“Entering the Temple
of the Heart”

Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025
The Rev. Pete Burgess

Sunday, Oct. 26

8 am Holy Eucharist Rite I

9 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Children’s Chapel
Children’s Choir Sings
Watch Service Live

10 am Formation Hour

11 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Nursery at all services for ages 0–3 years

4 pm PARISH FISH FRY

Tuesday, Oct. 28

5:30 pm Centering Prayer

Wednesday, Oct. 29

10:30 am Bible Study—Gospel of John
Watch Class Live

12 pm Healing Eucharist

Education & Formation Offerings

We strive to take the Gospel seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. We welcome you to join us in the kingdom work that God has prepared for us. There is a place for you here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

Sunday, Nov. 9, at 11 am

Service of Holy Eucharist at 10 am

(one service only)

Holy Trinity's Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 11 am, following the 10 am service. Please note that in order to simplify the schedule for the day, we will have just the one service at 10 am. We will be back to our full schedule of services the following week!
 
The Parish Meeting will include reports on our many ministries over the past year, a review of the 2025 budget and, of course, Vestry elections.
 
We will conduct our voting just as we did last year, with the goal of making it as accessible as possible.
 
Vestry Nominations — In addition to the slate of candidates that will be published beforehand, there will be the opportunity to make nominations from the floor. Once the nominations are closed, we will begin the voting process.
 
The Voting Process — When we have finished with all other business, we will leave the Parish Meeting open, for the purpose of voting only, until noon on the following Sunday, Nov. 16. Voting members present on Nov. 9 will have the opportunity to cast their ballots right away. Others may do so in person in the church office during regular office hours any time before noon on Nov. 16.
 
Voting Members — Eligibility for voting is defined by the Canons as the following. If you are unsure of your membership status, please get in touch with us in the office. We would love to update our records!
 
“Confirmed adult communicants in good standing, as defined by the General Canons of the Diocese of Alabama, who are canonically resident in the parish and physically present who are known to the Rector and the Treasurer as regular contributors to the support of parish programs.”
 
A word of thanks is owed to our current Vestry members for their strong service over the last year. We also thank all our parishioners for your flexibility on the day of our meeting. It is dearly hoped that this will be a functional, unifying and sustainable format for this important annual event!

VESTRY ELECTIONS COMING
Nominations Due by Oct. 29

Who will be our four new Vestry Members? Nominations for the Vestry Class of 2029 are being accepted until Oct. 29. If you would like to nominate someone for a spot in the Vestry, please send your nomination information directly to Pete Burgess or Hilary Joyce.

The Vestry is the governing body of Holy Trinity. This board consists of 12 members who serve staggered three-year terms. At our Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, Nov. 9, we will elect four parishioners to serve three-year terms on our vestry.

Wise & Wonderful Celebrates Autumn

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 5:30–7 pm

Nancy and Gary Loper hope you’ll  join them in the HTC Parish Commons on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5:30–7 pm to enjoy some of the simple gifts of fall—friendship, fellowship and, of course, food and fun. Please bring something yummy to share and a beverage of your choice.

For more information about Wise & Wonderful, contact Sue Hill.

Creation Care Nature Walk

Saturday, Nov. 15, at Arboretum

On Saturday, Nov. 15, Steve Duke will lead a nature walk at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum at 181 Garden Dr. in Auburn. The one-mile loop in the 13.5-acre sanctuary boasts a botanical abundance of southeastern native plants and trees. The one-hour walk will include reflections/devotionals at the beginning, the end and at a few spots along the way. Walkers will meet at the arboretum pavilion at 10 am.

Parishwide Service Event Dec. 6

Packing Meals at Food Bank Warehouse

In the heart of our faith community lies the power to make a global impact right from where we are. With Rise Against Hunger, our parish has a chance to bring together our many members for a  service that transcends borders. As our world evolves, the unwavering spirit of service within faith communities shines brighter than ever.

Holy Trinity is undertaking a very meaningful, hands-on service project that our parishioners (10 & older) will accomplish as a group on Saturday, Dec. 6. We will be packing more than 15,000 nutritionally complete and ready-to-cook meals, which will then be distributed to remote, last-mile communities around the globe that have been designated as "serious" or higher hunger pockets by the Global Hunger Index.

