Daylight Saving Time begins this Saturday evening. If you use clocks other than on your electronic devices, remember to set them forward one hour before you go to bed Saturday. We don’t want you to be an hour late this Sunday!

A note from Ken Wilson,

Flower Guild Co-chair

Why Sticks?

Sticks on the altar during Lent have been a Trinity tradition for as long as I have been here (since the 1990s), and I’m sure much longer than that. I have become more curious as to the deep, spiritual meaning this tradition carries with it. All I could find was on the National Cathedral’s website: “Use no flowers at all. Fill all vases with twigs.” 

No deep, spiritual meaning in those words, so here are my own ideas as to why carry out this tradition. 

As part of the Ash Wednesday service, the Book of Common Prayer invites us to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial. One of the more noticeable changes in our worship space for Lent is the absence (or denial) of the glorious flowers prepared each Sunday by the Flower Guild, which now are replaced with twigs and limbs. This time of year, the branches of trees become naked of their leaves, but inside there is the promise of a new life. Once spring comes and the sap runs up the limbs, the trees we knew last spring will be resurrected with green leaves, and bushes will show the presence of buds and flowers. What was “dead” will be resurrected! This is my reasoning for sticks, twigs, and limbs on the altar during Lent.

But, there is another way to interpret them this season of Lent...

This year, the sticks are not ones that will ever bloom or leaf out again. They were torn from trees, swept up by their roots, gathered in piles along with houses, personal belongings, demolished cars, semi trucks flipped onto their sides, and thoughts of many lives lost or changed forever by wind and water. All of these were gathered around the area where I live: Swannanoa, one of the areas most devastated by Helene. They truly represent a feeling of Lent, a dark precursor to the hope of a resurrection to Swannanoa, and all of Western North Carolina. 

As we look at the wood, may we be reminded of the cross and the crown of thorns. And may we look forward to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ who makes all things live again.

Ken

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.  

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. 

Choral Evensong

This Sunday, March 9th, at 5:30 PM, we will be commemorating the first Sunday of Lent with a choral evensong led by our Chancel Choir. This service will replace the Celtic Eucharist. Come hear our choir sing works by Herbert Howells, Orlando Gibbons, and a new setting of the Phos Hilaron by our own Music Director, Dr. Kevin Seal.  

Women of the Bible in Art

Beginning this Sunday: “Women of the Bible in Art” in Adult Forum, March 9, 16, and 23 led by Jennine Hough in the Undercroft. We will “read the image” as the early Christians did and see exciting and dramatic stories, acts of kindness, leadership, loyalty and heroism - and also acts of questionable and sometimes violent tactics. We will begin with Eve, of course, and revisit the lives of our Old Testament and New Testament female spiritual ancestors as interpreted by artists of all periods.

Parents in Conversation

9:30-10:45 in the Clark Room. All are welcome to join this group for informal conversation about life, faith, and (sometimes) parenting.

Connect!

The Trinity Connect class meets today from 9:00 to 9:45 in the Conference Room. This is a one-time, every-six-week opportunity for those new to Trinity to meet others, the clergy, and staff members and learn the basics about Trinity Church.

Teenagers: it’s your turn!

Join us after the 10:45 service this Sunday, March 9 to plan our annual Youth Sunday celebration. We will meet in the Conference Room in the Tuton Hallway. On Youth Sunday (May 11), middle school and high school students help lead all parts of the worship service as musicians, acolytes, ushers, preachers, lectors, and chalice bearers. Please join this initial planning meeting to learn what role you’ll play.

Thank You

We extend our thanks to Mary Jane Gregg for preparing the homemade communion bread for the season of Lent.

