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Tidings Newsletter - April 2026

 Pastor's Corner


Crucifixion and Resurrection

as Metaphors of the Spiritual Journey

 


During April of this year we reach the holy high days of our Christian faith, Easter weekend, when we remember the crucifixion of Jesus and celebrate his resurrection.

 

Death and resurrection are two powerful metaphors of the Christian faith journey. They describe perfectly our common human spiritual experience. Death followed by new life. Darkness followed by Light. Desert experience followed by Oasis respite. Ending followed by new beginning. Despair followed by Hope. Being lost followed by being found. Being unproductive followed by a period of new fruitfulness. The impossible followed by new possibilities. A door closed and then a new door opened.

 

Just when we think that all is done and ended and over, when we think nothing can change and nothing will get any better, when we’ve reached our limit and our own resources are exhausted, something life-giving  can happen that we call God.


The message of Easter is that in God’s world, just when you think that all is lost, all is gained.

One of my favorite Bible stories is the story of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, and the experience of receiving life in unexpected places and circumstances (Genesis 21). Hagar was the Egyptian slave girl of Abraham and Sarah, who gave birth to a son before Sarah could. When Sarah finally gave birth to her son, Isaac, she demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be kicked out of the house and sent into the wilderness. Abraham agreed and loaded them up with food and water for their desert journey, but it eventually ran out, and Hagar left her son under a bush to die and then went away and wept and expected that they would both be dead soon. She was crying so hard that she hadn’t noticed, until God opened her eyes, that of all the places she could have sat down, she managed to sit down right in front of a life-giving well of water that would save both of their lives. They both drank to the cubic capacity of their stomachs and went on to live long, good, productive, blessed lives.

 

It’s in that transition from death to life that we perceive the presence and power and work of God in our lives, who makes all the new chapters of life possible for us, who makes the impossible possible, who grants new life when we can only see something ending. God is the name we associate with new life experiences because God is all about life and more life, life with a capital L, life in all of its fullness and abundance.

 

Jesus once said, “I came that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10) and “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Jesus continued the long work of God in bringing new life to those around him.

 

Crucifixion is a symbol of death, endings and human limitation. Resurrection is a symbol of the divine possibilities that surprise us in our despair. The message of Easter is that in God’s world, just when you think that all is lost, all is gained. All praise to the God of life we celebrate at Easter!

—David Garnett

 Associate Pastor's Note  


Easter on Stage and Screen



As you’ll see elsewhere in this issue of Tidings, there are a number of special and important events taking place at Trinity and in the community this month. From Easter Sunday worship to Earth Day to meeting some of the mission coworkers we’re privileged to support, you’ll have many opportunities to be involved in the work and worship of Trinity Presbyterian Church.


But on Sunday, April 12, during the Learning Hour, I invite you to join me for a bit of lighthearted (and perhaps lightweight) fun: In a program called “Easter on Stage and Screen,” I invite you to join me as we explore a few popular interpretations of the story of Easter. We’ll watch some film clips and talk about our reactions to them:

  • How do they inspire new reflections on the meaning of Easter?

  • How do they resonate with our personal faith?

  • How do they offend?


I hope to see you there—in the meantime, I wish you blessings of new life and new hope as we celebrate the wonder of Easter!


Peace,

—Dwight Christenbury

 Session Notes:


March 2026 Session Notes

Here are highlights of major actions the Trinity Session took during its stated meeting of March 9, 2026:


  • B.J. Benken, Faith Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, along with Habitat’s partner Brethren Disaster Ministries, approached Trinity to seek lodging for home repair coordinators and volunteer teams, who will be working in the area between  April 7 and June 6. After discussion of some of the details of the arrangement, the Session unanimously approved the agreement. We look forward to hosting teams of volunteers on site for the next couple of months and are grateful that we’re able to support the important work of Habitat for Humanity and Brethren Disaster Ministries.

  • The Session approved a proposal from the Matthew 25 Ministry to install a small flagpole on the Trinity church sign. It will initially be used for display of a Pride Flag during the national observance of Pride month in June, which happens to coincide with our hosting of a concert by the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus on May 30.

