Trinity Newsletter for October 22, 2026
The Work of your Church
From the Session
The Session met on September 20, 2026, and October 18, 2026, in the Trinity room. The next meeting of Session will be November 15,2026.
During these meetings the Elders voted on several motions.
It was moved and passed that the Reverend Alyssa Spraddlin’s salary increase to $50,000 and to allow her to declare a Housing Allowance for reimbursement.
Session voted to send a letter to Westminster Presbyterian church inviting them to discussions around sharing space.
Session voted to send a letter to Brentwood Christian Church exercising our option to renew our access agreement to reflect an “end of use” on March 22, 2028.
The PNC moved that Session accept the revised Ministry Discernment Profile increasing the base pay and information about our housing situation. Session approved the motion.
Session approved 3 additions/corrections to the Manual of Administrative Operations recommended by the Personnel committee.
A policy on paid Holidays
A policy on the privacy of giving
A policy on Staff Hiring procedures
The Session approved a congregational meeting to be held after the Service on November 22, 2026 to present the nominations for new officers, nominating committee members and the new Clerk of Session
Session approved a contract for Pastor Tom starting December 1, 2026- November 30, 2027.
Clerk’s report: Our current Membership is 211. Our Average attendance for the worship service, August 16 through October 11 is 86.6 for in person worship.
The following is a list of various committees’ activities.
Trinity Location Search Task Force: Members Larry Bledsoe, Sarah Muegge, Max Perryman, Paula Tindall.
The task force recommended a letter be sent to Westminster Presbyterian Church inviting them to discussions about sharing their space.
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 September 2026 still on a positive note.
The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer have successfully implemented the in-house QuickBooks software, and we will soon have all the adjustments made and up to date Financial Reports.
All committees need to submit 2027 budget information to the treasurer before the November Finance Committee on Sunday November 8, 2026.
Christian Education and Faith Formation: Mike Simpson, Chair
There was strong attendance for 13 weeks of Summer Topics including overall attendance of 283 people.
Topics for Adult and Children’s Sunday School are identified for fall.
Mission and Public Witness: chair, Marsha Landrith
Rachel Circle provided the meal for Safe to Sleep in July. The Deacons were responsible for it in 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.
The Mission and Public Witness Committee elected to pay $4,672 to the public school system to pay off previous lunch balances for children from Watkins, Weller, Williams, Bissett, and York elementary schools. The payment was made through the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.
The committee authorized $500 to Southwest Kansas Presbytery to assist area churches as they deal with the aftermath of an ICE raid that left children without their parents. John Calvin Presbytery also provided $500.
Welcome and Fellowship: Chair, Kristin Butler
We enjoyed hosting a “Dog Days of Summer” gathering on Sunday, Aug. 23, immediately following worship. Dogs and burgers were provided by the committee, along with iced tea and coffee. The congregation was invited to bring sides to share.
In celebration of Pastor Appreciation Month, 55 people enjoyed fellowship and a hearty meal at Pizza with the Pastors on Oct.4, hosted by Welcome & Fellowship.
We will host the annual Pie Supper following worship on Oct. 25.
A Trinity Connects luncheon is planned for Nov. 8, for those interested in learning more about Trinity.
Generosity and Engagement: Chair, Beth Kick
The Generosity & Engagement Committee met three times in September to prepare stewardship materials and plans for the Trinity Expo worship service held Oct. 11. The committee appreciates the efforts of Rev. Alyssa Spradlin in putting our ideas into print and coordinating logistics (and liturgy) for the Oct. 11 worship service. We also appreciate these voices of stewardship: Christine Horst, Julia & Hayden Pyle, and Ilace Mears who presented a Moment for Stewardship this month; Robert Reed and Teresa Olsen who led worship Oct. 11; and Teresa Olsen, Brenda Havens, Cynthia Oliver, Susan Uffmann, and Robert Reed who shared ways Trinity members serve as the hands and feet of Christ during the Trinity Expo worship service.
Stewardship packets were handed out or mailed Oct. 4. Pledge cards of financial pledges (white card) and pledges of time and talent (yellow card) will be received during worship Oct. 25, followed by our traditional Pie Supper, hosted by the Worship and Fellowship Committee. If you are unable to attend worship Oct. 25, please mail your pledge to the church office (Trinity Presbyterian Church, Attn: Treasurer, 1900 E. Barataria St., Springfield, MO 65804) as soon as possible. Your pledge helps the session make plans for 2027.
Worship and Music: Martha Bledsoe and Susan Uffman, Co-chairs
Worship and Music Committee met on Wednesday, September 9.
We are planning a joyous Advent season, with heartfelt music, plays, candle lightings, and services.
Trinity will celebrate communion on Oct. 4 and Nov. 1.
We continue to offer worship that is creative and meaningful.
