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Dear Friends,
I had the privilege of accompanying our high school students on their mission trip to Ecuador this past week as a chaperone. What an incredible experience! It was inspiring to see God at work both in the people of Ecuador and in the hearts of our youth.
Rather than trying to recount every detail of the trip, I'd like to focus on where I saw God's Spirit moving. I also encourage you to ask any of our students about their experiences—they each have meaningful stories to share.
Ecuador is a beautiful country, and Quito is a fascinating city rich in history and culture. But what left the greatest impression on me was the warmth and faith of the people we met. Our trip was organized by Education Equals Hope, a ministry that partners with and supports local ministries throughout Ecuador. It was a gift to witness the many ways our brothers and sisters in Christ are serving their communities.
We spent much of our time with the congregations of La Catedral del Señor and Cristo Liberador, where we were welcomed with open arms, warm hugs, and the traditional Ecuadorian cheek kiss. (Our high school boys handled this cultural tradition with admirable courage—even if it caused a few red faces!)
At La Catedral del Señor, we painted the church, cleaned the grounds, shared meals, and—perhaps the highlight for many of our students—played countless soccer games with the children and young adults. Several of our youth commented on how deeply connected they felt through play, despite the lack of a common tongue. It was a beautiful reminder that joy, kindness, and laughter often speak louder than language.
At Cristo Liberador, we served alongside both the elderly ministry and Vacation Bible School. Watching our students share stories with older adults and laugh with children despite differences in language and age was deeply moving. The genuine joy and mutual affection that developed over just a few days is something I know many of us will never forget.
On Sunday, we returned to Cristo Liberador to worship with our new friends. Scott had the honor of preaching, and it was a blessing to celebrate the Eucharist together as one family in Christ. Many of our students, however, said their favorite part of the service was the joyful singing, clapping, and dancing during worship. The rector's enthusiastic dancing inspired all of us. We even suggested Scott start dancing in our services but, surprisingly, he wasn't eager to start that tradition!
After worship, we split into small groups and walked home with families from the church to prepare and share lunch together. Those meals gave us the opportunity to see everyday life in Ecuador, exchange stories about faith and family, and even discuss the excitement of the World Cup. It was a simple but powerful reminder that Christian fellowship transcends language, culture, and nationality.
Another unforgettable experience was visiting Second Chances, a ministry that provides housing, education, and job opportunities for young men seeking to leave gangs and life on the streets. We shared a delicious supper at Casa Gabriel, their group home, and spent the evening playing basketball and ecuavóley, Ecuador's unique version of volleyball. Their stories of transformation and hope were inspiring and reminded us of the life-changing power of Christian community.
You’ll be proud to know that we got feedback from Education Equals Hope people saying that (to the surprise of no one) Debbie was the most organized Youth leader they had ever worked with, AND our kids were some of the most engaged, open-minded, and appreciative groups they have yet experienced in the twenty-three years they have been serving!
We packed an incredible amount into one week, and there's no way to capture it all here. Ask our students—or Debbie, Scott, or me—about exploring Old Town Quito, visiting the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the Intiñan Equator Museum, our solo nature time at El Refugio, riding the TelefériQo to the slopes of Pichincha Volcano, making empanadas, the many delicious meals we shared, or even eating guinea pig!
Most of all, ask them where they saw God. I think you'll hear stories not only about the faith and generosity of the Ecuadorian people, but also about how God transformed the hearts of our Trinity youth and the connection they shared as a group. It was a week none of us will soon forget.
Love in Christ,
Johnny Shields
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Kick-Off Sunday: Aug 23
Join us on Sunday, August 23 as we celebrate Kickoff Sunday and the start of a new academic year. On this day we resume our regular Sunday schedule, with Holy Eucharist at 8:00 am, breakfast in Tuton Hall, and our 10:45 am service with choir. Children’s and youth formation also start back up, including Godly Play and our middle and high school classes during the 9:30–10:30 am hour. Adults are invited to the Adult Forum and Parents in Conversation as we learn and grow in faith together.
Come ready for good food, fun for all ages, and meaningful fellowship as we reconnect after summer and look ahead to the year of ministry that God is calling us into.
Registration for lunch is required.
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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Blessing of the Backpacks
Students and teachers are invited to bring their bags on August 23 during Kick Off Sunday for Blessing of the Backpacks, a special blessing at the beginning of the new school year!
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Speaking of Backpacks...
Trinity, we are so overwhelmed by your generosity!
Many thanks to all of you who collected school supplies for Trinity's Appalachian Regional Ministry - we collected over 80 bags!
Please continue to keep the children of Graham County in your prayers, especially at the start of a new school year.
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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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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.
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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!
| | 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.
Celebration for Bishop José's Ministry: The Diocese of Western North Carolina will host a celebration giving thanks for the ministry of Bishop José on Saturday, August 1, from 12:30-3:30 at Christ School. All are invited to gather as we express our gratitude, share our love, and pray for him as he begins this next chapter of ministry. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
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.
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.
The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina invites you to celebrate with Peter Hartwig as he is ordained to the priesthood on Wednesday, 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 next social meeting is July 28. The Sunday worship meeting is paused during the summer and will resume September 6.
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. This group will have several work days this summer but no regular meetings until September. Their next work day is July 31.
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!
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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.
| 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!
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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 8/9): Genesis 37:1-4; 12-28; Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 | | |
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, Sally Cochran, 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 3-8): Lena Caulo, Thomas Covington, Evelyn Fay, Dick Johannes, Caragh Koon, Ben Powell, Mary Bell Schneider, Charlotte Waldrop, Ricky Parks, Tom Berner, Zoe Chestnut, Zach Maag, Lisa Wheeler, Patrick Collins, Dianna La Breck, Holly Roberts, Cathy Rudder, Dean Alspaugh, Jack Anderson, Edgar Danko, Ethan Stanley, Peter Williams
Anniversaries (August 3-8): Carlyn & David Pheil, Debbie & Eric Cox, Amy & Jack Peterson, Jan & John Cantrell, Jo & Mike Ray
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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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