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Dear Trinity Family,
I begin my sabbatical on Monday, May 11. This year marks my 26th year at Trinity Church, which has been such a significant part of my life. Eric and I were married here in 1990, and I began volunteering as a Children's Sunday School teacher with Beth Chesnut in 1998. My children, Alex and Megan, were also baptized and confirmed at Trinity. In 2000, Bill Whisenhunt asked me to work here, and I have been here ever since. It is a joy to be with our young people and to serve this community. Trinity has changed in so many ways over the years, but one thing remains constant: the faithful parishioners and the support of the Trinity staff. I am so privileged to walk with you all on this journey.
I will begin with a week of rest and then head to Scotland with my husband, followed by a trip to Boston and New Hampshire to see my nephew graduate from high school. In mid-June, my sister and I are going to Greece. Finally, I'll have some time to rest and spend a few days at Well of Mercy, a spiritual environment and quiet sanctuary for those in need of temporary respite from daily demands, expectations, and stresses, or those who simply wish to move apart for a time of prayer, rest, and renewal. When you're serving in ministry, it's important to intentionally carve out time to be spiritually nourished, so I'm excited to have dedicated time at Well of Mercy.
I am honored to work at Trinity and be part of this thriving community. I am looking forward to my time away and deeply appreciate the staff, vestry, and Scott for supporting this sabbatical. Thank you for the notes, gifts, and words of encouragement as I take this time away. I will miss you all and look forward to seeing you in July.
Thanks be to God for Trinity Church.
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You're Invited! God’s Church, Our Story: Celebrating Our Past, Discovering Our Future Together: Join us on Wednesday, May 20, 5:00 p.m. Something meaningful is happening at Trinity, and we want you at the table. There’s a separate insert with all the details. RSVP using the QR code above. RSVP Here | |
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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Special Musical Treat at the Celtic on Sunday
There is a special treat planned for those who attend the 5:30 Celtic service tonight, 5/10. Flutist Kate Steinbeck and our own Dr. Kevin Seal will be playing selections from J.S.Bach’s sonatas for flute.
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New Adult Forum Begins this Sunday: Sibling Saints with Amy (Sundays, May 10-31)
Go back in time to the 4th century, and find three siblings who each helped shape the church in distinctive ways. We’ll begin by looking broadly at the Cappadocian church, and then spend a week each learning about Macrina, Basil, and Gregory. Optional readings will be distributed each week.
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Music at Trinity Concert Tomorrow!
Please plan to join us for the next Music at Trinity concert on Saturday, May 9 at 7 pm: An evening with Fingerstyle Guitar virtuoso Michael Gulezian. Michael comes from the sonic world of John Fahey and Michael Hedges, and he is one of the finest in the world at his craft. This promises to be a wonderful evening of music! Admission is free. Invite your neighbors and friends!
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Trinity Sunday Vespers at Celtic Service
Mark your calendars for the 5:30 worship service on May 31st, when we will celebrate a special Vespers service for Trinity Sunday centered around the music of J. S. Bach. At the heart of the service will be a complete performance of Bach cantata BWV 78, "Jesu du der meine Seele", performed with a professional orchestra. Last year's Bach vespers was a highlight of our worship year, and this year's promises to be even better. Come experience some of the most sublimely beautiful music ever written, in the context of a wonderful contemplative service.
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Summer Schedule
It's hard to believe, but our summer schedule begins on June 7! We will have one main service at 10:00, with coffee hour to follow. The 8:00 and 5:30 services continue as usual. Breakfast (9:00–9:30), Adult Bible Study (9:00–9:45), children’s “Come Join the Circle” (9:50); The Church of the Advocate Eucharist at 1:30 continues as usual.
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VBS Volunteers Needed!
June 22–26 from 9 AM–12 PM
We have space (and need) for volunteers. We invite you to participate. Many meaningful roles are available! Sign-up sheets will be at coffee hour and at the table leading out to the Aston Street Courtyard today. Come make a difference and be part of an unforgettable week of faith and fun. Scan the QR code above to register. Child registration for the week is full, but if you want your child to be on the waiting list, email nanette@trinityasheville.org
Click here to register as a volunteer.
