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Dear Church,
“How did you get started in music?” is a question that I have been asked dozens if not hundreds of times throughout my life. Whether it comes from an interview committee member, a new friend, or someone I just met on a flight who is curious, my answer has
always been the same: When I was in 5 th grade, my younger brother participated in a music summer camp at First Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon, and when I went to the final concert, I said some version of “I want to do that” to my Mother. The following school year she signed me up for the Children’s Choir at First Pres., directed by Mia Hall Miller, and you might say the rest was history. The following spring I also joined the top boy-choir in Portland, Oregon, and those two directors (Ms. Miller and Dean Applegate) became my earliest musical mentors and teachers. All of this directly led to my decision as a high schooler to be baptized as a Christian and then to pursue church music for my studies and as a career.
I am keenly aware of church children’s music program’s ability to evangelize, teach, and
develop community among our young people, having been brought to both Christianity
and music ministry through one. Therefore, I am beyond excited to announce that this
program year, our Children’s Choir will be returning to our regular musical offerings, and
the fledgling Cherub Choir will be re-starting on the same day. All children aged up to
eighth grade are welcome to join, even non-members! Details are as follows:
- Our Cherub Choir meets from 4:00-4:30 PM on Sundays, and sings periodically at the 10:45 service and for special services throughout the year. This group is open to children in grades K-2, with younger children admitted with director permission.
- Our Children’s Choir meets from 4:30-5:00 PM on Sundays, and also sings periodically at the 10:45 service and for special services. This group is open to children in grades 3-8.
Preregister using the links below:
Cherub Choir | Children's Choir
Teaching the children of Trinity about music and God has been one of my greatest
honors in my time serving this community. I look forward to another great year with the
kiddos of Trinity!
In Christ,
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Dr. Kevin Seal
PS. I'm excited to share about the Creation Care Kick-Off Event on September 24 at 5:30 pm. Join me and the Creation Care Committee as I share about the inspiration that composers have found in God’s creation and how it impacted their works. I will conclude the talk with a performance. Stay for meal after. Let us know if you're coming! Click here to find out more and to RSVP!
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Nominations for the Trinity Vestry Class of 2029
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
Our Parish by-laws call for the formation of a nominating committee, made up of the senior class of the Vestry, to prepare a slate of Vestry nominees to be presented, and voted on, at the Parish’s Annual Meeting (November 23, 2026).
This year’s Nominating Committee is:
Carole Hedden
Tina McGuire
Richard Wrightson
Nancy Dexter – Junior Warden and
Craig Weeks – Senior Warden
For those new to the Episcopal tradition the word "vestry" traces back to the Latin vestiarium, meaning "wardrobe." In early English church buildings, the vestry was a room used for storing valuables and for clergy to change into vestments. This became the central meeting place of the parish and where “vestry” meetings would traditionally take place. In 1598 a decision was made to have groups of lay leaders in each English church charged with overseeing care for the poor of the parish. So, the current Vestry of Trinity is carrying on a tradition of church governance that has continued unbroken for over 425
years. Simply put, the Vestry manages the physical and financial assets of the church while the Rector controls worship and ministry events and use of the buildings.
Our Parish’s by-laws call for there to be three classes of five Vestry members who are elected by the Parish at the annual meeting, for terms of three years. So, each year five vestry members “roll off” and five new members are elected.
Requirements for Vestry service are as follows:
- A baptized and confirmed member of the church.
- A financial contributor in the last 6 months (or transferee in good
- standing)
- A member of the parish for 12 months
- Be 16 or older
- May not be an employee or have any family members who are employees of the parish.
- Available for the Vestry retreat January 8-9, 2027.
Although not a requirement, it is strongly preferred that Vestry members attend meetings in person. Currently the Vestry meets on the third Tuesday of each month (excepting July) at 5:30PM. Most meetings last 60-90 minutes. A link to join virtually is always available but it is preferred to meet in person. If you meet these requirements and are interested in being part of the wonderful 425+ year governance tradition called Vestry service, please give this prayerful consideration. You may self-nominate or nominate someone else you think would be a good candidate using the form below. Nominations will be accepted between now and September 15, 2026.
