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Distractions
I promised to share a bit about my sabbatical time through several articles. Here is the first installment.
I spent most of May at home and focused my time on what might be called “enrichment.” I took a mobile photography class. Many of us have no idea how powerful the camera on our smartphones is. As I was preparing for time away in New England and the UK, I wanted to explore whether it would be possible to rely only on my phone camera and leave my larger DSLR camera behind. If you have a smartphone made in the last five years, you hold a dynamic camera comparable to any you have ever owned.
During my last sabbatical, I took a “minimalism” course, which is the art of reducing your overall “footprint” in life. The personal challenge is to focus on what’s important. The genesis of my interest stems from a quote I read by Fred Rogers, “Deep and simple is far more effective than shallow and complex.” It’s a quote that has shaped more and more of my life, my preaching, and my overall ministry. I’ve become much more conscious of the products I own and the economy of the words I use to convey meaning.
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I’ve become convinced by the truth that we are overwhelmed by information. The value of the information is not the issue. Each day, I receive information that is valuable. Yet, I receive so much information that the value is lost. It’s my role to limit the information I receive so that the valuable rises to the top. During this sabbatical, I took a class on reducing distractions, primarily electronic. Do you know how hard this is? The electronic ecosystem is designed to get your attention and keep it. Google, Facebook, and other social media sites especially are allowed to read your email and all your online activity (anonymously, so they say) so that they can learn what you like and send you ads to buy related products. I spent three months deleting apps and unsubscribing from all types of email newsletters and marketing notices. | |
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Yet, I’m not sure it’s made a difference. The Apple ecosystem is a bit better as it allows you to opt out of tracking. Though I’m not sure it works. Nevertheless, it has been a useful project. I think it has helped some. The goal is to free up space in my day so that I can focus on what is truly important to me: God, family, friends, and my ministry at Trinity.
One of the practices I learned in class is taking time to write down all the places in my life that I get information from: mail, text messages (do you have more than one number?), email (every account), and social media (every platform). How many different apps, accounts, etc., do you receive distractions from each day? How can you reduce them? Do you need them?
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Reducing distractions is a challenging task for individuals and organizations. All organizations have shifted from communicating through the US mail to email, websites, and the like—even at church. If you’ve gotten this far in reading this note, then you likely have Trinity at the top of your list of communities you want to be a part of and Trinity is important to you. That makes my heart glad.
Sabbaticals are a time to focus on what’s important. Reducing distractions is a practice that helps me answer the question, “What is truly important to me?”
By Grace,
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Sunday Worship
Each Sunday, we celebrate the Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:45. Breakfast is served from 9:00 to 9:30, Christian Formation for all ages takes place from 9:30 to 10:30, and our Nursery is open from 9:15 to 12:00. We host a Coffee Hour after the 10:45 service in the Church Street Courtyard.
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The Church of the Advocate opens at 1:00 and celebrates the Eucharist at 1:30, and we celebrate a candlelight Celtic Eucharist service in the church at 5:30. | | |
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Adult Forum
Reading the Bible Literately,
not Literally
9:30-10:30 - Undercroft & Zoom
September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29.
The Adult Forum class is titled, This class will run from September 1 to 29. The Bible is not one book – it comprises many books written in several different genres. You’ll find poetry, narrative, legal codes, history, personal letters, and more. Every week, we’ll look at one particular piece of Scripture and consider how its literary style, genre, and context help us understand it.
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The Clark Room Conversations class is titled, “The Word for Today.” In this class we will consider the bible passages appointed to be read for worship. | | |
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Additional Parking on Sunday Mornings
Additional parking spaces are available at the Ravenscroft Office Suites at 29 Ravenscroft Drive, across the street from Trinity. A sign signifies parking for Trinity Church. If you can, please leave parking closest to the church for those with difficulty walking.
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Connie Wilson, Nancy Dexter,
Jennifer Pearson, Ralph Simpson, Matt Sharp
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Vestry Nominations
The Vestry Nominating Committee is now receiving nominations for service on Trinity’s Vestry. Our Annual Meeting and Vestry elections are on November 17. To serve on the Vestry one must be a confirmed member, 18 years and older who participates with their time, talent and treasure. If you know someone who you think would serve Trinity well, your nomination is welcome. You do not need to speak with the person ahead of time. More information about the responsibilities of serving on the Vestry and a link to the nomination form can be found by clicking "CLICK TO NOMINATE" on the left.
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Club 345
This Sunday following the 10:45 Service
Club 345 goes to Tropical Mini Golf this Sunday, the 8th. This is for children who are in the Rite in the Middle Sunday School class (roughly 3rd-5th grades). Bring your lunch to eat in Tuton Hall right after the service and $10 for golf. Pick up around 2:15/2:30 pm.
