Trinity Newsletter for September 15, 2022
From Pastor Chris
This past Sunday was such a joy! While we had issues with our screens, we were able to respond with laughter and an impromptu singing of "Holy, Holy, Holy!" -- thank you for your patience and grace.
I want to share a compliment I received from Karl, one of our guests from the Presbyterian Foundation. He spoke of how welcoming the Trinity family was, and how impressed he was by our worship service. While I know you all are a wonderful church family, and I hope you know it too, it is always good for a guest to reflect that truth to us.
Please remember that we will have a brief congregational meeting following worship this Sunday to elect an Elder to fill a vacancy on our Session. See the note below from the Nominating Committee.
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.
Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering
The Presbyterian Women of John Calvin Presbytery will have our Fall Gathering /Workshop on Saturday, October 1, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The theme for this year's gathering is "Do Good, Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks." The mission recipient is Gathering Friends (more information available at the event.)
You can find registration information here.The cost is $10.00 per person in advance or $12.00 per person at the door, which includes a box lunch. Registration deadline is Sept. 23 by U.S. Mail or Sept. 26 by email.
We are so hopeful of seeing all of our PW friends there for a day of worship, education, and fellowship. Visiting with old friends and new friends is always such a special time for the women of John Calvin Presbytery.
Get to Know Our Afghan Refugees
Good morning, Trinity!
All of our young refugees are doing well!! They had an opportunity to meet with the director of International Studies, Dr. Parnell, at MSU. He presented access to MSU, based on their abilities. He outlined international fee waivers, opportunities to take a semester with lesser costs, or to enroll in a single class each semester with less expense. Taking a class/classes would allow them to continue to work and support themselves.
After seeing Fahim’s transcripts, grades, and accomplishments at the American University in Kabul, and his degree in Environmental Studies, Dr. Parnell recommended to this 29 year old, that he pursue Graduate School in that same area of interest. Hussain, then 22 years old, was enrolled in the medicine track at the University at Kabul, as were 2 other of our refugees. Hussain had completed 2 semesters in a 7 year program that was college and medical school, when they were suddenly directed out of the University at gunpoint by the Taliban. The Taliban then closed the University, without opportunity to retrieve grades, statements as to level of proficiency, or transcripts. Hussain will most likely be able to test out of some of the academic requirements at MSU. Yama, at that same time, was also enrolled in the college/medicine track as a 19 year old. He may enroll in the rigorous, invaluable English Language Institute (ELI) at MSU. This is comprised of a series of 4 different language goals/competencies that cost $625 for each of the 4 sessions. Three other refugee friends with fewer or no language skills, will enroll at OTC’s free program of study, English as a Second Language (ESL).
It is amazing what these young men have accomplished in their time here! It is a tribute to their Faith, perseverance, hard work, and love for the families and spouses they left behind.
Thanks to each of you for your continued efforts to support and thereby secure their resettlement in Springfield. May God Bless them and each of us, in our journey together.
Peace,
Martha Sparrow
Trinity Team CSG Leader
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."
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!
Trinity Sunday School Classes
There are Sunday School 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.
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.
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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