Tidings Newsletter - October 2026
Pastor's Corner
October is Stewardship Emphasis Month at Trinity
Stewardship is the church's word for the faithful management of all the gifts God has given us. Every fall at Trinity we are asked to take inventory of all the gifts God has given each of us and consider ways to give back to God the giver a portion of those gifts and share them with the Church and with God's wider world. Below I have listed the gifts that all of us have been given by God and the scriptures that guide us in the sharing of them.
The Gospel Message—“Preach the good news”, says Jesus to the disciples (Matthew 10:27) “Join with me in suffering for the gospel,” says the apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy (II Timothy 2:8). Good gospel stewardship means being involved in some way in getting out the good news message of Jesus Christ.
Church—“Love one another,” Jesus said on the night before his death to his disciples, the beginning of the church (John 13:34). Good church stewardship means giving ourselves to each other in the church in service and in sacrifice according to the specific gifts God has given us to share.
Money—“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21) “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,” says God to the people of Israel through the prophet Malachi (Malachi 3:10). “Do good, be rich in good works, generous and ready to share.” (I Timothy 6:18). Good money stewardship is sharing what you have with God, with others, with the church and with God’s wider world.
Possessions—“Sell your possessions and give to the poor,” said Jesus to his disciples (Luke 12:33). Good stewardship of possessions means simplifying your life so that you have more to give to the poor.
Talent—“Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received,” said the apostle Peter to the early church (I Peter 4:9). Good talent stewardship is figuring out what talents or skills or special abilities you have and then sharing those with the church family and with the wider world.
Time—"Observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy” (Deuteronomy 5:12). “Make the most of the time,” says the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus (Ephesians 5:16). Good time stewardship means giving one day a week to God and making the most of the other six days.
Human Body—“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, “ says the apostle Paul to the church at Corinth. Good body stewardship means treating and using your body in a way that glorifies God who gave it to you.
Power and Influence—“How do you know that you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Uncle Mordecai once asked his niece, Queen Esther, encouraging her to use her influence as the Persian Queen positively, in order to save Jewish lives (Esther 4:14). Good power and influence stewardship means using whatever power and influence you have been given by God in the world for the sake of preserving life.
Planet Earth—“Till the earth and keep it,” said the Lord at the beginning to Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:15). Good planetary stewardship means working the earth, getting from it what you need, but also taking care of it and preserving it, so that it continues to produce and provide for future generations.
I encourage all of us to be faithful stewards of all the gifts God has given us.
—David Garnett
Transitional Pastor
Associate Pastor's Note
You’ll find in this issue of Tidings—believe it or not—our annual invitation to you to contribute a written meditation for our Advent devotional guide.
This year’s Advent theme, And on Earth Peace, is taken from the angels’ song to the shepherds in Luke 2:14, announcing the birth of the messiah:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”
And here are your Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Advent theme:
1. Why “and on earth peace”? Why not just say “Peace on earth”?
We’re glad you asked! And in addition to the fact that your Worship Ministry really likes starting sentences with conjunctions, we hear in the phrase “And on earth peace” a suggestion that while peace is an important gift of Christmas, it’s not the only one.
2. What’s that bit about “among those whom he favors”? I thought the angels sang, “good will toward men”!
You’re not wrong: in the King James Version (and the Charlie Brown Christmas version), verse 14 reads “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” As my good buddies Eugene Boring and Fred Craddock put it, however, “peace among those whom [God] favors” is “found in the best ancient manuscripts of Luke, which were unavailable to the King James translators. This more correct reading testifies to Jesus’ birth as the grace (unmerited favor) of God, rather than to a human quality.”
3. Well, that answer doesn’t really make sense. Can I just keep saying “and on earth peace, goodwill toward men”?
Of course you can. If it’s good enough for Linus Van Pelt, it’s good enough for us!
