A note from Rev. Amy
Dear Church,
As the twelve days of Christmas draw to a close, we will enter the season of Epiphany. Part of the way we mark the change in seasons at Trinity is through the Burning of the Greens: at the end of the 10:45 service this Sunday, our younger members will help us carry the light of Christ out of the church and into the courtyard, where we will burn our Christmas greenery. The light of Christmas is not gone, but changed, and as we move into Epiphany, we practice looking for the light of Christ appearing not just in a manger or in a church, but in the whole world. Maybe, through the next eight weeks of Epiphanytide, that’s a question you can ask yourself or your dinner companions: Where did we see the light of Christ in the world today?
| |
“Burning the Christmas Greens,” uncredited illustration from the January 29, 1876, edition of Harper’s Weekly | |
You might also choose to chalk your door for Epiphany! As we celebrate the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus, some choose to mark the front doors with chalk as a sign that we are inviting God’s presence into the places and relationships that we call home. The traditional marking is to use the numbers of the year, plus the initials of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar), with a cross between each number and letter.
20 + C + M + B + 25
Some also suggest that the letters can represent “Christus Mansionem Benedicat,” which means “May Christ bless this dwelling!”
| |
|
Read more, and find the link to the liturgy for chalking a home, here.
Love,
Amy+
| |
|
From destruction comes hope
The cross at the front of the church was made by Byron Ellen Shaw of debris from the River Arts District after Hurricane Helene and represents our hope that through Jesus, all things are being made new.
| |
|
Brotherhood of St Andrew
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew meets this Sunday, January 5, from 9:30-10:30 in the Conference Room.
| |
|
Worship
Each Sunday, we celebrate the Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:45. Breakfast is served from 9:00 to 9:30, Christian Formation for all ages takes place from 9:30 to 10:30, and our Nursery is open from 9:15 to 12:00. We host a coffee hour after the 10:45 service in the Church Street Courtyard.
| |
The Church of the Advocate opens at 1:00 and celebrates the Eucharist at 1:30, and we celebrate a candlelight Celtic Eucharist service in the church at 5:30. | |
|
Feast of Lights and
Burning of the Greens
This Sunday, Jan 5, at the 10:45 service.
Epiphany is January 6, and after that, we will be in the Epiphany season. Epiphany is when the Wise Men (or Three Kings) are said to have arrived at the manger to worship the Christ child. Orthodox Christians, who make up nearly half of all Christians, observe Christmas on January 6 rather than on December 25. In Epiphany, we celebrate the light of Christ going out into the whole world. At the close of this service, our younger members will help us remember those who have spread the light of Christ in ages past, and they will help us carry our light out from the church into the courtyard, where we will burn the Christmas greens, symbolizing an end to the Christmas season.
| |
|
Beginning This Sunday:
The Episcopal Experience
Looking to know more about the Episcopal Church? From January 5 to March 2, the Rector will lead Exploring The Episcopal Experience. The Episcopal Church is one denomination of Christ’s holy Catholic Church, and our identity is unique. In this class, we will learn how the Episcopal Church came to be and how it continues to offer a unique expression of life in Christ. We will look through the lens of the Book of Common Prayer to understand the Episcopal church’s expressions of faith, namely theology, sacraments, scripture, prayer, and holy living. We will also take some time to explore the particular identity of Trinity Church. This class is especially appropriate for those who are new to the Episcopal Church or new to Trinity. Yet, many long-time Episcopalians take this class as a refresher. It’s also a great way to get to know others at Trinity. Those who take this class will be prepared to be confirmed or received by our Bishop when he visits Trinity should they choose.
| |
|
Parents in Conversation
P.I.C. will meet from 9:30-10:30 in the Clark Room.
| |
|
Additional Parking
Additional parking spaces are available at the Ravenscroft Office Suites at 29 Ravenscroft Drive, across the street from Trinity. A sign signifies parking for Trinity Church. Please leave parking closest to the church for those with difficulty walking.
