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Dear Church,
It's almost time to kick off the new academic year! Please join us for a day of good food, fellowship, and FUN on Sunday, August 23, as we return to formation for all ages at 9:30, followed by a return to the 10:45 am service time, with a blessing of the backpacks. All students and educators alike are invited to bring a backpack to receive a blessing! Following the service, we will enjoy a picnic, complete with a water slide, live music, fairy hair, and so much more. Our picnic will include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, slaw, beans, chips, cake, and Jeremiah's Italian ice.
Please register for lunch by clicking here.
Come ready to have your picture taken on Kick-Off Sunday in Tuton Hall after both the 8 am and 10:45 am service for our directory!
Also on Sunday, August 23, Godly Play returns at 9:30 a.m. for potty-trained 3-year-olds through 5th graders, followed by Children’s Hour at 10:40 a.m. for 3-year-olds through 2nd graders. The nursery will be open for infants and younger children from 9:15 through the end of the 10:45 service. Our team of Godly Play Mentors is so excited to welcome the children back! If you have a child in this age group and you have not received emails regarding programming, please reach out to Nanette Popa, Director of Children and Family Ministries, to be added to the email list (Nanette@trinityasheville.org). For more information about our children's formation for 2026-2027, click here.
Youth formation will also be back! The Youth Rooms are located underneath Tuton Hall. There is a middle (6-8) and high school (9- 12) class. Kat Lomuscio and Debbie Cox are the main teachers in each class, with additional adult volunteers every week – if you can help out one Sunday this fall, email Debbie (Debbie@trinityasheville.org). Youth Formation begins at 9:30 a.m. This year, we will explore what it means to be Holy Troublemakers: people of faith who listen for God’s call, stand up for what is right, and help bring love, justice, and hope into the world. Through stories, conversation, prayer, and activities, we will learn from faithful people—past and present—who have made a difference. To learn more about all of our Youth Formation offerings, please visit trinityasheville.org/youth, and if you aren’t on the email list for regular updates, get in touch with Debbie to be added. Click here to learn more about our youth formation for this upcoming year!
If you'd like to come help out by volunteering in Godly Play or in our Youth programming, we would love to have you! Having caring adults makes such a huge difference in the lives of young people. Click here if you're interested in serving.
Adult Formation is also starting up - look out for an email from Scott on Monday with more details. In the mean time, you can find more details about what we will offer for adults here.
We can't wait to see everyone back on August 23. Come join the fun picnic and learn about the offerings this fall!
Debbie Cox and Nanette Popa
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Nominations for the Trinity Vestry Class of 2029
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 23, 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
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Acolyte Training
Acolyte Training for new and old acolytes (grades 3-12) is this Sunday, August 16, after the 10:00a service in the church. For any other questions, please email me at debbie@trinityasheville.org.
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Upcoming Adult Formation: A Little Leaven
There will be an adult formation welcome and introduction session on August 23 before the next series, A Little Leaven, begins, running Aug 30-Sept 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.
Find out more about this year’s Adult Formation offerings by clicking here.
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Nurturing the Creative Life: A Workshop
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Join writer and spiritual director Charlotte Donlon for an evening of contemplative practices, storytelling, and conversation on what it means to live a sustainable, soulful creative life as a writer, artist, musician, or maker. You’ll explore four core movements of the creative journey—belong, become, behold, and bestow—and be invited to see your whole life, not just the easy parts, as sacred ground for creativity. To learn more and register, please click here.
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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 for a potluck supper right after the celtic servic on Sunday, September 13. 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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A Celtic Saints Pilgrimage to Ireland
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.
| | Upcoming Events and Notes | | |
Children's Choir is Coming Back!
This year, we are re-starting our Children's Choir for children grades 3–8, giving them a chance to share their gifts through song and develop their musical skills. Rehearsal time is TBA; contact kevin@trinityasheville.org for more information or to share your interest.