Peace,
—Dwight Christenbury
Call for Writers: And on Earth Peace
As we approach Advent 2026, our theme for the season is And on Earth Peace, which is taken from the the song of the angels in Luke 2:14. Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, and with Christians everywhere we affirm the hope that entered the world at the birth of Jesus and which has never left.
One of Trinity’s great seasonal traditions is our Advent Devotional Guide, which you create. We hope that you’ll consider writing a brief meditation for And on Earth Peace; look for more information and signups beginning on Sunday, October 18.
Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!
Finance & Stewardship Ministry
Stewardship Season is Nigh!
Stewardship is, among other things, living with purpose and giving with gratitude. Your faithful contributions to Trinity – in any form or amount – will plant seeds to continue to grow the kingdom of God in ourselves, in our community, and around the world.
Trinity’s season of stewardship officially begins on Sunday, October 18th, with a sermon by our own Dr. Mel Bringle. Please plan to join us that day for what promises to be a special message! During the following weeks, we ask that you prayerfully consider how to support our church’s ministries with your time, talents, and treasure. Pledge cards will be mailed to all Trinity members and friends in early October, and Dedication Sunday is November 8th. Thank you!
—Jeff Morris
Chair, Stewardship Ministry
2026 Stewardship Snapshot: Offering Plate and Pledge Income
Your faithful generosity funds Trinity's annual budget for operating costs, staffing, ministries and missions. Thank you!
July 2026 YTD: | $357,131 |
Budget YTD: | $309,000 |
July 2025 YTD: | $331,669 |
Fellowship Ministry
Mark your calendars for the annual Church Picnic:
Sunday, October 4, on the church grounds, following a single 10:00 a.m. worship service.
ABOVE: Throwback - Beth Pensiero, Cyntha Moser, Jocelyn Tolleson, Bob Baker, and Harry Petersen enjoying a previous year's church picnic
Wed Night Live! - October
Wed., October 7th
Dinner - 5:30pm
Presentation - 6:30pm
Veterans Healing Farm right here in Mills River will give us presentation on all of the programs they do and the good work that is helping people in our community.
Wed., October 28th
Dinner - 5:30pm
Presentation - 6:30pm
Richard Morgan will entertain us with his poetry and some current works he has been doing.
—Lorraine Talbot
Christian Nurture Ministry
Worship Ministry
Flower Ministry News: Thank you to everyone who donated flowers for the church Sanctuary in 2026. The 2026 calendar is full! Many of you have commented that increasing the cost to $60 has made a difference in the quality of arrangements. Kudos to Forget Me Not Florist on Asheville Highway.
How to Donate: Go to Trinity's website, www.trinitypresnc.org Click on the hash marks in upper right corner. On the next screen, choose "Sign ups" option. Scroll to "Donate Sunday Flowers." The online calendar will come up. Scroll to the date you want and provide your contact information. Then write your statement for the bulletin dedication, such as in memory of or to celebrate. In the column "I plan to," write "Take Home or Give to Church." If you Give to Church, we will use them for the enoyment of those in our community - where ever there's a need. Please note if the EXACT the date you want is not available, choose another. We cannot do TWO arrangements on the same Sunday. Note - The Flower Calendar only has two dates available in early December because we display poinsettias the rest of the month.
How to Pay: Cost is $60. You do not have to pay until the month of your donation!! Write the check to Trinity Presbyterian Church with FLOWERS in the memo line. Please don't forget the memo line. Then, put your check in the collection plate on Sunday or drop it off in church office. Questions? Talk with Katie in the office or contact Susan Mangrum at mangrumsusan@bellsouth.net or 828-595-7466. THANK YOU FOR GIVING!!!
—Susan Mangrum
Global Missions Ministry
Trinity Luopad Team
The Trinity luopad team was honored with an invitation from Rev. Bobbi White to attend the Malawi Network Conference held in August at Montreat. The Malawi Network represents workers from across the United States, as well as Malawi, who invest in supporting the citizens of Malawi.
