May 21, 2026 | Trinity Episcopal Church, Staunton, Virginia

This Sunday is Pentecost — a day of wind and flame, red vestments, and joyful noise. Come ready to celebrate the Holy Spirit moving among us, stirring up courage, connection, and new beginnings. Wear red!

It's also the first Sunday of our summer formation series: Father AJ, Rev. Cara, and our seminarian intern Chris Yoder are kicking off six weeks reading and discussing John Fea's Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? 9:15 am. This week, we'll discuss the beginning of the book through page 75. All are welcome! The nursery will be open throughout the summer as adult formation classes continue!

Next Sunday, May 31, is the Parish Picnic! more info below.

WELCOME OUR SEMINARIAN INTERN!

We are delighted to welcome Chris Yoder as our seminarian intern! Chris is a postulant for Holy Orders in his final year at Sewanee, and he'll be with us through the end of June, joining in many aspects of parish life. Before seminary, he was an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Bristol, VA, where he sang in the choir, served as a lay eucharistic minister, helped plan liturgies, and sought out new faces to welcome. Chris and his wife Steph enjoy reading, hiking, and time with their two dogs and cat.

LAST CALL - CELEBRATING GRADUATES!

Do you have children, grandchildren, or someone special in your life who is graduating this spring? We would love to celebrate them! Send their name, school, and any other details you'd like to share to Autumn at communications@trinitystaunton.org by Monday, May 25.

THE NEXT CHAPTER ORGAN RECITAL

Trinity is hosting organist Ted Babbitt on May 26 at 7 pm for an organ recital. Titled “The Next Chapter,” the program marks his graduation from Mercer and celebrates the journeys that shaped him as he looks forward to what’s next. Ted has performed across the eastern U.S., the U.K., and Ireland, and has earned numerous national and regional awards.

Please join us in welcoming Ted and enjoying his music on May 26!

Thank you to the Conlons for inviting us back to Ridge Valley Alpacas for another wonderful spring Prayer Walk!

IN PERSON SAFE CHURCH TRAINING

A Safe Church class will be held at Trinity on May 27 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. A light meal will be provided.

Please note that this training is a diocesan requirement for all Vestry members, key holders, those in leadership positions, and anyone working with children. All interested members are encouraged to attend to help protect our community. If you’d like to attend or you have a question, email cara: caram@trinitystaunton.org 

Mark your calendar for our annual parish picnic on Sunday, May 31, right after the 10:30 service on the church lawn. Trinity will provide burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, and drinks; you bring a side dish or dessert to share!

This year's picnic is in the very capable hands of Priscilla Leavitt and Zeb Riley, who have taken on the job of chairing the event. We're grateful for them both.

They've also cooked up a mingle game this year: submit one fun fact about yourself to priscilla.kellert@yale.edu, and at the picnic, you'll get a list to match facts to faces. The person with the most matches wins a prize!

We still need volunteers to help make the day happen. If you're able to pitch in, please text or call Cilla at 203-500-5350. 

MASS ON THE GRASS RETURNS JUNE 3!

Mass on the Grass is a casual, family-friendly outdoor Eucharist. Bring something to throw on the grill and a side dish to share, potluck-style. Join us for live music and worship under open skies, Wednesdays at 6 pm on the lawn beginning June 3 and continuing through July.

Want to help make music? The Mass on the Grass Orchestra welcomes any instrument, no audition required. We rehearse Wednesdays at 5 pm before the service. We’ll play two hymns, a piece for Eucharist, and a postlude. 

Gen & Jon at St. Thomas 5th Avenue, NYC, October 2017

They'll be together on Trinity's organ June 7!

INAUGURAL SACRED MUSIC WEEK, JUNE 7-12

Join us for Trinity's inaugural Sacred Music Week, June 7-12, a week of concerts, workshops, and worship open to all. The week opens with an organ concert by the Bolena Duo on June 7 at 5 pm, continues with a choral workshop on William Byrd's Mass for Four Voices on June 8 at 7 pm, and concludes with Choral Evensong on June 11 at 5 pm, sung by Trinity's Senior Choristers.

Woven through the week is Choir Camp, June 8-12, open to singers in 2nd through 12th grade for $50. On June 12 at 11:30 am, camp wraps up with a sharing session — come hear what the campers have been working on all week.

Registration is still open for Choir Camp and for the June 8 workshop!

Choir Camp | Sacred Music Week

REGISTER FOR THE BISHOP CONSECRATION

Registration is now open for the Ordination and Consecration of Bishop-Elect Karin MacPhail! Everyone who wishes to attend must register in advance. Spots are limited, so please don’t wait! Those who can’t make it in person will be able to watch via livestream. Visit dioswva.org for full details and to register. 

MORE UPCOMING TRINITY EVENTS!

This week on the blog!

Father AJ's May 24 sermon

One in Doing Good Together

Sunday Service Times

Please join us for Sunday services:

8:00 am (Rite I)

10:30 am (Rite II)

Join Us Virtually!

Live-Streamed Services

We live-stream each Sunday's 10:30 am Eucharist (and special services) on our YouTube channel.

How To Submit Prayer Requests

Email prayer requests to Katie Faulkner, communitylife@trinitystaunton.org, by Tuesday at 6 pm for publication in the following Sunday bulletin. Please secure the permission of the person for whom prayers are requested. Full or partial names are permitted. Submitted names remain on the prayer list for four Sundays, after which they're removed unless a request is submitted to continue for an additional term.

Sharing Milestones and Accomplishments

Send personal accomplishments to Autumn Nolen, communications@trinitystaunton.org, by Tuesday at 6 pm for inclusion in Thursday’s weekly email. If you’re submitting something on someone else’s behalf, please first confirm that they’re comfortable with it being shared.

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