Tidings Newsletter - March 2026
- Trinity Presbyterian
- 4 days ago
- 13 min read
Pastor's Corner
Updates!
For my newsletter article in March I decided to catch you up on various things happening at Trinity right now:
PNC–Our Pastor Nominating Committee is actively working to bring the next pastor to Trinity. The form that advertises the position on the national denominational matching website has been posted. You can view it by going to https://clc.pcusa.org/login and entering “North Carolina” into the state box. The form is right now the first one appearing for the state of North Carolina.
Intern–We have received a $5,000 grant from our Presbytery to hire a student marketing intern to help us better promote, publicize and market our church and its activities in the community, but so far our efforts to land an intern have not resulted in actually getting an intern. We have advertised in every college and university within a two or three-hour drive from the church, and we have advertised in two different ways. At this point in our search, we are trying to get a summer or fall marketing intern. The idea for getting an intern came out of our mission study last year. If you know of a student with promise who might be willing to take this on, let us know.
HVAC–On March 2 we had the final installation of four new Heating and Air Units on the roof of the church. These are high-efficiency units that should help reduce emissions and save us money in the long-run. The installation took longer than expected because two of the bases on which two of the units sit were not the right size and had to be replaced.
Youth Group–Our small youth group has joined forces with a small youth group at Mills River Presbyterian Church and is doing things together. They most recently met to go bowling together. These days this is a smart way to do youth group.
Earth Care–The Presbyterian church in Waynesville has reached out to the Presbyterian Church in Sylva for help in becoming an Earth Care church. The church in Sylva previously reached out to Trinity for help in becoming an Earth Care church and members of our Earth Care Ministry met with them to give them some ideas, and now Sylva is multiplying Trinity’s original efforts.
—David Garnett
Associate Pastor's Note
In my sermon of February 22, the First Sunday in Lent, I introduced Tell Me Something Good, the Lenten worship and devotional materials we’re using this season. These materials are the product of A Sanctified Art (SA), a self-described “collective of artists in ministry who create resources for worshiping communities.” The SA team produces film, visual art, curriculum, coloring pages, liturgy, graphic designs, and more—in other words, we’ll only barely scratch the surface in what we are able to use at Trinity this Lent. I thought you might be interested to know who these people are, so here’s a little bit about the four core members of the SA team:
The Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity (a Black Mountain resident), Founder and Creative Director of SA, is a “Pastorist” (pastor + artist) and “creative entrepreneur seeking to fill the church with more color, paint, mystery, and creativity.”
The Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman, Director of Branding and Founding Creative Partner of SA, is an artist, graphic designer, and theologian. She uses paint, metallic inks, and Apple pencil to image the layered complexity she experiences in scripture texts.
Hannah Garrity, Founding Creative Partner of SA, is “an artist and an athlete, a daughter and a mother, a facilitator and a producer, a leader and a teammate.” She is the Director of Christian Faith, Life, and Arts at Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, and a liturgical installation artist at the Montreat Conference Center.
The Rev. Sarah A. Speed, Founding Creative Partner of SA, is the Head of Staff/Senior Pastor at Second Presbyterian Church of Kansas City, Missouri. Sarah “feels called to welcome people into the church by using her energy and passion for beautifully scripted words, raw and relevant liturgy, and hands-on worship experiences to engage our longing for God and the need for justice in this messy world.”
We’re grateful to A Sanctified Art for helping us to think, study, and worship in new ways this Lent.
Peace,
—Dwight Christenbury
Worship Ministry
Choir Retreat
We held a Chancel Choir retreat where we previewed our Lenten and Easter music. Rev. David Garnett started our morning with a wonderful meditation during our morning prayer service about the importance of music in the church. The morning was filled with music, laughter, and good discussions about our music ministry using the church’s Mission Statement as an outline for our future. We ended our day with a soup and sandwich lunch in the fellowship hall. I couldn’t have provided the lunch without the help of Robin Lattimore. He assisted me with setup, serving, and cleanup!
Thank you to everyone that made our choir retreat a success. Soli Deo Gloria!
—Lesley Bush
Christian Nurture Ministry
Youth News
The inaugural event of the combined Mills River/Trinity Presbyterian Church Youth, a trip to the bowling alley on a cold, grey Sunday, was a big success (see photos). This month, we head to Burnsville for a Presbytery-wide Youth Mission Retreat (March 6-7), during which we’ll be working with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in continuing Hurricane Helene relief projects.
—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 Book Group:
Hello Readers,
It’s never too late to join our Trinity Book Group. All are welcome.
Please read the book of the month and join us for our next Book Group meeting:
Date: Thursday, March 26, 1:30 pm at the Church
Book & Author: The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
Discussion Leader: Joy Guenther
Host: Cynthia Moser
If you have any questions, please contact Billie Hicklin or Angela Kuykendoll.
Happy Reading!
