Trinity Newsletter for December 22, 2022
From Pastor Chris
As I write my note to you this week it's Tuesday morning - and currently the forecast is calling for really cold weather and possible snow on Thursday. So, whatever the weather has actually brought, I hope today you find time to slow down (maybe with the help of a cozy blanket and a mug of something warm) and rest a bit in the anticipation of the season. If it's been a moment since you were a young child, cast your mind back to the excitement of the first snow or the anticipation of presents under the tree, and remember that feeling of joy and delight.
I hope you are planning to join your Trinity family for our Christmas celebrations this weekend, either in-person or online. We have two services, one on Christmas Eve at 5:30 p.m. and one on Christmas Morning at 10:45 a.m. Both will be filled with joyful music, the celebration of communion, and the chance to hear again the good news of the coming of Jesus Christ.
Please note that the church office will be closed the week following Christmas to give our staff a well deserved rest. The office will resume normal hours on Monday, January 2, 2023. Additionally, I will be out of the office from Monday, December 26 through Saturday, January 7 as we take our daughter Elizabeth to Kansas City for surgery to, hopefully, correct some upper airway obstructions. I look forward to returning to worship with you all on Sunday, January 8, 2023 as we celebrate ordination and installation of our incoming officers.
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
From the Treasurer
First, I would like to thank all those who contribute to the work of Trinity. Your support is invaluable.
Second, for those who have initiated online giving, specifically recurring online giving, it is time to review/edit your giving for 2023. After you have received your receipt from PushPay for December, please go to Your Account from either the Trinity App or the One Time or Recurring Gift option on the website. Then update the Fund from General Fund 2022 to General Fund 2023. If you would like to edit the amount of your gift you can do that here also.
If you need any help please contact me. And, thanks again.
Steve Kane
Trinity-Treasurer
417.773.5584
Brentwood Cold Weather Shelter
Brentwood Christian Church is an overflow site for the local crisis cold weather shelter collaborative. Due to this week's extreme temps, they've been activated. We can expect the downstairs Fellowship Hall to be in use beginning Thursday night and extending into the weekend. While all regularly scheduled events can continue as planned, this gives our congregations a chance to share Christmas love in a really important way this season. Brentwood and Trinity folks are invited to consider ways to make Christmas special for our unsheltered guests (such as baking pies for Christmas Eve). Here's a link to an email that was sent to the Brentwood mailing list with general information as well as opportunities to be involved:
Christmas Celebrations at Trinity
We look forward to celebrating with you this Christmas season! Plan to join any or all of our holiday services, held both in-person and online.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service
Saturday, December 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Morning Carols Service
Featuring the stories of our favorite Christmas songs!
Sunday, December 25 at 10:45 a.m.
New Years Day Worship Service
Guest Preacher Nissa Krier
Sunday, January 1 at 11:30 a.m.
The Longest Night Service
As the world around us revels in the music, lights, noise, hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we recognize there are many among us who struggle at this time of year. Loss of loved ones, relationships, jobs, financial security, health, or the future we’d once imagined can make us feel very alone in the midst of the world’s celebration. All of this and more can make the holidays feel overwhelming. Brentwood Christian Church invites you to a special “Longest Night” service on Wednesday, December 21 at 6:00 p.m. It will be a time of quietly sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledges that God’s presence is a comfort and hope during the bleakest of times.
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.
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: (Not Meeting in December) 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.
Get More Each Week
Our weekly email newsletter contains more updates than we include on the website. Get our monthly birthday updates, prayer requests, and more by signing up to get the newsletter delivered to your inbox each Thursday morning. Tap the button below to sign up now.
