Trinity Newsletter for May 26, 2022
From Pastor Chris
What makes a vital and vibrant community of faith? Is it simply a matter of "bigger is better" or might there be more to it? This summer the Trinity family will be exploring this question as we seek to listen for God's call to our community. Through classes, small groups, and more we will be celebrating the many strengths of our congregation while we seek openness to new opportunities God is even now preparing for us.
We are not alone in this work; across the nation, congregations are taking part in the Vital Congregations Initiative. This initiative, coordinated by the Presbyterian Mission Agency, is grounded in the conviction that every congregation, no matter their size or budget, is called to a life of vitality and vibrance. Through study, reflection, celebration, and action we will join other churches all over the nation in seeking to be open to God's call for our community.
I want YOU to be part of our summer of study and discernment! There will be lots of ways to take part, but today I want to highlight one: our summer Sunday morning study group. Starting Sunday, June 19, and running until the end of August, I will be leading this group for all adults and youth. We will meet in Fellowship Hall from 10:15 to 11:15, and there will be a Zoom option for those who cannot join us in-person.
Our first week (June 19) will be an introduction to the Vital Congregations Initiative, along with some fun group activities -- come find out about "holy emoji" -- as we think about the strengths of the Trinity community. Then, for the bulk of the study we will explore the seven marks of vitality; communities of faith that have these seven traits tend to be the most vital and vibrant. We will then move into a period of discernment and reflection. I really hope you will be able to join us for this wonderful series.
Look for more opportunities to take part in our congregation-wide discussions of vitality this summer. If you have any questions about this or any of our common life together, please don't hesitate to call or email.
Wishing you Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Work of the Church: May 2022
Celebrations and Welcome New Member! On April 24, 2022, we joyfully celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism for Arthur Landon Stanford (son of Brooke Bays), and welcomed Brooke Bays into membership as she publicly professed her faith. We also celebrated the reaffirmation of faith by member Gail Tombleson.
The Session met on Sunday, May 15, 2022, as a hybrid meeting (in person at the Trinity Room and via video conference using the Zoom application). The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, June 19, 2022.
During its May meeting, the Session:
Received with joy, the following as active members of Trinity, pending letters of transfer, Joyce Forkner (Trinity Presbyterian Church, Shell Knob, MO), and Mike and Jeanne Simpson (First United Methodist Church, Hope, AR); and Steve Owens via reaffirmation of faith.
Received with regret resignation of Elder Pam Curtis from active service on Session.
Appointed with gratitude Elder David Hart to serve on the Personnel Committee for the remainder of 2022.
Activated the Nominating Committee with the charge of filling an unexpired term of Elder, Class of 2024.
Approved the proposal from Paragon 360 for upgrades to Trinity’s audio and video technology, including labor costs and training, as recommended by the Communications Task Force.
Commissioned Elders Bob Bell, Bob Kick, and Dave Muegge as the Child, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults Safety Task Force with the charge of reviewing existing policies and procedures relating to children, youth, and vulnerable adults, and reporting back to Session by the end of calendar year 2022.
Approved the Mission & Public Witness Committee to request donations from the congregation in support of constructing a house at Eden Village 3.
Approved an updated template for committee / task force reports with a new section highlighting financial approvals or updates.
Noted a Motion (approved by email) making masking optional, but welcomed, at all Trinity events, effective Monday, April 11, 2022.
Noted Rev. Miller’s plans for the next several months to engage our leadership and congregation in study, discussion, and visioning around vitality and Trinity, including a seven-week series on the Vital Congregations Initiative, starting June 19, 2022
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report:
Balances as of 3/31/2022:
Operating Budget Account: $34,444.05
Petty Cash: $41.38
Operating Funds Total: $34,485.43
Outstanding Checks: $500.70
Credit Card Balance: $500,70
Operating Funds Available: $33,984.73
Balances as of 4/29/2022:
Operating Budget Account: $46,158.05
Petty Cash: $50.77
Operating Funds Total: $46,208.83
Outstanding Checks: $0.00
Credit Card Balance: $800.03
Operating Funds Available: $45,408.80
Investment Balances as of 4/1/2022: Total Investment Balances: $720,416.03
CFO Money Market Account: $181,283.31
CFO Facility Legacy Fund: $271,587.91
NCTC Mission Legacy Fund: $267,544.81
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The Deacons Report: The Board of Deacons met on May 1 to pray for our ministry and the needs of our Trinity church community. We affirmed our role as “colleagues in faith” with the pastor. As specific congregational care needs are made known to us, we offer prayerful support while also maintaining privacy of those we seek to nurture. The Deacons will actively participate in the Vital Congregations Initiative, starting with a church-wide study this summer, based on the seven marks of vital congregations.
The next stated meeting of Trinity Deacons is Sunday, June 12, at 12:45 p.m. Kristin Butler is the Chair of Deacons.
The following is a list of the various committees and organizations of Trinity, along with their current leadership teams for 2022.