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Fresh Eggs for Breakfast!
Local, farm-fresh eggs for breakfast! This fall our Sunday breakfast cost has shifted from $5 to $6, which includes eggs from Dry Ridge Farm. Breakfast is from 9:00 - 9:30a every Sunday. If you would like to volunteer to prepare breakfast, please contact debbie@trinityasheville.org.
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Creation Corner
Good News Gardens Field Days
A time to connect with each other and learn about what it means to be “Good News” in Creation—including topics of botany, gardening, climate justice, and green burial.
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The diocese invites all to participate! September 22-24, 2024 at Kanuga in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Dr. Mallory McDuff, keynote speaker on Wednesday evening, will speak to the intersection of agrarian ministry-churchland stewardship-creation care.
St. John’s in the Wilderness, Flat Rock, NC will share news of their volunteer work in Kanuga’s Foster Education Garden.
Delia Jovel Dubon from Tierra Fértil Coop, a Hispanic, worker-owned farm cooperative partnering with western North Carolina’s Episcopal Churches in food ministry, will also speak.
Immerse yourself in a variety of engaging activities, from forest bathing and sound baths to music and stories around the fire. We'll also share a farm-to-table supper in the garden, fostering a sense of community and time to reflect on how to apply our learning.
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Midweek Eucharist:
Wednesdays at 12:15
Every Wednesday, we offer a midweek worship service at 12:15 (and ending around 12:45). The church will also be open from 11:30-1:00 for anyone seeking a place for private contemplative prayer.
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The Rector's Bible Study:
The Rector’s Online Bible Study will resume on Thursday evenings in September.
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The Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study meets on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:45 in the conference room. Open to all women.
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EfM Classes to Begin in September
The Education for Ministry Program at Trinity has been a part of the Christian Education program since 2000. This is a distance learning certificate program from the University of The South. It is a program of lay theological education combining worship, group and individual study, and spiritual reflection. Groups of 6-12 people meet weekly for 36 weeks over four years. The first year students study the Old Testament, the New Testament in the second year, and Church History in the third year. The fourth year is a selection of Theological, Spiritual and Ethical readings. What makes EfM different from a Bible Study is the Theological Reflections, an exercise that connects the study of scripture and our daily lives. Our leader, Deacon Peggy, says, “I started EfM as a student in 1992. I learn new perspectives and ideas from every group. My goal as a mentor is to create a space where participants can begin to verbalize what they believe and why they believe it. Each group becomes a supportive community where ideas can be freely shared.” There are openings for the new class that begins in September. The cost is $325.00, with scholarships available. If you are interested or want more information, contact Peggy Buchanan at 778-0920.
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Becoming Beloved Community
Becoming Beloved Community Book Group meets on Wednesdays from 6:00 - 7:30 in the Clark Room and on Zoom. We discuss the intersection of social and environmental justice. Contact Page McCorkle for information:pageconnermccorkle@gmail.com.
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Women's Retreat 2025
Mark your calendar: the 2025 women’s retreat will be March 28-30.
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NURSERY CARE
Nursery care is offered for infants through 3-year-olds who are not fully potty trained. The nursery opens at 9:15 through the end of the 10:45 service.
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GODLY PLAY
We offer three classes:
Godly Play 1-for 3 year olds that are fully potty trained through PreK
Godly Play 2- Kindergarten through 2nd grade
Rite in the Middle-3rd-5th grades
These classes are located in the downstairs children’s area (enter the church through the doors at the covered porch by the playground and immediately head down the stairs.)
CHILDREN'S HOUR
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 am) We join parents upstairs after The Peace.
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Youth - Grades 6-7 and 8-12 | |
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Youth Formation begins today!. So excited to have a middle and high school classroom this year.
Middle School Class (grades 6-7)
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 8-12)
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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Family Friends and Faith
Middle School Retreat 2024
September 14 and 15 (Leave Trinity at 1:00
Camp Henry/Lake Logan
Middle Schoolers and Youth Leaders
Cost: $125
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Middle schoolers, youth leaders, and chaperones please join us at Camp Henry/Lake Logan Conference Center, September 14th-15th. At the retreat, we will dive into our faith and how our relationships with our families and friends play a key role in our relationship with Christ! Youth Council and Charlotte have planned a fun and exciting retreat full of fun and fellowship! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER | | |
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Trinity Episcopal Youth Group
Grades 6-12 - Sunday, September 22 from Noon until 4:00p. I have reserved the lakefront at Lake Logan. We will swim and have access to the boats. Please bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. Please RSVP by Thursday, September 19. Everyone must complete a guest registration and release form before arrival if they haven’t done so within the same calendar year. Parents or legal guardians can complete the form for youth/children and indicate the youth/child’s name and age. - Debbie
The online release form can be found here:
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Other News and Opportunities | | |
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Chancel Choir
All are welcome to join the Trinity Chancel Choir, which rehearses on Wednesdays from 7-8:30. This is a great time to join the choir. Contact Dr. Kevin Seal at kevin@trinityasheville.org or by phone at the church offices.
