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Asheville, North Carolina
EXPLORE FAITH. EMBRACE COMMUNITY. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
60 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801 | info@trinityasheville.org | Tel: 828-253-9361
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Adult Formation | 2026-2027
Sunday Morning Formation: 9:30 - 10:30
Through most of the year, we offer two adult formation classes, one in the Undercroft, and one in the Clark Room. The topics and teachers will change, and over the course of the year, offerings will span Bible study, theology, current events, cultural topics, church history, and spiritual disciplines. Occasionally, the two classes will meet together for special topics.
A Little Leaven:
Living as God's people in the world
In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus offers a quiet, almost hidden image of the kingdom: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened" (13:33). Leaven is small and nearly invisible, yet it changes everything it touches. This is the work of the Spirit among us—often hidden in the world, quietly and persistently at work to transform us and the whole of creation.
If the Holy Spirit is the leaven, then our calling is to notice where the Spirit is at work — and to ask how we are being called to partake. It’s an awesome calling because, as we also learn in the scripture, not every spirit is of God (1 John 4:1). Christian discipleship is, in some measure, discerning what is of the Spirit and what is not. This year in Sunday Adult Formation, we will practice discerning the Spirit. We will listen for God's call in several ways. We will attend to the words of Jesus himself, especially as he taught through parables — those small, surprising stories that, like leaven, carry more than first meets the eye. We will look to the saints of the past, who noticed God's leavening in their own time and gave themselves to it, like St. Francis, St. Patrick, and St. Columba. We will consider how the Episcopal Church has been shaped as a vessel for this work, gathering us for worship, service, and
witness. We will explore how prayer opens us to God's presence, the practice that attunes us to where the Spirit is rising. And we will wrestle with the questions of our own day, asking where God’s Spirit shows up, and where there may be a different spirit at work.
Come and let’s discover together how God is leavening the world, and calling us to partake.
Scott+
Kick Off Sunday
Sunday COnversations | Clark Room
Parents in Conversation
Most Sunday mornings, the Clark Room is reserved for Parents in Conversation, an informal
gathering of parents, grandparents, and anyone else interested to discuss life, God, and parenting.
God and the New York Times
Occasionally, the Rector will lead conversations in the Clark Room Focused on
a particular current event and Christian responses to it.
Adult FOrmation Classes | Undercroft
Kick Off Sunday | August 23
The Rev. Dr. R. Scott White
Join us for the first day of Adult formation at Trinity. Learn about the formation year and the ways in which we seek to invite the Spirit into our lives together that we may grow in grace and in the ways of Christ.
A Little Leaven | August 30 - September 20
The Rev. Dr. R. Scott White and The Rev. Amy Peterson
"The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened" (Matt.13:33). Jesus compares God's reign not to spectacle but to something small, hidden, and quietly transforming from within. What does it mean that the kingdom works like leaven—unseen yet unstoppable, changing everything it touches? What change is the Spirit making happen in the world, and how are we invited to participate in it? The Revs. Scott and Amy will lead us in exploring these questions, and in discerning our own place in God's rising work.
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St. Francis and the Galatians | September 27 - October 18
Dr. April Love-Fordham
Over four weeks, Dr. April Love-Fordham will teach from her book, St. Francis and the Christian Life, taking us on a pilgrim's road—a hike with St. Francis into the sun-warmed hillside of Assisi. Accompanying us will be the Apostle Paul. We will watch on as these two saints, eight centuries apart, wrestle with building Christian communities. How are we to live the Christian life together? She will not offer tidy answers, but good company for the asking, laced with Italian countryside, a little history, and a mystery—who is Brother Giovanni?