Trinity Concert Series Event

March 14th at 7:00 PM, we will be holding a music event that you won’t want to miss! Plan to join us as we host Grammy nominated baritone Edward Vogel in a program of English Art Song, featuring a complete performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams Songs of Travel. Mr. Vogel will be accompanied by Dr. Kevin Seal on piano. Kevin has this to say about Edward: “I met Ned about seven years ago when we both sang with a professional choir in Arizona. I was immediately struck by his ‘once in a generation’ talent and immense beauty in his voice. I am thrilled to be able to present this program with him for the Asheville and Trinity community. You will not want to miss this opportunity to hear one of the best art song singers in the U.S.” This is a ticketed event. Tickets are $25.00, and $10.00 for students. You can purchase tickets and register by clicking the button to your left. Scholarships are available.Questions? 

Please contact Kevin at kevin@trinityasheville.org for more details.  

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 is 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.

We enter the holy season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 5. For your convenience, you can find more information about all of our programs and offerings in Lent and Holy Week here. As always, feel free to contact the church office with any questions.

Choose your own adventure, this Lent

March 12 - April 9

Our mid-week Lenten program March 12 - April 9 will include two offerings: 

A mid-day Guest Preaching Series at the Wednesday Eucharist followed by an informal question and answer session and lunch in Tuton Hall. 12:15 pm.

A Wednesday evening Lenten Supper Club,  “Stories with Jesus,” from 5:30 to 6:30 at the church. Groups will meet at the church, where a simple meal will be provided. As you eat, you’ll have a chance to share parts of your own stories and study a little of what the Bible teaches. 

“Tell Me the Truth About Racism”

A Lenten Program for Families of Children and Youth

March 16, 23 and 30th

Lunch and program after the 10:45 service

Tell Me the Truth About Racism is a series of stories that frames racism through the lens of the Christian faith. 

Rev.  Will Bouvel and Jen Holt Enriquez, first built the foundation of this work in Lent 2021 to teach children (as young as 5) at their churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. We are offering this program at Trinity for three Sundays in March.  We will meet immediately following the 10:45 service for lunch in Tuton Hall, followed by a story and opportunities for response afterward. We will finish by 2 pm. We need you to sign up for these three events online to ensure we have enough food and response materials.  We recommend coming all three Sundays, as the stories move through a timeline.  If you can only come for one or two, still come, but do sign up.

Yoga in Lent

Tuton Hall

March 16, 23, 20 and April 6 and 13

We invite you to practice yoga at Trinity this Lenten season. Join Mary Catherine Scott and Missy Sherburne for a donation-based Gentle Flow Yoga Class from 4-5 pm on Sundays. Classes will be geared towards individuals of all experience levels. Bring your own yoga mat (s) (we‘ll have a few as well) and a blanket.

We invite you to donate to the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund at Trinity if you wish. This is completely optional.

Mary Catherine is a former Pure Barre instructor with a deep love for the mental and physical health benefits that a regular yoga practice provides. She especially loves incorporating guided meditations into practices that leave participants feeling restored in both body and spirit. 

Missy started on her yoga journey in 2003 with a Baron Baptiste Hot Yoga Class in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A sprained ankle in 2018, which only allowed her to practice restorative yoga, led her to deepen her practice. Missy completed her 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training through Asheville Yoga Center in 2019 and is certified by Yoga Alliance. 

We can’t wait for you to join us on this journey!

Scotland Pilgrimage with Fr. Scott

The Rector is leading a Pilgrimage for Trinity: Celtic Christianity in Scotland, September 3-12. This begins what we hope to be a new opportunity for Adult pilgrimage at Trinity. Scan the QR code for details or call the Rector at the church office or at scott@trinityasheville.org. The trip will remain open for Trinity Church members and friends only for the next two weeks before it is offered to a broader audience. 

Creation Care

Power of God: From Extractive Theology to Transformative Faith is a free resource from Creation Justice Ministries that invites congregations to reflect on how power—both divine and human—shapes our world. Join a free webinar introducing the resource on on March 11 at 6pm.

Seed Swap and Share!

