Trinity Newsletter for August 20, 2026
The Work of Your Church
From the Session
The Session met on July 19, 2026, in the Trinity room. It was a called meeting to discuss a task force for a new location for Trinity. The session met on August 16,2026 in the Trinity room. The next meeting of Session will be September 20,2026.
During these meetings the Elders voted on several motions.
It was moved and passed that the Pastor nominating committee continue searching for a full-time Pastor coinciding with the search for a new worship space for Trinity.
Session voted to send a letter to both congregations sent from our session and their board of directors addressing the reasons for a change of location.
Session voted to accept the resignation of Harvey Hanks from the Board of Deacons due to ongoing health recuperation.
It was moved and passed to let Ilace Mears reserve the sanctuary December 6, 6:00 p.m. for her annual Hammer Dulcimer Advent concert.
The session voted by email to let Malinda Spencer forward Reverend Bill Haven’s last sermon at Trinity to the greater church. Motion passed
Clerks report: Our current Membership is 211. Our Average attendance for the worship service, in person, June 21-August 9, 2026 was 82.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Patty Dunn, Clerk of Session
The following is a list of various committees’ activities.
The Pastor Nominating Committee:
Bob Kick, Chair, reported that the PNC is finalizing the updated MDP for the CLC website and should have it submitted in the next few weeks.
Trinity Location search task force: Members Larry Bledsoe, Sarah Muegge, Max Perryman, Paula Tindall. The task force discussed possible options like buying, building or renting a new facility, and merging with another congregation. They will explore pros and cons of each idea keeping in mind cost, size requirements, parking, current needs and space requirements. They are looking at ways to gather information and how to communicate progress. The task for will meet Tuesday, August 25 at 2:30.
Finance Committee: Larry Bledsoe, Chair,
Ed Daniel, Cindy Rodgers, Jeanne Simpson, Max Perryman, David Hart, Bob Kick (Treasurer), Stephen Kane (Assistant Treasurer), Rev. Tom Willadsen.
The Finance Committee continues to monitor Trinity’s financial position. The
church ended July 2026 still on a positive note. Bob Kick indicated there may be additional depletion of the accumulated surplus due to reduced giving during summer months.
Christian Education and Faith Formation: Mike Simpson, Chair
The committee is working on the fall Sunday school schedule for adults and children which will resume September 13.
Mission and Public Witness: chair, Marsha Landrith
Rachel Circle provided the meal for Safe to Sleep in July. The Deacons are responsible for August. Food for Friends is every other month. They enjoyed the popsicles in July! We are taking a close look at the funds allocated by this committee and making plans for the 2027 budget.
Welcome and Fellowship: Chair, Kristin Butler
We look forward to hosting a “Dog Days of Summer” gathering on Sunday, Aug. 23, immediately following worship. Hot dogs and burgers will be provided by the committee, along with iced tea and coffee. The congregation is invited to bring sides to share.
Generosity and Engagement: Chair, Beth Kick
The Generosity & Engagement Committee continues to prepare the elements of this year’s stewardship campaign. In conjunction with staff and the Worship and Music Committee, we are planning a “Trinity Expo” (Trinity-centric) worship service October 11 to highlight some of the ways Trinity lives out the mission of the Church. Pledge cards will be received October 25, followed by the annual Pie Supper hosted by the Welcome & Fellowship Committee.
Worship and Music: Martha Bledsoe and Susan Uffman, Co-chairs
The Worship & Music committee met Wednesday, Aug. 12 to plan worship that glorifies God, celebrates our redemption through Jesus Christ, and allows the Holy Spirit to equip us for service in the world. We discussed ideas for Advent, which begins Sunday, Nov. 29.
The choir will return on Sunday, Sept. 13. Ushers are scheduled through October, and liturgists are scheduled through November. Trinity will celebrate communion on Sunday, Sept. 6.
Communication: Brenda Havens, Chair
The committee reviewed the website from the perspective of visitors looking for a church. The goal is to help non-members quickly understand who Trinity is, what it offers, and how to visit.
The committee is also reviewing Trinity’s social media presence. Rev. Spradlin’s report summarizes activity on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, highlighting low-cost ways to expand Trinity’s reach and the positive impact of its social media efforts. The committee is beginning to explore new ways to share Trinity’s ministry with the community.
PW – Trinity Presbyterian Women
All women belonging to a Presbyterian church (PCUSA) are members of Presbyterian Women (PW). PW is an inclusive and caring community of women whose activities center on the PW Purpose: Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves
To nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study.
To support the mission of the church worldwide.
To work for justice and peace.
To build an inclusive, caring, community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom.
2026-2027 PW OFFICERS
Moderator: Susan Uffmann
Past Moderator: Carol Minton
Secretary: Rotating Coordinating Team
Treasurer: Susan Hart
COORDINATING TEAM
The Coordinating Team consists of the officers, a member of each Circle, and an at-large member of the congregation. We would like to add one or two more women from the at-large group – might that be you? The Coordinating Team meets quarterly to plan activities, select mission projects, and “check-in” with everyone.
SUPPORT TRINITY PW
If you haven’t donated yet, this is a reminder to make your contribution to support mission projects locally, nationally, and internationally. Make checks payable to Trinity Presbyterian Women and give or send to Treasurer, Susan Hart, 2473 E Edgewood, Springfield, MO 65804.
PW Bible Study Circles
If you are interested in joining a Circle, or need to change the day or time you attend, please contact any of the Circle liaisons listed.
Lydia Circle: 1st Tuesday, 10:00 am at Trinity, Room 17
Liaison – Susan Uffmann, 417-827-2487
Rachel Circle: 2nd Wednesday, 10:00 am at various locations
Liaison – Betty Crewe, 760-814-0038
Rebecca Circle: 2nd Tuesday, 2:30 pm at Trinity, Trinity Room & On-line
Liaison - Jan Redfern, 417-225-2435
Sarah Circle: 2nd Tuesday, 10:00 am at Trinity, Room 17
Liaison – Brenda Kane, 417-773-5583
Dog Days of Summer (Indoor) Picnic
Come to Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday, Aug. 23 for summertime food and fellowship! Your Welcome & Fellowship committee will provide grilled hot dogs (meat and vegan), buns, and cold drinks. You are invited to bring a side or dessert of your choosing.
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:
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.
Aug. 23 - Bill Trotter
Aug. 30 - Brenda Sneed
Sept. 6 - Clancy Cherry
Sept. 13 - Anita Dixon
Sept. 20 - Hayden Pyle
Sept. 27 - Cletus Johnson
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 meets in Fellowship Hall at 10:15.
Personal Endings - Discussion on why and how you might plan for your end.
Sunday, August 23-- The Bible for People with Short Attention Spans: 1 Thessalonians
Sunday, August 30—Sleep: The Great End of the Day
This last lesson will be an overview of the class Pastor Tom taught at Synod School last month, Sleep: A User’s Guide
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 or contact the church office. 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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