—Angela Kuykendoll
Lenten Bible Study:
Youth Events:
Joy of Jazz Festival 2026
In memory of Robin Tolleson, a former musician and elder at Trinity, the eighth annual Joy of Jazz Festival for local high school students will be on Saturday, March 28th at Hendersonville High School. The Festival provides a one-day clinic for high school jazz bands to work with professional musicians and then perform for the community at 4:00. The concert will be held in the Hendersonville High School auditorium.
Please mark your calendars to attend the concert on March 28th at 4pm! We love seeing Trinity supporters and you’ll enjoy the young people playing jazz!
Thank you for helping to sustain Robin’s legacy!
—The Tolleson Family
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
MAR 11, 2026
Celtic Spirituality w/ Rich Shader
Rich Shader, an ordained elder from the Church of Scotland and an associate member of the IONA community will be doing a presentation on Celtic Spirituality. Sign up sheet is waiting for your signature by Sun. March 8th.
MAR 25, 2026
Center of Development in Central America (Nicaragua) w/ Sarah Junkin-Woodard
We welcome back mission co-worker Sarah Junkin-Woodard for updates on recent significant changes to their ministry.
Presbyterian Women
Period Poverty and Project Dignity
Period Poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, which affects many women and girls. During their menstrual cycle, often referred to as "their time of the month," they may be forced to miss work or school simply because they cannot afford the necessary feminine hygiene items. Unfortunately, menstrual products are not covered by food assistance programs, making it even more difficult for those in need. In the United States, 1 in 5 girls have missed school because they could not afford period protection.
Project Dignity is a local nonprofit dedicated to offering period products to individuals in need throughout Western North Carolina. The people served by Project Dignity include those who are homeless, low-income, or victims of domestic abuse. PD collects donations of period products from community organizations, individuals, and foundations. These products are then distributed to schools, public housing agencies, food pantries, and social services agencies on a consistent monthly schedule.
Trinity Presbyterian Women will host their second Packing Party for Project Dignity on March 18 at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. PD will supply the feminine hygiene products and boxes and will oversee the packing process. TPW encourages all TPC members, friends, and family to come help PACK.
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Sarah Thibodeau (sthibod567@aol.com) or call 698-8679.
Global Missions Ministry
Our final two Luopad sewing parties for the season will be held on Thursday, March 5th and Thursday, March 12th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. All completed kits will be delivered to the Presbytery on March 16th. Please join us to help finish this sewing season strong. We look forward to resuming the project in September.
Thank you,
—Vickie Hugger
Local Missions Ministry
“The results are in.”
Trinity did a great job supporting the Souper Bowl offering. We collected 288 pounds of food and $470 in financial donations.
IAM was happy to get the food, and I am sure they will appreciate the funds when they arrive.
—Esther Hider
Stewardship Ministry
What will you do to make this Lent meaningful?
The season of Lent continues throughout all of March and endures until Easter Sunday, April 5. We have many options for how to use our time, talent and treasure during this time to help us seek deeper intimacy with God. Typically, we try to do more of something or to do less.
Pope Leo has suggested that we refrain from saying unkind things about others this year. Some folks try to do more Bible study and prayer. Other people try to make up for their sins by deeper confession and repentance extending to self-sacrifice by refraining from favorite foods or pastimes. The Bible describes times when Christ fasted and prayed deeply. Keeping a personal journal to record your prayers, confessions, praise, and thanks can be meaningful; this does not need to be an entry every day but just jot down your notes “when the spirit moves you”.
Maybe you will start a new habit that will continue into the future.
Easter Sunday is always special. But if you have been preparing during Lent by deepening your relationship with God, this could be your best Easter so far. Do yourself a favor and give it a try.
—Barb T.
Matthew 25 Ministry
Invitation to Participate
Panel Discussion on Aging
March 8, 12:15 in the Fellowship Hall
Matthew 25 Ministry is going to take a deep look into the topic of aging, both in the church and in the community. When the ministry began, one task we were charged with was Congregational Vitality. In looking at the data for Trinity David discovered the average age for congregants has risen in past years. We hope to find more ways to support our aging population.
On March 8 at 12:15 Matthew 25 will be presenting a panel discussion on aging in the Fellowship Hall. We have invited several Trinity Church groups as well as some non-profits and government groups. They will share their focus, who they impact, meeting information as well as other topics. Following a brief introduction from each group, we will open the discussion to everyone present to ask questions and participate in an expanded discussion.
We look forward to seeing you at the event.
—Jan Furr
Time
Saturday, March 28
2 – 3:30pm EDT
Location
Henderson County Courthouse & the Historic Courthouse
200 N Grove St
and Main Street for the Historic Courthouse Square
About this event
We have the power and are claiming it together. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.
What began in 2025 as a single day of defiance has become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy.
When our families are under attack and costs are pushing people to the brink, silence is not an option. We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration’s unjust and cruel acts of violence.
