Trinity Newsletter for December 1, 2022
From Pastor Chris
This week I have three invitations for you! First, tonight is the first session of our four-part "Advent in Narnia" series. Please plan to join me at 6:00 p.m. in the Trinity Room or via Zoom. We will be exploring themes of the Advent season using readings and film clips from "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" paired with scripture and prayer. You do not need to have read the book or seen the movie to take part. If you signed up for a copy of the devotional book, it will be available tonight.
To participate via Zoom, please use the following link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82974251810?pwd=eXhlMk8zbnczc1MrYklNSjFiNnFldz09
Meeting ID: 829 7425 1810
Passcode: 689128
The second invitation I have for you is to help us plan a worship service! On Christmas Morning (Sunday, December 25) we will be having a joint worship service with Brentwood at 10:45 a.m. During this service we will be exploring the stories of some of our favorite Christmas songs. Here's where you come in: we want to know your favorite Christmas carols. Follow the link below to vote for your top 5 and then come on Christmas morning to hear the stories and sing some of our favorites.
And finally, for families with younger kids please remember that this Saturday, December 3, is our Kid's Craft Day from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions please contact Nissa Krier or Sarah Muegge.
I am delighted you are part of the Trinity family. If you would ever like to get together for coffee or lunch or just to chat, please let me know!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chris
Advent Devotionals and Prayer Journal Available
During Advent we slow down and take time to prepare for the coming of Christ; at least that's the plan. For many of us the holiday to-do list grows so quickly that taking time for reflection and prayer can often slip out of sight entirely. This year we have gathered three devotional resources of different lengths and styles to help make it a bit easier for you to take time, either each day or once a week, to step back and reflect. Tap on the image below to download your copy of one or all three resources. You can also pick up printed copies in the west entryway at church.
Work of the Church: November 2022
The Session met on Sunday, November 20, 2022, in person at the Trinity Room. The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, December 18, 2022.
During its November meeting, the Session:
Received with joy, the following members of Trinity: Wylene Davies, pending letter of transfer from Catonsville Presbyterian Church, Catonsville, Maryland; and Kollin McFarland via reaffirmation of faith.
Approved with joy: The Sacrament of Baptism for Emma Jo Stracke during worship on Sunday, December 4, 2022. The Sacrament of Baptism for Elizabeth Anne Miller on a date to be determined, and performed by the Rev. Dr. Alexander Wales of Heartland Presbytery.
Set Sunday, December 18, 2022, as the date for a Meeting of the Congregation for the purposes of electing officers and voting on the Pastor’s 2023 Terms of Call.
Approved the Finance Committee’s recommendation to switch Trinity deposit accounts to Guaranty Bank.
Approved Sharon and Robert Reed’s plan and budget for décor of the foyer area outside of the sanctuary, contingent on approval by Brentwood Christian Church.
Approved the purchase of two NOAA weather radios.
Briefly discussed a draft version of the Policies and Procedures for Child, Youth, and Vulnerable Adult Protection. A revised draft, incorporating comments from Session, will be considered at the January 2023 Session meeting.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report (Preliminary balances):
Balances as of 10/31/2022:
Operating Budget Account: $32,746.77
Petty Cash: $200.00
Operating Funds Total: $32,946.77
Outstanding Checks: $641.89
Credit Card Balance: $697.33
Total: $1,339.22
Operating Funds Available: $31,607.55
Investment Balances as of 10/31/2022: Total Investment Balances: $574,072.44
CFO Money Market Account: $132,760.62
CFO Facility Legacy Fund: $207,596.58
NCTC Mission Legacy Fund: $233,715.24
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The Deacons Report: The Board of Deacons met on November 13 to pray for our ministry and concerns of the Trinity community. Along with other outreach efforts, the Congregational Care team sends birthday cards to Trinity members each month. If you do not know who your Deacon is, please contact Kristin Butler, 417-414-5544. The next stated meeting of Deacons is Sunday, December 11 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 Topical Discussions Fellowship class visited the Butterfly Palace in Branson, on Tuesday, November 15. Classmate Ilace Mears, the World Champion Hammered Dulcimer Musician of 2016, performed while we visited the butterflies, tropical rain forest display, rain forest animals, butterfly movies, and gift shop. The Committee, Trinity Staff and volunteers planned and discussed special Advent studies and activities for adults and children. These will be noted and promoted in the newsletter and bulletin inserts.
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D)).
Congregational Care (Leadership Team: Brenda Havens (D), Sharon Marsh (D), Gail Tombleson (D), and Bill Trotter(D)).
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)).
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Bob Bell (E), David Conaway (D), and Joan Menchetti (E)).
Nominating (Leadership Team: Dave Muegge (E) and Susan Uffmann (E)).