| |
|
Entrance for Worship
During the 10:45 service, there will be only one entrance into the Trinity Church campus, the main gate entrance on Church Street. At 10:45, the office doors and doors leading to the Tuton Hall stairway will automatically lock. Reducing access points while most of us are occupied in the church is a highly recommended way to enhance overall security. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
| |
|
The Appalachian Regional Ministry (ARM)
A.R.M. will be making its monthly trip to Graham County this Wednesday, January 8. More information may be found on the last page.
| |
|
Creation Care Corner:
Do you have old batteries, used Brita filters, unusable computer cords, and styrofoam gathering dust in a corner? Instead of letting it go to a landfill, pack it up for the next Hard To Recycle drop off on Feb 1st 2025, 10 am - 2 pm at Enka High School (West) 390 Asbury Rd, Candler, NC 28715. Here’s the full list of accepted items.
| |
Christian Formation for All Ages | |
|
Writing After the Storm
A free in-person writing workshop on Monday, Jan 13th, 6:30-8:30pm at Trinity. Writing about difficult events can offer a release, a way of approaching something big and emotional with thought, care, curiosity and a commitment to careful articulation. All of us in Western North Carolina have been impacted by Hurricane Helene in varying degrees, and in this free workshop offered by prose writer Tessa Fontaine and poet Jessica Jacobs, we will navigate the challenging terrain of writing about the storm and its aftermath. There's no obligation to write about it directly, and all levels of writing experience are welcome. Register here.
| |
|
Spread Altar Joy!
Each Sunday, following the 10:45 service, volunteers make 4-6 small arrangements from the flowers on the altar to deliver to those who are sick or can’t attend the service. There is usually one who arranges and two who deliver 2-3 arrangements per deliverer. This brings great joy to both the receiver and the deliverer! Please contact Connie Wilson for more info at wilson.constance@gmail.com. Flower delivery will resume January 12th. Come join our team!
| |
|
Are you a writer?
Are you a writer, or interested in cultivating a spiritual practice of writing? You’re invited to a pop-up writing workshop co-sponsored by Trinity and the Collegeville Institute on Saturday, April 5 in Tuton Hall. Register for one of the limited spots for one-on-one feedback on a piece of writing, and find all the details you need to make plans to join us for cowriting and a plenary lecture from local author Rick Chess, here.
| |
|
Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study meets on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:45 in the conference room. It is open to all women.
| |
|
Rector's Bible Study
The Rector’s Bible Study meets on Thursdays at 7:00p by Zoom. This season’s title is What Christians Believe and Why? In this study, the church's creeds become a lens through which we examine the scriptures. The Apostle’s Creed is a very early Christian attempt to explore the meaning of God, Jesus, the Spirit, the Church, Forgiveness, Resurrection, and more. This study is online only (Zoom). You can find the Zoom link on the church’s website homepage in the listing of events at the bottom of the page.To be on the email notification of the class, sign up by clicking this link.
| |
Women's Retreat 2025
Join us for the 2025 women’s retreat, “Embracing Limits: Discovering Wholeness,” at Valle Crucis March 28-30. We’ll take a fresh look at the Beatitudes with author and podcaster Micha Boyett, and enjoy music led by Boone musician Amanda Held Opelt. Registration is open now.
| |
| | When Micha Boyett’s son was born with Down Syndrome and later diagnosed with autism, she was drawn into the ancient teachings of the Beatitudes. In a culture that values performance, perfection, and strength, Micha found in this small passage of ancient text a new language to honor the worth of her son and to push against the intrinsic ableism in our culture’s response to disability: blessed—whole—are the weak ones, the grieving ones, the ones who long for peace, the misunderstood. In other words, blessed are the rest of us, who will never live up to the world’s exacting standards. Micha Boyett is an award-winning podcaster, writer, and speaker. In addition to Blessed Are The Rest of Us, she is the author of Found: A Story of Questions, Grace, and Everyday Prayer, and a contributor to the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer, edited by Sarah Bessey. She co-hosts The Lucky Few podcast and is the creator and host of The Slow Way podcast and letter. Micha lives with her husband and three children in Northern New Jersey and works part-time as a youth pastor at Good Shepherd Church in New York City.
