Asheville, North Carolina
EXPLORE FAITH. EMBRACE COMMUNITY. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
60 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801 | info@trinityasheville.org | Tel: 828-253-9361
TRINITY CHURCH
ANNUAL REPORT - 2025
ADULT MINISTRIES
Sunday Formation 2025-2026
Faith formation is a lifelong process, a belief that Trinity lives out by offering a diverse, engaging, and timely slate of Adult Education opportunities throughout the year.
Our plans for adult formation were disrupted by Hurricane Helene at the end of September 2024. Once we were able to resume meeting, we offered one slate of classes in the Undercroft, and information Parents in Conversations gatherings in the Clark Room.
Dean Timothy Kimbrough of Duke was our special guest speaker in the fall. George Stein offered a two-week class on Wisdom and Incarnation, and the Rev. Dr. Tim Owings taught a class on the infancy narratives during Advent. In January, as usual, Rev. Dr. Scott led Exploring the Episcopal Experience, a foundation-level class that examines all aspects of the Episcopal Church. It also serves as training for those new to the Episcopal Church and as a review for anyone interested.
During Lent, parishioner Jennine Hough taught a class on Women of the Bible in art, and parishioner Melinda Bullen led a “Beyond Boundaries” class with Better Angels.
Weekly Formation
Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study (WBS) continued its weekly meetings this year for prayer, fellowship, and discussion of the Sunday lectionary texts. Averaging between 10 and 20 participants each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., both in-person and online, WBS provides a warm, engaging, and fun environment in which those gathered share their joys and prayer requests, listen for God’s guidance, and enjoy each other’s companionship. Conversation about the scripture text is lively, engaging, and encouraging. Several newcomers have become regular participants in the group this year, leading to an ever-more diverse set of perspectives in our group, which is a gift.
While I lead this Bible study most weeks, other clergy and lay members of the group lead on occasions when diocesan commitments require me to be at other meetings. Since 2001, WBS has been a strong, important spiritual gathering in the life of Trinity Episcopal Church, and it remains so.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Peterson
Rector's Bible Study/Bible Discovery
The Rector's Bible Study began the first week of the COVID pandemic in March of 2020. Born out of our inability to gather in person, the study is an online (Zoom) study only. Our time together is a classic Bible Study, with time for fellowship, prayer, and scripture study. We’ve studied Galatians, Acts, Philippians, Revelation to John, Romans, a comparative study of the Synoptic Gospels, and more.
Due to the Rector’s schedule the study shifted in September of 2025. The name changed to Bible Discovery and the t time changed from an evening class to a morning class. Our kick-off study is exploring how the scriptures articulate the character of God. Beginning with a passage found in the book of Exodus (34:8) we are exploring each of the descriptors for God found there: compassionate, full-of-grace, and slow-to-anger.
We continue as an on-line only class as a way of providing different opportunities for the congregation. At Trinity we have in-person only formation classes, hybrid classes where participants can be in-person or online, and online only.
God be Praised.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott White.
Trinity Becoming Beloved Community (BBC) Book Club
This hybrid book study group meets on Wednesdays in the Clark Room and online.
In Fall 2025 the group read “The Tears of Things - Prophetic Wisdom in an Age of Outrage” by Richard Rohr. Additionally, the group read and discussed Reverend William Barber’s “White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race & Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy.”
The partnership with Barb Matthews and Susan Edwards began in 2023 and continues. They bring a regular contemplative practice and reflection to every group gathering. This ritual invites the group into a deeper prayer practice.
The group size ranges from 5 to 20 people. We welcome group members to enter into dialogue in a safe and supportive setting with other fellow Trinitarians and church leaders – to discuss questions about the text that can be challenging and uncomfortable. Because conversations invite vulnerability and challenge members to examine their our own biases and understanding of race, class, and gender, we set the following intentions:
-
Building relationships, following Jesus into the wilderness, and learning together,
-
Practicing making changes where we can, no matter how big or small,
-
Committing to the work for a lifetime, making it a lifestyle choice
-
Seeking the Third Way of gentleness, creativity, and divestment of power, not only in our social justice work but in our relationships with each other.
In exploring the works of authors who have varying identities (Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color -BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, white folks working as allies, etc.) we deepen our faith, expand our understanding of Christ’s call for reconciliation, consider the role of the white dominant culture in social justice efforts, and commit to walking in the Way of Love.