AI and Our Humanity: A Christian Perspective | October 25
The Rev. Dr. Michael Delashmutt
We are delighted to welcome the Rev. Dr. Michael W. DeLashmutt, Senior Vice President, Dean of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, and Associate Professor of Theology at The General Theological Seminary in New York City. A priest and scholar who has explored the intersection of theology and technology for more than twenty years, Michael leads adult forums and writes widely on how Christian faith meets our digital age — including his Substack, Making Theology, and regular essays for Religion News Service. He is the author of A Lived Theology for Everyday Life: Encounter God through Work, Play, and Culture (Cascade), with a book on theology and artificial intelligence forthcoming. Join us as we explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Humanity.
The Celtic Saints | November 1 - 22
The Rev. Dr. R. Scott White
Long before the Reformation, a distinctive Christianity flourished at the edges of the known world. In this class, we'll trace the life of the Celtic Church—how it took root, how it unfolded across centuries, and how it eventually merged with Roman Christianity. We'll pay special attention to the Celtic Saints of Ireland, whose stories still stir the imagination: Patrick, Kevin, Brigid, Columba, and more. The class also prepares us for the next Trinity Pilgrimage, a journey to Ireland to walk the holy ground these saints walked. Come discover a faith both ancient and surprisingly close at hand.
Prayer and Psalm 119 | November 29 - December 20
John Kramp
Praying the Alphabet: Connecting with God from A to Z
Did you know you can pray the alphabet? The writer of Psalm 119 did and penned the longest chapter in the Bible (176 versus). Inspired by the remarkable structure and content of Psalm 119, we’ll explore ways to have fresh conversations with God—one letter at a time. Whether you are a veteran pray-er, or someone who doesn’t know where to start, this class is for you. Through simple, practical tools, and lively discussion, we will seek a more intentional, fulfilling, and creative experience of prayer.
Before retiring in January 1 of this year, John spent 15 years as a pastor in Texas and Oregon and over 30 years as a publishing leader. Two of his books will inform our study: Praying the Alphabet: Connecting with God from A to Z (August 2026) and The Psalm 119 Experience: The Devotional Journey You Will Not Forget (September 2014). John and his wife, Lynn Marie, moved to Asheville in 2022 from Nashville, TN. As new Episcopalians, they are grateful to call Trinity their Spiritual home. They have two daughters, both married to ministers, and six grandchildren.
*There is no formation on December 27
Exploring the Episcopal Experience | January 3 - February 21
The Rev. Dr. R. Scott White
When we consider the belief that all human beings are created in the image of God, we look for ways to put such a belief into practice. This is part of the answer to the question, “Why Go to Church?” The life and witness of the Episcopal church is a blessing to many and is the vehicle by which they seek to live out the sacredness of human life. The Episcopal Church is one denomination of Christ’s holy Catholic Church, and our identity is unique. In
this class, led by the Rector, we will learn how the Episcopal Church came to be and how it continues to offer a unique expression of life in Christ. We will look through the Book of Common Prayer lens to understand the Episcopal church’s expressions of faith: theology, sacraments, scripture, prayer, and holy living. We will also take some time to explore the particular identity of Trinity Church. This class is especially appropriate for those new to the Episcopal Church or new to Trinity. Yet, many long-time Episcopalians take this class as a refresher. It’s a great way to get to know others at Trinity. Those who take this class will be prepared to be confirmed or received by our Bishop when he visits Trinity.
The Parables of Jesus | February 28 - March 21
Dr. Tim Owings
The parables of Jesus were integral to his public ministry. One preacher years ago said, "God had only one son and he made him a storyteller." This study will take a fresh look at the characters who populate these unforgettable stories and how the parables reveal much about who we are and what God is up to in the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord.
A native of Miami, FL, Tim Owings is a retired Baptist minister and financial advisor. He holds the M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Having served five churches over 25 years, he now enjoys teaching the Bible at Trinity and offering in worship piano arrangements of beloved hymns.
He and Kathie have been married 50 years, are the proud parents of three children who with their spouses have blessed them with seven grandchildren. They make their home in east Asheville near Warren Wilson College.
