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A Joyful Day: Our Bishop Comes to Trinity
This Sunday, at the 10:45 service, we welcome the Right Reverend José McLoughlin, Bishop of Western North Carolina, to Trinity Church. The bishop is our chief pastor, a sign of our connection to the wider Church and, through the long chain of the laying-on of hands, to the apostles themselves. When the bishop comes, the family gathers.
And on this Sunday, the family gathers for something particular: a Baptism, Confirmations, a Reception, and the Renewal of Baptismal Vows. Four rites, one thread—and that thread is baptism itself.
Baptism. Everything begins here. In the waters of the font, a new Christian is buried with Christ and raised with him, marked as Christ's own forever, made a member of his Body and an inheritor of his kingdom. This is not merely a symbolic gesture we perform; it is a gift God gives. The Church gathers around the font not as spectators but as witnesses and promisers, pledging to support this new life in Christ. Whenever we baptize, the whole community is renewed in its own calling.
Confirmation. For our young people standing before the bishop, this is the day they answer for themselves what was said for them at the font. Parents and godparents once spoke the vows on their behalf—renouncing evil, professing faith, promising to follow Jesus. Today, they claim those vows as their own. With the bishop's hand on their heads, the Church asks the Holy Spirit to empower and sustain them for the life of faith they are taking up with open eyes and willing hearts. Confirmation is not a graduation from church; it is a public, grown-up "yes" to the One who has said yes to them all along.
Reception. Others among us on Sunday come from different streams of the Christian tradition—perhaps Roman Catholic, perhaps Lutheran, perhaps elsewhere. They have already been baptized, already been confirmed, already formed in a particular way of walking with Christ. Today, the bishop receives them into the Episcopal Church. Reception honors what has gone before. The Spirit's work in them did not begin when they walked through our red doors. And yet this day marks something real—the public recognition that Trinity is now their church home, this community their people, this table their table.
Renewal of Baptismal Vows. Still others come to reaffirm the promises made long ago. Life changes us. Faith deepens, falters, deepens again. Seasons of sorrow and seasons of joy send us back to the font to ask once more: Do I still believe? Will I still follow? For those renewing their vows today, the answer is yes—freshly, deliberately, before the bishop and the community that has walked with them.
Notice the shape of it. One is brought to the waters for the first time. Others claim for themselves what those waters already gave them. Still others are welcomed into a new expression of the life those waters began. And some come back to the font, years later, to say again what they have said before. Every rite on Sunday is a baptismal rite—each an act of the Spirit and of the Body, because that is how Christian identity has always worked: given in community, sustained in community, renewed in community.
Come Sunday, come to celebrate. Bring your prayers for those taking this step. Bring your gratitude for your own baptism, whenever and however it was first made. And bring your welcome for Bishop José, who comes to us not as a visitor but as a shepherd to his flock.
See you at the 10:45.
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Baptism and Confirmation
This Sunday!
On April 26 we will welcome our bishop, José Mcloughlin, to celebrate the sacraments of baptism, Confirmation, and we will welcome other adults through the rite of Reception and Renewal of Baptismal Vows. This Sunday's offering will be given to the Bishop’s Discretionary fund.
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You're Invited! Something meaningful is happening at Trinity, and we want you at the table. Over dinner, we’ll reflect together on a simple but powerful question: What has God been doing among us — and where is God calling us next? You’ll have the chance to share your perspective on what makes Trinity the community it is today. Join us at one of the dinner gatherings:
Wednesday, April 29, 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20, 5:00 p.m.
RSVP Here
ADD LANGUAGE: MUST REGISTER, WALL OF WONDER TIMELINE
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Red Bag Sunday, April 26
Our Outreach Team will have red bags available for pick up this Sunday to benefit Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries. Be sure to grab one to fill up! Please return them to the church next Sunday, May 3.
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Christ School at Celtic Service
Christ School will be at the Celtic Service this Sunday. Students and staff will be sharing their gifts of word and music this evening at our 5:30 service. The Rev. Peter Hartwig will be preaching and students from the music department will provide vocal and instrumental leadership.
