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A Note from
Lynda Metcalfe,
designer of Trinity's Advent Wreath
We have called the advent wreath a ‘wreath’ even though it is not remotely a wreath. But you all know what we mean by that and the tradition that encompasses it. As I designed the piece, I aimed to honor the tradition and the place: I wanted to create something for the church that would look like it had always been there.
When I was dreaming up designs for the gates and the courtyard lights, the other metal lighting inside the church was never far from my mind. I believe they were made by the Rambusch company from New York in the early 20th century, and to my eye, they are beautiful examples of skilled craftsmanship by metal artisans.
The final design of the advent wreath incorporates special attention to the lighting in the church, the delicate gothic twists and cutouts reminiscent of wood and stone tracery work. A hugely heavy wreath would add weight to the problems of suspending it, but it did need to have enough presence to be able to pick it out in front of the magnificent stained glass main window. The flat panel arms are supported with curved bars that mirror their shapes and support the structure and any bridge design while adding visual substance. I have included a picture of the advent wreath in its red undercoat paint when I did a preparatory setup check, I hope you enjoy seeing the detail that is in the wreath a bit closer up.
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This Sunday is
the second Sunday in Advent.
The season of Advent is one of reflection. Therefore, you will notice some changes to our Sunday worship. There is an English tradition of using blue during Advent. Blue is the color for Mary, the Mother of our Lord, and Advent is Mary’s season in many ways. As Mary waits for the birth of her child, so do we. You will notice greens on the altar instead of flowers to reflect the simplicity we seek at this time of year.
Likewise, our music will be more in line with the reflective nature of the season; for those new to the Episcopal tradition, this can be a bit of a shock! But embracing the themes of looking and longing and repenting and recognizing our need for Jesus to come prepares us for the joy of Christmas. Rest assured, we will sing our beloved Christmas carols together beginning on Christmas Eve when we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity.
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The Bishop of Myra
The Bishop of Myra will make his annual appearance this Sunday! All children will come to the 10:45 service and join "St. Nick" at the front of the church for a story and possibly some treats! The normal homily is being replaced with the bishop’s visit.
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Lessons & Carols
Sunday, Dec. 10 at 5:30p
This coming Sunday evening, our Chancel Choir and a brass quintet will lead us in a traditional Candlelight Lessons and Carols service at 5:30, modeled after the famous service at King’s College, Cambridge. Ancient prophecies foretell the coming of a Messiah, and choral anthems illuminate the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. Music will include works by Palestrina, Bullard, Nixon, and Gardner.
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Worship
We celebrate the Eucharist at 8a and 10:45a and at a candlelight Celtic service at 5:30p; the Church of the Advocate celebrates the Eucharist at 1:30p. Breakfast is served in Tuton Hall from 9 to 9:30a. See the calendar below for all Sunday opportunities.
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The Adult Forum 9:30-10:30a
This Sunday In the Undercroft
The Veneration of Mary in Art (Dec 3-17)
with Jennine Hough
The Veneration of Mary in Art, with Jennine Hough (Dec 3-17) This week, the story of the Biblical Mary will continue, starting with her presence at the Crucifixion and Pentecost, and continuing with her continuing legendary presences and the numerous dedications to her in altarpieces, Madonnas and Notre-Dames.
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Trinity Connect Class
Sunday Dec. 10th @ 9:30am
Trinity Connect class is being held this Sunday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in Tuton Hall. Attending the Trinity Connect class allows those new to Trinity to learn more about the Trinity community quickly. We review Trinity's history, mission, and ministry and try to answer any questions you may have about our life as a community of faith in Christ.
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Clark Room Conversations
9:30-10:30a
This Sunday
From Figs to Oaks: the Landscapes of Advent
with Rev. Amy (Dec 3-17)
What is the lesson of the fig tree? Why will the mountains be made low? And what makes oaks particularly righteous? Join Rev. Amy to discuss the natural imagery in our hymns and lectionary texts for Advent this month.
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Coffee Hour will be in the Church Street Courtyard
following the 10:45 service.
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Additional Parking on Sunday Mornings
Please note that we have made arrangements to have a new parking lot available to us on Sunday mornings: the Ravenscroft Office Suites at 29 Ravenscroft Drive, across the street from Trinity. There will be a sign out front on Sundays to signify parking for Trinity Church. Trinitarians who do not have difficulty walking may choose to park here to leave more parking close to the church for those who have mobility issues and to welcome newcomers.
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Opportunities During the Advent Season | | |
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Christmas Memorials and Dedications
As is our custom, we invite you to make a donation as a memorial for a loved one who has died or in thanksgiving for a loved one. The Christmas Eve bulletin will include the names of those you request. As always, your gift helps adorn Trinity with decoration and music for our Christmas celebrations. Neither our decorations nor our music (brass included) will disappoint. You may make your dedication and donation using the envelopes that will be in the pews from now until December 17, or you may use the form on our website. Click on Christmas Dedications under “Worship With Us.” Deadline is December 17.