  • The Session approved with enthusiasm the administration of the Sacrament of Baptism for Eleanor Hennessy, six-year-old daughter of Rebecca and Ryan Hennessy and niece of Katie Cilluffo. The baptism took place on March 15 during the 11:00 worship service.

 Worship Ministry


 Christian Nurture Ministry


Youth News


Trinity Youth Participate in Presbytery’s Youth Mission Retreat

Several Trinity Youth took place in the recent PWNC Youth Mission Retreat, hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Burnsville. After an evening of recreation, fellowship, and worship, the group headed out to the Cane River, where they worked with MountainTrue to clean up the riverbed and restore a segment of the bank damaged by Hurricane Helene.


Trinity’s April Learning Hour

The Learning Hour is a bit different this month. Here’s a quick look at what’s going on for each Sunday in April; more details on specific events can be found elsewhere in this issue of Tidings. . . .


  • Easter Sunday—April 5. Learning Hour classes will not meet; we hope you’ll join us for our annual Easter Brunch!

  • April 12: “Easter on Stage and Screen.” Dwight Christenbury invites adults and youth to join him for an exploration of several popular film adaptations of the Easter story. (Our children’s Learning Hour class will meet as usual.)

  • April 19, beginning at 9:40: The Eagle and the Condor Unite: a Story of Climate Restoration. The Earth Care Ministry invites adults and youth to join them for a sneak preview of a forthcoming film. (Our children’s Learning Hour class will meet as usual.)

  • April 26: Andy & Ellen Collins. The Global Mission Ministry invites you to meet and hear about the important work of our mission partners in Thailand and Hillsboro, North Carolina. (Our children’s Learning Hour class will meet as usual.)


—Dwight Christenbury

Cub Scouts - Pack 620



Calling all neckties!


Did you PROMISE yourself that you'd never wear another itchy, squeezy necktie AGAIN after you retired, but just couldn't bring yourself to throw them all out?


Well HERE'S your chance to put those ties to good and festive use!


We are putting on a weekend campout in April for the whole council at Camp Daniel Boone. I am in charge of 5 different grades' crafts that all must have a jungle theme. Bridget has picked making snakes out of old neckties for about 50 fifth graders. We would like to ask the congregation to bring in their old neckties that they no longer want. We would not need them until the last weekend of April which gives us plenty of time.

 

Thanks for all that you do!

 

In Scouting,

—Laurie Beitler

SAVE THE DATE!

Community VBS will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Monday, June 1st to Thursday 4th, from 9am to noon each day.  Our theme this year is "Operation Restoration."  Each day we will focus on a theme word (Feed, Heal, Forgive and Pray) and make connections between Bible stories and mending actions to discover how to live out our faith in daily life.  This VBS uses the creative work of Pastor Daniel Erlander to inspire and illustrate the daily themes.

 

Registration for Community VBS will open in May.  Any child who is entering 4yr old Pre-K through 6th grade in Fall of 2026 is welcome to register as a participant.  Anyone who has finished 6th grade and older is welcome to register to assist.  Anyone older than 18 is required to have a background check in order to assist with Community VBS.

 

Please contact me, Jill Wingard at jwingard@gracehendersonville, or you may call my direct line 828-513-0073, if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Yours in Christ, 

—Jill Wingard


Director of Family Ministry

Grace Lutheran Church, ELCA1245

6th Ave West

Hendersonville, NC 28739

Office: 828-693-4890 ext344

Trinity Women's Retreat at Montreat (in case you haven't seen the photos!)


 Fellowship Ministry


Wed Night Live! Please sign-up ASAP in the Narthex (or call/email the office). Dinners begin at 5:30PM followed by our presentations at 6:30PM. Please note: Starting in January, the cost of WNL meals will be $12/adult. This reflects the recent price increases charged by our catering partners.

—Lorraine Talbot


APR 15, 2026

Andy Jurik – Guitarist

Andy Jurik is a guitarist, arranger and educator.  He teaches guitar, aural skills, and music theory at Western Carolina University and University of North Carolina.  Andy directs the Asheville Classical Guitar Society.



