top of page
Search

Tidings Newsletter - June 2026

 Pastor's Corner


I can’t recall another confession that uses the word love so many times...


Special thanks to Dwight C. for bringing to our attention the new confession of faith being proposed at this year’s General Assembly. I was not aware until Dwight mentioned it that a new confession was even in the works.

 

You can read the draft of the confession for yourself at https://www.pc-biz.org/search/3001517 .

 

Like Dwight, I, too, would like to comment on parts of the confession that stood out to me.

 

Upon reading the confession for the first time, I noticed right away the 30+ uses of the word love and its variants, referring to God’s love for us and our love for God and for one another. I can’t recall another confession that uses the word love so many times. In this “can’t miss” kind of way, the confession puts front and center the primacy of love in our Christian faith. The confession leaves little doubt that God loves the world, including us, and that love is God’s primary will for us, and that the lack of love in our lives is sin.

 

I noticed also the generous use of inclusive language throughout, such as “we” (30x), “all” (20x), “us” (20x), “our” (11x) and “humanity” (5x). This makes the point that all of us, all people, the whole earth, all of creation, are implicated in the destructive aspects of sin but also included in the saving implications of the Christ event. Not one person or thing is left out.

 

We in the Presbyterian Church USA have talked together for a long time now about the sins we have committed against the earth, and against indigenous people, African Americans, immigrants, the disabled, and women. But this confession names them in public witness and lifts them up to the level of status confessionis. In a time when we hardly mention the word sin, the confession boldly names aloud the sins of idolatry, greed, racism, and white supremacy in our time, and calls us out for using scripture to try to justify these sins.

 

Against the darkness of these sins, we are reassured by the confession that God is still faithful, still speaking, still at work among us, and hasn’t given up on us and the modern world, and that God calls us as the Church to a specific kind of faithfulness as we join God in the healing and repair of the world.

 

As Dwight reminded us, we are still several years away from having a new completed confession to add to our denomination’s Book of Confessions, but a great start has been made on a very relevant confession for our time. We are still not sure what final form it will take, but we can be sure that it will ultimately be an important addition to the current conversation in the world regarding a modern-day understanding of God, the world, the Church, and ourselves.


—David Garnett

 Associate Pastor's Note  


Iglesia Fuente de Vida


Something I’ve always found a little bit embarrassing is that in all my years at Trinity, I’ve yet to go to Guatemala. I’ve come close a few times: in the fall of 2019, I was involved in planning a Trinity trip to visit our partner congregation, Iglesia Fuente de Vida, in early 2020 – and if you remember anything about the year 2020, you’ll figure out why that trip never happened. And then, a few years later, the presbytery planned a youth delegation to Guatemala, for which I was also signed up as a chaperone. That trip ended up being canceled because so few youth across the presbytery felt ready for that early post-pandemic travel experience.


Well, finally it’s happening: this month I’ll be tagging along on another go at a PWNC Youth Delegation, and the even-better news is that Trinity will be well-represented: Mary, Sierrah, and Brandon Haskins will join me and about eight other youth and adults from across the presbytery for a week of relationship-building, learning, and exploring with some of our ministry partners from the Guatemalan presbyteries of Sur Occidente and Suchitepéquez.


We depart early on the morning of June 17 and return late at night on the 24th, and we look forward to sharing our experiences with you soon afterward. In the meantime, we are grateful for your prayers and support!


Peace,

—Dwight Christenbury

 Session Notes:


May 2026 Session Notes

Here are highlights of major actions the Trinity Session took during its stated meeting of May 18, 2026:


  • We joyfully received into membership Joe Malecki! Joe comes to us by letter of transfer from the First Scots Presbyterian Church of Charleston, South Carolina. A talented musician, Joe recently opening an Asheville Tourists Baseball Game by playing the National Anthem on saxophone! (<<---listen here)

  • The Session approved Trinity’s 2026 Stewardship Action Plan, which was presented by Stewardship Chair Jeff Morris. The theme for 2026 is “Living With Purpose, Giving With Gratitude.”  Messages on the theme will be communicated throughout the rest of this year, including through Tidings articles and Minutes for Mission. Stewardship Dedication Sunday  will be November 8.

  • The Session appointed a task force to craft a social media policy that would govern Trinity’s use of such social media platforms as YouTube and Facebook. The task force hopes to bring a proposal to the Session at this month’s meeting.

  • The Session approved a request from Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) to leave a couple of their trailers in the rear parking lot between their current stay here at Trinity and an upcoming fall project in Yancey County. In further discussion, Session members affirmed the positive relationship that has grown between Trinity and BDM and passed a motion to extend an open invitation for BDM to return to Trinity in the future.