On March 28th, rise up, take to the streets, and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings. We’re not watching history happen—we’re making it. Join us.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
MARCHERS: Arrive at the County Courthouse on Grove Street by 2 pm, latest. The march will start on our signal at approximately 2:05, as soon as law enforcement blocks the streets for us.
THOSE WITH MOBILITY ISSUES: Go straight to the Historic Courthouse square, on Main Street, site of the rally.
ALL: Bring your signs, your passion, your energy, your friends & neighbors. There will be several speakers, great musicians and chanting loud enough to echo all across downtown Hendersonville.
THIS EVENT IS ORGANIZED BY INDIVISIBLE HENDERSON COUNTY NC AND PERSIST OF HENDERSON COUNTY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRASS YOUR HEART, HENDERSONVILLE PRIDE, HENDERSON COUNTY NAACP NC AND PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE OF HENDERSON COUNTY.
A core principle behind all our events is a commitment to peaceful and nonviolent action.
Accessibility
Mainly flat ground
Have accessibility questions? Reply to your registration email to confirm your requirements or request more information.
Register HERE (if desired, not required)
Many thanks to those at Trinity getting involved in the electoral process during the recent primaries. Way to go volunteers Susan Mangrum, Nancy Luger, and Sandy Weeks!
Earth Care Ministry
Join Creation Care Alliance WNC at the 2026 Symposium May 1st and 2nd at Montreat Conference Center as we reflect on Hurricane Helene, the faith-filled response that followed, and the renewed call to climate resilience and disaster recovery. Together, we’ll explore how communities of faith are reshaping their ministries and strengthening their role in the wider community.
In addition to recovery and resilience, this Symposium will also provide a number of creation care activities to experience and share back home including an Awe/Wonder Walk, a Reclaiming the River Ritual, and an interfaith Earth Sunday Vigil.
Workshop topics will include:
Considering Going Solar?
Planting a Pollinator, Butterfly, or Vegetable Garden on Your Campus
Congregational Disaster Preparedness and Resilience-Building
Climate Justice Advocacy - Rev. Susannah Tuttle, Director, Eco-Justice Connection of the NC Council of Churches
Green Burials - Author and Professor Mallory McDuff of Warren Wilson College
Come with an open heart and mind. Leave with ideas, connections, and actions that strengthen creation care ministries and foster partnerships with climate-connected faith communities.
With hope and gratitude,
—Julie Lehman
Director - Creation Care Alliance
Building & Grounds Ministry
New HVAC Systems installed!
After much deliberation and research, we decided to replace our aging air handlers. Most were already past their expected lifespans. By choosing to replace them before they stopped working, we could afford to be choosy, shop around, take our time, and decide upon the most efficient and effective HVAC system for our needs.
So without any further ado...
Our NEW Carrier heat pumps have been installed! The majority of corresponding Honeywell smart thermostats have also been installed (at great financial savings, thanks to Jim Kisner and Bill Bone). Despite some installation delays due to mismatched sizes of the air handler "footings", the project was completed as of March 4. But the delay meant we got to enjoy watching the HUGE crane come back for a second appearance.
Many thanks to Jose, Matthew, and the rest of the team at Ross & Witmer for their professionalism. We will remember you all when we are cool as cucumbers or toasty as, well, toast in the coming years!
During this spring "shoulder season" when days can switch from cold and then hot over the span of 12 hours, we should greatly benefit from these new thermostats that can automatically shift from heat to AC as needed. We will be monitoring our energy bills and savings over the next several months to get a better picture of how these new heat pumps will reduce our energy and gas consumption. We may invite Nichollson back to calibrate the new system for peak efficiency if necessary.
Not familiar with heat pumps? Join the Earth Care Ministry on April 18th at Hendo Earth Fest to learn all about the physics of heat pumps. Work smarter, not harder!
Looking forward increased comfort, reduced bills, reduced greenhouse emissions, and a looong healthy lifespan on our new, greener HVAC equipment.
—Katie Cilluffo
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, Mar 1 - Margaret Sharke's 100 Birthday Party!!!n
Sun, Mar 8 - Matthew 25: Aging Discussion Panel
Wed, Mar 11 - Wed Night Live Dinner & Presentation: Celtic Spirituality w/ Rich Shader
Wed, Mar 12 - Sing In: Learn Protest Songs @ First Congregational
Wed, Mar 18 - Project Dignity Period Product Packing Party!
Sat, Mar 21 - Moms Demand Action Film Screening (Grace Lutheran)
Wed, Mar 25 - Wed Night Live Dinner & Presentation: CDEPCA (Nicaragua) w/ Sarah Junkin-Woodard
Sat, Mar 28
"No Kings" Rally (downtown Hendersonville - old and new courthouses)
Jerry Miller's Memorial service (online)
"Joy of Jazz" Festival (Hendersonville Highschool)
Photos!
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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