APR 29, 2026

Mike Shepard - Presentation of Trip to the Holy Land

We welcome our own Mike Shepard to share the details of his journey.

 Presbyterian Women

PW Spring Gathering!


Join us for the PW Spring Gathering Birthday Party on April 16th at 2:00 p.m.

We will take up our annual birthday offering for the following missions:


We get to share our favorite birthday stories while enjoying refreshments. There will be a sign-up sheet in the narthex on April 5th and April 12th. Please stop by and sign up!


Photos from last month's Project Dignity Packing Party!


Global Missions Ministry


Andy and Ellen Collins to Speak at a Combined Learning Hour on April 26


On Sunday, April 26, Andy and Ellen Collins will provide an overview of their work in both Thailand and Hillsboro, NC.  Since their last visit to Trinity, Andy and Ellen have entered into what they call a hybrid ministry.  They are continuing to work with the students at the McGilvary College of Divinity in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  McGilvary College of Divinity is dedicated to preparing students to become leaders in various Christian churches in Thailand.

 

In addition to their work in Thailand, Andy and Ellen have joined the work of Welcome House in Hillsboro, NC.  This is a ministry that works with immigrants and refugees who are in the process of resettling in the United States.  This work has become increasingly challenging as a result of significant cutbacks in the financial support provided to refugees by the United States government, as well as the hurdles that are being placed in the way of these folks who are going through the complex bureaucracy of the U.S. immigration process.

 

Join us on April 26 during the Learning Hour in the Fellowship Hall to hear about the work that Trinity is helping to support through our Global Mission Ministry.


—Duane Johnson

above: The Fabanwos with Paul Hugger


Luopad Project


We want to extend a huge thank you to John & Rebecca Fabanwo and Heart of Compassion for their generous donation of 17 cases of brand new, 100% cotton toweling for Trinity's luopad project.

 

It has been a pleasure getting to know the Fabanwo's since their visit to WNL to share their personal journey through the Circles process in Greenville. Many of us have been inspired by their story and the subsequent launch of Heart of Compassion to serve those in and around Greenville facing poverty and hardship with much needed non-food items.

 

We are truly grateful to have Heart of Compassion as a partner and look forward to continuing this wonderful relationship.

 

To learn more about Heart of Compassion visit their website at https://heartofcompassionsc.org/; 

 

You can contact the Fabanwos or support Heart of Compassion at:  PO Box 5073, Greenville, SC 29606

 

Thank you,

—Vickie Hugger

 Local Missions Ministry



UNDIES, UNDIES EVERYWHERE!


Thank you, Trinity, for your outstanding response to the Undie Sunday collections in February.  You provided 879 pieces of men’s, women’s, and children’s underwear.  Your donations for adults were distributed to Hendersonville Rescue Mission and IAM, and children’s donations were divided between IAM and Patchwork Ministry which supports area foster children and families.


Trinity also sent a $300 check and 24 bottles of sunscreen to True Ridge for the Welcome Migrant Project.


Your generosity made these gifts possible!


—Esther Hider

 Stewardship Ministry


It’s Easter.  Christ is alive!  Hallelujah!


Christ loves us.  Christ walks with us.  Christ talks with us.  Christ showers us with blessing after blessing.  Christ asks “Will you serve me?”  Christ asks, “Will you serve my people?”  Christ asks. “How will you use all that I have given to you for the glory of God?”


At Trinity, so many say “I can”; “I will”; “Let’s do”; “Together we are making a difference.”  As we count our blessings and give thanks, we have opportunity after opportunity to answer God’s calling.  So, what you are going to do next?  What is God calling you to do?  How are you celebrating Easter throughout the coming year?


—Barb T.

 Matthew 25 Ministry


Trinity Team at No Kings !

