Trinity Newsletter for August 18, 2022
From Pastor Chris
This Sunday in worship we have two exciting things taking place. First, we will be sharing in our annual "Backpack Blessing" for all those students, teachers, and staff who are returning to school. I want to extend a special invitation to all those involved in education to attend this service so we can extend a blessing to you for this coming year.
Second, we are wrapping up our summer series on vitality in the church. It has been a joy to explore together how God is calling us to a life of vibrancy and vitality, and I am looking forward to one last conversation on this important topic.
Please remember that our Sunday School program will be taking two weeks off (on August 28 and September 4) as our regular classes prepare to resume on Sunday, September 11. Over the coming weeks we will be highlighting our various classes so you can find your fit this fall!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
PS / Reminder: Mary Erin, Elizabeth, and I will be headed to Kansas City early in the morning on Monday, August 22, for pre-operation tests with her heart surgery scheduled for Friday, August 26. We will likely be in Kansas City for at least a week following the surgery. During this time I will be unavailable and we will have some wonderful guests preaching in worship. If you have any urgent needs, please contact the church office and June will get you connected with the right folks to assist.
Share Your Perspective With Trinity
If you have not yet had the opportunity to take part in the U.S. Congregational Vitality Survey, please take a few minutes today to share your perspective. This confidential survey will help our leadership more accurately assess our areas of strength and identify places where God may be calling us into deeper relationship and vitality.
Complete the online survey here: https://bit.ly/trinity-uscvs
All online surveys must be completed by 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24.
You may also complete a paper form by visiting the Trinity office during normal business hours. We will also have copies available after worship this week (August 21). All paper copies must be returned to the office by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 22.
Thank you for sharing your perspective!
Crosslines Collection for August
Here is the text message we received from Ricky at Crosslines. "Good Morning, June. This go around amounted to 242 lbs. in non-perishables and 166 lbs. in toiletries. 408 lbs. total. Y'all are rockstars!!"
Get to Know the Afghan Refugees
Hello, Trinity members!
I apologize for not sending a newsletter article for last Thursday but your Community Sponsorship Group received two new male refugees from The International Institute of SW MO, with the clearance of our Mission and Public Witness Committee. We devoted our time and efforts to them as we heard their stories, oriented them, and welcomed them to Springfield. You will hear all about them as they settle in.
Here is ongoing information about Obaid. He is the older brother of Hamid and Adnan, and the older cousin of Hussain. He is employed and spends his day guiding and working with clients. Obaid, much like Hamid, eats his lunch and leaves on time only if all his clients have been taken care of. Obaid is the first to own a car. He is a bright young man who taught English at the University in Kabul, while also managing a TV News station. Obaid came to Springfield with serious health issues and, thanks to Jordan Valley Health Center and Cox Hospital, he is now healthy.
Your CSG and each of these young men are so very grateful for the efforts of all of you as they learn, work hard, and seek and achieve asylum in the US.
Peace,
Martha Sparrow
A Note From YOUR Nominating Committee
It’s that time of year when the nominating committee begins their prayerful deliberation to listen to the leading of God’s Spirit in determining the future leadership of our church. We would ask that each of Trinity’s members join us in this endeavor by supporting the committee in prayer and by considering people you feel would be an asset to the church at this time in the role of elder, deacon, or nominating committee member. Please pass on their name (or yours?) to the committee for consideration.
We welcome YOUR input as we travel together!
Susan Uffmann (chair), Dave Muegge, Brenda Havens, Jerri Flikkema, Susan Holliday, Al Dixon, Lois Zerrer, Jeff Groves, Sarah Muegge
Presbyterian Women Bible Study
2022-23 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible study
“Celebrating Sabbath: Accepting God’s Gift of Rest and Delight”
In the nine lessons of this Bible study – with passages from Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Matthew, Luke and Acts – we’ll consider Sabbath:
As a celebration, not a day of dreary formality
As God’s intent for all of creation; that includes busy women too
As one day of the week, perhaps a Sunday
As a time to surrender unhealthy striving and frantic busyness, and instead trust that God will provide
As a reminder that life is precious and working too much is against God’s plans for our precious lives
As a day devoted to community and justice and not exclusively to self-care.
Ultimately, Sabbath reminds us to honor God who honors us by giving us a day each week to reset our pace, our priorities, and our lives.
PW Bible study at Trinity begins in September and runs through May/June.
Check out Trinity’s PW Circles to find a good fit for YOU!
Lydia Circle: 1st Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity (Susan Uffmann, 417-827-2487)
Rachel Circle: 2nd Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. in homes (Cynthia Oliver, 417-719-8070)
Rebecca Circle: 2nd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. at Trinity (Jan Redfern, 417-225-2435)
Esther Circle: 1st Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. at Trinity (Kristin Butler, 417-268-8015)
Sarah Circle: 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. in homes (Brenda Kane, 417-773-5583)
OPEN HOUSE
Trinity Presbyterian Women
Tuesday, August 30 10-11:00 a.m. Trinity Presbyterian Church
Meet and greet women from the church! Learn and share about PW Circles!
Transportation Volunteers Needed
From time to time we have members of the Trinity family who would like to attend in-person worship or events but don’t have transportation. If you would be willing to help drive someone to church, please contact June in the church office (417-450-2544) so we can connect you with opportunities to help.
CURRENT NEED: Two individuals will need a ride for 2 or 3 weeks in August while their usual ride is out of town. They live near Fremont and Republic and one uses a walker, so the vehicle will need enough space for the walker.
Called To Care
Called to Care is a special program of Trinity Church. It was created to
Affirm our members in their individual mission outreach in the community.
Support a broad range of helping agencies making a positive difference in the community.
Called to Care is a grant program open to any Trinity member who volunteers through a non-profit agency which may have special projects or unique opportunities arise.
Applications are available on the church’s website or by contacting any member of the leadership team of the Mission and Public Witness Committee: Bob Bell (E) Joan Menchetti (E) David Connaway (D). The Committee receives, screens, and approves grants and welcomes applications from our members at any time.
Trinity Church is represented throughout the community by our members who invest their time, energy, and resources in a diverse range of offerings the community provides. Trinity Church is invested in mission—individually and corporately—serving the needs of all God’s children. How can the church come alongside you to undergird your mission?
Trinity COVID Response
We are matching our COVID safety policies to the current guidance from the CDC based on their tiered "community level" guidance for Greene County. Here is a summary:
High / Red: Masking is required at indoor events.
Medium / Yellow: Masking is recommended for those at higher risk and welcomed for all.
Low / Green: Masking is optional and welcomed for all.
Additionally, regardless of the community level, please remember that if you are experiencing symptoms, have recently been exposed, or have a positive test, we ask that you utilize our online options for participation.
You can find the current level on the Trinity website front page by scrolling down to "Pandemic Updates" and entering our state and county into the search tool.
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