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Supper Club: April 26
Don't miss the last Supper Club of the year, coming up this Sunday, April 26! Have you been in touch with your group about plans yet?
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Trinity Cleaning Day!
Join us Tuesday, April 28, 3:00–5:00 p.m. to help freshen up our kitchen, gardens, and more—supplies, dinner, and water provided. All ages welcome; register here, and contact Debbie Cox at 253-9361 or debbie@trinityasheville.org for details.
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Poetry Reading with Lee Stockdale
Trinitarian Lee Stockdale is hosting a poetry reading from his new book, Bronxville, on April 30 at 5:30. The event will take place in Tuton Hall with light refreshments served.
Come and enjoy! No registration required. Any proceeds from the sale of his book will go towards the upcoming youth missions trip to Ecuador.
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Everybody Upstairs returns May 3!
On May 3, children are invited to join the congregation upstairs for a joyful, shared worship experience, sitting together on the floor. There will be no Children’s Hour. The sermon will be told in Godly Play style, with children helping to share the story, and children will return to their parents afterward. If you enjoy the kid’s presence or are inspired by the Godly Play lesson, we are in need of more adult volunteers! If you’re interested, please contact nanette@trinityasheville.org
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EYC is headed to Big Air May 3!
EYC is heading to Big Air Trampoline Park for an afternoon of fun for youth in grades 6–12! Join us on Sunday, May 3, from 1:30–4:30 p.m.; drop-off and pick-up are at Trinity. The cost is $20 per person. Register by Friday, May 1 (click here). Please be sure to complete the online waiver before the event by clicking here. Register by Friday, May 1 at:
| Join us on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for An Evening with Marie Howe and Bruce Beasley: Readings and Conversations about Poetry and Prayer. Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Marie Howe, Poet in Residence at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and acclaimed poet Bruce Beasley will share their work and reflect on how poetry can open us to the language of prayer, faith, and wonder. Free and open to all. Email Amy with any questions: amy@trinityasheville.org. To read more about both poets, click here. | |
Newcomers Soirée
Join Rector Scott White and his wife, Missy Sherburne, for the Newcomers Soirée on Friday, May 8, from 4:30–6:30 PM at their home (400 Kimberly Avenue). This is a wonderful chance to connect with others, meet our staff, and be welcomed by members of our Good Shepherds ministry team. If you're new to Trinity, you should have already received an invitation through email. If you have not received one, please let us know so that we can make sure we have the correct information for you. Email rebecca@trinityasheville.org with questions. We do ask that you RSVP to this event by clicking here. We hope to see you there!
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Upcoming Music at Trinity Concert
Please plan to join us for the next Music at Trinity concert on Saturday, May 9 at 7 pm: An evening with Fingerstyle Guitar virtuoso Michael Gulezian. Michael comes from the sonic world of John Fahey and Michael Hedges, and he is one of the finest in the world at his craft. This promises to be a wonderful evening of music! Admission is free. Invite your neighbors and friends!
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Youth Sunday, May 10
Youth Sunday will be celebrated on May 10, at the 10:45 service. All youth are invited to take part in every aspect of worship that day, from reading and ushering to music leadership. Youth who would like to participate should contact Debbie. Youth who would like to play an instrument or sing are encouraged to contact Kevin Seal at kevin@trinityasheville.org.
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Debbie's Upcoming Sabbatical
As she celebrates her 25th year of ministry at Trinity, our wonderful Youth and Parish Life Director, Debbie, will be taking a two-month sabbatical starting in May—a much-deserved time for rest, renewal, and spiritual refreshment. Debbie has poured so much care, creativity, and joy into our community, and we’re excited for her to enjoy this time to recharge. We look forward to welcoming her back later this summer, renewed and ready for the next season of ministry! Learn more about Debbie’s sabbatical on our blog - click here.
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Introducing the Rector's Blog
We’re excited to share a new feature on Trinity’s website — The Rector’s Blog. This space gathers reflections, sermons (adapted for reading), and other writings from our rector, offering thoughtful insights rooted in our shared life of faith.