 

 

Moms Demand Action


As the weather warms up, our BeSMART team will have many volunteer tabling opportunities in the spring, summer, and fall starting with the Cubcat Crawl at Hendersonville Elementary School on Friday April 10th starting at 4:00pm. This is a great opportunity to talk to parents of school age kids about safe gun storage. If you would like to help out our BeSMART team for a couple of hours (no experience necessary) please contact John Owens at momshendo@gmail.com or BeSMART team leader Kim Chao at chaoson@yahoo.com.  


 Earth Care Ministry


“The Eagle and the Condor Unite—A Story of Climate Restoration”

A Documentary Film Offering Hope for Restoring the Planet through Care for our Earth* and Emerging Innovative Technologies



The Eagle and the Condor Unite--A Story of Climate Restoration addresses the subject of climate restoration through the lenses of art, indigenous wisdom, spirituality, and remarkable, rapidly emerging technologies that are able to draw down legacy CO2 from the atmosphere.  Indeed, the film offers a message of hope for restoring the climate through genuine care for the earth and modern science.  


HERE is the trailer for the movie


This documentary is presented to Trinity members as a preview.  The official world premiere will take place three days later, celebrating Earth Day at the Second Annual Restoration Summit in Dallas, TX, where more than 3,000 people from 25 countries are expected to attend.  



Hendo Earth Fest: Saturday April 18th at 10:00-3:00: Trinity will have a tent; come and visit us.  If interested in helping, please see Enrique Sanchez or any member of the Earth Care Ministry.  


—Enrique Sanchez


Trinity Presbyterian Church Pollinator Garden


Location: Enter the church grounds at the front entrance with the church sign. Continue straight down the road, following the signs.  The garden is to the left against the red brick wall of the church.


The garden has been created as an act of love for our planet and is maintained by Trinity members. After an area of overgrown yews and cotoneaster was removed several years ago, a variety of pollinator-friendly plants were transplanted there.  As more of the 30 plus year old plants are removed, a more diverse garden will take its place. Each year we have been blessed with an increasing variety of bees, beetles, wasps, butterflies and birds buzzing and humming with life in this tiny garden tucked into our 8-acre campus.



—Jan Furr


 Building & Grounds Ministry


Building & Grounds Spring Work Day

 

The Building and Grounds Ministry will have a work day this Spring, It will be Saturday April 25th, this work day will be Inside and Outside of the church. Sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex. Last year’s work days was a great success and we look forward to being together again, please join us for from 9 until noon.


Thank you,

—Jim Kisner, Bud Weeks, & Wayne Youngdahl


 March Birthdays!

 Calendar


Check out what's happening this month on our web calendar


A couple of highlights, but check the website for details and full listings:


  • Sun, Apr 5 - Easter Sunday Services with our congregation-wide Easter Brunch between services

  • Tues, Apr 7 - Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteers arrive

  • Wed, Apr 8 - Wise Women Network, 4PM

  • Sat, Apr 11 - Memorial Service for Ben & Connie Moore, 11AM

  • Mon, Apr 13 - Tree work (please stay OUT of front lower parking lot for safety!)

  • Wed, Apr 15 - WNL w/ Andy Jurik, 5:30 dinner, 6:30 concert

  • Thu, Apr 16 - PW Spring Gathering, 2PM

  • Sat, Apr 18 - Hendo Earth Fest (downtown)

  • Sun, Apr 19 - Special Film: "The Eagle & The Condor", 9:45AM

  • Wed, Apr 22 - Presbyterian Advocacy Hour Watch Party, 12PM

  • Sat, Apr 25 - Building & Grounds Spring Work Day

  • Sun, Apr 26 - Mission Coworkers Andy & Ellen Collins, 9:45AM

  • Mon, Apr 27 - Death Cafe 4PM

  • Wed, Apr 29 - WNL w/ Mike Shepard in the Holy Land, dinner 5:30, presentation 6:30



Social Media Nerd Moment:


If you’d like to see more of what YOU and your Trinity family are up to, you can FOLLOW US on Facebook. Yes, I know you can look us up, but if you want to be notified when we post something about all the good stuff YOU ALL are doing in the community, you can go to this link and click “follow”. (I won’t spam you, I promise 😘 - Come on, it’s ME!)



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