The luopad team was challenged to set up an interactive display showing the work we do to prepare pads and kits for the girls and women of Malawi. The creation team—consisting of Candy Grose, Esther Hider, Priscilla Karvonen, and Kathy Steinbaugh—prepared a detailed display demonstrating our work from start to finish. Their work samples were carefully packed and transported to Montreat.
The action team—those who attended the Network Conference to set up the display and speak with participants—included Candy Grose, Esther Hider, Kathy Steinbaugh, and Pat Gunter. Pat, a long-time friend of Esther's, is working to establish a luopad team at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham and joined us as a learning experience. We were thrilled to have her with us!
Throughout the display time at Montreat, we shared luopad kits and instructions with church representatives from Texas, Colorado, and several other states. We were also able to share efficiency tips with churches already involved in the luopad ministry. In fact, Steve Hider's wooden patterns were a big hit with the other teams! (Thank you again, Steve!)
Thank you, Trinity, for your continued support of the Luopads for Malawi Global Ministry. We are honored to have your support, trust, and working hands, which make this ministry so successful.
Gratefully,
—Vickie Hugger
Local Missions Ministry
44th Annual Hunger Walk!
Congratulations to all our walkers and donors. We beat last year's fundraising record AND had the biggest team of any church at the walk this year. Special congratulations to Bob Miles, winner of our vintage Hunger Walk tee shirt contest as well! Way to to go, walkers!
Quilt for Habitat
This year, Trinity’s Sewing Team will be creating another beautiful quilt. This quilt will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, which will be gifted to one of their new homeowners.
Carole Garrison will be leading the project this year. We will kick off our work on Thursday, October 15, at 3:00 PM. If you would like to participate by making one or more squares for the quilt, please join us at the kickoff.
If you would like to participate but are unable to attend the kickoff session, please contact me and I will save a kit for you.
Happy sewing,
—Vickie Hugger
BELOW: New Habitat homeowners and volunteers from around the country with their quilts
Help Interfaith Assistance Ministry build HOPE in our community...because EVERYONE deserves a safe home! But housing is increasingly out of reach, even for households with two working incomes.
But you can help someone make a home when you DOUBLE your impact with a gift to Interfaith Assistance Ministry's "Building Hope" campaign. ALL donations up to $10,000 will be MATCHED through a grant from Trinity!
Visit https://www.iam-hc.org/building-hope for more info and to donate, to make someone's dream of a safe and stable home come true. Learn how in the video below.
Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women's Fall Gathering:
Please join us for brunch on Oct 8 at 10:30am in the Fellowship Hall. Our program will be on Safelight.
A sign-up sheet will be on a table in the Narthex Sep 20 & 27.
—Pat Harter
Matthew 25 Ministry & Board of Deacons
Be Part of Something New: An “Aging Initiative”
We can dispute who is old, but it is undeniable that many of us are aging. This stage of life brings new challenges. Your Matthew 25 Ministry and the Board of Deacons are beginning to work on ideas for providing information that can help.
One of Matthew 25’s charter purposes is to promote “Congregational Vitality” and this is part of it. The Deacons want to share information about useful resources related to health, safety, spirituality, legal issues, finances and more.
Already, ideas are bubbling up and you should expect to see more about this soon. If you have suggestions or requests please contact Patti Shannon, Jan Furr, Molly Garnett or Barb T. Additional folks to work on these ideas would be very welcome!
—Barb T.
Trinity to host a Regional Watch Party for Pisgah Legal Services' 15th Annual Justice Forum on Thursday October 22, 2026.
The 15th Annual Justice Forum will be live at 7:00 PM Thursday, Oct 22 at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The program will also be livestreamed at several Regional Watch Parties across WNC. Trinity is excited to be the location in Henderson County!
