Trinity Newsletter for January 4, 2024
From Pastor Chris
Happy New Year! I sincerely hope the past few weeks have been filled with joyful celebration and connection for you.
We are several days into 2024, which means if you are like the majority of Americans, your "New Year's Resolutions" have already started to slip a bit. Are you finding your resolutions, that maybe include phrases like "I will always…" or "I will never…" a bit too challenging? Today I want to introduce you to, or possibly remind you of, a slightly different way of thinking about the process of making changes in your life.
In the practice of mindfulness meditation, the phrase used when setting a goal is called an "intention." I think the idea of setting an intention, as opposed to a resolution, is a helpful one. An intention gives you breathing room; it gives you room for grace. While a resolution is either successful or not, an intention allows you the freedom to step in and out of the work of progress. If you find yourself off the pathway all you need do is remind yourself of your intention, step back on the path, and continue on the journey.
I wonder what intentions you might set for this coming year? Maybe you want to work on your physical health, or perhaps taking care of your emotional and spiritual well-being is top of the list. Perhaps you find your intentions drawn to your desire to spend more time doing volunteer work at church or in the community, or maybe seeking ways to be more generous with the gifts you have been given has been weighing on your mind. Whatever is drawing your focus as we enter this new year, I hope you will take some time to prayerfully consider what intentions you might set for 2024.
For me, sharing my intentions with a close family member or friend helps me stay accountable to the work I hope to accomplish. If you aren't sure who to share your intentions for this coming year with, please know I would be delighted to share in conversation.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
From the Treasurer
It is time, once again, for all of us who contribute our pledges and other recurring gifts online to update our information. Please take a few minutes to update your recurring gifts to "General Fund 2024' from "General Fund 2023" and ensure the date and amounts are what you were planning for 2024.
You can access your online giving through either the Trinity website or our mobile app. If you have any questions, contact me and we'll update it together.
Thanks to all who contribute to the success of Trinity.
Stephen Kane
Trinity-Treasurer
finance@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
417.773.5584
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.
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 Sarah 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.
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 Huffstetler, and she will provide the Zoom link.
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