Trinity Newsletter for December 8, 2022
From Pastor Chris
Back in October we talked about a synod-wide mission effort, Project Jubilee, which was working to raise funds to purchase and forgive medical debt of low-income families here in the Midwest. Well, the final report from the project is in, and we exceeded our wildest expectations!
The initial goal was to raise enough to forgive $2 million in debt. At the end of the day, synod-wide, we ended up raising almost $58,000 (nearly 15% of which came from Trinity!) and forgiving over $13.3 million! This means that 14,815 families across the Midwest will get an early Christmas present.
Locally this means 30 families in Greene County, plus another 18 in surrounding counties, have had $143,783.67 in medical debt forgiven thanks to the generosity of Trinity and other PC(USA) congregations in the Synod of Mid-America.
If you'd like to read more, you can find our press release on this project here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/news/project-jubilee Please feel free to share this link with anyone who might find this story uplifting!
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. https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/news/advent2022
Help Us Plan Christmas Morning Worship!
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.
Christmas Crafts With Brentwood
These are highlights of Christmas Crafts with Brentwood held December 3 in the Fellowship Hall. Twenty-five children attended from the two congregations. The kids made decorations for their own tree and practiced ringing bells, which they will share with the congregation Sunday December 11. There will be a final practice with the bells as part of Sunday School this week. No prior experience ringing bells is necessary. Hope you can enjoy the performance!
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
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!
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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