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2nd Chapter Book Group
This traditional ladies' group that meets on the 2nd Thursday of every other month at 10:00am in the Clark Room. The October 10 selection is The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore. For more information, please contact Barbara Fotinos at bfotinos@gmail.com.
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Trinity Caregivers’ Group
The Trinity Caregivers’ Group meets by Zoom every second Friday. We welcome all who care for a loved one(s), local or at a distance, diagnosed with some form of dementia. Challenges and experiences are shared.
Dr. Corkie Morrill is a retired geropsychologist, and Peggy Buchanan is a retired Deacon and nurse, and they facilitate the group. Corkie Morrill 828-684-3972, corkiemorrill@charter.net.
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Trinity Stories That Matter
Trinity Stories That Matter is our blog that highlights member interest pieces, such as weddings, births, achievements, celebrations, graduations, the death of an extended family member, and past and some upcoming special events. Read the latest edition, including a post from our new Senior Acolyte by clicking the link on the website homepage or Stories That Matter | Trinity Episcopal. Please email Ken Wilson at ken@trinityasheville.org to share your story.
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The Appalachian Regional Ministry is a partnership with churches and other leaders in Graham County, one of the poorest in our region. We travel to Robbinsville monthly to cook, distribute food, and work with community leaders in other ways. We welcome your presence! Contact the church office to reach Tom Goodrich.
Help cook and serve breakfast from 8:00 to 9:30 on Sundays. Paul Hatfield 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 contact Debbie Cox at debbie@trinityasheville.org.
Every Sunday after the 10:45 service, the Church of the Advocate can use your help to serve a meal to the homeless. No cooking skill is needed—contact the Rev. Mike Reardon at mreardon@reddooravl.org.
Trinity volunteers travel to Lake Logan every Thursday for service and fellowship to paint cabins, repair furniture, sew curtains, and landscape. Contact Carlyn Pheil (carlynpheil@gmail.com).
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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. You can donate to Trinity however is convenient for you. Our address is 60 Church Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, text “trinityavl” to 73256, or use the “Donate” button on our website. Thank you. (trinityasheville.org). CLICK HERE TO GIVE.
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Trinity Clergy, Staff, and Vestry | |
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The Following Immediate and Ongoing Prayer concerns remain for a period of six weeks
unless they are intentionally renewed by calling the church office.
IMMEDIATE CONCERNS: Moore, Smith, &Mendelson families, Nancy Ackermann Cole,
Rachel and Hudson Worley, Robert White, Linda, Mark Stephens, Neal Owings, Laurie Hamilton, Tonya Fotinos, Lynne Diehl, Neil Grant, Leo Duncan, Jane Clark
ONGOING CONCERNS: Molly Gray (granddaughter of Sam & Paul Faeth)
HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS &THOSE IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES:
Evelyn Hemphill, Gus Boone, Karen Taylor, Clare & Hugh Stephens
FOR THOSE IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY: Lt. Cmdr. Alexander M. Ford (son of John Mark and Charlene Ford), WO. Brendan Gilbert (grandson of Curt Gilbert); Davis N. Graham, Lieutenant J.G. (grandson of Jane Clark), Captain Brooks Jarnigan, Army Intelligence (nephew of Dale & Cindy Carroll); Col. Jon C. McDaniel, U.S.M.C. (son of Mr. & Mrs. R. Allison McDaniel), Adrienne Welker, US Navy Band (daughter of Leslie Welker), Gerald Welker, Jr, US Air Force Band (son of Leslie Welker), SN John Work, US Navy (son of Becky & Jack Work)
BIRTHDAYS: Madalyn Benn, Peggy Buchanan, Peter Gentling, Forrest Harvey, Karen Taylor,
Henry Wilder, Mary Anderson, Susan Haldane, Jeff Imes, Bee Sieburg, Brooks Hemphill,
Amy Fleming, Bailey Groh, Stan Hubbard Jr, Macrae Randall, Caroline Wilder, Bob Zito,
Jackson Ebner, Dana Cole, Kristi Goodrum, Paige Alspaugh, Spencer Atwater Jr, Robert Byrd,
Ben Hemphill, Justin McCleery, Jim McCurry Jr, Anna Whisnant, Penelope Whitman,
Jennifer King
ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK Paul & Chris Dismukes, Blake & Spencer Butler,
Lang & Ann-Patton Hornthal, David & Dillon Manly, Anne & Owen Dowling
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