*There is no formation on Easter, March 28
The Bible and the New York Times | April 4
The Rev. Dr. R. Scott White
How does Scripture help us read the headlines? In this class, led by the Rector, we'll bring the day's events into conversation with the witness of the Bible—not to score political points or rehearse familiar talking points, but to ask deeper questions. Where is the Spirit of God at work in the situations confronting our world? Where might the Spirit seem absent? This will not be an opportunity to debate partisan perspectives, but to truly listen to how each person discerns the Spirit's voice—or absence—in the events of our day. Together we'll practice a discipline of discernment, listening for God's presence amid the news of our time.
Meet the Brotherhood | April 11
Founded in 1883, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a ministry of men committed to prayer, study, and service—bringing others to Christ through their example. Join our chapter's leaders on the Sunday when the women of Trinity will be away on retreat at Lake Logan as they share the order's mission, history, and our vision for reviving this fellowship here at Trinity.
A Time to Plant | April 18 - May 9
Sponsored by the Creation Care Committee
In this series sponsored by the Creation Care Committee, we will learn about the pressing issues facing the natural world, local leaders and organizations investing in our land, and the ancient church practice of Rogation Days.
Religious Nationalism | May 16, May 30, and June 6
The Rev. Dr. R. Scott White
Though it may be hard to believe, across the globe and throughout history, most nations have grounded their laws, identity, and culture in a single faith. There are still countries where Christianity is the official state religion. From established churches to constitutions that name one religion, this impulse shapes societies even today. In this class, we'll explore what religious nationalism looks like in its broad, worldwide sense—its varied forms, its appeal, and its consequences. We’ll note that our own nation was founded to reject the notion that a single religion is necessary for governance. Yet, we'll then turn to examining the most recent conversations and news surrounding the idea of Christian Nationalism in our own country. Grounded in curiosity, this will be a time of learning together, open to questions and honest conversation for all.
This class will break on May 23 to participate in Rise Against Hunger.
Rise Against Hunger | May 23
All of Trinity’s formation classes will come together in Tuton Hall for a hands-on service project, packaging nutritious meals for communities facing hunger around the world.
Rise Against Hunger meal-packing events bring volunteers of all ages together to package rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals—meals that support food security, education, and community resilience worldwide.
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Other Adult Formation Opportunities
Nurturing a Creative Life Workshop | September 10
Writer and Spiritual Director Charlotte Donlon
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.
Men's Retreat | September 18 - 20
Lake Logan Retreat Center
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.
A Sparked Imagination Retreat (Trinity Arts) | October 2-3
Lake Logan Retreat Center
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.
Women's Retreat | April 9-11
Lake Logan Retreat Center
Details to come.
Amy's Occassional Bookclub
The Rev. Amy Peterson
From time to time, Amy+ leads discussions on books - both fiction and nonfiction - that relate to our common life at Trinity. Stay tuned to announcements in the Sunday Times and in our Friday eNewsletter to find out when they have been scheduled.
Becoming Beloved Book Club
Sharon Lechner and Page McCorkle
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 the church at office@trinityasheville.org for more info.
Brotherhood of St. Andrew
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is an international lay men’s ministry, dedicated to “the spread of Christ’s Kingdom among men and youth.” Its members seek to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and invite others into faith through a simple rule of prayer, regular Scripture study, and active service in their congregations and communities.
Trinity's chapter of 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. Email the church at office@trinityasheville.org for more info.
Daughters of the King
The Order of the Daughters of the King is a Christian lay order and spiritual sisterhood for women, dedicated to a lifelong commitment of prayer, service, and evangelism. Members pledge to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, support their clergy and parish, and help extend Christ’s kingdom, drawing strength from a worldwide community whose vision is “to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others, and to become reflections of God’s love throughout the world.”
Daughters of the King meets the third Sunday of every month (except for July) in the Clark Room. Email the church at office@trinityasheville.org for more info.
Education for Ministry
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).
For more information, please visit the EfM website by clicking here
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