Adult
Formation
2024
Every Sunday, we have two or three options available to adults during our formation hour: Formation in the Undercroft, Clark Room Conversations, or Connecting over Coffee.
Connecting Over Coffee
(Tuton Hall, every week)
On any given Sunday, if what you need most is to drink your coffee in peace while someone else watches your kids — or to have space to meet new people and make friends — grab a cup of coffee in Tuton Hall.
There will be conversation cards on the table; you can choose to use them, or simply get to know new folks, connect with long-time friends, and talk about what’s going on in your lives.
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The Forum in the Undercroft and Clark Room Conversations
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.
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Here’s what you can expect in 2023-2024.
Sunday Morning Adult Formation: 2023-2024 Overview
September
The Forum (Undercroft)
The Letter to the Hebrews: Connecting the Old Order and the New with Ed Bleynat (Sept 3-24)
We will explore an elegant, sometimes mystifying, often challenging New Testament work.
Is it a letter? Or a sermon? Who is its anonymous author? How is its anonymous audience struggling? How might finding their place among a cloud of witnesses help them along the way?
And, of course, what does that mean for us?
Clark Room Conversations
Philippians with Amy+ (Sept 3-24)
A discussion-based study of the themes of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, including joy, the nature of Jesus, and incarceration.
October & November
Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife
(Oct 1-Nov 5)
We’ll meet together in the Undercroft for a five-week series exploring what the Episcopal church teaches about heaven, hell, and the afterlife — and the questions that remain. This Sunday morning course, taught by Rev. Scott and Rev. Amy, will be supplemented by a Wednesday evening dinner series at church through the month of October in which various speakers will talk about preparing for death — preparing practically, theologically, and spiritually by learning from Scripture, church tradition, the mystics, and experts in end-of-life decisions. All this will lead up to our grand church-wide celebration of All Saints and All Souls.
We'll also meet together for these special, standalone Sundays
Rise Against Hunger
(October 15)
Organized by Outreach Team member Liz Trask, this event will give our entire church a chance to work together to pack 10,000 meals for those in need.
Dr. Ellen Davis
(Undercroft, November 12)
Our visiting preacher on Nov. 12, Dr. Ellen Davis, is the Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke Divinity School and the author of many books, including Getting Involved with God and Opening Israel’s Scriptures. She will address us together during the formation hour.
Vestry Sunday
(Undercroft, November 19)
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We gather to hear from our vestry about the state of the church and our newest endeavors.
The Eastern Band of Cherokees: Modern History
(Undercroft, November 26)
Trinitarian and member of the Cherokee nation James Bradley finishes the story he began for us in May, discussing challenges faced post removal, effects of the relationship with the US government, tourism, self-determination, gaming, and the future of the Tribe.
December
The Forum (Undercroft)
The Veneration of Mary in Art (Dec 3-17) with Jennine Hough
Beginning with the Annunciation and Nativity scenes of early Christian art, we will follow Mary through her veneration as “Queen of Heaven” in the Medieval period and her glorious Ascension in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Clark Room Conversations
From Figs to Oaks: the landscapes of Advent (Dec 3-17)
with Amy Peterson+
What is the lesson of the fig tree? Why will the mountains be made low? And what makes oaks particularly righteous? Join Rev. Amy for a discussion of the natural imagery in the lectionary texts for Advent this month.
Note: Formation will not meet December 24 or 31.
January, February, & March
The Forum (Undercroft)
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Exploring the Episcopal Experience
with Rev. Scott
(Jan 7-Feb 18)
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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 lens of the Book of Common Prayer to understand the Episcopal church’s expressions of faith; namely 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 who are 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 as well. Those who take this class will be prepared to be confirmed or received by our Bishop when he visits Trinity.
Stewards of Bounty and Beauty, with the Creation Care
Committee
(Feb 25- March 24)
In the garden, God told the first humans to care for the earth so that all might flourish. But what does that mean for us? Join us for a variety of perspectives on ways to live into our calling, whether we’re caring for our church buildings and grounds, deciding what to plant around our homes, or considering what public policies to support.
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Clark Room Conversations
My Favorite Saint (Jan 7-28)
Each week, hear from a different Trinitarian about a beloved saint.
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The Gospel of Mark as Story
with Dr. Tim Owings
(Feb 4- March 24)
This year, many of our gospel readings come from the gospel of Mark. Trinity member Tim Owings will offer an overview of Mark’s story structure, ending with a special focus on the passion narrative. We'll have a grand time as we let Mark show us the mystery and majesty of this original, first Gospel.
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Note: Formation will not meet on Easter, March 31.
Other Adult Opportunities
Men’s Bible Study
Friday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30 a on Zoom https://zoom.us/j/2503739548 For questions please contact the Trinity Church office by email: office@trinityasheville.org.
Women’s Bible Study
The group meets simultaneously in-person and online on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00a. for fellowship, prayer, and study.
Rector's Bible Study
Rector’s Bible Study meets online on Thursday evenings from 7-8:00p. We are studying the Synoptic Gospels. As a group, we share fellowship, prayer, and study. All are welcome. The Zoom link to join can be found on the Trinity website.
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Second Chapter Book Group
Led by Barbara Fotinos, this book club meets every other month on Thursday from 10-11:30 am in the Clark Room. New members are most welcome! Contact Barbara Fotinos (bfotinos@gmail.com) for more information.
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Daughters of the King
This is an order for Episcopal women dedicated to prayer, service, and evangelism, which meets regularly to support each other in prayer and spiritual growth.
Education for Ministry (EFM)
Education for Ministry is a four-year program overseen by the School of Theology at the University of the South. It covers the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and more (efm.sewanee.edu). You can commit for one year at a time. Trinity hosts two groups and there is room in both groups. This coming year (beginning in September) the meetings will be hybrid with weekly meetings on Monday evenings using Zoom and quarterly in-person get-togethers. Contact Peggy Buchanan for information (peg-jack@msn.com).
