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The Most Sacred Week of the Year:
An Invitation to Walk in the Way of the Cross
Dear Friends,
There is no week in the Christian year quite like this one. We find ourselves standing at the threshold of Holy Week — those seven days that the Church has always regarded as the very center of our faith, the axis upon which all of history turns. What happens in the days ahead is not simply something we “commemorate.” It is something we enter. The ancient liturgies of Holy Week are designed not as performances to be watched, but as a sacred journey to be walked together.
Holy Week carries with it a distinctive solemnity. The festivity and triumph of Palm Sunday give way almost immediately to something quieter and luminous truth of the Gospel: that the Son of God walked among us, suffered among us, and died for us. This week asks us to sit with that truth long enough to let it change us.
I’m grateful and glad that Trinity will offer worship every single day of Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday services this Sunday. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, we will gather for a quiet celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 11:30 a.m. — a midday pause to receive the grace of Christ and to prepare our hearts for what lies ahead. These services are unhurried and intimate, a chance to step out of the noise of the week and into the presence of God.
On Maundy Thursday, we will observe the night on which Jesus gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room, sharing a meal, washing their feet, and giving them — and us — a new commandment: to love one another as he has loved us. Our service will include the optional rite of foot washing and will culminate in the Stripping of the Altar — one of the most powerful moments in all of Christian worship, when the sanctuary is slowly emptied of its beauty, leaving us in the bare darkness of a world without hope. It is not an easy thing to witness. It is not meant to be.
Then comes Good Friday — and Trinity will mark it in one of the Church’s most ancient and moving ways: with The Seven Last Words of Christ, a three-hour service running from noon to 3:00 p.m. — the hours the Gospels tell us Jesus hung upon the cross. Through music, silence, meditation, and Scripture, we will keep watch with him in his dying, and receive the gift of his words spoken from the wood of the cross. You are invited to come for any portion of this service, or to stay for all of it.
The full schedule for Holy Week — including Palm Sunday, the daily Eucharists, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Day — is available on our website (click here). I encourage you to visit the link below to see everything that is planned and to begin making Holy Week a priority in the days ahead. Whether you are here in Asheville, worshiping with us in person, or away in the coming days, I hold you in my prayers this week. Holy Week and Easter belong to the whole Church — to all of us, wherever we find ourselves. My prayer is that God will meet you in the particular place where you are, and that the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection will speak to you with fresh and living power.
May you have a blessed Holy Week and a glorious Easter.
By Grace,
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Easter Dedications
Easter memorials and thanksgivings are now open, and we’d be honored to remember and celebrate the people who are dear to your heart. When you make a dedication in honor or memory of someone, your gift helps fill our church with beautiful Easter flowers and music, and the names you share will be included in our Easter bulletin.
The final day to make a dedication is this Sunday, March 29.
Send us your dedication by either using the envelopes available in the pews each Sunday, or click here to use our online form.
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Music at Trinity Concert: March 28
This concert will be a joyful evening of music featuring two trumpets and organ, with musicians Brad Ulrich (Western Carolina University), Paul Merkelo (principal trumpet of the Montreal Symphony), and our own Dr. Kevin Seal on organ. Admission is free.
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Trinity Art Fair April 25
On April 25 from 10-4, come and enjoy a vibrant community art fair featuring works by more than 35 artists from the congregation. Explore paintings, woodwork, ceramics, stained glass, books, LEGO creations, textiles, jewelry, and more. Enjoy imaginative floral displays from the Trinity Flower Guild, food and beverages, and festive decorations as you browse in Tuton Hall and the church courtyard (weather permitting).
Proceeds benefit Camp Henry scholarships for youth.
Admission is free and open to all. For details, call (828) 253-9361 or email office@trinityasheville.org.
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Reading the Bible Literately, Not Literally: Upcoming Adult Forum
with Ed Bleynat, Sundays April 12-May 3
The Bible is not one book – it comprises many books written in several different genres. You’ll find poetry, narrative, legal codes, history, personal letters, and more. Every week, we’ll look at Scripture and consider how its literary style, genre, and context help us understand it. We will seek the image of God in all people by immersion in biblical text, such as the prophetic Book of Amos, with its insistence on justice for the poor and disadvantaged, and Paul’s short letter to Philemon, where he urges a man to treat Paul’s friend not as a slave, but as a brother.
