Trinity Newsletter for September 1, 2022
From Pastor Chris
Pastor Chris and Mary Erin are in Kansas City for Elizabeth's surgery. His column will return soon
Work of the Church: August 2022
The Session met on Sunday, August 21, 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, September 18, 2022.
During its August meeting, the Session:
Approved Sunday, September 18, 2022, after worship, as the date for a hybrid Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing one Elder, Class of 2024, to fill an unexpired term.
Accepted Officer resignations, with regret, from Jim Stewart (Elder, Class of 2022) and Phil Cain (Deacon, Class of 2023).
Received a letter from John Calvin Presbytery thanking Trinity for its faithful gifts to the Presbytery, including per capita (we have paid the entire 2022 contribution) and Shared Mission (we have paid the first two quarterly payments).
Briefly discussed annual evaluations for Rev. Miller and Officers, Vital Congregations Initiative activities at Trinity, and the upcoming Officer Retreat.
Noted that on August 8, 2022, the Clerk of Session participated in an annual peer review of Session Minutes and Rolls and Registers for churches of John Calvin Presbytery. The Session Minutes and the Rolls and Registers of Trinity Presbyterian Church for the period July 18, 2021, through June 12, 2022, were reviewed and approved without exceptions.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report (Preliminary balances):
Balances as of 7/31/2022:
Operating Budget Account: $26,964.75
Petty Cash: $200.00
Operating Funds Total: $27,164.75
Outstanding Checks: $ 3,724.25
Credit Card Balance: $0.00
Total: $ 3,724.25
Operating Funds Available: $23,440.50
Investment Balances as of 7/31/2022: Total Investment Balances: $610,568.63
CFO Money Market Account: $131,634.12
CFO Facility Legacy Fund: $228,461.30
NCTC Mission Legacy Fund: $250,473.21
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The Deacons Report: The Board of Deacons met on August 14 to pray for our ministry and the cares and concerns of the Trinity community. In preparation for the fall church officers retreat, we are currently participating in Trinity’s annual evaluation of pastoral and lay leadership. The next stated meeting of Deacons is Sunday, September 18 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)).
Our August meeting focused on planning for the coming Sunday School year to start September 11. Class offerings and information will be promoted during Worship and through the newsletter. Please look or listen for an opportunity to engage with your Trinity family in exploring our faith journey together! There will be classes for young children, youth (High School and Middle School) as well as several adult classes to choose from.
Updates were provided from our Session Task Force working to ensure Trinity has policies and procedures that provide for the safety of our children and vulnerable populations.
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D)).
Congregational Care (Leadership Team: Brenda Havens (D), Sharon Marsh (D), and Bill Trotter (D)).
Finance (Leadership Team: David Hart (E), Bob Kick (E), and Susan Uffmann (E)).
Trustee Dave Muegge will become Trinity’s Designated Registered Agent following Jeff Groves who moved away.
Treasurer Steve Kane presented several analyses of Trinity’s finances showing that income exceeds expenses and that the church budget is progressing in a way that is achieving previously established Church objectives.
Generosity and Engagement (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E), Nia Howard (E), and Jerri Ilkiw (D)).
Pastor Chris gave an update on his family and their travel plans for Kansas City. A luncheon and speaker from The Presbyterian Foundation is being planned for September 11, 2022, to discuss Legacy giving and estate planning.
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Bob Bell (E), David Conaway (D), and Joan Menchetti (E)).
Trinity will be collecting clean, gently used clothing for the Woodland Heights Presbyterian Church clothes closet for those in need on the second Monday of the month for the remainder of 2022.
The Mission committee volunteers will be providing the evening meal at Grace Methodist Church for those in need on August 31.
The Committee is also taking on the responsibility of contributing to the support of another Afghan refugee.
Nominating (Leadership Team: Dave Muegge (E), Susan Uffmann (E)).
The Nominating Committee has identified a candidate to fill the unexpired term of Elder, Class of 2024. They are also working diligently to identify candidates to complete the slate of officers for presentation later this year.
Personnel (Leadership Team: David Hart (E) and Bob Kick (E)).
At our meetings we hear the Pastor's report and discuss the current workings of the church.
In early August, Session Members and Deacons were sent surveys to complete for the annual evaluation of Pastor Chris Miller relative to the goals he set last year. Pastor Chris will also complete a self-evaluation. When tallied and comments are compiled, results will be presented to Pastor Chris in a separate meeting this fall.
Sunday morning and Thursday afternoon groups discussing the Vital Congregations Initiative have resulted in good conversations. Specific marks of vitality (caring congregation, music & worship, and mission) and challenges (daily and informally growing as disciples) have emerged. Pastor Chris believes that the complementary survey conducted during church on August 14 will provide additional insights for discussion with and by members. A celebratory event will be held in the fall to highlight our strengths.
