Trinity Newsletter for September 29, 2022
From Pastor Chris
It was wonderful spending time together as our church family this past Sunday at our annual Trinity Picnic! We were blessed by beautiful weather and fellowship, not to mention amazing food. Thank you to everyone on our Welcome and Fellowship Committee who worked hard to schedule the location, order the chicken, and put together all the many details to make it a wonderful event. It was a blessing to share a meal with so many members of our church family, plus several guests including many of the Afghan nationals we have been journeying with these past months.
There are just a few more days left to order your new Trinity shirts. Whether you prefer the casual, affordable style of a t-shirt or hoodie, or you want the more refined, classic look of an embroidered polo, we have a choice for you! We are excited to host John Calvin Presbytery here at Trinity in early November; this will be a great chance to show off your new Trinity shirt. See the article below to learn more and place your order - or make sure to have cash or check at church this Sunday to order in person.
As we head into fall, there are lots of opportunities for you to get involved in events here at Trinity. If you have questions about how to get involved, either in activities or as a volunteer, I hope you'll give me a call so we can chat and find your connection!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Work of the Church: September 2022
A Meeting of the Congregation was held on September 18, 2022, as a hybrid meeting (in-person in the Sanctuary and via video-conference using the Zoom application). The purpose of this meeting was to elect one Elder, Class of 2024. Carol Minton was unanimously elected as Elder, Class of 2024.
The Session met on Sunday, September 18, 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, October 16, 2022.
During its September meeting, the Session:
Welcomed Elder Carol Minton to the Session.
Approved the Welcome and Fellowship Committee’s request to resume passing the Fellowship / Visitor pads during Worship.
Approved making Trinity T-shirts, sweatshirts, and polo shirts available to the congregation for purchase.
Approved a request from Church Women United to use the Fellowship Hall on Friday, October 21, 2022.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report (Preliminary balances):
Balances as of 8/31/2022:
Operating Budget Account: $32,771.40
Petty Cash: $200.00
Operating Funds Total: $32,971.40
Outstanding Checks: $9,566.22
Credit Card Balance: 100.96
Total $9,677.18
Operating Funds Available: $23,294.22
Investment Balances as of 8/31/2022: Total Investment Balances: $645,047.42
CFO Money Market Account: $131,790.22
CFO Facility Legacy Fund: $237,994.88
NCTC Mission Legacy Fund: $242,290.70
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The Deacons Report: The Board of Deacons did not meet in September. The next stated meeting of Deacons is Sunday, October 9 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)). The Christian Education and Faith Formation Committee's September meeting included an update from the Task Force for child and vulnerable adult safety, and from Children and Youth Staff, Nissa Krier. A calendar of youth events is posted each month in the Trinity newsletter. Sunday school classes for children and youth began, along with adult classes, on September 11 and are open to all members, guests, and visitors.
The Committee recognized the good and faithful work being done by Nissa with Worship and Wonder and Youth activities. Discussion is taking place regarding what staffing, volunteer and other resources may be needed to support her in her work and provide for the faith formation of our children and youth in the future.
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D)). The Communications Task Force meets on an ad hoc basis, and did not meet in September.
Congregational Care (Leadership Team: Brenda Havens (D), Sharon Marsh (D), and Bill Trotter(D)). The Congregational Care Committee met on September 4. Care for the Miller family and Linda and Ed Daniel were discussed. There will be a reception following the memorial service for Rev. Tom Cavicchia on October 15. Committee members will serve, and additional help will be solicited. The Committee discussed the purchase of new tablecloths; cost to be shared with the Welcome and Fellowship Committee. Cindy Rodgers is donating 4 white rectangular cloths as well.
Finance (Leadership Team: David Hart (E), Bob Kick (E), and Susan Uffmann (E)).
Generosity and Engagement (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E), Nia Howard (E), and Jerri Ilkiw (D)). The theme for the Fall Pledge Campaign is Embracing Vitality. The campaign will run from October 23 - November 12
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Bob Bell (E), David Conaway (D), and Joan Menchetti (E)). The Mission and Public Witness Committee met on September 13, and approved a $200 grant to the Rev. Bill Havens to purchase materials to make baby quilts for Newborns in Need. They also approved disbursing their $853 allotment from the Pentecost Offering as follows: $500 to Ambassadors for Children for the purchase of pajamas for foster children, and $353 to Newborns in Need. The Committee acknowledged receiving $750 from a private grant through the Presbytery and authorized its use for the support of our eight Afghan refugees. They also allocated $1,500 for ongoing support of the Afghan refugees.
Nominating (Leadership Team: Dave Muegge (E) and Susan Uffmann (E)).
Personnel (Leadership Team: David Hart (E) and Bob Kick (E)).
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Randy Hoops (E) and Gail Tombleson (D)). The Welcome and Fellowship Committee plans are ongoing for the annual picnic at Northwoods Pavilion at Lake Springfield at 1:00 p.m. on September 25.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Jeannie Reed (D), and Susan Uffmann (E)). The Worship & Music Committee met on September 8 to plan engaging worship and manage operational aspects of Trinity church services. Priorities at this meeting included special music and services during Advent and Christmas; ensuring that our worship is inclusive for all; volunteer training; and the completion of sanctuary A/V updates.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
Service of Remembrance for Tom Cavicchia
A Celebration of Life, Remembrance, and Gratitude Service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on October 15, 2022, at 10:30 a.m, for The Reverend Dr. Thomas H. Cavicchia. Dr. Cavicchia served as the pastor of The First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Vernon, MO, for nine years before becoming the Executive Presbyter of John Calvin Presbytery in 1971, where he served until his retirement in 1994. Also in 1994, Princeton Theological Seminary honored Dr. Cavicchia with its Distinguished Alumnus Award for his 23 years of administrative service to the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). A year later, John Calvin Presbytery awarded him the status of Executive Presbyter Emeritus.
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.
Just a Few Days Left - Order Your Trinity Shirts Today!
We are taking orders until MONDAY, OCTOBER 3 for these brand-new shirts in order to receive them in time for the November 5 meeting of John Calvin Presbytery, which we are hosting here at Trinity. To keep costs low we are only printing shirts for those who pre-order and pre-pay, so get your orders in soon if you are interested.
TAP HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW SHIRTS
The easiest way to order is online through our printing company (Custom Ink). Follow the link below to choose your style, color, and size. You can pay directly on the website and your shirts will be shipped to Trinity for free. You can also pay a small shipping charge to have them sent direct to your home if you prefer.
TAP HERE TO ORDER YOUR TRINITY SHIRTS TODAY!
If you would prefer to pay by cash or check, you may fill out an order form and pay before or after church this Sunday (Oct. 2). Order forms will be available at church.
NOTE: All orders MUST be received NO LATER than Monday, October 3, 2022. Printing will begin after this date and additional orders will not be possible.
Crosslines Food Drive Results for September
Here is the note that June, our church secretary, received from Ricky, who supervises the warehouse at Crosslines:
“Good morning, June. This month we have receive 253 (lbs.) in nonperishables and 113 in toiletries. You all, and Pathways UMC, are the most consistent in food donations as (an) organization. Thanks.”
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.
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