateful that you take the time, week-by-week, to participate in the life of our church. I'm grateful that you take the time, week-by-week, to show grace and love to not only our congregation, but our whole community. Amid all the expectations of the holiday season (whether placed on us by others or by ourselves), I hope you can pause for a moment to reflect on what YOU are grateful for as well.
Second: the reminders. I want to remind you that this Sunday there are two opportunities to join your Trinity family for worship. At 11:30am we will gather to celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent. A centerpiece of this service will be a carol sing of our favorite songs of the season, so come ready to request YOUR favorite. We will then gather at 7:30pm (note the time) for our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion service.
I also want to ask that if you have not yet made your financial pledge for 2024 that you do so by the end of the day on Sunday, December 31, 2023. Your pledge is extremely helpful to our leadership as we work to discern what mission and ministry priorities we can commit to for 2024. If you have not yet made your pledge, you can quickly and securely do so online here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/pledge
You may also return your pledge card in the offering plate during any worship service or you may contact our Treasurer, Steve Kane, directly at finance@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org with any questions or if you wish to share your pledge directly.
Thank you for being part of the Trinity family! I hope you can join us for worship this Sunday as we celebrate the good news: God is with us!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Holiday Office Hours
In recognition of the significant time investment for all staff during the Advent and Christmas season, Trinity closes our office between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This means our office will be closed from Monday, December 25 through Monday, January 1. The office will reopen for usual hours on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. During this time if you have an urgent pastoral need, please contact Pastor Chris (417-450-4574).
We will have Sunday worship as usual on December 31, 2023.
Serving All God's Children
Do you know someone looking for a part-time job that lets you put your faith to work?
We are currently searching for a part-time Children and Youth staff member to serve our Trinity family at least through the spring semester. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please pass along the flyer below. Anyone interested should contact Pastor Chris or the church office for more details.
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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