  • Lorraine Talbot and Bob Forsythe reported on the recent Presbytery of Western North Carolina (PWNC) meeting at Montreat, and Bob addressed the new initiative to create “Neighborhoods” within the PWNC, in which nearby congregations get to know each other and learn how they can support one another. Our first neighborship meeting will take place on July 25 at Mills River Presbyterian Church.

  • The Session bade a fond farewell to Bud Weeks on his move (along with Sandy, of course!) to Las Vegas. We’ll miss Bud and Sandy deeply, and we’ll always be grateful for their friendship and tireless service to Christ’s church at Trinity.



Update from your PNC:


Beloved Trinity - 


Since our update in January, your PNC has been working diligently to honor both our church and our congregation as we seek our next Senior Pastor/Head of Staff.  While we have had over 40 responses, we have also had difficulty finding a quality candidate that meets our needs.  These replies include both computer matches and self referrals, and unfortunately the potential candidates to date have not had the experience or leadership we believe align with our church mission and vision.


We are casting our net into new waters.  In addition to our CLC posting, we will be advertising digitally in hopes of increasing our pool of qualified candidates.  These postings will be shared with you as soon as they are final and live.


When a candidate responds to our posting, there are specific questions they must address.  Having read many, many of these responses, we have developed a follow-up email that we will be sending to any/all candidates from whom we wish to seek additional information.  This is simply a way to gain additional knowledge in an informal setting that will help us, as a committee, better determine the potential “fit” of a candidate.


All the committee business of your PNC must remain confidential, but your ongoing support and encouragement is greatly appreciated.  Please continue to pray for this committee, for our congregation, for our leaders, and for our church. 

—Mary Haskins

 Upcoming: Special Events at Trinity!

 Special "Thank You!"


We JUST our third Pride concert event in cooperation with our friends as First Congregational Church and the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus. It was beautiful, moving, and EXHAUSTING!!!



So I'd like to send a special "thank you" to all of my volunteer team members who made it such a success. Special thanks to Jim Kisner, Enrique Sánchez, Mark Acker, Maralee McMillan, & Priscilla Karvonen who put in an EXTRA long day (10 or more hours) to make it happen, and to our fabulous CLEAN UP crew, who stayed late to get us ready to roll for worship the next morning.



—Katie Cilluffo

 Christian Nurture Ministry


Trinity Summer Learning Hour


For Adults. A number of special Learning Hour events will take place throughout the summer, including an Ohmann Lecture Series. All of these events will take place from 11:15 to 12:15 in the Fellowship Hall. Here’s the schedule as it now stands; be sure to check the Trinity website calendar for updates:


  • June 28. Palliative Care and Hospice Care: Understanding Your Choices in Caring for Loved Ones. Presented by the Four Seasons Foundation.

  • July 5, 12, 19, and 26 (and possibly August 2). “Fear Not,” presented by Dr. James Sargent. Ohmann Lecture Series.

  • August 23. Report on the 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Presented by Bob Forsythe and Dwight Christenbury.


In addition to these special events, Hashing It Out will meet in the Lounge at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays, and the Issues & Concerns Class will hold a few special sessions (dates to be announced).


For Children. Our young children’s Learning Hour class will meet each Sunday from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. in room 203.


For Youth. Youth events and Learning Hour classes will take place irregularly throughout the summer; dates and details to be announced.



VBS is the First Week of June: Watch for Children!


We’re grateful to once again be hosting a community Vacation Bible School with our partner congregations: Grace Lutheran Church and St. James Episcopal Church!

VBS takes place Monday, June 1, through Thursday, June 4, from 9:00 a.m. to noon each day. Because so much of VBS takes place outdoors, it will be necessary to close the rear parking lots and the porte cochère to vehicle traffic during those hours. If you happen to be at the church on those days, please plan to park in the front parking lots and watch out for children.


Thank you!

 Stewardship Ministry

 

Blessings Abound; A Stewardship Meditation


Old hymns speak to my spirituality and I often sing them to myself in times of trouble.  One of my favorites is “Count Your Blessings”:


“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed;

When you are discouraged thinking all is lost;

Count your many blessings, name them one by one.

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”


God has gifted us with so much time, talent and treasure!  Our bounty overflows!  When we consider our trove of treasures with thankful hearts, it is then we are ready to present gifts to the glory of God.  And as we give with love and hope, God multiplies everything!


By the way, there is another song entitled “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep”.  You could give it a try the next time you are sleep-challenged.

—Barb T.


2026 Stewardship Snapshot

 

Contributions, pledged amounts, amounts more than pledged, and other contributions. Your faithful generosity funds Trinity's annual budget for operating costs, staffing, ministries and missions.  Thank you!