Pastor Chris and his wife, Mary Erin, will travel to Kansas City on Monday, August 21 ahead of planned surgery for their daughter, Elizabeth, on Friday, August 26. Post-surgery recovery time is uncertain but is expected to require 5 to 10 days.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Randy Hoops (E) and Gail Tombleson (D)).
Welcome and Fellowship is planning our annual picnic for Sunday, September 25, at the Northwoods pavilion near Lake Springfield, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Fried chicken will be provided, and guests should bring their own side dishes, utensils, and plates. We will ask people to sign up, bring a side dish, their own dishes, beverage, and lawn chair (if they don’t want to sit on a picnic bench).
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Jeannie Reed (D), and Susan Uffmann (E)).
The Worship and Music committee met on August 4 to plan engaging worship and manage operational aspects of Trinity church services. This includes coordinating worship volunteers, maintenance/repair of instruments, improving online audio quality, and celebrating the upcoming completion of sanctuary lighting! Summertime worship engagement has been consistent with that of prior years. Training for new and experienced worship volunteers will take place in September (announcements to follow). Trinity will celebrate Communion on Sunday, September 4.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
NOTICE: Congregational Meeting
The Session of Trinity Presbyterian Church has called for a Meeting of the Congregation to take place immediately following the 11:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Business to be conducted during this meeting shall be election of one Elder, Class of 2024.
The meeting will be a hybrid meeting, both in-person at the sanctuary of Trinity Presbyterian Church and via audio/video conference using the Zoom application.
The meeting packet with agenda, instructions for participating in the meeting and nominating slate, will be distributed to all members of Trinity via email, or by postal mail if no email address is available.
Trinity Sunday School Classes to Begin September 11
Sunday, September 11 will begin the 2022-2023 Sunday school year at Trinity Presbyterian Church. There are opportunities for all ages from Kindergarten on. 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.
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 our welcome! Contact person: 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. Topics last year included: Immigration in the US, The Apostles’ Creed by Pastor Adam Hamilton, and Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes. We hope you will join us for fellowship and discussion. Contact: Dave Muegge
SALT - a casual class in a discussion format. Studies are chosen with a focus on material that can be engaged in with little preparation. We share in leading lessons based on participant comfort level. Come when you can, no experience required! SALT meets in Room 17. Contact: Amy Price
Four and More- this Bible Study has this name from meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays... presently by Zoom. We have been walking through the Bible together for four years and are presently studying the book of Romans. Anyone wanting to join can send their email address to leader, Jane Huffstetler. She will provide the Zoom link. huffstetlerjane48@gmail.com
Youth:
Donuts and Discussion- Middle and High School youth enjoy donuts while exploring topics youth members select from our resources. We intend to have a safe space for open conversation in hopes of supporting independent thought while offering a faith-based perspective. Contact: Nissa Krier- nissakrier@gmail.com
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-(twin2_53@hotmail.com) and Jan Redfern- (jredfern1313@gmail.com) would be happy to see our Trinity kids and their friends.
Update On PW Circle Days/Times
Lydia Circle: 1st Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity (Susan Uffmann, 417-827-2487)
(Note: September will be on Sept. 13)
Sarah Circle: 2nd Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity (Brenda Kane, 417-773-5583)
Rachel Circle: 2nd Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. in homes (Cynthia Oliver, 417-719-8070)
Rebecca Circle: 2nd Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. at Trinity (Jan Redfern, 417-225-2435)
Esther Circle: 3rd Monday , 6:30 p.m. at Trinity (Kristin Butler, 417-268-8015)
Morning, afternoon, or evening – there is a time and place for you to join other women in fellowship, growth and friendship as we walk through studying the Bible together.
Legacy Giving
All of Trinity’s friends and family are invited to a luncheon on Sunday, September 11, immediately following the service. Lunch will be provided. We will have special guests, Sherri Finke and Karl Mattison, from the Presbyterian Foundation. They will be available for a program and Q & A about legacy giving.
This will also be an appreciation luncheon for those of you who have already completed your estate planning. You will be a great asset to other members who might be considering a gift. There are several ways to include Trinity in your estate planning; by designating a percentage or an amount in your will, a real estate gift, or as a beneficiary, to name a few. We will find the answers together at this luncheon. Come enjoy each other's fellowship, even if you aren’t ready to do your estate planning.
The Generosity and Engagement Committee is just beginning this journey to educate and provide information about legacy giving. Please come along with us!
RSVP to Patty Dunn, 417-861-9382
PW Road Trip Anyone?
Village Presbyterian Church - Mission Campus
6641 Mission Road
Prairie Village, KS 66208
Join us from 9:00 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 17, in Friendship Hall-Mission Campus, as we learn from the Bible study author, Carol Bechtel, in person. The cost is $35 per person and includes a coffee bar, continental breakfast and a boxed lunch. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 7.Contact laura.hobbs@villagepres.org with questions.
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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