Have you bought packets of seeds, but only plan to use half of them? Bring your extras and swap them for other varieties in Tuton Hall Sunday, March 9, 2025, after the 10:45 service. We’ll also learn from special guest William Ritter how to save seeds from our own garden produce to be used next year. Hosted by the Creation Care Committee, who will provide a simple potluck lunch — all are welcome.

Eat in Season

There is still time to join the Trinity CSA. If you are interested in participating this season, contact leeseabrook@gmail.com. Or, you may also click the button below to sign up online. The.deadline is March 16.

Calling all crafters

 If you knit, crochet, needlepoint, or do fiber arts or handicrafts of any kind, join The Needlers on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 4 pm in the Clark Room. Contact Lorrie Weeks or Rev. Amy for more information.

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. We are entering a new “semester” and considering the next book of the bible to explore. Do you have a suggestion? Please join us and share it. You don’t have to have been a part of this group in the past. We welcome newcomers at any time. To be added to the group for this study and receive regular notifications, CLICK HERE.

Women's Retreat 2025

The women’s retreat at Valle Crucis March 28-30 is now full. To be added to the waiting list, email amy@trinityasheville.org.

Registration is now Open

RESTORING & PROTECTING ASHEVILLE: Science and Storytelling Show Us How. This spring speaker series is brought to us by Trinity, the French Broad River Garden Club, and the McCullough Institute of UNCA.

• Kathleen Biggins, Founder and President of C-Change Conversations “Building a Better Tomorrow: Understanding extremes of the changing climate to better protect our community” Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 11AM, Tuton Hall
• Margaret Renkl, Bestselling Author and Contributing Opinion Writer, The New York Times “Finding Hope in the Age of Climate Change” Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10AM, UNCA Highsmith Hall, Blue Ridge Room

• Jeff Chu,  Journalist and Editor-at-Large for Travel + Leisure, author of Good Soil “Conversations about Nature, Heritage, and Belonging: a reading and Q&A”Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 7PM, Tuton Hall.

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. 

Youth Choir

We are starting a new Youth Choir! Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, March 16. Rehearsals will be from 6:30-7:30 PM on Sunday evenings in our choir room. The choir is open to all youth in grades 4-12. 3rd graders may be admitted with director permission. The choir will be directed by Dr. Kevin Seal, and will sing periodically at 10:45 AM worship. For more information, email Dr. Kevin at kevin@trinityasheville.org or call the church offices.  

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.

EYC (Grades 6-12)

Sunday, March 16 after the 10:45a service. We will provide lunch and begin the Lenten Program “Tell Me The Truth about Racism.”

Acolyte Training

Acolyte Training for Crucifers and Front torches is Sunday, March 23, at 9:30 in the church with the Rev. Scott White.

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: Apr 10, June 12, Aug 14, Oct 9, and Dec 11. 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.

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.

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 the fourth Wednesday at six on Zoom and in the Clark Room. The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin will be our book discussed on Wed., Feb. 26th. 

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.

Give

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

Prayer List

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: Mark Stephens, Anne Dowling Dave Hensley, Laurie Hamilton,

Jane Clark, Carol MacRae, Carol Jacobson, Mary Downward

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: Rhoda Brosnan, Jo Chandler, Rob Earley, Kelly Hemphill,River Price,

Finn Sadler, Gerardo Balderas, Caleb Barber, Hallie Boyd, Kyle Boyd, Mary Ellen Edmonds, Laurel Rardin, Bill Goodwin, Robert Haden, Lynn Marie Kramp, Remi Apolinar, Elizabeth Frohbose, Paul Westervelt, Amy Rowe, Rebecca Scothorn, Hugh Stephens,

Eric Taylor, James Watts, Gale Alexander, Angie Tullis, Marilyn Halpin, Clay Alspaugh, Henry Holland, Eleanor McLamb, Lorrie Weeks

Anniversaries: Roberto Flores & Steve Alhart, Linda Watt & Leo Duncan