Trinity Newsletter for February 1, 2024
From Pastor Chris
Over the past year or so, your Trinity leadership has been working hard to develop a strategic vision for the coming years. Our goal has been to develop a plan that will allow us to focus our efforts on the most important areas of ministry we feel God is calling our congregation to work on. This past fall your Session approved the Trinity Ministry Plan and has begun taking action to move our congregation forward in alignment with this vision. We are excited to be at the point of sharing more details about the plan and listening to your feedback!
To that end, all members of the Trinity family are invited to attend one of our upcoming listening sessions. I and members of our leadership team will be discussing our Trinity Ministry Plan for the coming years, including our vision for expanding our inter-generational ministry resources and what resources might be needed to fulfill our vision. There will also be ample time for your questions and discussion. Each session will last about an hour or so.
Please find below the dates, times, and locations for each of the six sessions. You do NOT need to RSVP, simply choose the time that works best for you!
Sunday, Feb 4: After morning worship in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, Feb 7: 1:00 PM in the Foyer
Tuesday, Feb 13: 5:30 PM in the Foyer
Thursday, Feb 15: 1:00 PM in the Foyer
Thursday, Feb 29: 5:30 PM in the Foyer
Sunday, Mar 3: After morning worship in the Sanctuary
I hope to see you at one of our sessions over the coming month! If you have any questions about our listening sessions, or anything else at Trinity, please give me a text/call at 417-450-4574.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Volunteer Opportunity at Council of Churches of the Ozarks
Are you looking for a way to serve our community that is flexible, not physically demanding, and allows you to share the love of Christ? The Council of Churches of the Ozarks is holding a training next week (February 5 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.) for switchboard operators at their new location. These volunteers greet callers with love and grace while helping them connect to the appropriate resources at CCO.
If you are interested in attending the training and learning more, please plan to attend the event at the Chapel at the new Council of Churches facility on Division. You can register and learn more here: https://ccozarks.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=878719
Souper Bowl Lunch - February 11 after Worship
Join your Trinity family for our annual tradition of fellowship and warmth over bowls of soup. We will collect canned goods donations to support our ministry partners at Crosslines Food Pantry. Look for sign ups to bring soup, crackers, bread, and other items starting this Sunday in worship.
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.
NEW Office Volunteering Opportunities
The Office Volunteer Sign-Up page has been updated to include dates for February and March. New dates will be added monthly. Dates noted with an asterisk (*) reflect standing ministry commitments Alyssa has outside the office, times when volunteers are most needed. On other days, volunteers in the office provide her with undistracted time to grow our digital footprint in ministry. Volunteers will primarily be responsible for answering phones for both congregations and responding to the west side door. Days have been broken up into three-hour shifts, but can be reconfigured to accommodate a potential volunteer. Please check the list 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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