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Advent Recital Series
Wednesdays 13, and 20
Please join us at our annual Advent Recital Series on Wednesdays, December 13 and 20, at 12:00 in the Nave. The musicians include Gray Pearson, organ and piano (12/13); Jessica Schaeffer, harp; and Kate Steinbeck, flute (12/20). The recitals will last thirty minutes, and lunch will follow for a donation of $6. Enjoy some quiet time and hear music reflecting the beauty of the season.
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Art Guild Annual Christmas Sale!
The Art Guild Table will be set up from 9:00 - 10:30 am and 11:45 - 1:00 in Tuton Hall or outside during coffee hour today and Dec. 17. Find some new treasures to take home and/or gift. All proceeds benefit Camp Henry Scholarships and Lake Logan.
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Advent Reflections
written by Trinitarians
One of our traditions here at Trinity is to create a daily devotional written entirely by members of our parish reflecting on each day’s assigned gospel reading. If you’d like to read along, there are a number of ways to participate: you can download the whole devotional at the link below, find it on our website, pick up a printed copy at the back of the church, or sign up to receive daily emails throughout the season containing the day’s reflection.
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Trinity has commissioned two pieces of calligraphy artwork
THIS SUNDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER
Trinity has commissioned two pieces of calligraphy artwork as a fundraiser for the Youth trip to Greece in 2024. The artwork is by Manuel Murillo, a local Asheville artist, and is available in two prints and two sizes, 8” x 10” ($45) and 12” x 16” ($85), matted and ready to frame. Please click the button on the left to see the options and to place your order.
The Youth will be collecting orders until noon on Sunday, December 10th. All orders will be ready for pick up during breakfast and coffee hour on Sunday, December 17th. These pieces make great Christmas, wedding, baby, and graduation gifts. Samples will be available to see during breakfast and coffee hour.
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Youth Confirmation 2024
Are you in 6th-12th grade? Join Rev. Amy for a special six-week confirmation course to learn about the foundations of our Christian faith. We’ll gather on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30, January 14-February 18, in the conference room in the oak hallway. When you were baptized, your parents made a commitment to raise you in the faith and love of God.
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Now, it’s your turn to choose for yourself. To be confirmed in April, students must attend five of the six Sunday morning classes, so please mark your calendar now. The course is open to any students; even if you’re already confirmed, you’re welcome to join us for a refresher; even if you’re not sure you want to be confirmed yet, you’re welcome to join us to explore. Confirmation Sunday will be April 28. | | |
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Creation Care Symposium
Join the Creation Care Committee at the Creation Care Alliance annual symposium at Montreat, Feb 2-3. The theme is “Sacred Symbiosis.” Presentations, workshops, and conversations will explore the relationships needed to build and nurture justice for all creation–human and non-human. To register, sign up on Realm. Scholarships are available!
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Women’s Retreat
Women’s Retreat at Valle Crucis with Rev. Dr. Lauren Winner, April 12-14, 2024. Registration is now full; to add your name to the waitlist, please email Rev. Amy.
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See above at "Today at Trinity". | | |
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The Rector's Bible Study:
Isaiah's Call to Hope in a Dark World
“Swords beaten into plowshares,” “a child blessed with the name Immanuel,” and “a call to prepare the way of the Lord in the Wilderness” are all of the Prophet Isaiah. In the upcoming session of Trinity’s “Rector’s Bible Study,” we will study the prophet and learn from him. He invites us to envision a great light shining for those walking in darkness and is the source of much worship that speaks to our hearts. He calls us with the famous words, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” The Rector’s Bible Study is a Zoom online study that meets on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 sharp. For more information or to be on the list to receive the Zoom link each Thursday, click here, or call the church office.
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Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study meets on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:00. Open to all women. (Note: Women’s Bible Study will not meet on December 12 but will meet on December 19. We will then break for two weeks, resuming regular meetings on January 9.)
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Becoming Beloved Community Book Group
Wednesdays 6:30-8:00
Becoming Beloved Community Book Group - Wednesdays 6:30-8:00p - Note that the time for meetings in October will be 7:15-8:30p. This group meets on Wednesdays (11/29 6:30-8:00; 12/13 6:30-8:00) in the Clark Room and on Zoom to discuss the book Braiding Sweetgrass – Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer.. More information >>>
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Godly Play
Godly Play classes- 9:30-10:30 a.m. We offer three classes: Godly Play 1 for 3-year-olds fully potty trained through PreK, Godly Play 2- Kindergarten through 2nd grade, and Rite in the Middle-3rd-5th grades. These classes are located downstairs in the children’s area. (Enter the church through the doors at the covered porch by the playground and immediately head down the stairs.)
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Children’s Hour from 10:30-11:30.
This is a separate worship service for ages 3 (potty trained) through 2nd grade. We head straight to the Undercroft after our Sunday School classes and then to the Redwood Chapel for our worship service. (For children that were not at Sunday School, simply meet us in the Undercroft at 10:30 a.m.) We join parents upstairs after The Peace.
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Children’s Choirs
The Alleluia Choir, for ages 4-2nd grade, meets Wednesdays from 5:00-5:30. The Jubilate Choir, for grades 3-8 meets Wednesdays from 5:30-6:00. Rehearsals begin September 13. Contact Sharon Boone at [email protected] or Beth Chestnut at [email protected].
