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Dear Friends,
Galatians 6.2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
The ministry of Wilderness Trail is built around this sentiment of fostering community and helping those who need it. This idea was never more present on the trail than on this summer hike with our youth, where the focus of our daily scripture discussions was built around the act of servant leadership.
The ride up to the Property was more or less silent with the teens/ preteens talking quietly and spending their last couple hours playing with their phones. We arrived at the Property to a fanfare of counselors. We were quickly given the week's supplies and equipment, fed dinner, participated in a quick worship service, and whisked out onto the trail within the span of a few hours.
Once camp was set up we eased into what would become our routine of nightly discussions of little foxes and holy ground around the campfire. Our mornings started with a devotional prompt to ponder and 20 minutes to sit alone in our thoughts and reflect on the day to come. Throughout the week the weather was beautiful, with blue skies during the day and amazing views of the milky way at night. The trail was sometimes steep and rocky, overgrown occasionally, but always surreally beautiful. The deep mossy forests yielded to halcyon meadows full of wildlife and craggy overlooks where you could see the mountain tops in the surrounding states. Seeing this wonder through the younger voices helped open my eyes with a new perspective.
Our counselor and leader for the trip was named Topher. He is a 19 year old engineering student who was wise beyond his years and able to entertain the youth to no end. He was as capable of instigating a dance party on the trail as he was patching up a quiet time whittling accident. Ever the calming presence, he was most adept at coaxing the youth into meaningful conversations about faith, and how they could practice the act of servant leadership in their daily lives. They couldn't get enough of his warmth and positive spirit.
The week of hiking provided all of us the opportunity to let go of the devices that tie us to the modern world, forget our daily routines, and turn our focus to more important pursuits of faith and contemplation. This release from the daily grind was an exciting proposition when I was a kid attending these same events 30 years ago and I imagine it is only more so today for the youth with the prevalence of technology and our society's need to be entertained all the time.
Throughout the week, all involved became kinder to each other, shared deeply held feelings, and grew in their expressions of faith and their ability to look at the world through the eyes of a servant. I was fortunate that I got the opportunity to share this time with the group, but especially because I got to spend the time with my daughter who is forever busy with sports and dance, etc. Watching the constant perseverance through the week inspired even deeper love and appreciation for my daughter and all the members of the group At camp, we played games, went swimming in icy creeks, played frisbee, and tee ball if the space allowed.
The hiking week ended with a foot washing ceremony that echoes back to the Last Supper when Jesus deemed it important enough in his final hours to take the time to wash his disciples feet as a sign of how they as followers should embrace letting go of rank and class to embrace putting themselves below those they wished to serve.
On "get back day" we had a last quiet time on the top of pine mountain as the fog swirled and baked away. We hiked down the mountain to the pick-up spot where we would meet the van while the kids sang Disney songs and talked about all the food they planned to eat. The rest of the midday was spent cleaning up, eating, and playing wiffle ball with more than 100 people. That afternoon was spent in worship and one last round of group discussion unpacking all the lessons from the week. When darkness fell there was a ceremony on top of the Property under a rugged cross where we took turns building each other up and praying for better days ahead.
The following morning we said a heartfelt goodbye to Topher and the rest of the staff, took a loud victory lap around the Property and headed back to Asheville. The ride back was at first ebulent with chatter about the experiences of the week. As we neared Asheville the quiet took over again with the kids deep in conversation, listening to music on headphones and engrossed in their phones, ready to enter back into society.
I came back feeling renewed, with my spiritual cup flowing over. I hope each kid left feeling a little tougher, tied more deeply to both their wilder roots and church community, ready to serve.
— Jason Pass
PS. Click here to view pictures from the trip.
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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
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KICK OFF SUNDAY | AUGUST 23
Our Regular Schedule Resumes
- 8 am Holy Eucharist
- Breakfast in Tuton Hall
- Nursery: 9 am to the end of the 10:45 service
- 9:30-10:30 am: Formation classes for children, youth, and adults (Click here to view formation offerings)
- 10:45 am Eucharist with Choir *Note the new time!*
- 5:30 Celtic Service
Blessing of the Backpacks at 10:45 service
- Students and teachers are invited to bring their bags on August 23 for Blessing of the Backpacks, a special blessing at the beginning of a new school year
We're updating Directory Photos!
- Come ready to have your photo taken for our directory. We will be taking photos in Tuton Hall after the 8 am service and the 10:45 am service - please be sure to stop by!
Stay for Food, Fun, and Fellowship
- After the 10:45 service, join us for an unforgettable afternoon of fun for all ages: cookout with hamburgers, hotdogs, and more; italian ice from Jeremiah's; bluegrass music from Appalachia Haze; water slide (bring a change of clothes!); face-painting, fairy hair, magician, and lawn games
- Registration for lunch is encouraged - Click here for more details and to register for lunch online. If you'd rather not register online, contact the church office.
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Acolyte Training
Acolyte Training for new and old acolytes (grades 3-12) is on Sunday, August 16, after the 10:00a service in the church. For any other questions, please email me at debbie@trinityasheville.org.