The group’s journey is to do “the Work.” We seek to do the inner work of unlearning thought patterns and behaviors which perpetuate division and lead us away from the Way of Love. We have explored what BIPOC brothers and sisters have experienced (and continue to experience in our world), how did (and do) they feel, what have they learned (and what can we learn from them), where did (and do) they find God in the midst of racism, oppression and violence, and most importantly -- what is our role in doing God’s work as fellow Christians. We discovered in the text Fall 2025 while reading Richard Rohr’s, “The Tears of Things” how we are called to speak truth to power like the prophets did.
We share our own stories of personal growth, shame, healing, and where we find hope and opportunity to embrace the larger community of faith that includes all God’s children. We discuss ways we -- as individuals, a group, a community, and a world -- can promote social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Originally started in June 2021 through a collaboration between David Henson, former Associate Rector, and parishioners, Sharon Lechner and Page McCorkle, the group specifically selects books written by BIPOC authors. Books previously read and discussed include:
-
"Jesus and The Disinherited" by Howard Thurman
-
“Sisters in the Wilderness” by Delores Williams
-
“I’m Still Here, Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness” by Austin Channing Brown
-
“The Cross & The Lynching Tree” by James Cone
-
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
-
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
-
“Long Division” by Kiese Laymon
-
“The Office of Historical Corrections” by Danielle Evans
-
“Change the Game” by Colin Kaepernick
-
“We Survived the End of the World: Lessons from Native America on Apocalypse and Hope” by Steven Charleston
-
“The Four Vision Quests of Jesus” by Steven Charleston
-
“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander
-
“The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning” Catherine Meeks
-
“Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism with Grit and Grace” by Osheta Moore
-
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
-
“The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin
-
“Having Our Say” by The Delany Sisters (Sarah and A. Elizabeth Delany)
If you are interested in joining us, then please contact Page McCorkle or Sharon Lechner.
Respectfully submitted,
Page McCorkle
Second Chapter Book Group
What better way to share in our community of faith than to come together in a small group for honest conversation about a good, or not-so-good, book? We are a group of women who enjoy reading and getting together to talk about what we have read. Sometimes you read a book you may never have chosen if it was not on the “list” and it opens new horizons of thought.
This daytime group meets six times per year on the second Thursday of the even numbered months at the church from 10-11:30AM. 2025 marks our thirteenth year of meeting to discuss a variety of fiction and non-fiction books chosen by the group that lend themselves to good conversation.
We have approximately 20 active members with average attendance being 10. Being a member of this group is a great way to meet people if you are new to Trinity. Anyone interested in joining us should contact Barbara Fotinos (bfotinos@gmail.com) for more information.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Fotinos
The group formerly known as the Monday Evening Book Club
The Monday Evening Book Club is in transition. For more than 10 years we met in homes on the 4th Monday every other month, bringing a dish to share, for social time, dinner, and a directed discussion of a book chosen by the group. Often we have been able to snag a local author to lead us. We have read fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
We are now trying to find a time to meet that doesn’t put us on the road in the dark of winter and works with the busy schedules of our members. We plan to keep going, but with changes.
The group, which has about 40 on the roster, is open to all, of course, and it’s a great way to meet other literary types. We love to have new members, both newcomers and old-timers.
Respectfully submitted,
Erwin Gunnells
Education for Ministry
EfM provides a four-year curriculum that develops theologically informed laity who are prepared to listen for and respond to God’s call. EfM helps participants discover and exercise their varied gifts for ministry in their everyday lives.
An EfM group is 6-12 participants who meet weekly over 36 weeks. The classes are about 3 hours in length. Students are given weekly assignments to study and then come back to class ready to discuss the readings. Year One students study the Old Testament; Year Two, the New Testament; Year Three, Church History; and Year Four, interfaith encounters and ethics. EfM is open to all denominations and is an international program.
While we did have an EfM class in 2024, currently, there is no EfM class being held. If you are interested in the program and wish to participate, please contact me.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Buchanan
Special Formation Offerings
During Lent, in order to make formation offerings more accessible to working people, we offered two opportunities on Wednesdays: a weekly Eucharist and lunch with a guest speaker, and a weekly dinner club with regular small groups to discuss the parables of Jesus. 30-40 people attended the evening groups, and 30-40 attended the lunch most weeks.
