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Shaping Our Future: Stewardship 2026
"Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness." — 2 Corinthians 3:12
This Sunday we launch Stewardship 2026, and our theme this year is Shaping Our Future. But before I say a word about what lies ahead, I want to say thank you. Your generosity this past year, through the long recovery from Helene and through every ordinary Sunday in between, has kept Trinity's doors open, our ministries growing, and our partners across Asheville fed, housed, and accompanied. Thank you. And thank you, in advance, for the generosity still to come.
If you have not yet walked the Wall of Wonder Timeline in the Tuton Hall hallway, I hope you will. What struck me most was not any single date but the pattern running through all of them: in every generation, Trinitarians are generous. They gave through wars and depressions, booms and busts, pandemics and storms because they wanted to express what was in their hearts—that their hope is in a God who will never abandon us.
The pews we sit in, the windows we pray beneath, the ministries we take for granted—every one is someone's generosity, offered long before we arrived. We are heirs of a remarkable depth of giving and hope, and we continue to add chapters of generosity.
By now, everyone should have gotten a letter from me in the mail, but to repeat, here is how the campaign will unfold.
From September 15 through September 30, the Stewardship Team invites you to make a leadership gift during our pre-campaign. You will receive an email from a fellow Trinitarian inviting you to pledge for 2027 via a simple, secure online form. (It asks only for the amount you plan to give, never account numbers.) Beginning in October, the house-to-house campaign will begin for those who have not yet responded.
One day, our names will be on the Wall of Wonder as part of the generations past who boldly lived with the hope of God.
Thank you for your generosity—past, present, and yet to come.
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Nominations for the Trinity Vestry Class of 2029: Deadline September 15!
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 22, 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 | | |
Dear Church,
Do you ever wonder how this newsletter is full every week with so many different events and programs? It’s because of you! Trinity’s ministry groups are a vital part of our shared life, and much of that work will be on full display this Sunday. During breakfast and formation hour, leaders from two dozen of these groups will have tables showcasing what they do and how you can participate. If you’re looking to get involved or simply want to see what’s going on, I invite you to walk through Tuton Hall to check out all the wonderful ways fellow Trinitarians are using their time and talents. I continue to be amazed by how our members collaborate and use their gifts to make positive impacts across a breadth of ministry areas. This demonstration of people’s giving spirit and initiative is a beautiful testament to the way in which Trinity is grounded in its community, taking care of each other and supporting our neighbors. From monthly visits serving meals at Transformation Village to the meticulous care of the linens used in our services, there are so many places to take part in our shared life; stop by the ministry fair to learn more.
The fair will be up beginning at 9 am Sunday morning – come through!
Cheers,
Rebecca Jenkins
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Trinity Men's Retreat
Register today! A few spots are left.
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.
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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 this Sunday for a potluck supper right after the celtic service. 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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Youth Pool Party
Join us this Sunday, September 13 for the first EYC of the year! 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 This Sunday
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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Attention Creatives!
The Needlers are meeting on September 20 at 4 pm. If you knit, crochet, sew, or do fiber arts or handicrafts of any kind, join us! All skill and experience levels are welcome. Come to teach or to learn or simply to fellowship. Contact Lorrie Weeks or Amy+ for more info.
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Club 345: Big Air!
Club 345 (3 - 5 grade) is heading to Big Air Trampoline Park September 27! For more information and to register, click here.
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Creation-centered Evensong October 4
Mark your calendars for October 4th, when our Chancel Choir will be leading an Evensong service for creation centered around the scriptures for the Feast of St. Francis! The service is at 5:30 PM and will feature music by Kenneth Jennings, T. Tertius Noble, and Stephen Paulus.
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DATE CHANGE!!
Fall Middle School Retreat
Middle schoolers in grades 6–8 are invited to the Diocesan Middle
School Retreat at Lake Logan, October 23-25!
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
Registrater 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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Youth CROP Hunger Walk
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.
Join: Everyone is invited to join our Trinity Youth team! Support: We have a goal of raising $1000.
If you'd like to join our team or donate to our goal, click here. We are collecting donations through October 4.
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Red Bag Sunday
The next Red Bag collection is in support of Church of the Advocate. Pick up a red bag on Sunday, September 20 at the church and return it the following Sunday with gently used or new shoes. Shoes are needed for both men and women, but the greatest need is for men's shoes. The shoes need to be sturdy and suitable for walking over various terrain, like sneakers or hiking boots.
| | Upcoming Events and Notes | | |
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 1:30 pm 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.
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.
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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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Children’s Chapel — (3 years - 2nd grade) During second service; children rejoin families at the Peace.
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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 10:45–11:15 a.m. for silent prayer, with a simple handout available to guide you. Contact Sue Graff at sjhgraff@ yahoo.com or the church office with questions.
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 at 1 pm, offering a confidential space for those caring for loved ones with dementia, facilitated by geropsychologist Dr. Corkie Morrill. 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:
The Roadless Rule, which protects 58.5 million acres of undeveloped National Forest lands from industrial-scale logging and road construction, is under consideration now. The comment period is open until September 21st. Public comments are being accepted virtually, by postcard or handwritten letter. Follow the guidelines by clicking here to make your comment and let the Forest Service know we deserve the opportunity to advocate for what happens with our public lands.
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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!
| An update on our Chancel Choir’s 2027 UK trip— Due to organ renovations at Ely Cathedral, we have pivoted to another wonderful cathedral nearby. Our choir will be the choir-in-residence at St. Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St. Edmunds, a beautiful market town near Ely and Cambridge. The trip dates, July 10–18, 2027, remain the same. Even if you do not sing, you are invited to join. Look for an opportunity to register in an upcoming Times! | If you joined a Supper Club, don’t forget these upcoming dates! 9/27, 11/8, 2/21, & 4/25. | | |
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 9/20): Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 | | |
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, Anna Fitch Courie, Carey Mitchell, Chris Bradley, Adaline Parks, Jeannette Sparks
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 (September 13-19): Dana Cole, Kristi Goodrum, Paige Alspaugh, Robert Byrd, Ben Hemphill, Justin McCleery, Jim McCurry, Anna Whisnant, Jennifer King, Sue Shorey, Boyd Best, Annabelle Cresenzo, Parker Moore, Elizabeth Vandegrift, Chris Brock, Paul Danko, Aimes Pugh, Martha Boyd, John Ruhl, Megan Cox, Sara Duque, J.T. Foust, Sarah Groce, Thomas Hunter
Anniversaries (September 13-19): Blake & Spencer Butler, Ann-Patton & Lang Hornthal, David & Dillon Manly, Anne & Owen Dowling, Bill & Kay McCann, Emily & Mo Moss, Jim Beatty & Trey Inman, Jas & Peter Gentling
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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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