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Asheville Vocal Ensemble will Lead Worship at the Palm Sunday Celtic Service
It is a treat every year to welcome one of the premiere musical groups in Asheville, and to continue our longstanding relationship with them. Join us at 5:30.
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Creation Care Workdays in Lent
Join the Creation Care Committee for landscape workdays around the church, March 27 and 28, 9:30–11:30 a.m. All are welcome—tools provided! Stay for lunch afterward. RSVP to Monte Gaillard at mparsons123@gmail.com.
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Holy Week Prayer Moment
Join Bishop José on Monday, March 30 at 12:00 p.m. on Zoom for a brief time of prayer for our communities, our nation, and our world. This gathering, part of Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s Lenten call to prayer and faithful witness, will offer a quiet moment to seek the Spirit’s guidance as we walk the way of Christ with compassion, courage, and hope. Click here to join - passcode: 526515
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EYC Trip to the Arboretum
Students in grades 6–12 are invited on our next trip to the North Carolina Arboretum on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 12:00–3:00 p.m. We’ll leave from Trinity right after the 10:45 service; bring a bag lunch, water bottle, weather-appropriate clothes, and closed-toe shoes.
Register here.
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Trinity Men's Retreat
The Brotherhood of St, Andrew (BOSA) 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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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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Holy Week
Palm Sunday | March 29
Holy Week begins with the story of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem. Our services begin in praise and end with the stark reality of betrayal. At each of our services, we will hear a dramatic reading of Jesus’s last hours. Look for details and instructions for our young people who will join in a neighborhood “walk” in coordination with our partner churches on Church Street. The 10:45 service will include a solemn procession.
8:00 — Eucharist and Liturgy of the Palms: The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ
8:45 — Nursery Opens
9:00 — Breakfast in Tuton Hall
9:30 — Adult Christian Formation; Nursery Provided
9:30 — Palm Sunday Walk with First Presbyterian and Central Methodist. This event is especially for families with children and youth, but all are welcome. Meet in Tuton Hall at 9:30 and walk over by 9:45 for a brief service, finishing by 10:30
10:45 — Eucharist and Liturgy of the Palms: The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ (Livestreamed)
5:30 — Celtic Eucharist and Blessing of the Palms with music from Asheville Vocal Ensemble (Livestreamed)
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week | March 30-April 1 | 11:30 am
Each day we hold a simple service of the Holy Eucharist at 11:30 with readings that help us focus on Jesus’s final walk on earth. These services will include a hymn.
Maundy Thursday | April 2 | 7:00 pm
Our evening service focuses on Jesus’s final meeting with his disciples in the upper room. There, he shares his last supper with them, demands that he let them wash their feet, and commands them to do likewise. Our service will include an optional foot-washing and conclude with the stripping of the altar. Once the church is stripped bare of all adornment, the crosses are veiled in black, and we leave in silence.
Good Friday| The Seven Last Words of Jesus | April 3 | 12-3pm
The hours of noon to 3pm on Good Friday are sometimes called The Great Three Hours, commemorating Christ’s hanging on the cross. This year, we will worship during the Great Three Hours at Trinity with a service that will cycle through prayer, music, silence, and brief homiletical reflections on the seven last words of Jesus. You are welcome to stay for all three hours, or to come and go at any point. (Livestreamed)
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Easter
Candlelight Sunrise Easter Vigil | 6 am
Our vigil service begins in the dark. We start gathering in the memorial garden as a witness to our belief that death will never have the last word. There, will be joined by a quartet from the Chancel Choir as we light the new fire and the Paschal Candle for the first time. We process together with individual candles into a darkened church, where we hear the story of our faith. The service is supported by a vocal quartet from the choir. By the time we get to the great proclamation of the Resurrection, the sun is beginning to shine through the windows and sing some of the day's great hymns. Incense is used at this service.
Champagne Breakfast | 7:30 am - 10:45 am | Tuton Hall
Join us for a festive champagne breakfast following the Easter Vigil, anytime between 7:45 and 10:45 a.m.
Children’s Hour in the Undercroft | 8:45 am
Nursery provided from 8:45-12:30
Full Choral Eucharist | 9:00 am
with Brass Quartet and Chancel Choir; Nursery provided
Easter Egg Hunt |10:30 am
All children are invited to the Chapel Courtyard for an Easter Egg Hunt between the 9 and 11 am services. Nursery Provided.