This year's keynote speaker is Pulitzer Prize winning American journalist and author, Brian Goldstone, whose work examines inequality, housing insecurity, and the lived realities of poverty in the United States. His acclaimed book, There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America, brings a deeply human lens to the economic systems shaping everyday life, with a focus on the growing number of working families who are nevertheless unhoused.
This is a great way to increase our support of Pisgah Legal and to welcome the whole community to visit Trinity.
For more information about the Forum and to register to attend the Trinity Watch Party or the live event, visit
—Leslie Nissen
Trinity Flag Schedule
I hope you have seen the flags we have been flying in front of the church since the end of May. Someone recently asked me if we could let people know what flag is flying. Here is the schedule through the end of November.
MONTH | FLAG | REASON |
October (1st half) | Banned Books | Banned Book Week |
October (2nd half) | Vote | Midterm Elections |
November (1st half) | <open> | suggestions? |
November (2nd half) | Indigenous Peoples | Thanksgiving |
Matthew 25 Ministry is responsible for the flag schedule. It is also responsible for some of the flag choices. If you have ideas for what flags to post and when, see a Matthew 25 Ministry member. Better yet, join Matthew 25 Ministry and make your vote count. We are always looking for new members.
In Faith,
—Jan Furr
ELECTIONS INFO!!! (VOTE VOTE, go VOTE!)
News from our Trinity Family
Check out our own bass section leader, Jonathan Thomas, in concert this weekend!
Tempus Presents: From Silence…
Friday, October 2, 7pm | Black Mountain Presbyterian
Saturday, October 3, 2pm | Trinity Episcopal
Tickets at ashevillechoralsociety.org
Close your eyes. Listen closely. Hear every voice. Tempus, the select ensemble of the Asheville Choral Society, presents an intimate performance that showcases the precision, power, and beauty of a high-level vocal ensemble. From Silence… explores what happens when silence gives way to sound—and individual voices become something extraordinary together.
About the Asheville Choral Society
The Asheville Choral Society is a professional-level community chorus dedicated to enriching the Western North Carolina community through the transformational experience of remarkable choral artistry. Under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Melodie Galloway, ACS presents a season of concerts that celebrate the power of music to connect, inspire, and transform. Tempus is the Asheville Choral Society’s select vocal ensemble, offering intimate performances that showcase the distinctive artistry of its singers.
October Birthdays!
Calendar
Check out what's happening this month on our web calendar
(it's a month where, like, EVERYTHING is a special event, so this list is LOOOONG!)
Highlights:
SHAMELESS PLUG!!! Fri Oct 2, 7PM: CONCERT - Tempus w/ Jonathan Thomas (Black Mountain Pres)
SHAMELESS PLUG!!! Sat Oct 3, 2PM: CONCERT - Tempus w/ Jonathan Thomas (Trinity Episcopal, Asheville)
Sun Oct 4, 11AM: Church Picnic!!
SHAMELESS PLUG!!! Sun Oct 4, 2PM: CONCERT - Buddy K Band w/ Katie Cilluffo (White Horse Black Mountain)
Wed Oct 7, 5:30PM: Wed Night Live - Veterans Healing Farm
Thu Oct 8, 10AM: PW Fall Gathering
Sun Oct 11, 10:55AM: Congregational Meeting (election of church officers)
Sat Oct 17, 9AM: Presbytery Youth Council
Sun Oct 18, 8:30 & 11AM: Stewardship Season Kick-off with guest preacher, Mel Bringle
Thu Oct 22, 15th Annual Pisgah Legal Justice Forum "Watch Party" at Trinity!
Sat Oct 24, 10AM Presbytery of WNC Guatemala Partnership Mtg
Sat Oct 24, 11AM: Wear Orange for Gun Sense Rally (Historic Courthouse)
Sun Oct 25, 12:30PM: Family Halloween Fun!
Wed Oct 28, 5:30PM: Wed Night Live - Poetry w/ Richard Morgan
Sat Oct 31: HALLOWEEN!
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!)
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