Personnel (Leadership Team: Bob Bell (E), David Hart (E) and Bob Kick (E)). The Personnel Committee met on November 7. They prepared draft 2023 Terms of Call for Pastor Chris Miller, which will be presented to the congregation for approval at an upcoming congregational meeting planned for December, 2022. A draft 2023 Personnel Budget was also prepared.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Randy Hoops (E), Carol Minton (E), and Gail Tombleson (D)). Coffee is available in the foyer, and we are looking for people to help with the coffee serving process. We are considering also serving coffee near the West entrance. There is nasal Narcan in a cabinet in the old office area - training in how to use this, the AED, CPR, and First-Aid refresher remains an open item. We plan to hand out Christmas Eve cookie bags. Sign up for volunteers to make cookie bags will be December 4 through 11. We discussed hosting a “Chili after Church Potluck” on January 22 as a way to kick off the New Year.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Carol Minton (E), Jeannie Reed (D), and Susan Uffmann (E)). The Worship & Music Committee met on November 3. Budget planning for 2023 and worship planning for Advent and Christmas were primary discussion topics. The Committee is grateful for all worship volunteers!
A church-wide caroling event is planned for Saturday, December 17, at 4:00 p.m. To request carolers at your home, or suggest someone who would enjoy being visited, please contact Carla Wootton. After visiting homes, caroling groups will gather at Eden Village 2 for more singing followed by hot cocoa and a simple meal.
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 am worship service on Sunday, December 18, 2022.
Business to be conducted during this meeting shall be to:
Receive the report of the Nominating Committee and elect officers
Receive and act on the proposed 2023 Terms of Call between Rev. Christopher Miller and Trinity Presbyterian Church.
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 full packet with agenda, instructions for participating in the meeting, nominating slate, and proposed Terms of Call will be distributed to all members of Trinity via email or by postal mail if no email address is available.
Candidates for Church Officers
The Nominating Committee is pleased to introduce to the congregation our slate of officers in leadership roles for the following terms of office:
ELDER (2025)
Daphne Anderson
Carrie Arquitt ELDER/TRUSTEE
Ann Crites
Mike Wills
DEACON (2025)
Karen Cavicchia
Barbara Highley
Edith Reed
Mike Simpson
ELDER (2024)
Mike White
DEACON (2024)
Jan Redfern
DEACON (2023)
David Conaway
NOMINATING COMMITTEE (2025)
Betty Forrester
Brenda Sneed
YOUTH DEACON (2023)
Ansley Arquitt
In the next few weeks, you will be introduced you to some of these candidates.
They were each asked to respond to these questions: Where are you from? What brought you to Trinity? How are you involved at Trinity? What are your hopes for Trinity?
Anne Crites
I was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then lived in Wisconsin and New Hampshire for college, work, and grad school. My husband, Will, and I church-hopped (and skipped) for several years after moving here in 2007 before visiting First and Calvary with our friends Bob and Grace Schroff. My parents and sister (the Hydes) also joined when they moved here in 2012. Having been raised in a PCUSA church, I appreciate intersection of traditional structures and teachings with more progressive social values. The denomination's stances on LGBTQ+ and female membership and leadership are particularly important to me. It is a priority for us that our children see and receive love and inclusion, and the people at Trinity have provided. Members brought us our first meals after Elly was born, encouraged us through professional and personal hardships, supported us when my dad passed away, and have always offered genuine care and compassion. Volunteering my time is a way to give back in gratitude. I helped set up our newsletter and our core values statements when Trinity formed, served as an Elder in 2017-2019, and have served on the Communications, Personnel, Welcome and Fellowship, and Mission committees. I hope, in these coming years, that Trinity maintains its culture of love, compassion, and service. I also hope that we re-engage/add more children and families, by learning, growing, and doing together.
Christmas Caroling!
On December 17 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., any and all are invited to go Christmas Caroling! We will meet at Trinity at 4:00 p.m. and then carpool to homes of our Trinity friends and family who would appreciate some Christmas cheer! Our plan is to end our Caroling time together at one of the Eden Villages.
Please contact Carla if you would like us to come to your home to carol OR you know of someone who would enjoy a few songs at their doorstep!
Carlaw@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org OR call/text 417-849-6865
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
A Concert of Carols from Ilace Mears and David Wilson
Sunday, December 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Trinity/Brentwood sanctuary.
In the midst of the Advent bustle, enjoy an hour of peace listening to beloved tunes of the season played on hammered dulcimer, fiddle, mandolin, and, perhaps, other things with strings! Sing along! Ilace and David are teaming up again to create musical magic that is guaranteed to lower your blood pressure and raise your spirit. This concert is a gift to the community. All are welcome!
Knitting4Peace
Attention all knitters, crocheters, and interested parties:
Knitting4Peace meets Monday, Dec. 5 in west lobby noon-2:00 p.m.
Needles and yarn are available! You are welcome to bring your lunch.
Presbyterian Women Christmas Brunch
Presbyterian Women are having a Christmas Brunch on Saturday morning, December 10, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the downstairs Fellowship Hall. There will be food and Christmas caroling. Guests are asked to bring a pair of gloves, socks or hat to be donated to the homeless.
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.
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:
Lunch and Lessons - Middle and High School youth enjoy lunch the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month 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.
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