—Jeff Morris

April 2026 YTD: 

$202,443

Budget YTD: 

$153,600

April 2025 YTD:

$186,994

Local Missions Ministry


The 44th annual Hunger Walk


Mark your calendars! The 44th annual Hunger Walk will be held on Saturday, September 19th. The start location is the same as last year---Lennox Park/Trailside Brewing on Whitted Street. The routes are still being finalized. We hope that part of it will be on the Ecusta Trail. We are also looking at separate routes for the 1 mile and 3 mile routes.

Last year was a record in terms of walkers and the donations received. The Hunger Coalition is able to increase their 2026 grants from $120,000  in 2025 to $135,000 (12.5%). The needs of the 12 agencies the coalition supports continue to increase every year.


Thanks to our Local Mission Ministry, Trinity has already matched their sponsorship of last year’s  Walk with a $1000 donation (typical of several other churches—includes our name on the t-shirts).


More details to follow next month!

—Tom Karvonen

Interfaith Assistance Ministry - You're Invited!


Dear Friends,


On behalf of Diocles Wells, you are cordially invited to the official presentation of the Trinity quilt to IAM. As the inspiration behind this project, Diocles will be leading the presentation, and we hope you can join us for this special occasion on June 19th.


Event Details:


  • Date: Friday, June 19, 2026

  • Time: Please arrive by 1:00 PM

  • Location: 310 Freeman Street (Parking is available anywhere in the lot)


Arrival Instructions:


Upon arrival, please enter through the first set of double doors, followed by the second set into the reception area. Diocles will be available to greet you. Once the group has gathered, we will head to the second floor for refreshments in the conference room. Afterward, we will proceed to the first-floor hallway for the viewing of the quilt.


We look forward to seeing you there.


Best regards,


—Vickie Hugger

 Earth Care Ministry


Pollinator update! - Trinity's pollinator garden has been accepted as an addition to Bee City of Hendersonville's "Pollinator Trail"! (we're not on their website yet, but soon...)


Mountain True


Check out MountainTrue & Conserving Carolina's 10th Annual BioBlitz on Sat, June 13!

Help local naturalists track and observe the wildlife in our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. For details and to sign up...



Using the iNaturalist app and guided by expert naturalists, we’ll explore the rare and rugged ecosystems near Gerton, NC.

 

This hands-on event brings together nature lovers, scientists, and curious minds to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, and fungi as possible—all in a single day. Your observations will help us better understand and protect the incredible biodiversity of Western North Carolina.


Citizen science to the rescue!

 Matthew 25 Ministry


Moms Demand Action-Hendersonville is a proud sponsor of Hendersonville Pride, and we will once again have a table at this fun community event. As part of the Pride events this year, organizers will remember and honor the victims of the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting that happened 10 years ago on June 12th, 2016. We still need help with tabling at the event!  Please sign-up at this link for a two-hour shift.



We will be holding a Wear Orange Social Event on Sunday, June 7th at Southern Appalachian Brewery, 822 Locust St, from 2:00pm-3:30pm. Come join us for a beer and meet other local Moms Demand Action volunteers, discuss plans for the upcoming Mid-Term Elections, and meet Gun Sense Candidates. Please sign-up at this link if you plan to join us. If you are available to help with set-up, please contact John Owens at momshendo@gmail.com


 Building & Grounds Ministry


Spring Work Day

 

We had a great turnout for the workday with 25 members working very hard to help the church perk up for spring both inside and out. The atrium is now brightened up, our windows are all clean, carpet grape spots are gone in the sanctuary, pews have been cleaned, bugs were removed for the sanctuary lights and our wood furniture has a new coat of oil. The bad chairs in the Fellowship Hall have been removed and recycled. Our outside has never looked better.


Thanks to all our volunteers,

—Wayne Youngdahl


 

 Global Missions Ministry


Guatemala Partnership

We're excited to have renewed our partnership commitment with our sister church "Fuente de Vida" in Guatemala.



 Deacons


Thank You, New and Returning Deacons!

 


 Photos



ABOVE: Hats for Mother's Day celebrations, Marty & Marina having fun in Florida, farewell celebration for Bud & Sandy Weeks (with cake!)

 June Birthdays!

 Calendar


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

Highlights:

Vocal Space Ensemble - not pictured, new member Jonathan Thomas! (he'll be there too 😉)

What do you love BEST about Trinity?


New neighbors and friends find out about Trinity through Google Reviews that members and friends like YOU write. If you'd like to share one of your favorite things about Trinity - a memory, a peaceful place on our grounds, a friendship, a mission, a concert, a class, a club, a meeting - something that brought you joy, we'd love to hear about your experiences.


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!)



Comments

bottom of page