We hope you'il take a few moments to check it out!
Click here to read and subscribe.
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Sign up for a CSA through Trinity
A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, it’s a simple way to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce each week. Trinity's first CSA delivery of the season will be Thursday May 7. If you have been thinking it over, now is the time to subscribe. Each Veggie Box includes 5-7 organic seasonal vegetables, plus easy recipes based on the produce you receive. Boxes are $30 per week, charged weekly with no upfront cost and the flexibility to pause deliveries if needed.
Register here
Once logged in, navigate to 'Subscriptions' and select Trinity as your location. Add your Veggie Box Subscription to your cart, and check out. You won't be charged until deliveries go out each Thursday. For more information, please email leeseabrook@gmail.com.
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Trinity Sunday Vespers at Celtic Service
Mark your calendars for the 5:30 worship service on May 31st, when we will celebrate a special Vespers service for Trinity Sunday centered around the music of J. S. Bach. At the heart of the service will be a complete performance of Bach cantata BWV 78, "Jesu du der meine Seele", performed with a professional orchestra. Last year's Bach vespers was a highlight of our worship year, and this year's promises to be even better. Come experience some of the most sublimely beautiful music ever written, in the context of a wonderful contemplative service.
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Upcoming Adult Forum: Sibling Saints with Amy (Sundays, May 10-31)
Go back in time to the 4th century, and find three siblings who each helped shape the church in distinctive ways. We’ll begin by looking broadly at the Cappadocian church, and then spend a week each learning about Macrina, Basil, and Gregory. Optional readings will be distributed each week.
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Summer Schedule
It's hard to believe, but our summer schedule begins on June 7!
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VBS Registration Now Open
There are only a handful of spots left, so sign up asap! Join us for a fun-filled week of Vacation Bible School, June 22–26 from 9 AM–12 PM! Children ages 3 (fully potty-trained) through those who’ve just completed 5th grade are welcome. Registration is $45 per child, with a $20 discount for volunteers serving all four days. We are in serious need of volunteers for this event—many meaningful roles are available! Sign-up sheets will be at coffee hour and at the table leading out to the Aston Street Courtyard today. Come make a difference and be part of an unforgettable week of faith and fun. Scan the QR code above to register.
Click here to register a child.
Click here to register as a volunteer.
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WNC's AIDS Project: Dining Out For Life
Dining Out For Life, Western North Carolina AIDS Project’s key annual fundraiser, will take place on Thursday, April 30 at participating restaurants across WNC. It is especially important this year as HIV care and prevention face funding uncertainty and increased needs in rural communities.Proceeds support HIV care, prevention, testing, and housing assistance in 18 WNC counties; learn more and find participating restaurants by clicking here.
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Trinity Men's Retreat
Trinity is hosting a Men's Retreat at Lake Logan September 18-20. We will have a great combination of fellowship, reflection, and fun! We will start on Friday evening and finish up on Sunday mid-morning. $225 for double occupancy (2 beds to a room). Send an email to Chris at jcdecker71@gmail.com with questions or if you’d like to help with planning! Click here to register.
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Adults:
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Parents in Conversation usually meets in the Clark Room during the Sunday formation hour (9:30–10:30) for informal conversations about life and parenting. All are welcome. Contact the Rev. Amy Peterson with questions
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Reading the Bible Literately, Not Literally: New Adult Forum Beginning April 12, led by Ed Bleynat (April 12, 19, 26, & May 3), this course invites us to explore how the Bible’s literary forms and contexts reveal God’s word and call us to justice and compassion.
Children and Youth:
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Godly Play for children happens during the Sunday formation hour (9:30–10:30) with three classes, serving potty-trained three year olds through fifth-grade.
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Nursery is available starting at 9:15 until after the 10:45 service.
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Children’s Hour Ages 3 to second grade meets at 10:45 in the Undercroft for snacks and worship; children and youth above 2nd grade are invited to join their guardians for Holy Eucharist. Children Hour attendees return to parents after the Peace
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High School (grades 9-12) meets Sundays at 9:30 in the youth area under Tuton Hall, accessible from the same stairway
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Middle School (grades 6-8) meets Sundays at 9:30 in the youth area, accessible via stairs near Tuton Hall kitchen.
