Trinity Newsletter for September 8, 2022
From Pastor Chris
After a couple weeks away, it is a joy to be back! We are happy to share that Elizabeth continues to do really well with her recovery from heart surgery, although she is still on "crowd restriction" for a couple more weeks. From our whole family, thank you to everyone who has shared kind words, notes of encouragement, meals, and most of all, prayers. We are grateful for your support!
Please remember a few important items coming up in the next couple weeks:
This Sunday (Sept. 11) we are having a luncheon to celebrate our Legacy Giving Program and to learn together about how we can all support Trinity for this generation and the next. I hope you will plan to join me after worship in Fellowship Hall. If you haven't yet RSVP'd for this free event, please call the office today and let June know you plan to attend.
This coming Monday (Sept. 12) our monthly Curbside Food Drive is expanding to include new and gently used clothing to support our friends at Woodland Heights Presbyterian Church and their new clothing closet. You are invited to bring your donations to the West / Trinity Doors from 10:00 to 11:30 am.
We will be holding a brief congregational meeting following worship a week from Sunday (Sept 18) to elect an Elder to fill a vacancy. Look for more information in your email next week.
I also want to share an exciting update that will especially apply to everyone who participates in worship via our livestream broadcast. Several months ago, the Session approved a project to significantly enhance the audio and video systems in the Sanctuary with a special emphasis on our musicians. Installation of the new equipment began this week and will be completed within the next week. Those in worship should notice improved in-person audio and reduced clutter from camera equipment, while those online will notice significantly improved audio - especially for our musicians - and improved video quality.
As with all new systems, it will likely take our volunteers a week or three to learn the new system, so thank you in advance for your patience. Our primary goal is to make our online worship experience as close to that of those attending in-person as is possible, and this new system represents a major investment in that priority. I want to say a special thank you to Carla and Robert for their many hours of working with the contractor to prepare for this project.
If you have any questions about this, or anything going on in the life of Trinity, please reach out!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
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.
Get to Know Our Afghan Refugees
Hello Trinity members and friends!
I want to start my note to you with a list of a few wishes and needs. These are a washer/dryer (we plan to rotate taking Fahim and Ali to the laundry to wash and dry clothes
each Saturday), a TV stand or table, and a microwave.
Hussain, cousin of Obaid, Hamid, and Adnan, is hard at work at 2 jobs. He has saved his money and is the proud owner of a used car. This has changed his life as he can now get to both jobs in a timely fashion, and actually have time for 3 meals a day instead of 1 and 1/2. Hussain is kind and thoughtful and so very eager to learn.
He and several other friends are most interested in Dr. Patrick Parnell of MSU, who had offered to see the refugees to talk about instate tuition for Afghan refugees, as well as
college, free English classes and possible scholarships. Hussain, along with several others, had been on track for the combo college/medical school offered at The University at Kabul. He wants to be a physician.
All the young men we sponsor with you, the congregation, and with the Mission Committee are eager to help others and their families, so far away. May God Bless them as they strive and grow, and may God Bless each of us as we seek to lead and support them.
Peace,
Martha Sparrow, CSG leader
Could You Invest 10 Minutes to Help Someone New Learn About Trinity?
Did you know that over 90% of people who are looking for a new church use online tools to help them decide which churches to visit? And did you know that the online reviews highlighted by popular online map programs are some of the most impactful things people consider before visiting a church? It's true!
While a personal invitation to attend a worship service or church event is still, far and away, the #1 way to help people get involved at Trinity, sharing your positive experiences of our church family through online reviews is another way you can help someone new discover Trinity. If you have a few minutes, your honest, detailed review of our church family can help someone make the decision to visit.
The two most helpful places to share your review are Yelp (the reviews published on Apple Maps / iPhone) and Google (the reviews published on Google Maps / Android); there are links below to our profile on each site.
The most helpful reviews are those that talk about your personal experience, highlighting something about our church family you find especially positive or unique. Reviews don't have to be long, just a single paragraph can make a huge difference. While we encourage total honesty, we would ask that if you have specific concerns you share them with church leadership so we may address them.
Review Trinity on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/trinity-presbyterian-church-springfield
Review Trinity on Google: https://g.page/r/CV_MWdIuCNIaEBU/review
Thanks for taking a few minutes to help someone new connect with Trinity!
Church Picnic Time
The annual Church Picnic will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lake Springfield Northwoods Pavilion.
Fried chicken will be provided by the church. Please bring a side dish and your own plates, table service & beverage. If you don’t want to sit on a picnic bench, bring a lawn chair. This area is limited mobility accessible.
Sign up sheets will be available on Sept. 11 and 18 or call the church office to RSVP
Note From the Nominating Committee
On Sunday, September 18, Trinity will vote to elect Carol Minton to fill an unexpired term for the office of Elder, Class of 2024. Carol was asked to answer the following questions so that you, the congregation, might get to know her better:
Where are you from? What brought you to Trinity? How are you involved at Trinity? What are your hopes for Trinity?
Carol Minton:
"I am from Springfield and a love for the church brought me to Trinity. I have served as an usher and participated in Presbyterian Women, Worship and Music Committee and the knitting group. My hope for Trinity is that our members might experience a deepening of their faith and a love that grows outward. I hope that it will always be a place where love grows."
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
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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