Sixty-five women attended the two-night women’s retreat in March..
We give thanks, especially to all those who led a formation series or offered their professional expertise and spiritual wisdom.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Peterson
Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study continued its faithful weekly meetings this year to hold morning prayer and to discuss the past Sunday’s lectionary texts. Averaging between 10 and 20 participants each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., the WBS provides a warm, engaging, and fun environment in which those gathered share their joys and prayer requests, listen for God together, and enjoy each other’s companionship. Conversation around shared life together and around the scripture text for the week, is lively, engaging, and encouraging.
Because of the pandemic, the WBS moved to an online platform only since March. However, Zoom has enable participants who had not been able to attend for many months (whether by location or health) to rejoin this beloved group and find weekly support and connection during a time of social isolation. We’ve had folks join from multiple states away at times.
The Rev. Scott White and the Rev. David Henson continue to alternate weeks leading the group and facilitating discussions, with adjunct clergy, Nancy McCorkle, or other members of the group on occasions when diocesan commitments require our clergy to be at other meetings. The Women’s Bible Study remains a strong, important spiritual gathering in the life of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Respectfully Submitted,
Scott White
The Men’s Morning Prayer and Bible Study
“Thy words were found, and I ate them, and thy words became to me a joy and a delight of my heart, O Lord, God of hosts.”
Jeremiah 15:16
The men’s group meets using ZOOM at 7:30 A.M. for approx. an hour and a half each Friday. The group has grown to an average of 10 often gathering 12 or 13. Still, in the quietness of the early hours, we continue to pray for the health of Trinity Parish family, the local community, our Country, our nation, and the world. We also pray for those of personal concerns. We than take time to reflect on the following weeks Gospel lesson.
We welcome any and all to gather with us using ZOOM at the following address https://zoom.us/j/7480056 which can also be found in the weekly updates at trinity.org.
Submitted by Bill Myrick
contact # 262-203-2670 or 4wmharris@gmail.com
Education for Ministry
EfM provides a four-year curriculum that develops theologically informed laity who are prepared to listen for and respond to God’s call. EfM helps participants discover and exercise their varied gifts for ministry in their everyday lives.
An EfM group is 6-12 participants who meet weekly over 36 weeks. The classes are about 3 hours in length. Students are given weekly assignments to study and then come back to class ready to discuss the readings. Year One students study the Old Testament, Year Two, the New Testament, Year Three is Church History and Year Four is interfaith encounters and ethics. EfM is open to all denominations and is an international program.This class meets by Zoom on Monday evenings. New classes begin in January 2025 and there are still openings for students. For more information, please contact Peggy Buchanan for the evening classes.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Buchanan
Friday Morning Prayer & Reflection
The group (formerly Men's group) meets using ZOOM at 7:30 A.M. each Friday for about an hour. The group has an average participation of 6 to 8. Still, in the quietness of the day we continue to pray for the health of the Trinity Parish family, the local community, our country, our nation, and the world. We also pray for those with personal concerns. We then take time to reflect on one of the following week's lessons. Often, contemporary national and international issues influence our discussions and prayers.
We welcome any and all, men and women, to gather with us using ZOOM
This information can also be found in the weekly updates at www.trinityasheville.org.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Bordley
Education for Ministry
EfM provides a four year curriculum that develops theologically informed laity who are prepared to listen for and respond to God’s call. EfM helps participants discover and exercise their varied gifts for ministry in their everyday lives.
An EfM group is 6-12 participants who met weekly over 36 weeks. The classes are about 3 hours in length. Students are given weekly assignments to study and then come back to class ready to discuss the readings. Year One students study the Old Testament, Year Two, the New Testament, Year Three is Church History and Year Four is interfaith encounters and ethics.
EfM is open to all denominations and is an international program.
Trinity currently has three EfM classes representing all four years of study. Two of the classes are held on Monday evenings at Trinity. One class is held during the day at Deerfield.
New classes begin in September 2020 and would welcome new students.
For more information, please contact Peggy Buchanan or Sandy Grant for the evening classes or Rhonda Kilby for the day class.
Becoming Beloved Community (BBC) Book Club
This hybrid book study group meets on Wednesdays in the Clark Room and via Zoom, with seasonal schedules.