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Intercession and Silent Prayer Intercessory and Silent Prayer continues in the Redwood Chapel each Wednesday from 10:45 to 11:15am. No sign-up necessary, just come join us! Contact the church office or email Sue Graff at sjhgraff@yahoo.com with questions. “Prayer does not change God, but it changes me.” C.S. Lewis
Midweek Eucharist Every Wednesday, we offer a midweek worship service at 11:30.
Women’s Bible Study meets Tuesdays at 9:30 in the conference room (and online) to discuss the Scriptures appointed for the upcoming Sunday. Contact the Rev. Amy Peterson with questions.
Bible Discovery with The Rector *Resumes this week, April 22* Explore the great themes of Scripture in a new Thursday Bible Discovery series, “Biblical Themes,” with the Rector on Zoom from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Each week we trace key biblical images, places, and ideas and what they reveal about God and the life of faith. Email rebecca@trinityasheville.org for more info or to sign up.
Trinity Caregivers’ Group meets via Zoom on the second Friday monthly. This group meets in confidentiality. Receive support and share experiences of caring for loved ones with dementia. The next meeting is May 8. Contact Corkie Morrill at corkiemorrill@charter.net or 828-508-8527.
Facilitators Sharon Lechner and Page McCorkle invite you to the Becoming Beloved Community book group. Members discuss the intersection of social and environmental justice with the dominant culture of white supremacy. Email pageconnermccorkle@gmail.com with questions.
The Second Chapter Book Group is a welcoming ladies’ group meeting every even-numbered month on the second Thursday at 10:00 AM in the Clark Room. Contact Barbara Fotinos for details: bfotinos@gmail.com.
AA meetings: Monday–Friday mornings at 7:00 AM, Tuesday & Friday evenings at 8:00 PM, Saturday mornings at 8:00 AM, all in the Undercroft. Al-Anon and Alateen meet Sundays at 5:00 PM in the Youth Rooms; AA for Women meets on Saturdays at 8:30 AM in the Clark Room.
The next Daughters of the King meets the third Sunday of every month. The next meeting is May 17. The mission of the Order is “the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through Prayer, Service, and Evangelism,” lived out through a personal Rule of Life that always includes a Rule of Prayer and a Rule of Service."
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew meets twice a month. Their social meeting is on the fourth Tuesday of the month, and their worship meeting is on the first Sunday of the month. The next meeting is April 28.
The Creation Care Committee's mission is to deepen awareness of the sacredness of creation, tend to the landscape around Trinity with a strong sense of the spirit of the place, and to inspire others to rethink how they can be good stewards to God’s creation. And remember to mark your calendar for our field trip out to Hickory Nut Gap Farm May 14th to learn about regerative farming and celebrate Rogation Sunday.
Literary Ladies Book Club, formerly Monday Night Book Club, now meets at noon on the fourth Thursday of odd-numbered months. We gather in homes, share a potluck lunch, and discuss novels, memoirs, nonfiction, and even poetry chosen together at the January meeting. We love welcoming new members—text or email Erwin Gunnells at 838-216-6282 or erwin2@bellsouth.net to join in.
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Creation Care Corner:
Join the City of Asheville and Buncombe County for “Spring Into Composting” on Saturday, April 25, from 12:30–3:30 PM at Stephens-Lee Community Center. This free, family-friendly event features compost education, a community mural, free finished compost (bring a bucket), totes, and more—no registration required.
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A Note About Our Prayer List
We are honored to partner with our community in praying for those who need to be lifted up to God. Please note that names will remain on the Prayer List for six weeks. If you notice someone has been removed and would like for them to stay on the list longer, please contact Kat - kat@trinityasheville.org.
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Listen to our podcast: 60 Church Street
Subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms. If you missed the Sunday homily or if you just want to listen to it again, this is a great way to do so on-the-go. Click here to listen!