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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. Email rebecca@trinityasheville.org with any questions. Click here to sign up.
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Education for Ministry
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 EfM.
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The Rector's Blog - A Refuge for the Stranger: Why Welcome is Our Calling
Welcome is at the heart of who we are as Christians.
Father Scott, in his most recent blog post, “A Refuge for the Stranger: Why Welcome Is Our Calling,” invites us to reflect on what it means to be a community of refuge, hospitality, and hope—especially for those who may feel on the margins.
Take a few minutes today to read and reflect, and consider how God might be calling you to be a welcoming presence in our city:
Click Here to Read "A Refuge for the Stranger: Why Welcome is Our Calling."
Art Credit: Kelli Latimore, The Sagrada Familia
| | Upcoming Events and Notes | | |
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 10:00 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.
Upcoming Adult Formation: There will be an adult formation welcome and introduction session on August 23 before the next series, A Little Leaven, begins, running Aug 30-Sept 20 – “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven…” (Matt. 13:33). 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 by clicking here.
The Diocese of WNC is having a Splash Event on Saturday, August 22 for children, youth, and families at the Elks Lodge, Hendersonville, NC, from 6:30-10:30p. The cost is $12. Please RSVP by August 1 -Click here to sign up.
Children's Choir is Coming Back!
This year, we are re-starting our Children's Choir for children grades 3–8, giving them a chance to share their gifts through song and develop their musical skills. Rehearsal time is TBA; contact kevin@trinityasheville.org for more information or to share your interest.
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.
Join us for a simple potluck supper on Sunday, September 13, right after the evening service. 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. 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.
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.
Join Father Scott for a 10–day pilgrimage, “The Celtic Saints of Ireland,” October 4–13, 2027. Traveling together from Asheville to Dublin, Glendalough, Armagh, Downpatrick, Belfast, and the Giant’s Causeway, we’ll explore the stories of St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Kevin, and other Celtic saints through worship, learning, and shared community. For more information and to register, click here.
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.
A Sparked Imagination: A Retreat for Creatives at Lake Logan, October 2-3, 2026. The last few years have been taxing. This retreat, led by author and priest Lauren Winner, aims to nourish and restore the imaginations of those who contribute to nourishing the imaginations of our community — as well as those who are just beginning to live open to their own creativity. To stretch and stock our imaginations, we will engage poetry, visual art, writing about visual art; delve into the histories of words; and practice thinking and writing metaphorically. We will also keep a good deal of silence and space in our day for reading and writing and walking and breathing.Register here.
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We are currently in our Summer Schedule.
To view what we offer regularly, please click here.
Adults:
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The Word for Today Bible Study and Breakfast 9:00 - 9:45 in the Conference Room (in-person and on Zoom). Head into Tuton Hall to pick up your breakfast, then bring it to the Conference Room, where we’ll gather to study the day’s assigned lessons together. Connect on Zoom by clicking here.
Children and Youth:
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Nursery is available starting at 9 through the end of the second service.
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Playground Open 9:30-9:45 — Children above nursery age are welcome to play on the playground until Come Join the Circle drop off begins at 9:45.
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Come Join the Circle starting at 10 for children 3 years through fifth grade in the Undercroft. The children will join their parents in church at the Eucharist.
| | Summer: Regular Offerings | | |
Intercession & Silent Prayer will continue informally during the summer months.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. Contact the Rev. Amy Peterson to receive the summer schedule.
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. 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 August 13 for Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. 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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Creation Care Corner:
Bee City Asheville has a full calendar of ways to learn, serve, and celebrate our local pollinators—from family-friendly nature programs to hands-on volunteer projects and workshops for adults. Check out their upcoming events and consider bringing a friend or small group to join this growing community working together for a more pollinator-friendly Western North Carolina. Click here for more info!
| The Search for a New Bishop Sign up for the Diocesan Newsletter to receive updates from around the diocese including updates from the Bishop Search Committee. Click here to sign up! | |
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.
| Our amazing Chancel Choir is on vacation for the next few weeks. | 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 8/16): Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28 | | |
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 dates: 8/18, 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, Macrae Randall, Maria Mainolfi, Gil Walden, Melinda Bullen, and Jack Work
For Those Who Have Died: Debbie Wallace
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 9-15): Betsy Boys, Heather Cooper, Taylor Franklin, Haydn Hasty, John Koon, Joan Payton, Judy Shanley, Peter Hawes, Sheila Horine, Stephen Presser, Adrian Vassallo, Gil Walden, Jeff Covington, Clark Hubbard, Ava Morgan, Corey Brown, Jeff Cook, Sue Johannes, Caroline Rawlings, Mattie Horine, Camden Lane, Lynn Penny, Janet Stingel
Anniversaries (August 9-15): Alton & Eleanor Floyd, Bob & Dianna La Breck, Don & Liz Trask, Hezzy & Sharon Miller, Georgiana & Richard Hogan, Anne & Jeff Imes
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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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