Weekly Newsletter 10/29/20
If you would like to receive the Trinity Presbyterian Church newsletter every week, you can sign up here.
Trinity Presbyterian Church PC(U.S.A.)
Welcoming you to share the joy of Christ
Worshiping Together | Serving Together | Caring Together
October 29, 2020
From Pastor Chris
There are a lot of reasons I like being a Presbyterian, but one of the most meaningful to me is a concept that comes from our feisty Scottish ancestors. The technical term is "Mutual Forbearance" -- which is a bit of a mouthful that essentially says, as people of Christ, we acknowledge that there will be times when we don't agree, and that when we don't agree we will strive to remain in relationship with each other as we seek to find a common way forward.
The conviction that good, honest, intelligent people can examine a situation and come to differing conclusions, and then remain in dialogue while they figure out the way forward, is not just a core teaching of the church -- it is also a radical position is modern society. It is not news to anyone reading this to say we live in a terribly divided society.
Over the coming days and weeks, our nation will undergo a time of great stress. It is possible, even likely, that the outcome of our national election will not be clear for days or even weeks after Election Day is passed.
This is a time for the church to be bold in our witness -- not in standing for or against any politician, for we know that our hope is found in Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God not in worldly political power -- but in showing what it means to be a people who embrace Mutual Forbearance. Even, and especially, in these painful, divided times we must be a witness to what it means to remain in relationship with people with whom we deeply disagree. This doesn't mean giving up on our convictions -- quite the opposite. It means loving people even when their convictions and ours don't line up. Sometimes we need to love from a distance to maintain healthy boundaries, and that is OK.
In the days to come, I want to encourage our Trinity family to do a few specific things.
First, vote. We have a responsibility to witness to our faith through our vote. Click Here for information from the Greene County Clerk and Click Here for a flyer on your voting rights from the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition.
Second, be aware of information posted on social media. There is already a steady stream of misinformation from a wide range of sources circulating on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Check before you re-post information. Often a quick Google search can tell you if something is accurate. Ask: Is it TRUE? Is it RELEVANT? Is it LOVING? If something makes you angry, be cautious before you share or re-post. What each of us posts to social media reflects not only on us, but on Trinity and the church broadly -- our words are our witness, so use them wisely.
Finally, pray. Pray for our nation that this election season will go as smoothly and conflict free as is possible. Pray for those who you deeply disagree with, that you might find a way to remain in relationship with them. Pray for those who are working at the polls and in our election system, that they might be kept safe and given the space and time to ensure every vote is honored and every voice is heard. Pray that, as a nation, we might find pathways that lead us toward a world that more closely resembles the Kingdom of Christ.
May God be with us.
Peace,
Pastor Chris
P.S. - On Election Day I will be serving as an Election Judge here in Greene County. This means I will not be in the office and will not be able to immediately respond to messages. If you have an urgent pastoral issue, please contact our Congregational Care team or Rev. Bill Havens - their contact information is at the bottom of the newsletter.
--
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
--
Congregational Book Study - No Innocent Bystanders
We are in the first week of our congregational study on the powerful book No Innocent Bystanders. Our first online gathering to discuss the book will take place tonight, Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Even if you haven't had a chance to read the first section yet, please plan to join us for the discussion. You can find all the information on the study here: https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/racism/#NIBStudy
We still have copies of the book available, so if you haven't picked up your complementary copy yet, please reach out to either the office or Pastor Chris and we will be glad to make arrangements to get you your copy. We hope to see a lot of people on the Zoom call this evening as we discuss this powerful book!
Work of the Church: October, 2020
The Deacons met via videoconference on Sunday, October 11, 2020. The next scheduled meeting of the Deacons is Sunday, November 8, 2020.
The Deacons’ October report: Kristin Butler has agreed to serve as Chair of Deacons for the remainder of 2020. The Chair and Clerk for 2021 will be determined after the new officer class has been elected. The Deacons continue to focus on the needs of members during our separation due to COVID-19 and spent time sharing member concerns. They also spent time reviewing the work and upcoming plans of each of the committees, including Worship and Music plans for the season of Advent and Generosity and Engagement plans for the fall pledge campaign. Some time was also spent looking forward to year end activities including the election of officers, officer training, committee transitions, and budget planning.
Kristin Butler is the Chair of Deacons, and David Bohnenkamper is Clerk of Deacons.