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Check out pics from our community life here at Trinity
We post pictures from our events for you to enjoy! It was recently updated with photos from Easter and the Women’s Retreat! Click here to view our Flickr gallery.
| Parking Sticker Update: If you still need Trinity’s new green parking sticker, please email rebecca@trinityasheville.org with your license plate number and make and model of your car. As a reminder, you do not need this sticker for Sunday worship services, but do need it for parking in our lot at any other time. | Subscribe to Stories That Matter: Trinity has a second blog - Stories that Matter. We invite you to subscribe to it! Click here to view Stories That Matter. When you subscribe, you will be notified when a new post is made to these blogs and when livestream posts are created. It's a great way to stay "in-the-know" here at Trinity. | The Music at Trinity concert featuring Ralph Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem that was originally scheduled for May 1st has been rescheduled for November of this year. | |
Next Sunday’s Lectionary Readings (for 5/3):
Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14, Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
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Volunteer
Check out Trinity’s website to learn more about opportunities to serve the church and world.
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Children and Youth Mentors Needed: Help create a safe, supportive space for youth to learn about Christ. Contact Nanette (nanette@trinityasheville.org) or Debbie (debbie@trinityasheville.org) to get involved.
Lake Logan Volunteers: Join us every Thursday for fellowship and service including painting, repairs, and landscaping. Contact Carlyn (carlynpheil@gmail.com) or Fred (fredfairhead@att.net).
Serve Meals with Church of the Advocate Help serve Sunday meals to the unhoused after the 10:45 AM service at Church of the Advocate. No cooking skills needed. Contact Rev. Mike Reardon (mike@trinityasheville.org).
The Appalachian Regional Ministry partners with churches and leaders in Graham County to support one of our region’s poorest communities. Their next trip is May 6. Join us on monthly trips to Robbinsville to cook, distribute food, and serve alongside local leaders. Everyone is welcome! To get involved, contact the church office for Tom Goodrich’s info.
ABCCM: ABCCM is a significant ministry in our community; our Rector is on the board. Explore the many opportunities to volunteer.
Trinity Cooking Team for Transformation Village Trinity has a team that cooks for Transformation Village, a ministry of ABCCM that provides up to 100 beds for homeless women, mothers, children, and veterans. We need up to ten volunteers. The next day Trinity will serve is May 19. Contact Debbie Cox to let her know you’d like to help: debbie@trinityasheville.org.
Help cook and serve breakfast from 8:00 to 9:30 on Sundays. Tom Griffin and Debbie Cox do 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.
| | | | You can donate to Trinity however is convenient for you. Our address is 60 Church Street, Asheville, NC, 28801. Text “trinityavl” to 73256. You can also use the “Give” button on our website. Thank you. | | Trinity Clergy, Staff, and Vestry | | |
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: Laurie Hamilton, Jason Hamlin, Mike Sharp, Debbie Wallace, Ann Hauser Garst, Lisa Bowen, and Annie Jones
For Those Who Have Died: Grace Pless, Evelyn Hemphill
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), 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), CPT Crystal Frutchey, NC National Guard (cousin of Jennine Hough), and Charles Nause, Navy Seal (friend of the Shaws)
Birthdays (April 26-May 2): Becker Andry, Michael Andry, Barnes Barton, Jennifer Beach, Paul Bertucci, Rick Clark, Greg Coffman, Claude Freeman Evert, Charles Evert, Georgene Falcon, Dave Frazier, Ellie Garst, Art Garst, Lori Groce, Randy Hall, Stacey Ibrahim, Will Ray IV, Avery Jones, Dillon Manly, Janice Nash, Laura Penkert, Gabe Ranke, Emily Rice, Jane Rinker, Katie Stevens, Laura Thornton, Benji Wall
Anniversaries (April 26-May 2): Amy & Andy Godleski, Carrie & David Johnson, Alicia Sisk-Morris & John Morris, Cherie & Joe Reardon, Erik & Melissa Thingvoll
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Have an an announcement for Friday emails?
If you would like your group's announcement to be included in the Friday emails or the Sunday Times, please email Kat Lomuscio.
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