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Outreach Team Open House
The Trinity Outreach Team leads Trinity’s community engagement. Those interested in learning more or getting involved are invited to an informal gathering on June 11 at Highland Brewing from 5–7pm. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn about current outreach efforts, and enjoy relaxed fellowship. Please contact the church office at office@trinityasheville.org
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Education for Ministry (EfM)
If you have ever taken EfM (Education for Ministry), we want to connect! Regardless of whether you did a year or the whole program, please reach out to Rebecca Jenkins (rebecca@trinityasheville.org) to confirm your contact information and let her know how many years of the program you completed.
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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.
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A Sparked Imagination: A Retreat for Creatives
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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Adults:
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Parents in Conversation usually 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
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Sibling Saints: Adult Forum with Amy (Sundays, May 10-31). See full description above in announcements.
Children and Youth:
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Godly Play for children happens during the Sunday formation hour (9:30–10:30) with three classes, serving potty-trained three year olds through fifth-grade.
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Nursery is available starting at 9:15 until after the 10:45 service.
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Children’s Hour Ages 3 to second grade meets at 10:45 in the Undercroft for snacks and worship; children and youth above 2nd grade are invited to join their guardians for Holy Eucharist. Children Hour attendees return to parents after the Peace
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High School (grades 9-12) meets Sundays at 9:30 in the youth area under Tuton Hall, accessible from the same stairway
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Middle School (grades 6-8) meets Sundays at 9:30 in the youth area, accessible via stairs near Tuton Hall kitchen.
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Intercession and Silent Prayer Intercessory and Silent Prayer continues in the Redwood Chapel each Wednesday from 10:45 to 11:15am. No sign-up necessary, just come join us! Contact the church office or email Sue Graff at sjhgraff@yahoo.com with questions. “Prayer does not change God, but it changes me.” C.S. Lewis
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 with questions.
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.
Trinity Caregivers’ Group meets via Zoom on the second Friday monthly. This group meets in confidentiality. Receive support and share experiences of caring for loved ones with dementia. The next meeting is June 12. 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. 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. 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 May 17. 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. Upcoming Dates - Worship: June 7; Social: June 30.
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. 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:
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule is a landmark 2001 policy which protects our forests, and it is currently in danger of being rescinded. This administrative rulemaking would open nearly 45 million acres of wild, unfragmented national forests to road construction, logging, and other development — killing imperiled species, fouling precious water, and raising wildfire risk. Learn more by clicking here.
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Debbie's Sabbatical
Youth and Parish Life Director, Debbie, will be taking a two-month sabbatical starting May 11. We look forward to welcoming her back later this summer. Read more about Debbie’s sabbatical on Stories That Matter (link below).
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A Note About Our Prayer List
We are honored to partner with our community in praying for those who need to be lifted up to God. 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.
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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!
| Trinity’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) offering a weekly Veggie Box with 5–7 organic, seasonal vegetables and simple recipes. Boxes are $30 per week, billed weekly with no upfront cost, and you can pause deliveries as needed. Scan the QR code above to subscribe; you won’t be charged until boxes go out each Thursday. For more information, email leeseabrook@gmail.com. | | |
Check out pics from our community life here at Trinity
We post pictures from our events for you to enjoy! It was recently updated with photos from Easter and the Women’s Retreat! Click here to view our Flickr gallery.
| 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 5/17):
Acts 1:6-14; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11; Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36
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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 June 4. 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 May 19. 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: Laurie Hamilton, Jason Hamlin, Mike Sharp, Debbie Wallace, Ann Hauser Garst, Lisa Bowen, and Annie Jones
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), CPT Crystal Frutchey, NC National Guard (cousin of Jennine Hough), Charles Nause, Navy Seal (friend of the Shaws), and Lt. Noah Hasty, US Navy (son of Hadyn &Terry Hasty).
Birthdays (May 10-16): Jason Brock, Rosemary Crow, Erin Derham, Merle Dickert, Peyton Evert, Barbara Fotinos, Parker Groh, Amber Guzy, Patton Hornthal, Leslie Morris, Helen Wernet, Michael Wherry, Samuel White, Ellen Anne Yanik
Anniversaries (May 10-16): Annabelle & Joseph Cresenzo, Allison & Brett Frk, Carole & Greg Hildebran
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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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