Submit your nominations here.
If you have any questions, you may contact any member of the Nominating Committee or me (craigcweeks@gmail.com).
Yours in Christ,
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Craig C. Weeks
Senior Warden
| | NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON SEPTEMBER 15 | | |
New Adult Forum Begins This Sunday
The new adult forum series, A Little Leaven, begins this Sunday and will run through September 20.
Jesus compares God’s reign to something small and hidden that quietly transforms from within. This four-week series with the Revs. Scott and Amy will explore how the Spirit is at work—often unseen yet unstoppable—and how we’re invited to participate in God’s rising work in the world.
Find out more about this year’s Adult Formation offerings by clicking here.
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Nurturing the Creative Life: A Workshop
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Join writer and spiritual director Charlotte Donlon for an evening of contemplative practices, storytelling, and conversation on what it means to live a sustainable, soulful creative life as a writer, artist, musician, or maker. You’ll explore four core movements of the creative journey—belong, become, behold, and bestow—and be invited to see your whole life, not just the easy parts, as sacred ground for creativity. To learn more and register, please click here.
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Women's Bible Study Homecoming Celebration
Our Tuesday Women’s Bible Study first started on September 11, 2001. To celebrate twenty-five years of fellowship, prayer, and learning, we’re having a WBS Homecoming Celebration Brunch September 8 from 11:00-12:30 in Tuton Hall. All past, present (and future!) participants are invited. Register here.
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Potluck Supper
Sunday, September 13
If you love our Sunday evening Celtic service—the beautiful blend of liturgy, lyricism, and light—we’d love to spend a little more time together. Join us for a potluck supper right after the celtic servic on Sunday, September 13. It’s a relaxed chance to share a meal, say hello, and deepen our sense of community. Please RSVP to Nancy Dexter at ndexter820@charter.net.
Also, let us know if you attend the 5:30 service; email office@trinityasheville.org.
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The Search for a New Bishop: Survey Deadline
Last chance! The bishop search committee wants to hear from YOU about what he episcopal church in WNC needs in our next bishop! Everyone is encouraged to fill out the Landscape Survey - the deadline is August 31. Sign up here to fill out the survey.
...Not that we’re competitive, but…. At the moment, more people from Grace, All Souls, and Saint James have responded to the survey than people from Trinity! We should be able to outpace them! :)
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Ministry Fair
The Ministry Fair will be Sunday, September 13, during breakfast and coffee hour. Come to learn about all the ways you can get involved in our common life. This is a great opportunity to learn about the work we do here at Trinity!
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Youth Pool Party
Join us for the first EYC of the year on September 13! All youth are invited to a pool party at the Vassallo family’s home following the 10:45 service. Meet in Tuton Hall to ride over together. We’ll have a cookout with brats and hot dogs. Please RSVP here.
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Children's Choirs Kick-Off
Our Children's Choirs are starting on September 13!The Cherub Choir
(for kids in K-second grades — younger admitted with director permission) will rehearse at 4:00 PM on Sundays this year, and the Children’s Choir
(for kids in grades 3-8) will rehearse at
4:30 PM on Sundays.
Note the change from Wednesdays.
For more information contact Dr. Kevin Seal, Director of Music at kevin@trinityasheville.org.
Click here to register for the Cherub Choir.
Click here to register for the Children's Choir.
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Fall Middle School Retreat
Middle schoolers in grades 6–8 are invited to the Diocesan Middle
School Retreat at Lake Logan, September 25–27!
Enjoy a weekend of faith, fellowship, and fun with youth from across the diocese. The cost is $225.
Register soon by clicking here.
Reach out to Debbie with questions.
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A Sparked Imagination: A Retreat for Creatives
Registration is now open for “A Sparked Imagination”: A Retreat for Creatives at Lake Logan, October 2–3, 2026, led by author and priest Lauren Winner and designed to nourish and restore creative
imagination through poetry, visual art, writing, and spacious time for silence, reading, and reflection.