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Club 345: Elf the Musical
at Asheville Community Theatre
Sunday, December 17
Please meet at Asheville Community Theatre at 1:45 pm- and pick up at the Theatre at 5:00p. The cost is $18 per person, and space is limited to the first ten 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to sign up. If you would like to buy concessions, please bring money for that. Please RSVP by Friday, December 8!
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Youth Formation Sundays, 9:30a
Middle School Class (grades 6-8) 9:30-10:30a The class meets in Trinity’s youth area and can be accessed from the stairs to the right of the Tuton Hall kitchen or from the outside door into the same stairway. The classroom is on the left, past the game room.
High School Class (grades 9-12) 9:30-10:30a The high school class meets in Trinity’s youth area. It’s located under Tuton Hall and can be accessed from the stairs to the right of the Tuton Hall kitchen or from the outside door into the same stairway. The classroom is the first room on the right of the youth kitchen.
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Elf the Musical at Asheville Community Theatre
Our next EYC (grades 6-12) is to see Elf the Musical at Asheville Community Theatre on Sunday, December 17; please meet at Asheville Community Theatre at 1:45 pm- and pick up at the Theatre at 5:00p. The cost is $18 per person, and space is limited to the first 14 youth to sign up. If you would like to buy concessions, please bring money for that. Please RSVP by Friday, December 8!
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Other News and Opportunities | |
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If you have pledged already, thank you! If you have not pledged, please consider doing so. Pledges are essential for us to meet our budget and to fulfill God’s call to carry out the ministries of Trinity Church. Every pledge is important, no matter the amount. To date, we have achieved about 98% of our goal. For your convenience, pledge forms are available online, at the back of the church, and at the Welcome desk.
We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul…. Hebrews 6:19
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Chancel Choir Rehearsals
Wednesdays at 7:00
We sincerely appreciate the choir's beauty and leadership in our services. We welcome new singers! Children’s choirs meet at 5:00 (see the Children’s section below for more information), and handbells meet on Mondays at 4:30. Please contact Sharon Boone at [email protected] for more information about joining these choirs.
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2nd Chapter Book Group
This traditional ladies' book group meets the second Thursday of every other month at 10:00 to discuss current books of interest (fiction and nonfiction). For more information, contact Barbara Fotinos at [email protected]..
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Trinity Caregivers’ Group
We welcome all who care for a loved one or loved ones (local or at a distance) who is/are diagnosed with some form of dementia. We discuss particular challenges and share our experiences. Dr. Corkie Morrill (retired geropsychologist) and Peggy Buchanan (retired deacon and nurse) facilitate the group. Open to all Trinitarians. Call or email Corkie Morrill (828-684-3972 or [email protected].
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Amber Guzy invited to join The Spirit of America Dance Team! | |
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Stories That Matter
Read the latest edition by clicking the link on the website homepage or Stories that Matter | Trinity Episcopal. Many new stories have recently been added! Check them out. Do you have something extraordinary to share? An interesting story? Celebrating a momentous occasion? Please email Nanette Popa at [email protected] to be featured in your own edition of Stories that Matter.
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Serve the Church and World | |
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Check out Trinity’s website to learn more about opportunities to serve the church and world. Here are some highlights:
- Heat and Serve ministry with the Church of the Advocate
- Appalachian Regional Ministry in Robbinsville, Graham County
- Habitat For Humanity, “Episcopal Build” coming up soon
- Office Volunteer
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Volunteer to help cook and serve breakfast from 8:00 -9:30a on Sundays. Paul does most of the work, but help scrambling eggs or flipping pancakes is greatly appreciated! Sign up on the bulletin board in Tuton Hall or email Debbie Cox at [email protected].
Making a Difference with Our Time and Talent. God has given each of us different gifts and talents we can use to share with the world. Trinity invites you to complete our Time and Talent Survey, which allows us to share our gifts and talents. To complete the survey, go to trinityasheville.org/time-talent-survey.
Trinity volunteers head out to Lake Logan every Thursday for service and fellowship. Please join us as we continue to paint cabins, repair furniture, sew curtains, and manage the landscape. Contact Fred Fairhead ([email protected]) and Carlyn Pheil ([email protected]) for more information.
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Episcopal Relief and Development
Relief for Turkey, Ukraine, and other National and International Concerns
Trinity partners with Episcopal Relief and Development to respond to national and international disasters. You can donate with a check payable to Trinity Church earmarked ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development). If you have a specific concern or want your money directed to “Ukraine,” “Middle East,” etc., make a note in the check's memo line. Or donate online by choosing Episcopal Relief and Development from the drop-down menu. You can also add specific concerns there too.
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Donations
You can donate to Trinity by any means that is convenient for you. Our address is 60 Church Street, Asheville, NC, 28801. Our website has a “GIVE” button in the upper right-hand corner (be sure to choose the right fund from the drop-down box). It works well on any mobile device (trinityasheville.org). CLICK HERE TO GIVE.
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