Sign up for Supper Club! Supper Club is a relaxed way to connect with others at Trinity over a potluck meal. Groups meet four times during the year with no set agenda—just good food and conversation. Scan the QR code at the top of the Times to learn more and sign up. The dates are: 9/27, 11/8, 2/21, & 4/25. Please consider being a group captain or hosting one of the dinners. Email rebecca@trinityasheville.org with any questions. Click here to sign up.
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.
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 11:00 a.m. 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.
A Sparked Imagination: A Retreat for Creatives at 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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We are currently in our Summer Schedule.
To view what we offer regularly, please click here.
Adults:
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The Word for Today Bible Study and Breakfast 9:00 - 9:45 in the Conference Room (in-person and on Zoom). Head into Tuton Hall to pick up your breakfast, then bring it to the Conference Room, where we’ll gather to study the day’s assigned lessons together. Connect on Zoom by clicking here.
Children and Youth:
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Nursery is available starting at 9 through the end of the second service.
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Playground Open 9:30-9:45 — Children above nursery age are welcome to play on the playground until Come Join the Circle drop off begins at 9:45.
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Come Join the Circle starting at 10 for children 3 years through fifth grade in the Undercroft. The children will join their parents in church at the Eucharist.
| | Summer: Regular Offerings | | |
Intercession & Silent Prayer will continue informally during the summer months.The Redwood Chapel will be open each Wednesday from 10:45 to 11:15am for Silent Prayer for as long as you need. A handout with prayers and readings to guide you will be provided. No sign-up is necessary. Contact Sue Graff at sjhgraff@ yahoo.com or the church office with questions.“I will give them a heart to understand that I am Yahweh, and they shall be my people and I will be their God when they return to me with all their heart. —JEREMIAH 24:7”
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 to receive the summer schedule.
The Trinity Caregivers’ Group meets by Zoom on the second Friday of each month, offering a confidential space for those caring for loved ones with dementia, facilitated by geropsychologist Dr. Corkie Morrill with Deacon Peggy Buchanan, who is a nurse. 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. 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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Creation Care Corner:
Electric vehicles have no tailpipe emissions and produce roughly 46% fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime than comparable gas cars according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Come see a few up close and talk with the people who drive them on National Drive Electric Month EV Show, Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Hosted by the Clean Vehicles Coalition and Blue Ridge EV Club. Click here for more details.
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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 10:00 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.
| The Search for a New Bishop Sign up for the Diocesan Newsletter to receive updates from around the diocese including updates from the Bishop Search Committee. Click here to sign up! | |
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.
| Our amazing Chancel Choir is on vacation for the next few weeks. Don't worry - they will be back for Kick Off Sunday at the 10:45 service! | 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!
| The Chancel Choir is Going to England! Exciting News — Our Chancel Choir has been invited to serve as choir-in-residence at Ely Cathedral in the UK from July 10–18, 2027. Even if you do not sing, you are invited to join. Look for more details in the Times in coming weeks! | | |
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 8/23): Exodus 1:8-2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 | | |
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 dates: 8/18, 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, Macrae Randall, Maria Mainolfi, Gil Walden, Melinda Bullen, Jack Work, and Richard Wrightson
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 (August 16-22): Henry Altemeier, Steve Bennett, John Carter, Liz Colton, Andrew Craig, Mark Daddona, Nancy Dexter, Catherine Donahue, Leslie Farquhar, Gordon Farquhar, Emmie Field, Jan Hildebrand, Bunny Keenan, Angela Langford, Gary Lazich, Elen Lunn, Ainsley McClure, Dershie McDevitt, Ted Ostrander, Barbara Panarites, Lee McAuliffe Rambo, Bonnie Scothorn, Jacob Storey, Peter Sullivan, Hilary Thomas, Kristan Wahlert
Anniversaries (August 16-22): Ken & Mary Hornowski, Becky & Ben Lewis, Ken & Nancy McCorkle, Christine & Jonathan Nelson, Al & Ginny Shew, George & Pam Stein, Neely & Peter Sullivan, Karen & Lane Taylor, Deb & Peter Williams
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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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