Click here to register.
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A Celtic Saints Pilgrimage to Ireland
Join Fr. Scott for a 10-day pilgrimage through Ireland, October 4–13, 2027, tracing the sacred landscapes of Patrick, Brigid, Kevin, and the Celtic saints. From Dublin and Glendalough to Kildare, Armagh, Belfast, and the Giant’s Causeway, this journey offers prayer, history, worship, and fellowship in some of Ireland’s most beautiful holy places.
Space is limited and places will be filled in the order registrations are received. Click here to register to register and reserve your spot with a $500 deposit.
| | Upcoming Events and Notes | | |
Sign up for Supper Club! Supper Club is a relaxed way to connect with others at Trinity over a potluck meal. Groups meet four times during the year with no set agenda—just good food and conversation. Scan the QR code at the top of the Times to learn more and sign up. The dates are: 9/27, 11/8, 2/21, & 4/25. Please consider being a group captain or hosting one of the dinners. Sign ups end on August 24. Email rebecca@trinityasheville.org with any questions. Click here to sign up.
Club 345 (3 - 5 grade) is heading to Big Air Trampoline Park September 27! For more information and to register, click here.
Our youth are walking in the Asheville/Buncombe CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 4 at 1:30p, raising money to fight hunger locally and globally through ABCCM and Loving Food Resources. Click here to join our Trinity Youth team or to sponsor our team — we’re collecting donations through walk day!
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.
Tee off for a cause at Lake Logan’s 3rd Annual Bishop’s Cup Golf Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Springdale Resort in Cruso. Proceeds support Camp Henry and Lake Logan Conference Center. Click here for more information and registration.
Trinity Church has a long and successful history with Education for Ministry (EfM), hosting yearly classes for decades. We’ve not yet emerged from Hurricane Helene impact, but now is the time. EfM is a small (6-12 members), group-centered formation program of weekly biblical study and theological reflection. It is a four-year journey (running yearly from September to May) though you take it one year at a time. It is headquartered at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. We are pleased to announce that we will be bringing EfM back to Trinity. If you are interested in EfM and joining our group, please contact Phyllis Smith (smith25200@bellsouth.net) or the Rector (scott@trinityasheville.org). Click here to learn more about these classes on the EfM website.
The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina invites you to celebrate with Peter Hartwig as he is ordained to the priesthood on Friday, October 16, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Chapel, Christ School (500 Christ School Road, Arden, NC 28704). A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome to attend and offer their prayers and support.
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Schedule
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Holy Eucharist — 8 AM
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Nursery — 9:00-to the end of the 10:45 service; babies through three years old
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Breakfast — 9:00-9:30 in Tuton Hall
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Formation — 9:30-10:30; for children, youth, and adults (see details below)
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Holy Eucharist with Choir — 10:45 (in-person and livestreamed)
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Celtic Eucharist with Instrumentalists — 5:30 (in-person and livestreamed)
Formation
Adult Forum (Undercroft): A Little Leaven runs August 30 - September 20. Jesus compares God’s reign to something small and hidden that quietly transforms from within. This four-week series with the Revs. Scott and Amy will explore how the Spirit is at work—often unseen yet unstoppable—and how we’re invited to participate in God’s rising work in the world.
Parents in Conversation (Clark Room): an informal gathering of parents, grandparents, and anyone else interested to discuss life, God, and parenting.
Learn more about this year's Adult formation offerings here.
Children:
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Nursery is available starting at 9 through the end of the second service. Babies through 3 years.
Youth: 6th-12th graders meet in the youth rooms under Tuton Hall. This year, they are learning about Holy Troublemakers. Learn more about our curriculum and our youth program here.
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Intercession & Silent Prayer The Redwood Chapel will be open each Wednesday from 10:45 to 11:15am for Silent Prayer for as long as you need. A handout with prayers and readings to guide you will be provided. No sign-up is necessary. Contact Sue Graff at sjhgraff@ yahoo.com or the church office with questions.“I will give them a heart to understand that I am Yahweh, and they shall be my people and I will be their God when they return to me with all their heart. —JEREMIAH 24:7”
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.
