Trinity Newsletter for February 8, 2024
From Pastor Chris
Today I have an exciting update to share about accessibility at Trinity. Over the past couple of years we have been working to make our worship services more accessible in more ways. From making all our weekly services available online via livestream so our members who cannot attend in person can still connect with our community, to upgrades to the Sanctuary so our physical space is more accessible for those with mobility issues, we have been working to make sure everyone who wants to participate in worship can do so in the way that makes sense for them.
Starting this Sunday, the next major component of this accessibility work will be available: a new hearing assist system in the Sanctuary. This state of the art upgrade will allow anyone who needs assistance hearing during worship to use one of several options to feel more connected. Here are the highlights:
For anyone: we have new, individual audio receiver units you can borrow during worship that come with an ear-piece. You can adjust the volume with a simple up/down button, and even bring your own corded headphones if you prefer.
For individuals with T-Loop compatible hearing aides: our audio receiver units can be adapted to hang around your neck and broadcast directly to your hearing aides.
For anyone with an iPhone or Android smartphone: we have a free app you can download and use to broadcast audio directly to your Bluetooth-enabled hearing aides or your own personal headphones.
If you would like to make use of our new hearing assist system, please see one of our AV volunteers in the back-right corner of the sanctuary prior to the service OR ask me (Pastor Chris) for help. Over the coming weeks we will be adding signage and "how-to" information, especially for the smartphone option, but I wanted to let you know that the new system is here and working!
I am so grateful for the commitment Trinity has for making worship accessible for all, both in our theology and in our technology. If you have any questions about the work we are doing to make worship more accessible, or anything else in our life together, please reach out!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Upcoming Listening Sessions
All members of the Trinity family are invited to attend one of our upcoming listening sessions. Pastor Chris 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 remaining sessions. You do NOT need to RSVP, simply choose the time that works best for you!
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
John Calvin Living Waters Mission
The John Calvin Presbytery Living Waters for the World team will leave Springfield at 6:00 a.m. Sunday, February 18, for a trip to Constanza, Dominican Republic. This is a city located in a high mountain valley which has plentiful water, but it is not always safe to drink. Experienced team members Chris Scrivener, Martha Bledsoe, Grant and Toni Spieth, will be joined by new team members Jeanne and Mike Simpson. Stateside team members include Carol Minton, Colleen Lightwine, Sarah Muegge and Sharon Marsh, advisor.
A “teach the teacher model” is used to show the in-country team how to install, operate, and maintain the UV light system that makes the existing water safe to use. Additionally, a health education curriculum will be shared with the teachers of the 400 student K- 6 school where the system is located. The lessons include Biblical stories related to water as well as experiments and games that reinforce wise and safe use of the treated water. This training will equip the teachers to provide ongoing instruction for lasting impacts in the community.
A community celebration will be held on Friday, February 23. This is a joyous moment that is a culmination of planning, hard work, communication, friendships, and God’s blessing. The team returns home on Saturday, Feb. 24. We ask all congregations to be in prayer as we prepare for and travel to be God’s hands in the world. Presentations about the trip and how you can support or become personally involved are available. Contact any team member for more information.
December Pottery Sale
Brentwood and Trinity churchgoers,
Thank you for making a successful pottery sale in December. I was able to make a generous donation to Ujima Literacy program.
Madelyn Schnick
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) and SALT Classes have now combined!
Together we decide on materials and apply the wisdom of scripture to our lives. We'd love for all interested to join us in sharing how to live out our faith in today's world.
We have been using current event articles from the Wired Word, which includes scripture passages and questions to spark discussion. Starting February 18, we will be using devotional materials and commentary from Sanctified Art. We will continue this through the season of Lent. We currently meet in Room 17 at 10:15 and welcome virtual participation via Ring Central. Contact: Amy Price or the church office for Ring Central link information.
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.
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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