The Session met via video conference for their regular meeting on Sunday, October 18, 2020. The next scheduled meeting of the Session is Sunday, November 15, 2020.
During their September meeting, the Session
Approved a request from John Calvin Presbytery that Trinity serve as the host church for the February 27, 2021, Stated Meeting of the Presbytery. This will be a virtual meeting.
Received a report from the Nominating Committee, whose proposed slate of candidates for the officer class beginning 2021 is nearly complete.
The Nominating Committee also presented to Session a candidate for Clerk of Session, and the Session elected Carole Hudgings to serve as Trinity’s next Clerk of Session. She will begin a transition period on November 1, 2020, with her full term (2021-2023) beginning on January 1, 2021.
Received a report from the Personnel Committee regarding the 2021 Terms of Call between Trinity and Rev. Chris Miller, and voted to submit the proposed Terms of Call to the congregation for its review and approval.
Discussed how to complete annual church business while we are unable to meet in person and concluded that a congregational meeting via Zoom is our best option.
Voted to call a meeting of the congregation for Sunday, November 22, 2020, at 11:30 a.m., for the purposes of amending Trinity’s bylaws to allow for electronic meetings; receiving the report of the Nominating Committee and acting on it; and considering and voting on the 2021 Terms of Call between Trinity and Rev. Chris Miller. The full details of the called meeting, including complete verbiage for the proposed bylaws change, the full proposed slate of officer candidates, and the proposed Terms of Call will be available at the beginning of November. They will be posted in the newsletter throughout November, announced in worship, and delivered by mail to all members well in advance of the meeting.
Modified Level 2 of the Pandemic Response Framework to allow groups of no more than 25 people to meet inside the church building when weather prohibits outdoor meetings, provided all safety provisions are practiced. Contact the church or check the Trinity website ( https://trinityspringfieldpcusa.org/covid19 ) for full details.
Approved a request from a group of Girl Scout leaders, who have previously met at the church, to meet in Fellowship Hall, provided all safety protocols are followed and contingent on the approval of Brentwood Christian Church.
Changed the meeting time of the November 15, 2020, Session Meeting to 11:30 a.m.
Discussed a timeline for completing the church budget process for 2021.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Anita Dixon, Clerk of Session.
Treasurer’s Report
Total Income
9/1-9/30/2020: $44,529.51 YTD (1/1-9/30/2020): $357,449.83
Total Expenses
9/1-9/30/2020: $25,878.85 YTD (1/1-9/30/2020): $286,700.64
Operating Budget Account Balance as of 9/30/20: $68,421.27
ICS (Insured Cash Sweep -- also known as “Trinity Funds for the Future”) Account Balance as of 9/30/20: $651,209.48
Petty Cash as of 9/30/20: $200.00
Questions about the Treasurer’s Report may be directed to the Treasurer, Stephen Kane.
The following is a list of the various committees and organizations of Trinity, along with their leadership teams. While we are unable to meet in person, most of the focus of the work of the church has been on mission outreach.
Christian Education and Faith Formation (Leadership Team: David Bohnenkamper (D), and Randy Hoops (E), Martha Sparrow (E)): The Christian Education and Faith Formation Committee decided to have the funds paid to Heartland Center for the 2020 Traveling Day Camp credited toward participation in a Traveling Day Camp in the summer of 2021. Carla Wootton will serve as Coordinator of the 2021 Traveling Day Camp. Funds that have been raised and set aside for a youth trip to Montreat are believed to be within $150 of total expected expenses, and the hope is for the proposed trip to take place in 2021.
Communications Task Force (Leadership Team: Kristin Butler (D), Debbie Cron (D), and Jim Stewart (E))
Finance (Leadership Team: Randy Hoops (E), Trace Johnson (E), and Colleen Laas (D))
Generosity and Engagement (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E) and Max Perryman (D)): The Generosity and Engagement committee is working on the fall Stewardship campaign, which will run the first four weeks of November.
Mission and Public Witness (Leadership Team: Debbie Cron (D) and Penni Groves (E)):
In October, the Mission and Public Witness Committee
Received a report on Trinity’s October curbside food drive for Crosslines, which brought in lots of non-perishable foods and plastic bags as well as 300 pairs of Hot Hands hand warmers for distribution through Grace United Methodist’s homeless ministry. There will also be a test project to provide insulated, reusable bottles to our homeless friends, instead of single use water bottles.