The Trinity Caregivers’ Group meets by Zoom on the second Friday of each month, offering a confidential space for those caring for loved ones with dementia, facilitated by geropsychologist Dr. Corkie Morrill with Deacon Peggy Buchanan, who is a nurse. Contact corkiemorrill@charter.net or call (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. Upcoming books: 9/30 - The Color Purple by Alice Walker; 10/28 - The Church Cracked Open: Disruption, Decline, and New Hope for Beloved Community by Stephanie Sellers. 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. The next meeting is on October 8 for The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin. 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 (except for July). 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 last Tuesday of the month. The Sunday worship meeting is paused during the summer and will resume September 6.
Literary Ladies Book Club, meets at noon on the fourth Thursday of odd-numbered months. The next meeting is July We gather in homes, share a potluck lunch, and discuss novels, memoirs, nonfiction, and even poetry chosen together at the January meeting. Text or email Erwin Gunnells at 838-216-6282 or erwin2@bellsouth.net to join in.
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Did you know that Trinity church equipped with a hearing loop in the main section of the church? This assistive listening system is designed to transmit sound directly to hearing aides that are so equipped.
During Communion at the 8:00 and 10:45 services, a prayer station is available in the Tower Room. After receiving Communion, you are invited to receive prayer and anointing for yourself, others, or any need—spoken or unspoken. All are welcome.
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Creation Care Corner:
Not sure what to do with old TVs, Styrofoam, toothpaste tubes, dead hard drives? Drop them off at the next Asheville GreenWorks’ Hard 2 Recycle event. Since 2016, volunteers have kept over 1 million pounds of tricky items out of the landfill — and they’re always looking for more hands to help. Upcoming dates: September 26, November 14, February 20, and May 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Click here for more information.
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A Note About Our Prayer List:
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.
| Photo and Video Policy: To view our policy regarding media and minors, click here. | |
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!
| The Chancel Choir is Going to England! Exciting News — Our Chancel Choir has been invited to serve as choir-in-residence at Ely Cathedral in the UK from July 10–18, 2027. Even if you do not sing, you are invited to join. Look for more details in the Times in coming weeks! | | |
Check out pics from our community life here at Trinity:
We post pictures from our events for you to enjoy! Click here to view our Flickr gallery.
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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.
| Next Sunday’s Lectionary Readings (for 9/6): Exodus 12:1-14,, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 | | |
Volunteer
Check out Trinity’s website to learn more about opportunities to serve the church and world.
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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. 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. Upcoming date: 9/15. 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.
Outreach is a team of Trinitarians concerned about helping those less fortunate in our community. We meet every other month to plan ministries like Habitat for Humanity and Red Bag collections for needy charities. If you would like to help, please contact the church office for more information.
| | | | 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: Jason Hamlin, Jack Work, Walter Allen Maxim, Laura Bourne, Anna Fitch Courie, and Donald Bertucci
For Those Who Have Died: Peggy Buchanan
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), 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), Charles Nause, Navy Seal (friend of the Shaws), Lt. Noah Hasty, US Navy (son of Hadyn & Terry Hasty), and Maj. Matthew Dugan (nephew of Aimes Pugh).
Birthdays (August 30 - September 5): Scott Burgess, Caroline Hemphill, Ken McCorkle, Louise Symmes, Brady Blackburn, Chelsea Farquhar, Jerry Harrelson, Michelle Koon, Brianna Brand, Tim Hanlon, John Bihr, Jim Gunn, Whitney Israel, Amanda Soule, Dianne Fecteau, Carole Hilderbran, Lee McLean, Byron Ellen Shaw, Elizabeth Tindall, Andy Godleski, Hank Hamilton, Ellen Pass
Anniversaries (August 30 - September 5): Ellen Anne & John Yanik,
Andrew & Jackie Craig, Dershie & Larry McDevitt, Steve Fordham & April Love-Fordham
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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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