Trinity Newsletter for July 2, 2026
The Work of your Church
From the Session
The Session met on June 21, 2026, in the Trinity room. The next meeting of Session will be August 16,2026.
During this meeting the Elders voted on two motions. Both passed unanimously.
!. The Trustees recommend the motion: A task force of at least three but not more than five members be appointed to explore potential options for space needs of the congregation. The task force shall communicate with committee chairs to assess needs and update the session at the Leadership Retreat on August 22, 2026.
2. The Trustees recommended the motion: A letter from Pastor Tom (and Session) be sent to each member explaining the status of our Access agreement with Brentwood Christian Church and that a task force will be formed to address the continuing space needs of our congregation.
Clerks report: Our current Membership is 211 and this includes new member Stan Harpool. Our Average attendance for the worship service, in person, May 17-June 14 was 91.
The following is a list of various committees’ activities.
Trustees: The Trinity Trustees (Max Perryman, Beth Kick, and Lois Zerrer) and Pastor Willadsen met with Brentwood’s Trustees (Diane Reidle, Paul Kalapathy, and Greg Burris) and Pastor Phil Snider on May 20. 2026. The meeting focused on shared space needs, a go to person for Trinity for between services (We have identified Mike Wills to be that Person), the Sunday worship schedules and long-term planning for both congregations. The group will meet on July 8, 2026.
The Pastor nominating Committee: Bob Kick reported that the PNC will modify the current Minister Discernment Profile (MDP) to include a salary increase and to reflect the status of the building situation.
Finance Committee: Chair, Larry Bledsoe
The Finance Committee continues to monitor Trinity’s financial position. The church finances through May 2026 remain strong. Treasurer, Bob Kick, reported that offerings are above budgeted as of the June meeting and Larry reported that Trinity has over one million in assets.
Worship and Music: Chair, Martha Bledsoe
The Worship & Music committee met on Wednesday, June 10 to review and discuss the many facets that are needed to maintain a meaningful experience of worship for all. Trinity will celebrate communion on July 5.
Mission and Public Witness: chair, Marsha Landrith
Activity information will be provided via Minute for Mission and newsletter articles.
Members.
Safe to Sleep: The choir provided the May meal, which was held at Pathways Church.
Eden Village: We are planning a mission trip for the congregation to visit the three Eden Village sites.
Tuesday Food for Friends: Wonderful turnout of volunteers. Went smoothly. 89 people served. More than enough cookies and brownies were sent to Safe to Sleep. The next date will be July 21.
Welcome and Fellowship: Chair, Kristin Butler
The committee hosted a Trinity Connects gathering on Sunday May 31. Kristin will follow up if the two people who attended would like to meet with Session this month. A Dog Days of Summer Cook Out is tentatively set for August 23. The Committee will furnish hotdogs, burgers (and vegan options), buns, and ice cream. The congregation will be asked to bring sides. We might open it to the neighborhood and collect donations for pet rescue organizations.
Deacons: Sarah Muegge-moderator
Deacons will serve a meal at Safe to Sleep August 27. Deacons have been versed in how to assist with memorial and funeral receptions.
The Communication committee and Generosity and Engagement committee did not meet.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Patty Dunn, Clerk of Session
Brown Bag Bible Exploration is Back!
We had a great time with BBBE during Lent, so it’s back on a monthly basis. We’ll gather Tuesdays from noon until 1:30 in the Trinity Room. Bring your Bibles, lunch and curiosity.
July 7 Genesis 28:10-19; Psalm 138:1-12, 23, 24; Romans 8:12-25; and Matthew 19:24-30, 36-43
August 4 Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124; Romans 12:1-8; and Matthew 16:13-20
September 8 Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1:21-30; and Matthew 20:1-16
September 29 Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philppians 4:1-9; and Matthew 22:1-14
November 3 Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; and Matthew 25:`14-30
December 1 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; and John 1:6-8, 19-28
PCHAS Back-to-School Wish List
Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (PCHAS) has created a Back-to-School Wish List.
PCHAS offers a variety of residential and community-based programs across three states along with initiatives to empower churches to support foster care families.
They created a Wish List for Southwest Missouri Foster Children through Amazon.com, and here is the link:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/11BFS84XKQBGZ/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
Amazon takes care of delivery. Your Mission and Public Witness Committee encourages you to join this effort by supporting the work PCHAS does with families in the Foster Care system.
Office Volunteers and Subs Needed
Our friends at Brentwood have been providing MOST of the Welcome Desk coverage for the last 18 months, with a few gaps. We have offered to try to fill those gaps as we are able. Shifts are three hours long (9:00 a.m. to Noon, Noon to 3:00 p.m.), and involve answering the phone, opening the door, and general office tasks as needed. Most of the time you will be idle and able to focus on a task or book you bring from home. You can sign up to work specific shifts every week, once a month, or on specific days that work best for you.
Regular openings are on Mondays and Wednesdays, from Noon to 3:00 p.m. We would also like to develop a list of substitute Welcome Desk volunteers, folks that can be called when one of the regularly scheduled volunteers (on any shift, Monday through Thursday) cannot fill the shift.
Please contact Rev. Alyssa in the church office (office@trinityspringfieldpcusa.org, 417-450-2544) for more information or to be added to the schedule.
Trinity Book Club
Our group meets monthly to discuss books over delicious treats at Neighbors Mill. Our schedule for the rest of the year is:
July 18-The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan
August 15-The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
September 19-Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis
October 17-Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
November 21-Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
More great reads to come in 2027. Please join us if you love to discuss good books and contact Daphne Anderson for more information.
Liturgists for Upcoming Sundays
We are grateful to the following people who are sharing their gifts with Trinity by serving as liturgists.
July 5 - David Bohnenkamper
July 12 - Susie Holiday
July 19 - David Smith
July 27 - Clancy Cherry
If you would like to serve as liturgist, please contact Martha Bledsoe.
Prayer Chain
There are currently 16 people on Trinity’s Prayer Chain. Pray-ers receive text messages whenever someone requests prayer. Prayer requests can be as specific or general as the requester wants. If you would like to be added to the Prayer Chain, please text Pastor Tom at 920-237-9840. If you would like to request prayer, please text Pastor Tom at 920-237-9840.
Contacting the Church Office
To reach Rev. Alyssa Spradlin, Church Administrator, to communicate with the church office use this and only this email address:
Trinity Sunday School Classes
Sunday School opportunities for all ages. 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.
Children's Class
The Children's Class is on Summer Break and will resume on September 13.
Adult Sunday School usually meets in Fellowship Hall at 10:15.
The Great Ends of the Church. How does the church fulfill its mission in our time and place, and what is your part in it?
July 5 - NO CLASS
Four and More
Rev. Jane Huffstetler has agreed to lead Bible study on Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. (thus the name). We meet both at the church and by Zoom if that is what works for you. If you want to be included in the weekly reminder that also includes the Zoom link, please send Jane an email. We will begin with Genesis and work our way through the Bible. No prior knowledge is needed, just a Bible and a desire to study with others.
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