Trinity Newsletter for December 29, 2022
From Pastor Chris
Pastor Chris is out on leave. His column will return next week.
Work of the Church: December 2022
A Meeting of the Congregation was held on December 18, 2022, as a hybrid meeting (in person in the Trinity Sanctuary and via video conference using the Zoom application). The purpose of this meeting was to receive the report of the Nominating Committee and elect officers, and receive and act on the proposed 2023 Terms of Call between Rev. Christopher Miller and Trinity Presbyterian Church.
The following officers were elected:
Elder, Class of 2024: Mike White
Elder, Class of 2025: Daphne Anderson, Carrie Arquitt (Trustee), Anne Crites, Mike Wills
Deacon, Class of 2023: David Conaway
Deacon, Class of 2024: Jan Redfern
Deacon, Class of 2025: Karen Cavicchia, Barbara Highley, Edith Reed, Mike Simpson
Youth Deacon (1-year term, 2023): Ansley Arquitt
Congregational Nominating Committee, Class of 2025: Betty Forrester, Brenda Sneed
The proposed 2023 Terms of Call between Rev. Chris Miller and Trinity Presbyterian Church were approved.
Elder Bob Kick provided a brief report from the Finance Committee.
Celebration! On December 4, 2022, we joyfully celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism for Emma Jo Stracke (daughter of Jillian and Robert Stracke and granddaughter of Stephen and Brenda Kane).
The Session met on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in person at the Trinity Room. The next stated meeting of the Session is Sunday, January 15, 2023.
During its December meeting, the Session:
Approved with joy, the Sacrament of Baptism for Kollin McFarland on a date to be determined.
Approved the 2023 Trinity budget.
Approved celebrating the Sacrament of Communion on the following dates during 2023: January 8 (Baptism of the Lord), February 5, March 5, April 2 (Palm Sunday), April 6 (Maundy Thursday), April 9 (Easter), May 7, May 28 (Pentecost), June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3, December 24 (Christmas Eve).
Approved receiving the four Special Offerings of the PC(USA) during 2023 (One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost, Peace & Global Witness, and Christmas Joy).
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Carole Hudgings, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report (Preliminary balances):
Balances as of 11/30/2022:
Operating Budget Account: $15,102.84
Petty Cash: $200.00
Operating Funds Total: $15,302.84
Outstanding Checks: $641.89
Credit Card Balance: $414.00
Total: $ 1,055.96
Operating Funds Available: $14,246.88
Investment Balances as of 11/30/2022: Total Investment Balances: $586,627.83
CFO Money Market Account: $132,650.32
CFO Facility Legacy Fund: $207,338.83
NCTC Mission Legacy Fund: $246,638.68
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The Deacons Report: The Board of Deacons met briefly on December 11 to pray for our ministry and concerns of the Trinity community. The next stated meeting of Deacons is in January, 2023. 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 children and youth of Trinity joined the Brentwood Christian Church children and youth on Saturday, December 3, for an enjoyable activity to make Christmas crafts and decorations.
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)).
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Randy Hoops (E), Carol Minton (E), and Gail Tombleson (D)). Melissa Hutton is coordinating the Christmas Eve cookie bags. The committee will host a “Chili after Church Potluck” on January 22.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Carol Minton (E), Jeannie Reed (D), and Susan Uffmann (E)). The Worship & Music Committee met December 1 to prepare special opportunities for worship, reflection and praise during this Advent season. We are in a time of prayer and caroling, concerts and cantatas, scripture reading and candle lighting — all in preparation for Jesus Christ. Average weekly worship engagement (in-person and online participants, combined) for Liturgical Year C averaged 162. This is higher than before the pandemic.
Trinity celebrates Communion three times this month:
Sunday, Dec. 4 — second Sunday of Advent, worship at 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day (Trinity and Brentwood), worship at 10:45 a.m.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
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
Sunday Morning Coffee
Coffee, Lemonade and Water are available in the foyer- Grab a cup before Sunday School or Morning Worship but remember, no beverages in the Sanctuary except water.
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.
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