Christian Education and Faith Formation (Leadership Team: Nia Howard (E), Dave Muegge (E), Amy Price (E), Jan Redfern (D), and Connor Holliday (YD)).
At its April 22 meeting, Sarah Muegge updated the Christian Education and Faith Formation Committee on plans for Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year, VBS will be a combined four-day event with Westminster Presbyterian Church and will be held at Trinity on July 5-8. The Committee approved extending an invitation to children from Brentwood Christian Church and the other Presbyterian churches in Springfield. In addition, final details for chaperone duty and staffing of the Youth Lock-In were addressed, and the process and expectations for volunteer background checks were reviewed and discussed.
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Phil Cain (D), and Jim Stewart (E)). The Communication Committee met on April 13, continuing to assess the technical needs for our worship services so that all in attendance, either remotely or in person, can have a worship experience free of technical distractions. We have tried to articulate our needs and have met with representatives from Paragon 360 so they could develop a proposal that may address our needs.
Congregational Care (Leadership Team: Phil Cain (D), Brenda Havens (D), Sharon Marsh (D), and Bill Trotter(D)). In April, 2022, the Congregational Care Committee sent birthday cards to members and continued their ministry of prayer for those experiencing illness or death in the family. They organized and hosted a light lunch reception following the Celebration of Life Service for the Reverend John Skillings. They were assisted by Rachel Circle and other women of the church, who provided cookies and helped serve and clean-up.
Finance (Leadership Team: David Hart (E), Bob Kick (E), and Susan Uffmann (E)). The Finance Committee met on April 10 and discussed the need for all committees to document in their minutes any financial expenditures approved, the church insurance policy, and plans to review the written procedures for counting money.
Generosity and Engagement (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E), Nia Howard (E), and Jerri Ilkiw (D)).
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Bob Bell (E), David Conaway (D), and Joan Menchetti (E)).
Nominating Committee (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E), Susan Uffmann (E)).
Personnel (Leadership Team: David Hart (E), Bob Kick (E), and Jim Stewart (E)). The March meeting of the Personnel Committee focused on developing job descriptions, Holy Week services, and Rev. Miller’s schedule for March and April. The key need for 2022 is to discern church needs, develop job descriptions, and engage with Session to develop a sustainable staffing plan especially for families, children, and youth by the end of the Summer.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Randy Hoops (E), and Gail Tombleson (D)). The Welcome and Fellowship Committee met on May 7. Planning for a Pentecost brunch is underway, to be held during the Sunday School hour. This event will also honor graduating high school seniors.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Jeannie Reed (D), and Susan Uffmann (E)). The Worship & Music Committee met on May 5 to reflect on Trinity’s worship experience now that the sanctuary is back in use. We gave particular attention to musical offerings and the technology that supports them, as well as our various forms of corporate prayer. Trinity’s weekly in-person attendance is back to pre-pandemic levels of 110-120, with an additional 40-50 worshippers participating online. We rejoice in the blessing of a beautifully renovated worship space. Trinity will celebrate communion on Sunday, June 5.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Pentecost Sunday Events
We have two wonderful events taking place on Pentecost Sunday (June 5). Please plan to join your Trinity family for both!
Pentecost Brunch (10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall) - Come celebrate the movement of the Spirit in the Church and in the lives of our 2022 graduates. There will be delicious food, a celebration of our graduates, and plenty of time for fellowship.
Facility Sign Dedication (11:00 a.m. on the Front Lawn) - We join our friends from Brentwood in officially dedicating our new facility sign. This new sign, designed to reflect the architecture of our facility, is helping improve Trinity's visible presence in our neighborhood.
Pentecost Special Offering
Psalm 71 testifies that a foundation of faith established during childhood helps ensure lifelong faith and service. The patterns and lessons established during these formative years continue to bear fruit throughout a person's life. By donating to the Pentecost Offering, you are nurturing the faith of those who are the church to come — children, youth, and young adults.
Your gift to the Pentecost Offering helps the church encourage, develop, and support young people and also address the needs of at-risk children. 40% of the Pentecost offering stays here at Trinity to help us make an impact in the lives of young people within our own congregation and community. The remaining 60% is used to support children-at-risk, youth, and young adults through ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
To make your gift to the Pentecost Offering use the donation envelope included in the bulletin each week during worship, or you may make a gift online here. You may also mail a check to Trinity with "Pentecost Offering" in the memo line. Thank you for your generosity!
A Musical Memorial to Liz
Many people have asked how they might honor the life of Elizabeth Sweet, a beloved member of our Trinity community, who died in 2021. Liz loved music as an expression of worship and praise, particularly when offered by people of diverse ages.
A new three-octave set of choir chimes will soon enhance Trinity’s musical gifts. These mellow, resonant instruments may be played by young children, youth and adults. The choir chimes will serve as a memorial to Liz Sweet, with a special engraved plaque permanently placed on the case.
You may still contribute to the memorial with a check (note “Liz Sweet Memorial” in the memo line) or online (“Make a Memorial Gift” at https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/give).
2022 VBS - The Power of Water
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