Received a report from Pastor Chris on the use of his benevolence funds. He provided twelve $25 Visa gift cards for Eden Village residents, partnered with Brentwood to help a family with children bring their utility bills up to date, and will provide funds for the purchase of 40 cloth masks for Rare Breed.
Voted to apply for another COVID-19 Emerging Needs Grant from John Calvin Presbytery to provide additional help to the homeless.
Made plans to make the congregation aware of the need for volunteers to help the Alliance to End Homelessness staff overnight shelters during the upcoming winter months.
Noted their remaining $897 for the budget year of 2020 and voted to sponsor the Springfield Black Tie Gala at the silver level ($800).
Personnel (Leadership Team: Jim Stewart (E) and Brenda Williams (E)): The Personnel Committee met October 12, 2020, to complete their work on and finalize the proposed 2021 Terms of Call for Pastor Chris Miller, to present to Session for adoption by the congregation; and the proposed Personnel budget for 2021. They also completed the pastor and leadership evaluation process and submitted a report to the Session.
Welcome and Fellowship (Leadership Team: Patty Dunn (E), Mary Kay Hoops (D), and Cletus Johnson (E)): The Welcome and Fellowship Committee is working together with Worship and Music to provide Home Advent Kits for all Trinity households to enhance the observance of the Advent season this year.
Worship and Music (Leadership Team: Katherine Arquitt (YD), Kristin Butler (D), Nia Howard (E), and Brenda Williams (E)): The Worship & Music committee is thinking creatively about Advent and Christmas in this very unusual year. Their goal is to provide meaningful touch points as they support the congregation and welcome neighbors. Some beloved traditions will be implemented in different ways, and new ones may begin as we prepare to welcome Christ again.
Home Advent kits will be assembled for all Trinity households. This project is a joint effort of the Worship & Music and Welcome & Fellowship committees.
Worship, while still “extended,” will feature Advent symbols and music of the season, with candle lighting and special liturgy opening each service.
Other highlights will include a parking lot Carol Sing; midweek homilies on the Nativity from Pastor Chris; a Service of Healing and Wholeness for those experiencing loss or sorrow; and special Christmas Eve worship.
Please watch for details on all Advent observances.
Please Note: (E) designates Elder, (D) designates Deacon, and (YD) designates Youth Deacon.
From the Generosity and Engagement Committee
This week we begin our 2021 Stewardship Campaign. Our theme is "Faith for today, Hope for tomorrow." We are all too aware of the challenges we have faced in 2020. Our faith has carried us through these difficult times and faith, along with hope, will do the same for us in 2021. You will soon be receiving a letter and pledge card in the mail. It will contain information about both the sources of our funds and the many missions those funds have allowed us to accomplish. Please pledge generously as you are able.
Trinity Presbyterian Women: A Reminder
Early in March, 2020, Trinity PW sent all Trinity Women our annual appeal for donations to help fund our support of local missions and Presbyterian Women (PCUSA) with gifts to Birthday, Thanks, and Mission Offerings.
The Trinity PW Coordinating Team met recently and recognized it would not be possible to meet our 2020 budget due to the intervention of the Pandemic. However, we felt strongly that we wanted to honor our commitment to local and national missions and are hopeful you can help us. This is a gentle reminder for you to contribute what you can to Trinity PW if you were unable to do it earlier.
Please make your check payable to Trinity Presbyterian Women and send it to Treasurer, Julia Gentle, 1256 Airwood, Springfield, 65804.
Thank you,
Trinity PW Coordinating Team
Pastor Appreciation Month
From the Clerk of Session, here is a reminder from John Calvin Presbytery:
October is Pastor Appreciation Month!
Pastors are working hard in the pandemic - Zoom and other electronic communications add stress, a steep learning curve, and extra demands. We know your pastor would appreciate your words of encouragement!
