Weekly Newsletter - 2/18/21
Trinity Presbyterian Church PC(U.S.A.)
Welcoming you to share the joy of Christ
Worshiping Together | Serving Together | Caring Together
February 18, 2021
From Pastor Chris
Today I want to give you a bit of a "behind-the-scenes" view of what goes into bringing you our new live streamed services from the Trinity chapel. Over the past few months our Worship & Music team has been hard at work putting together resources to allow Trinity to broadcast live services so that, when the time is right for us to return to large-group worship in the sanctuary, those who are at home or not in Springfield can still join us for worship. This Lent we are hosting Mid-Week Prayer Services using this new capability, both as a way of connecting with one another and as a bit of a trial run.
We have the ability to broadcast slides and video from a computer, along with live video from up to three separate cameras. This means we can have the preacher or liturgist using the lectern and our musicians in another part of the chapel, helping maintain distance during recording and broadcasting. For Sunday worship, I record with no-one else in the room while Carla, Robert, and our other musicians record either at home or in the sanctuary with a lot of distance. All of this, plus our liturgy and more, is edited together into a (hopefully) cohesive service.
Over the coming weeks, during our Mid-Week Services, you will have the opportunity to see this system in action and I hope you will tune in. You can find more information about these services, along with all our Lenten activities, on our website: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/lent
Peace,
Pastor Chris
Welcome and Fellowship Seeks Additional Members
The Welcome and Fellowship committee needs additional members. Former members of the committee have been called to other church leadership; therefore, we need additional new committee members to join in the work of hospitality. The once monthly meetings last about an hour.
The committee also welcomes help from persons who can commit to work for a one-time event or who might work at a series of events throughout the year--no meeting time is required of these volunteers. Please contact committee members Gail Tombleson, Melissa Hutton, Randy Hoops, Cletus Johnson, or Sarah Muegge if you are interested in learning about the work of the committee.
We have missed planning fellowship events, but we anticipate a grand celebration once we are able to meet safely, face-to-face.
Inclement Weather Delays Deposits
Due to inclement weather donations received from February 8 through 22 will not be deposited until the February 22. I apologize for any inconvenience.
Steve Kane, Treasurer
Carla's Corner
For our worship service last week, I tried some new things: showing the actual music from our hymnal, plus the art/music offertory. Both were inspired by watching the worship services from the APCE Virtual conference I attended. It was fun trying new things and it gave me plenty of ideas for our future virtual worship services. If you have a talent or hobby that you would love to share with our Trinity family, would you contact me? I love using creative ways to involve our Trinity family in our worship. (417-849-6865 or Carlaw@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org)
APCE Report
On Monday night, I gave a outline of my experience at the APCE conference. I was so happy to have a few people attend the zoom meeting! Pastor Chris encouraged me to record it, but I forgot. However, there were a few sessions I attended that really excited me regarding my position as Children and Youth Coordinator. There was one session in particular that I would like to talk about to several of our committees, and it involves Children & Worship. I think it brought attention to some old attitudes many churches posses that need to change if we want families with younger children to feel comfortable and WANT to come to church, once we can meet together again.
Children's Sermons-Kids Wanted to Help!
I'm needing kids to help me with our children's sermons. It would be me and kid(s) from 1 family for each recording. We can be creative where we record and it would take less than 30 minutes. I think it would be awesome to record in our sanctuary......memories of when we were together, EXCEPT, I have never given a children's sermon in our sanctuary with actual kids! So if you have children/grandchildren who would be willing to help with our Children's sermon videos for our virtual church service, please let me know!
"Warm Thoughts for Cold Days"-Bill Havens
I received some cute pics from Bill the other day of his family fishing and at a baseball game. He sent them and added "warm thoughts for cold days." Well Trinity, that gave me the BEST idea for our offertory next week. I need YOU, yes YOU to send me your pics of warm thoughts for cold days and I'm going to include those in our offertory. Text the pics to me at 417-849-6865 OR email me your pics at carlaw@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org. Thank You!