Fall 2024 the group is reading “Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism with Grit and Grace” by Osheta Moore, one of Sharon’s picks. Additionally, the group plans to read and discuss Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me” in December 2024, “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin in January 2025, and “Having Our Say” by The Delany Sisters (Sarah and A. Elizabeth Delany) in February 2025.
The partnership with Barb Matthews and Susan Edwards began in 2023 and continues. They bring a regular contemplative practice and reflection to every group gathering. This ritual invites the group into a deeper prayer practice.
The group size ranges from 5 to 20 people. We welcome group members to enter into dialogue in a safe and supportive setting with other fellow Trinitarians and church leaders – to discuss questions about the text that can be challenging and uncomfortable. Because conversations invite vulnerability and challenge members to examine their our own biases and understanding of race, class, and gender, we set the following intentions:
-
Building relationships, following Jesus into the wilderness, and learning together,
-
Practicing making changes where we can, no matter how big or small,
-
Committing to the work for a lifetime, making it a lifestyle choice
-
Seeking the Third Way of gentleness, creativity, and divestment of power, not only in our social justice work but in our relationships with each other.
In exploring the works of Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color (BIPOC), we deepen our faith, expand our understanding of Christ’s call for reconciliation, consider the role of the white dominant culture in social justice efforts, and commit to walking in the Way of Love.
The group’s journey is to do “the work” of learning what BIPOC brothers and sisters have experienced (and continue to experience in our world), how did (and do) they feel, what have they learned (and what can we learn from them), where did (and do) they find God in the midst of racism, oppression and violence, and most importantly -- what is our role in doing God’s work as fellow Christians.
We share our own stories of personal growth, shame, healing, and where we find hope and opportunity to embrace the larger community of faith that includes all God’s children. We discuss ways we -- as individuals, a group, a community and a world -- can promote social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Originally started in June 2021 through a collaboration between David Henson, former Associate Rector, and parishioners, Sharon Lechner and Page McCorkle, the group specifically selects books written by BIPOC authors. Books previously read and discussed include:
-
"Jesus and The Disinherited" by Howard Thurman
-
“Sisters in the Wilderness” by Delores Williams
-
“I’m Still Here, Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness” by Austin Channing Brown
-
“The Cross & The Lynching Tree” by James Cone
-
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
-
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
-
“Long Division” by Kiese Laymon
-
“The Office of Historial Corrections” by Danielle Evans
-
“Change the Game” by Collin Kaepernick
-
“We Survived the End of the World: Lessons from Native America on Apocalypse and Hope” by Steven Charleston
-
“The Four Vision Quests of Jesus” by Steven Charleston
-
“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander
-
“The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning” Catherine Meeks
If you are interested in joining us, then please contact Page McCorkle or Sharon Lechner.
Respectfully submitted
Page McCorkle
2nd Chapter Book Group
What better way to share in our community of faith than to come together in a small group for honest conversation about a good, or not so good, book? We are a group of women who enjoy reading and getting together to talk about what we have read. Sometimes you read a book you may never have chosen if it was not on the “list” and it opens new horizons of thought.
This daytime group meets six times per year on the second Thursday of the even numbered months at the church from 10-11:30AM. 2023 marks our eleventh year of meeting to discuss a variety of fiction and non-fiction books chosen by the group that lend themselves to good conversation.
We have approximately 20 active members with average attendance being 10. Being a member of this group is a great way to meet new people if you are new to Trinity. Anyone interested in joining us should contact Barbara Fotinos (bfotinos@gmail.com) for more information.
Respectfully Submitted,
Barbara Fotinos
2nd Chapter Book Group
What better way to share in our community of faith than to come together in a small group for honest conversation about a good, or not so good, book? We are a group of women who enjoy reading and getting together to talk about what we have read. Sometimes you read a book you may never have chosen if it was not on the “list” and it opens new horizons of thought.
This daytime group meets six times per year on the second Thursday of the even numbered months at the church from 10-11:30AM. 2020 marks our seventh year of meeting to discuss a variety of fiction and non-fiction books chosen by the group that lend themselves to good conversation. The year started normally with our first meeting at the church but quickly changed in April to a Zoom format online. Attendance usually varies from 6-8 women from our list of regulars and continues to see those numbers as we adjust to virtual meetings. Anyone interested in joining us should contact Barbara Fotinos (bfotinos@gmail.com) for more information.
Respectfully Submitted,
Barbara Fotinos