A quick reminder: The Feast of the Transfiguration is today. We'll gather for Eucharist at 5:30 pm.

August 6, 2026 | Trinity Episcopal Church, Staunton, Virginia

THIS SUNDAY

Bring your backpack to church. We're blessing backpacks at the 10:30 service, and not just the students. Teachers, aides, bus drivers, anyone heading back into a school building, bring what you carry.

Sunday is also the last day to bring supplies for Bessie Weller Elementary. We're collecting classroom supplies, glue sticks, and hand sanitizer, and donations can be left at the front of the church Sunday morning. If you'd prefer to donate money, you can do so at this link. Please indicate that your donation is for Bessie Weller Elementary School.

Later that day, we'll meet for a Game Gathering at 4 pm. The last one went well and we'd like a bigger crowd this time. Come snack and play something!

Fr. AJ has more below on what the next few Sundays hold, including where the pancakes come in.

A NOTE FROM FATHER AJ

As an adult—and especially as a priest—I LOVE the back-to-school season. It’s a return to a rhythm as well as an opportunity to renew connections and make new commitments. I love every bit of it now, but that wasn’t always the case... Read more.

DISCOVERY SUNDAYS



August 16, 23, and 30 at 9:15 am. Three mornings to look at the many ways to get involved at Trinity. The first is about study and formation, small groups, and the work that keeps things running. The second is about how we care for one another and how we serve beyond our doors, and it comes with a pancake breakfast in McCracken Hall. The third turns to the ministries of worship, from the altar guild to the choir to the folks handing you a bulletin.

DID YOU KNOW?

Erika Peterson volunteers her time to coordinate flower memorials for the Altar Guild. She keeps track of who’s dedicating flowers and when, and she orders most of the flowers that adorn the altar throughout the year. She also manages the robes for all of our choirs, fitting singers, hemming and fixing buttons, and laundering, so that everyone looks their best when they process in. And that’s only part of what Erika does around here!

Know someone who keeps things running behind the scenes and deserves a moment of recognition? Tell Katie so we can feature them. We have a lot of people to thank!

communitylife@trinitystaunton.org or 580-579-8493

BREAKING BREAD SUPPER GROUPS

Small groups, shared meals, three months. Starting September 9, six to twelve people from Trinity gather for supper once a month. The host provides the main course and everyone else brings the rest. It is a way to get to know people you may only see across the church. You can sign up to come, sign up to host, or volunteer as convenor, the one who calls everybody and pins down the dates. Groups can gather in a home, at McCracken Hall, or out somewhere with a big enough table.

Sign up here by August 20!

Registration is Open!

Sunday School, Choristers, Handbells, and Acolytes

Sunday School begins September 6 and offers age-appropriate ways for children and youth to explore their faith, from Montessori-inspired Bible learning for our youngest to creative projects, study, service, and fellowship for older students.

The Chorister Program, for children in kindergarten through high school, begins September 1 and meets Tuesdays as part of Tuesdays at Trinity. Choristers rehearse weekly and sing regularly in worship. Youth Handbell Choir also meets Tuesday evenings and starts the same week.

Register for all youth programs here.

WEDNESDAY MORNING YOGA AT TRINITY

Make some space in your week for this gentle hatha yoga class, led by Stephanie Otteni starting September 9 at 10 am in the church. There is no charge, and the class welcomes all bodies, abilities and experience levels, with slow movements designed to stretch and strengthen, while offering an opportunity for introspection and deep relaxation in the peaceful environment of Trinity's nave. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat and any props you own (Trinity does have a limited number of mats available). Contact Rev. Cara with any questions!

2026-27 YOUTH EVENTS

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Caleb Nolen's Afterlight

Parishioner Caleb Nolen's first book of poems, Afterlight, came out in June from the University of Utah Press. It won the 2025 Agha Shahid Ali Prize in Poetry, selected from the year's manuscripts by poet Jennifer Chang.

He'll be reading from it on Saturday, August 29 at 7 pm at New Dominion Bookshop in Charlottesville, alongside poet Devon Walker-Figueroa. The reading is free and open to all. Learn more here.

THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG

Rev. Cara's August 2 sermon

The kingdom of heaven is five loaves and two fish

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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