Valentine Delivery! Thank You, Trinity Family!
This past Sunday, before the snow began to fly, Tim and I delivered 30 Valentine bags to our Trinity Kids and Friends. It was fun! I want to thank all of our Trinity family members who donated items for the bags. It was fun to include items from you all, besides things I pack in the bags.
Trinity Book Club
Do you love to read? Do you ever want to discuss books you have read? Do you need recommendations for future reading material? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may enjoy the Trinity Book Club which meets (via Zoom for now) on the second Monday at 7:00.
Upcoming books:
March 8-Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe
If you are interested, contact Penni Groves at pennimarie@msn.com or 417-840-5264.
The Common Table Podcast
Each week Pastor Chris is joined by a guest to discuss life, faith, and where we are on the journey. From Trinity members and staff to local ministry leaders and community members, there's always room at The Common Table! Listen and learn more at: https://commontablepodcast.com
Volunteer Opportunity: Brentwood Emergency Cold Weather Shelter
Throughout the pandemic, Trinity has been working to help meet the emerging needs of our community. One of the most pressing needs is emergency shelter for those without a safe place to stay at night. Our facility partners at Brentwood have just received authorization to open our Fellowship Hall as an Emergency Cold Weather Couple's Shelter. This is especially important, as shelter space for couples is almost non-existent.
While we are working with Brentwood to identify specific additional needs beyond space, there is one pressing need: volunteers. There are two shifts per night (5.5 hours each), with two volunteers needed per shift. Volunteers are only used on nights when the temperature drops below the threshold set by the city to activate the shelters, but we are hoping to have volunteers lined up in advance for all nights just in case.
You can sign up online here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44acac22a7fece9-brentwood
OR contact Pastor Emily with Brentwood to get more information. Her email address is: rev.emily.bowen@gmail.com
COVID Vaccine Information from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department
As vaccination distribution efforts continue in our community and across Missouri, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department is encouraged by the ongoing community efforts to vaccinate eligible individuals against COVID-19. Although vaccine is extremely limited in Missouri, community and state partners have continued to solidify plans to distribute vaccine as efficiently as possible as supply has become available.
Mass vaccination opportunities to come
The governor’s office has announced that mass COVID-19 vaccination sites will soon be established across the state to provide further access to eligible Missourians. The Missouri National Guard and Department of Health and Senior Services will establish mass vaccination teams in each of Missouri’s nine Highway Patrol regions. While we do not know when a mass vaccination site will be set up in our region, the governor’s office expects all nine sites across the state will be operational by the end of January. Each site will have the capacity to provide up to 2,500 doses per day. The governor’s office will announce dates and locations at a later time.
Health care vaccine opportunities
The COVID-19 vaccines are currently available to people who are eligible in the state’s current phases of vaccine distribution, but are in limited supply. Eligible groups include: healthcare workers, first responders, emergency service workers and certain high-risk individuals. Most people will receive the vaccine from their healthcare providers. You can sign up to receive updates at the links below.
Mercy: mercy.net/MOvaccine
CoxHealth: coxhealth.com/covid/vaccine
Jordan Valley Community Health Center: jordanvalley.org/covid-19-vaccine
Continuing to stay vigilant
Until there is a sufficient supply of vaccine available for everyone, our community will remain vulnerable. Individuals need to continue to wear a mask, watch their distance, wash their hands, and avoid large crowds even if they receive the vaccine. If an individual has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if they have symptoms, it’s important for them to seek testing. Our community has worked hard to expand access and we are confident in our ability to test people who need to be tested. To learn more on how to get tested, visit our testing information here.
Staying up-to-date
The health department is committed to keeping our community informed on vaccine distribution. There are several ways individuals can stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments:
Sign up for regular email, text messages and automated phone calls at health.springfieldmo.gov/FinishStrong. There you can also sign a pledge to keep up prevention efforts.
Visit health.springfieldmo.gov/COVIDvaccine for information on vaccine safety and availability, as well as Frequently Asked Questions.