The Worship & Music committee met Wednesday, Oct. 14 to plan worship that draws us into community for glorifying God, celebrating our redemption through Jesus Christ, and opening us to the Holy Spirit’s leading of our work in the world.
Communication: Brenda Havens, Chair, Reverend Alyssa Spradin, co-chair
Members contributed ideas for making the website more user friendly. Rev. Spradlin will make changes as reported and members were encouraged to continue to spend time examining the website.
The committee voted to increase the budget for a second whiteboard, so there will be one at each entrance.
Board of Deacons: Moderator, Sarah Muegge
The Deacons enjoyed serving 52 women at Safe to Sleep in September.
The Deacons’ next meeting is November 8, 2026.
For questions regarding the work of the Session, you may contact Patty Dunn, Clerk of Session
Dedication Sunday this Week!
As Ilace Mears and Rev. Barry Williams reminded us Sunday, each of us has an important role in serving God together. Please bring your pledge cards this Sunday: The white card pledging financial gifts to Trinity next year and the yellow card detailing ways you hope to share your time and talents in 2027. And then there will be pie…
Thank you for all the ways you are a blessing through Trinity!
(If you are unable to attend worship Sunday, October 25, please mail your pledge to Trinity Presbyterian Church, Attn: Treasurer, 1900 E. Barataria, Springfield, MO 65804.)
Pie Supper this Sunday
It's a Trinity tradition to celebrate God's abundance with a pie supper on Stewardship Sunday every year. Your Welcome & Fellowship committee will host the 12th annual pie supper — with both sweet and savory options — immediately after worship on Sunday, Oct. 25 in Fellowship Hall.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8)
All Saints’ Sunday: A Time of Remembrance
On Sunday, Nov. 1 we will pause during worship to remember those in our congregation and beyond who have entered the Church Triumphant at their death. As each name is read aloud, a bell will ring — echoing our prayers of thanks for the "ordinary, holy lives of believers in this and every age."
Trinity's All Saints remembrance is not limited to members of this congregation. To request that a loved one's name be included, please contact Kristin Butler by Oct. 31.
Trinitys Connects Luncheon
Would you like to learn what Trinity is all is about? Considering membership, or just want to connect?
You’re invited to TRINITY CONNECTS! It’s an informal conversation over lunch with Pastor Tom, an elder and a deacon. Bring your questions and your appetite to Room 17 right after worship on Sunday, Nov. 8. Lunch is on us!
RSVPs are appreciated but not required; call 417-414-5544
Mr. Rogers Sweater Drive
Beginning November 1 we are once again collecting hoodies and sweatshirts for teenagers and children through the end of the month. At the west door there will be large bins to collect the items. Afterwards, they will be donated to Care To Learn. Again this year we are asking for new items.
When shopping if you see a good buy on a winter coat for a child or winter hats or gloves, they will be gladly accepted.
There will be more details during the Minute for Mission Sunday, October 25.
In Honor of Clergy Appreciation Month
Trinity Kids Invite You to Participate in Socktober
New socks for adults will be shared in the community as the weather turns cold.
Collection box at the West Entrance through Oct. 31.
Your Mission and Public Witness Committee, with the help of the youth of the church, are conducting a sock drive for our friends in need. We are turning October into Socktober! Please bring new socks to the church and find the beautiful Socktober container the kids decorated. They will be shared when we serve the Food for Friends meal later in the month. Sock-It-To-Us!
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:
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.
Oct. 25 - Sue Reynolds
Nov. 1 - Clancy Cherry
Nov. 8 - Katherine Bohnenkamper
Nov. 15 - Daphne Anderson
Nov. 22 - Carla Wooten
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
Children's Sunday School will study stories from the Gospel's including The Woman at the Well, The Rich Man and stories of Miracles and Healing in October and November. We have crafts, games and treats that accompany each lesson. Hope you can join us.
SALT (Studying and Learning Together)
Our first study is Genesis: A Beginner's Guide to the Beginning by Amy-Jill Levine.
Levine presents Genesis as a living text, one that continues to shape faith, identity and our understanding of what it means to be human. These familiar stories are often heard in fragments; here, they are explored with care, curiosity, and theological insight. This is a six-session study which includes videos with the author. Please come join us!
Topical Discussions Sunday School
Please join us for Sunday School weekly in the Fellowship Hall. We enjoy good fellowship, hot coffee, and delicious treats as we discuss God’s presence in our daily lives. If you are unable to join us in person, then please Zoom with our fellowship, using the links provided in each Sunday morning e-mail from Trinity. For any questions, please ask any of our members or call Dave Muegge.
In October 2026 our topics include:
October 25 - The Holy Spirit-in the Epistles of Paul Pastor Hamilton Marilyn Bell
Our first lessons this fall semester, are based on Pastor Adam Hamilton’s newest book, The Holy Spirit: God’s Presence and Power at Work in Us
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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