| |
|
Amanda Held Opelt is an author, speaker, and songwriter. Amanda spent 15 years serving in the non-profit and humanitarian aid sectors and has written for Christianity Today and 100 Days in Appalachia. She lives in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina, with her husband and two young daughters. Check out her music on Spotify and her books on bookshop. | |
|
Becoming Beloved Book Club (Wednesday evenings)
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. To join, email pageconnermccorkle@gmail.com. Meetings are held monthly on Wednesdays at six on Zoom and in the Clark Room.
| |
|
2nd Chapter Book Group
The 2nd Chapter Book Group is a traditional ladies’ group that meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 10:00 in the Clark Room. Dates for 2025: Feb 13, Apr 10, June12, Aug 14, Oct 9, and Dec 11. Feb 13 The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore (rescheduled due to storm, Nancy McCorkle, leader); Apr 10 Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson (Cheryl Paben, leader); Jun 12 All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley (Lynn Marie Kramp, leader), Aug 14 Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (Nancy Dexter, leader), and Oct 9 The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd (Barbara Setzer, leader). For more information, please contact Barbara Fotinos at bfotinos@gmail.com.
| |
|
NURSERY CARE
Nursery care is offered for infants through 3-year-olds who are not fully potty trained. The nursery opens at 9:15 and continues until the end of the 10:45 service.
| |
|
GODLY PLAY 9:30-10:30
Godly Play takes place during the Sunday formation hour from 9:30-10:30. There are three classes: Godly Play 1-for 3-year-olds that are fully potty trained through PreK; Godly Play 2- Kindergarten through 2nd grade; Rite in the Middle-3rd-5th grades.
| |
These classes are located in the downstairs children’s area (enter the church through the doors on the covered porch by the playground and immediately head down the stairs). | |
|
Children's Hour 10:30-11:30
There is a separate worship service (The Children’s Hour) for children ages 3 (potty trained) through 2nd grade from 1030 to 11:30. We head straight to the Undercroft after our Sunday School classes and then to the Redwood Chapel for our worship service. (For children not at Sunday School, simply meet us in the Undercroft at 10:30) We join parents upstairs after The Peace.
| |
|
Cherub Choir
Cherub Choir meets on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 5:30. It is open to children from K-3rd grade, and previous musical experience is optional. The choir will sing for 10:45 worship every 4-8 weeks throughout the school year. For more information, please contact Kevin Seal at the church office.
| |
|
Beginning Next Sunday
Youth Confirmation 2025
Are you in 6th-12th grade? Join the Rev. Amy Peterson for a six-week youth confirmation course to learn about the foundations of our Christian faith. We’ll gather on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30, January 12-February 16, in the conference room in the oak hallway.
| |
When you were baptized, your parents committed to raising you in God’s faith and love; now, it’s your turn to choose for yourself. To be confirmed in May, students must attend five of the six Sunday morning classes, so please mark your calendar now. The course is open to any students; even if you’re already confirmed, you’re welcome to join us for a refresher; even if you’re not sure you want to be confirmed yet, you’re welcome to join us to explore. Confirmation Sunday will be May 4. Contact Amy with questions! | |
|
Middle School Class (grades 6-7) 9:30-10:30a
Middle School meets in Trinity’s youth area from 9:30 to 10:30. The classroom is accessible from the stairs to the right of the Tuton Hall kitchen or from the outside door into the same stairway. The classroom is on the left, past the game room. If you have any questions, please contact Nanette Popa at the church office.
| |
|
High School Class (grades 8-12) 9:30-10:30a
The HS class meets in Trinity’s youth area, from 9:30 to 10:30. The classroom is accessible from the stairs to the right of the Tuton Hall kitchen or from the outside door into the same stairway. The classroom is the first room on the right of the youth kitchen. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Cox at the church office.
| |
|
Caregivers
The Trinity Caregivers’ Group meets by Zoom every second Friday. We welcome all who care for a loved one(s), local or at a distance, diagnosed with some form of dementia. We share challenges and experiences. Dr. Corkie Morrill is a retired gereopsychologist, and Peggy Buchanan is a retired Deacon and nurse. They facilitate the group. Corkie Morrill 828-684-3972, corkiemorrill@charter.net.