For questions not answered on our website, please call our COVID-19 call center Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at 417-874-1211. Selection Option 2.
Sign up to receive our news releases by using the Notify Me tool on our website.
Follow our social media accounts at facebook.com/SGCHD andtwitter.com/SGCHD
Worship With Trinity
Even though the pandemic means we aren't gathered together in the same physical space, we are still worshiping together at a church family. Find our latest worship service, plus weekly resources for families, devotional links, and much more on our worship page.
https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/worship
February Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month
Feb 4 Daphne Anderson
Feb 7 Emmett Douglas
Feb 11 Ansley Arquitt
Feb 13 Ronora Correll
Connor Holliday
Feb 14 Barbara Highley
Feb 15 Reed Dressler
Feb 17 Brenda Williams
Feb 19 Caleb Conaway
Joshua Conaway
Pamela Schlemmer
Feb 23 Sarah Gugliotta
Feb 24 Cynthia Oliver
Feb 27 Betty Forrester
Susan Uffmann
If you would like to be included in our birthday list, please be sure to update your records with the church office before your birthday occurs. You may call or email your information.
Remaining Connected During Social Distancing
Even though we aren’t together for in-person worship, there is still a lot happening with your Trinity family right now. To see the latest, and how you can get involved in safe ways, visit our News & Updates page on the church website: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/news
Sunday School Classes
Topical Discussions Fellowship:
Three Week Study from the Thoughtful Christian - What Does the Lord Require?
Feb 21- Love Kindness- Todd Morriss facilitating
Feb 28- Walk Humbly- Carole Hudgings facilitating
We encourage anyone who doesn’t have a Sunday school home to join us for fellowship, discussion, and new insights into our faith. Furthermore, with our Zoom format for a little bit longer, the coffee will always be ‘just the way you like it’.
The Lectionary Class meets via Zoom at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.
The Salt and Topical Discussion Classes meet via Zoom from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Resources
Contacting Pastor Chris
I want to be the best support I can for you. Here is how to get in touch:
The easiest way is by email: cmiller@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
I am also available by phone or text at 816.805.2742
I am in the office most days, Monday through Thursday. I am currently holding personal meetings / counseling sessions outside under the covered Trinity entrance. Call or email to schedule a time for us to meet.
NOTE ABOUT FRIDAYS: I take Friday as my Sabbath day to focus on my family. I try to not reply to email, phone, or text. However, if there is an urgent pastoral issue, please contact Deacon Sharon Marsh at 417.880.5988/smarsh43@icloud.com or Deacon Greg Redfern at 417.225.2435/jredfern1313@gmail.com and they will make any necessary arrangements. If you have an immediate need to speak with a pastor and it is a Friday or Chris isn’t in town, you may call Rev. Bill Havens at 417.350.4507.
Prayer Concerns
If you or someone you love want to be included on the prayer list, please let the office know. (Always get permission before submitting information.) Also, when you want your name removed from the prayer list (or an update added), please let the office know at 417-450-2544 or office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org.
David Anderson is home and doing well. Thank you all for your prayers.
For Jeanne, Mary Erin Miller's mother, as she continues treatment and evaluation for pancreatic cancer.
For Teresa Olsen's brother, Craig, who lives in a care facility and has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
For friends of David and Susan Hart who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Brenda Havens continues to face health challenges and appreciates your continued prayers.
For Lori Becker as she undergoes medical care.
For Chris Plate and his family, as he continues medical treatment.
For Charlotte Dugan, as she receives medical care.
QUICK NOTES
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 3486, Springfield, MO 65808-3486 | 1900 E. Barataria Street | 417-450-2544 | office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org
Learn more about Trinity Presbyterian Church at http://TrinitySpringfieldPCUSA.org
Be sure to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/trinitypcusaspmo/
Learn more about the denomination at http://www.pcusa.org
If you would like to receive the Trinity Presbyterian Church newsletter every week, you can sign up here.
Have something to add to our newsletter? Please send submissions to David Bohnenkamper at dabohnenkamper@gmail.com by Monday at 6:00 p.m.
