Trinity Newsletter for April 25, 2024
From Pastor Chris
This week I want to share a word of thanks for the many kind notes and gracious patience as I've recovered from hand surgery. As many of you know, being forced to slow down isn't always easy, but it can be a blessing. Over the past two weeks I have been reminded, time and again, how important it is to allow myself to receive the help and ministry of others. For so many of us in the church, we view ourselves as the helpers in most situations. This can sometimes mean it is hard for us to accept the help of others. However, in accepting the love and care of other people we are giving them an opportunity to live out their own calling of ministry and compassion.
This week, whether you need the reminder to be open to the care of others or you need a reminder that there are people in your own life who would be blessed by your compassion, I hope you will find time to search out connections and relationships that will bless you and bless others.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Welcome New Children and Youth Educational Associate
The Personnel and Christian Education Committees are pleased to announce the hire of Ms.
Sophia Platz, who is Trinity’s new Children and Youth Educational Associate. Sophia began
working on Sunday, April 14, 2024, with Sarah Muegge and Jan Redfern during children’s
Sunday School and Worship and Wonder times. She will be coordinating her activities with the Christian Education and Worship Committees.
Sophia comes to us with over five years of experience as a Preschool Teacher. She received the 2019 Directors Scholarship at Ozarks Technical Community College and was graduated from there in 2021 with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Sophia’s goals are to: maintain a safe, positive, and healthful classroom environment for our children; collaborate with Sarah, Jan, and others to develop and implement age-appropriate activities; provide individualized support to children with specific needs; and communicate frequently with parents.
Please take time to welcome Sophia to Trinity!
Join Us For Trinity Connections
If you are looking for ways to connect more deeply with Trinity, or you just want to know a bit more about our congregation, join Pastor Chris for a free lunch after worship on April 28. This is a relaxed, no obligation gathering for anyone who wants to learn more about Trinity. Please RSVP with the office or Pastor Chris by April 22 so we can have enough lunch for everyone.
Opportunity to Learn about Faith in the Ozarks
Community Partnership of the Ozarks and the Have Faith Initiative are hosting two upcoming community conversations working to increase understanding of the diverse faith groups in our community. Both events are on the MSU campus and are free (including free parking) and open to the public. Pastor Chris will be representing Trinity at the second session on May 9 at 7:00 p.m. See the flyer below for more information and the full list of panelists:
Presbyterian Women Update
Spring is here!
So PW gals will:
Smile
Protect
Reach out
Include
Never give up
Gather
We work to make our local mission as successful as the missions of PW worldwide.
Keep springing into action!!
(Courtesy of Linda Jackson, Co-Moderator of PWJCP)
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
PW in the PC(USA): Triennial CHURCHWIDE GATHERING
St. Louis, MO
“Do Everything in Love”
Thursday, August 8 - Sunday, August 11, 2024
Join women from all over the World!
(Visit presbyterianwomen.org/gathering for information and registration)
PW at Trinity:Summer Luncheon
Trinity Presbyterian, Springfield, MO
Saturday, July 13, 2024
1:30 p.m.
Join new and old friends as we gather to celebrate our past, present and future!
(More information to come)
We hope to see everyone at one, two, or all three exciting events!
AND DON’T FORGET -
Send your contributions to Trinity’s PW today to continue our exciting work together!!
Mail to: Gail Tombleson
2717 W Trevor Trail
Ozark, MO 65721
Two Congregation Church Garage Sale
May 2-4, 2024
Save your stuff!
Details and volunteer sign-up sheets are available at the desk outside the Nave and at the West Door
Proceeds will fund improved lighting, painting, flooring etc. that improve building accessibility.
You may bring items to church Sunday- April 28 through noon Wed May 2.
All help will be accepted for sale set up and sale days so please sign up.
Assistive Listening Available During Worship
Learn More Here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/listen
Trinity has 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. Download the app here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/listen
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 ask Pastor Chris for help.
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
Room 17 Adult Class: Starting April 14 the Room 17 Adult class will begin the study series: Reading the Bible for Understanding:
This study introduces important means to consider when interpreting different parts of the Bible: narratives, poetry and wisdom, and letters. It also reviews what Reformed and Presbyterian Christians believe about the nature of the Bible, and texts and translations that are available to us. There will be an extra classroom copy of the participant book for anyone who wishes to drop in and join us during the six-week study. This will take us through the end of the Sunday School year in May. Through the summer, participants will be able to join in the combined adult Sunday School beginning June 2.
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 meeting in person in room 17 at Trinity, and 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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