Carla's Corner
It is the last week of October, which is leading up to Halloween! I've always loved Halloween! I loved dressing up and trick or treating. When I was a girl, a lot of the folks in my hometown of Pleasant Hope actually MADE our treats! Yes.....I particularly loved the caramel apples Irene Choate made with apples from their apple trees, and then sometimes she would ALSO make popcorn balls. This Halloween is going to be a little different, but it doesn't mean we can't make some special memories for our kids. From 4:00-6:00 p.m., I'm going to have a little Halloween party for all of our Trinity Kids here at my home, outside, and it's supposed to be 60 degrees and sunny! Perfect weather! I'm already thinking of what fun things we can do to make some of those lasting memories. I'm wondering what memories you could share about YOUR Halloween from childhood.
Trinity Kids Halloween Party!
Yes, this Hallows Eve, October 31st, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. there will be a Halloween Party at the Woottons' house. I've heard there will be a ghost scavenger hunt with tons of goodies and candy to find hidden somewhere on the hunt, and we will make spooky designs with sidewalk chalk and play games. Everyone should wear a costume (yes, parents, that goes for you too!) We can't wait to see everyone there!
HALLELUJAH!
In February, at our 3rd Sunday night youth gathering, we practiced a version of "Hallelujah" which I arranged for hand bells, piano and voice. Then, Covid showed up and we weren't able to get together to practice or record. However, last Saturday, after our Fall craft day, some of our older kids plus a few friends gathered in the sanctuary, had a short rehearsal, and then recorded our version of "Hallelujah" with the vocal stylings of Elijah Conaway and his hand bell band of Rachel Groves, her good friend Samia Cannon, Nia and Zion Howard and Chloe Wootton. You will hear this version on our Trinity service this Sunday, November 1 for offertory. It was so much fun and I'm looking forward to our next project together!
Masks
If you would like a mask, we still have some. We have closed the online ordering, but just call/text/email me and I can drop it by your house or you can pick it up at church sometime. Please let us know if you would like the head elastic or ear loops. $10 per mask with about $4.50 of the sale going to our friends at Rare Breed.
Preparing for Advent
Yes, I know we haven't even had Halloween yet and then there's Thanksgiving and THEN we can start thinking about Advent and Christmas, right? Well, not if you live in the Wootton house! You see, Christmas is my favorite time of the year and that seems very beneficial regarding preparing music for the advent season, because we have to start planning early. Do you have an Advent or Christmas song that is your favorite? We are planning some special music for our virtual church services during our Advent season and I'd love to hear from you, my Trinity Family, regarding music that is special. So let me know!
Carla's Taking Time Off
I will be taking Nov. 9-23 as vacation time so there won't be a Carla's Corner those 2 weeks, but I'll still be around if you need me. Reed Dressler will be doing Sunday School with our Trinity Youth at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday morning, and then meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sunday Nights for virtual games as he always does. Like most parents, I've found trying to do my Trinity job while homeschooling my kids 3 days a week has gotten the better of me sometimes. As our kids transition back to school 4 days a week, I'm needing to do a little transitioning myself. Pastor Chris is always reminding our staff how important it is to take care of ourselves.......as we try to serve our families and our church family. So, I'm taking his advice! But the week of Thanksgiving I already have a special Thanksgiving craft Julie Thomas has prepared for our kiddos, and I'll be dropping that off at everyone's homes!
November Birthdays at Trinity
Take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for these members of our Trinity family this month!
Nov 4 Toni White
Nov 6 Rachel Groves
Nov 7 Penni Groves
Nov 8 Kristin Butler
Nov 9 Elly Crites
Nov 9 Jon White
Nov 20 Stella Martin
Nov 22 Julia Gentle
Nov 22 Barbara Hunter
Nov 25 Jodie Greer
Nov 25 Linda Lange
Nov 26 Joann Lucietta
Nov 26 Jennifer Reynolds
Nov 27 George Arquitt
Nov 27 Joyce Shirkey
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
The Fall 2020 schedule of classes can be found on the Trinity Website.
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 Class meet via Zoom from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
The Topical Discussion Class is participating in a 7- part series from The Thoughtful Christian running September 20 through November 1. The theme is "The History of Religion and Politics in America", using contributions from various theologians and politicians.
Discussion will be facilitated by various class members. Handouts are available on the Trinity Website.
Nov. 1 - Session 7- Marian Wright Edelman on Religion and Politics
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.
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 make progress on her recovery, and appreciates all the prayers.
For Lori Becker as she undergoes medical care.
Chris Plate and his family as he continues medical treatment.
Charlotte Dugan, as she receives medical care.
Michael Howell as he recovers from an auto accident.
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