| |
|
Handbells
The Trinity Handbell Choir rehearses on Mondays from 4:30-5:30 PM. The ensemble rings periodically at 10:45 AM Worship on Sunday mornings and for special events throughout the year. Some knowledge of music reading is a requirement to join, but beyond that, all are welcome! Contact Dr. Kevin Seal at kevin@trinityasheville.org or the church offices for more details.
| |
|
Stories That Matter
Trinity Stories That Matter is our blog that highlights member interest pieces, such as weddings, births, achievements, celebrations, graduations, the death of an extended family member, and past and some upcoming special events. Read the latest edition by clicking the link on the website homepage or Stories That Matter | Trinity Episcopal. Please email Nanette Popa (nanette@trinityasheville.org) to share your story.
| |
Volunteer
Check out Trinity’s website to learn more about opportunities to serve the church and world.
| |
|
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. Contact Debbie Cox to let her know you’d like to help:
debbie@trinityasheville.org.
| |
|
ABCCM
ABCCM is a significant ministry in our community; our Rector is on the board, and there are many opportunities to volunteer. Explore those opportunities here.
| |
|
Office Volunteer
Many of our regular volunteers are out of town. If you are able to volunteer at the Trinity office, please contact Ken Wilson at ken@trinityasheville.org.
| |
|
Lake Logan
Trinity volunteers travel to Lake Logan every Thursday for service and fellowship to paint cabins, repair furniture, sew curtains, and landscape. Contact Carlyn Pheil (carlynpheil@gmail.com) or Fred Fairhead (fredfairhead@att.net) to learn about volunteering for hurricane clean up work.
| |
|
A.R.M.
The Appalachian Regional Ministry (ARM) is a partnership with churches and other leaders in Graham County, one of the poorest in our region. We travel to Robbinsville monthly to cook, distribute food, and work with community leaders in other ways. We welcome your presence! Contact the church office to reach Tom Goodrich.
| |
|
Can You Beat an Egg?
Help cook and serve breakfast from 8:00 to 9:30 on Sundays. Paul Hatfield 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.
| |
|
Church of the Advocate
Every Sunday after the 10:45 service, the Church of the Advocate can use your help to serve a meal to the unhoused community. No cooking skill is needed—contact the Rev. Mike Reardon at mreardon@reddooravl.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: Carol Jameson, Gail Ostrander, Ann Howell,
Paula Lawton, Carol MacRae, Ada Jo Foley, Neal Owings, Rody & Ann Sherrill,
Phillip Price, Laura Simons, Nancy Ackerman Cole, Michael Copeland & family,
Leo Duncan, Neil Grant, Dave Hensley, Robert & Patricia White, Laurie Hamilton, Bill Fowler, Jane Clark
ONGOING CONCERNS: Molly Gray (granddaughter of Sam & Paul Faeth)
HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS &THOSE IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES: Lynne Diehl, Evelyn Hemphill, Gus Boone, Karen Taylor, Clare & Hugh Stephens
FOR THOSE IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY: Lt. Cmdr. Alexander M. Ford (son of John Mark and Charlene Ford), WO. Brendan Gilbert (grandson of Curt Gilbert); Davis N. Graham, Lieutenant J.G. (grandson of Jane Clark), Captain Brooks Jarnigan, Army Intelligence (nephew of Dale & Cindy Carroll); Col. Jon C. McDaniel, U.S.M.C. (son of Mr. & Mrs. R. Allison McDaniel), Adrienne Welker, US Navy Band (daughter of Leslie Welker), Gerald Welker, Jr, US Air Force Band (son of Leslie Welker), SN John Work, US Navy (son of Becky & Jack Work)
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK: Alton Floyd, Siena Gentry, Siena Gentry, Jennifer Royall,
Charlotte Berry, Jon Finley, Gracie Stevens, Karen Tanner-Holt, Walker Schieren,
Will Odom, Sarah Vallely, Emma Kate McCann, David Vandegrift, Gray Pearson,
Kate Wrenn, Emily Imes, Raymond Mitchell
ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK: Lisa Wheeler & Patty Wilson,
Scott White & Missy Sherburne, Dick & Vinton Murray, Vance & Catherine Brown
| | | | |