Children’s Hour | 10:45 am
Children’s Hour for the 11 am service begins. Meet in the Undercroft. Nursery provided.
Full Choral Eucharist | 11 am
with Brass Quartet and Chancel Choir; Nursery provided. Livestreamed.
| | Upcoming Events and Notes | | |
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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VBS Registration Now Open
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. Volunteer registration is also open—many meaningful roles are available! Come make a difference and be part of an unforgettable week of faith and fun.
Click here to register a child.
Click here to register as a volunteer.
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Intercession and Silent Prayer
We are called to a more intentional prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Anyone desiring an opportunity to deepen their intercessory and personal prayer life, please join us each Wednesday from 10:45 to 11:15am in the Redwood Chapel. Contact the church office or email sjhgraff@yahoo.com with questions.
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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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Adults:
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Adult Forum: James in the Suburbs with Dr. April Love-Fordham. Explore the Book of James and how grace frees us for lives of service—moving from merely “consuming” God’s blessings to sharing them as the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. Sundays March 1–29 during the Formation Hour, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
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Parents in Conversation 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. There is no Parents in Coversation this week!
Children and Youth:
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Goldy Play for Children: Usually, During Sunday formation hour (9:30–10:30) with three classes, serving potty-trained three year olds through fifth-grade. Classes meet downstairs.
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Nursery is available starting at 9:15 until after the 10:45 service for infants through three-year-olds who are not yet potty-trained.
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Palm Sunday Children and Youth: All families meet in Tuton Hall at 9:30 for the Palm Sunday donkey walk. If arriving late, meet in front of Central UMC. All Children will meet in the Courtyard when we return. We will be processing in.
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Midweek Eucharist Every Wednesday, we offer a midweek worship service at a new time, 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. There is no Women's Bible Study this coming week.
Bible Discovery with The Rector 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. No class this coming week.
Trinity Caregivers’ Group meets via Zoom on the second Friday monthly. Support and share experiences caring for loved ones with dementia. The next meeting is April 10. 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. Upcoming date and books: 4/22 at 6:30 - James by Percival Everett. 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 April 9 — Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. 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 this Sunday, April 19. 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 5.
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. Next meeting April 23 at Monte’s house from 10:30-1 pm for a tour of her garden and lunch; please contact Monte to RSVP at mparsons123@gmail.com. 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 Creation Care Alliance WNC at the 2026 Symposium May 1st and 2nd at Montreat Conference Center as we reflect on Hurricane Helene, the faith-filled response that followed, and the renewed call to climate resilience and disaster recovery.
Workshop topics will include:
Considering Going Solar?
Planting a Pollinator, Butterfly, or Vegetable Garden on Your Campus
Congregational Disaster Preparedness and Resilience-Building
Climate Justice Advocacy - Rev. Susannah Tuttle, Director, Eco-Justice Connection of the NC Council of Churches
Green Burials - Author and Professor Mallory McDuff of Warren Wilson College
More info here
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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! 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. | Community Supported Agriculture: If you’ve never tried a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, it’s a simple way to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce each week — delivered to Trinity for convenient Thursday afternoon pickup. Boxes are $30 per week, charged weekly with no upfront cost and the flexibility to pause if needed. If you’re interested or would like more information, please email leeseabrook@gmail.com. | Church offices will be closed the Monday after Easter | Next Sunday’s Lectionary Readings (for 4/5 - Easter): Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6; Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 | | |
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 April 8. 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 April 21. 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, John Gilbert, LuAnn Wilson, Jason Hamlin, Rose Marie Taylor, Mickey Trinite, Mildred, Brittany, & Elizabeth Plant, Maggie Stranges, Robert Woodrich, Mike Sharp, Debbie Wallace, Bill Ackermann, Cheryl & Joe Chasin, Mason Frisella, Lovie Meriwether, Colleen Williford, Gil Walden, and Ann Hauser Garst
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), and CPT Crystal Frutchey, NC National Guard (cousin of Jennine Hough)
Birthdays, March 29–April 4) Tom Mainolfi, Al Shew, Walker Wrenn, Joel Hallford, Walker Hornthal, Allison Imes, Leigh Langford
Anniversaries, (March 29-April 4): Eric & Julie Taylor, LeeAnne and William Brafford
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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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