To learn more about this project, watch a video with a special introduction from our own Phil Lewis, who will be happy to answer your questions.

Please plan to join your fellow Holy Trinity parishioners on Dec. 6 to package meals for those in dire need. You MUST register on their website, even if you've signed a paper list at chuch! If you're ready to register, please click the button below. There is no donation required. This event is paid for by your 2025 stewardship dollars. Additional donations to Rise Against Hunger are optional.

Adult Formation Offerings

RECENT EVENTS

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY
Fish Fry Feast Oct. 26 at 4 pm

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Oct. 26, when we’ll celebrate Stewardship Sunday with a parish-wide Fish Fry at 4 p.m. Bring your appetite—and your friends—for an afternoon full of fun, fellowship, and fried fish (no promises on the loaves, though).

Enjoy live music from Jeff Stallworth & the Burnt Offerings, plus fun for the kids—including face painting and Kona Ice!

Our hardworking Fellowship Committee is already reeling in plans for this big event, but they could use a few extra hands. If you’d like to help make the day a splash, click here to volunteer!

ECW’s First Game Night a Winner!

Members of ECW (Episcopal Church Women) enjoyed a night of friendly games, fellowship and laughter on Thursday, Oct. 23. The group plans to alternate its monthly meetings between Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings. If you prefer not to drive at night, contact Jen Crockett, and a ride will be arranged for you.

Annual Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, Oct. 5, at 4 pm, on Church Lawn

Holy Trinity’s lawn was alive with barks, purrs and even a few chirps Sunday afternoon as parishioners gathered for the annual Blessing of the Animals. Led by our youth group—just as they do each year near St. Francis Day (Oct. 4)—the service drew a joyful crowd of people and pets alike. From dogs and cats to a few surprise guests, the mix of animals truly raised the woof! The rain held off just long enough for Father David to bless every furry, feathered and four-legged friend.

From Barbecue to Blessings

Highlights from Ministry Fair & Picnic

A jubilant crowd filled the buildings and grounds of Holy Trinity last Sunday (Sept. 7) for our Ministry Fair & Parish Picnic double feature. The Fellowship Committee provided a wonderful picnic, serving barbecued chicken (grilled by the mighty Men's Group) with a variety of sauces, pasta salad, deviled eggs, chips, watermelon, desserts, and plenty of adult beverages. Children enjoyed their own table with favorites like chicken tenders, Goldfish crackers and Capri Suns.

Meanwhile, the Parish Commons buzzed with energy during the Ministry Fair. Tables showcased the many lay ministries of Holy Trinity, with representatives on hand to answer questions and share ways to get involved.

It was a day full of good food, warm fellowship and fresh opportunities to grow in faith together at Holy Trinity.

Faith, Food and Fellowship at
the First Formation Banquet

Our First Formation Banquet was a huge success and lots of fun. What a gift it was to gather our Holy Trinity families and their children for the first big event of the fall. The atmosphere was festive, and it was wonderful to see everyone reconnect while enjoying the delicious Taco Mama spread. Parents also left with a full set of formation materials, plus the chance to meet their child’s teachers and explore the formation spaces—gaining a deeper sense of how we nurture spiritual growth in children and youth throughout the year.

We’re excited for a great year of formation ahead for the whole parish family—from newborns to high schoolers to even our most seasoned saints—because the fun and learning never stop!

If you weren’t able to join us but would like the formation materials, please stop by the church office.

A Celebration for Laura

Gratitude for Her Years of Service

Thanks to the Fellowship team for throwing a lovely retirement reception for our longtime parish administrator Laura Meadows, who "retired" on Sunday, Aug. 24, after 15 years of service. Laura has been the heart and soul of this parish for as long as most can remember—managing membership, serving in worship, organizing pastoral care, setting up for events and a million other tasks and duties, seen and unseen. As Father Pete said in his May announcement, "Laura is organized, wise, utterly trustworthy, and tireless in her dedication to the parish. Her talent for efficiency in getting things done is coupled with a fierce care for the members of our church. At the same time her self-effacing nature means that one could perhaps miss or take for granted how much she makes possible day in and day out."

Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage

Retired Presiding Bishop Gave Sermon

Holy Trinity parishioners Sheila Mehta, Phil Lewis, Sandra Clark-Lewis, Mary Olson, Doug Handler, Jack Wallace, Virginia Christian and John Christian traveled to Hayneville last Saturday (Aug. 9) to take part in the Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage.

Nearly sixty years have passed since Jonathan Myrick Daniels, an Episcopal seminarian, was killed by a white special deputy sheriff in Lowndes County, Ala. This year, hundreds of Episcopalians—including clergy, seminarians, and laity—joined with civil rights activists to honor Daniels and other martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama.

The pilgrimage began at 11 a.m. in the Lowndes County Courthouse Square. From there, participants walked to the jail, then to the site of Varner’s Cash Store, before returning to the square to pray at the memorial. After the pilgrims filed into the courthouse, they heard the sermon, read the names of the Martyrs of Alabama, sang, prayed, passed the peace and shared the Holy Eucharist—a fitting tribute to those whose lives were given in the cause of justice. Retired Presiding Bishop Michael Curry delivered the fiery sermon, proclaiming:

Holy Trinity Hosts 11th Listening Session
for Bishop Search

Holy Trinity was honored to host the 11th of 12 Listening Sessions organized by the Search Committee for the 13th Bishop of Alabama. These sessions, held throughout the diocese, are designed to ensure that all members have the opportunity to share their voices and perspectives.

Approximately 40 participants gathered at Holy Trinity, representing not only our own parish but also several neighboring churches: St. Dunstan’s (Auburn), Emmanuel (Opelika), St. Andrew’s (Tuskegee), Church of the Good Shepherd (Montgomery), Church of the Epiphany (Tallassee), St. Barnabas (Roanoke), and St. James (Alexander City).

The group, composed of both laypeople and clergy, engaged thoughtfully with a series of questions—reflecting on their experiences in the Church, their hopes for its future, and the qualities they believe are most important in our next bishop.

The Search Committee will now prayerfully consider the feedback gathered from all sessions. They will identify common themes, shared hopes, and pressing challenges, as well as the gifts and leadership qualities that our diocese seeks in its next spiritual leader.

Bishop Curry Visits Holy Trinity

Preaches, Confirms, Welcomes

2025 Confirmation Class with Bishop Curry

The Rt. Rev. Glenda S. Curry, Bishop of the Diocese of Alabama, arrived early at Holy Trinity on Sunday, June 15. She delivered different sermons at the 9 am and 11 am services. She also bestowed the sacramental rite of Holy Confirmation on members of this year's class at the 11 am service, while receiving others. Thanks to our fellowship committee, new confirmands and parishioners enjoyed a lovely reception after the service.

Mary Alice Barley
Savannah Elisabeth Busby
William Blalock Cleveland, Jr.
William Hubbard DeBlanc
Samuel Glenn Edwards
Lucille Ann Ferguson
Penelope Ann Fitchett
Carolann Korstjens
Fransiscus Jacobus Korstjens
Mary Parker Lewis
Yvonne Allen McGinty
Henry Franklin Newby
John Gregory Peterson
Patricia W. Sprayberry

(Click on name to see picture.)

Follow Me to Galilee

Another Vacation Bible School in the Books!

Eager children and adults arrived early Monday, June 2, for the first day of Holy Trinity's Vacation Bible School 2025. For this year’s theme, Journey to Galilee, the church was festooned with thematic decor—above all lots of water, fish, nets and balloons. Sessions ran through noon Wednesday, June 4. While touring Galilee, the 65 young folks learned about Jesus's life and ministry through art, story and song—all while enjoying time with old friends and making new ones. Each day the children met in the nave before splitting up into their assigned tribes. Again, at the end of each day, they reconvened in the nave. On the final day, the kids presented a short program before being dismissed for a celebratory picnic.

Memorial Garden & Columbarium Blessing

Ceremony Well-Attended Despite Rain

This past Sunday (May 18), more than 50 devoted parishioners braved the rain to gather for the Blessing and Celebration of the newly expanded Holy Trinity Memorial Garden (Columbarium). We were fortunate to have short break in the weather, so the solemn and contemplative approbation was realized within the resplendent setting. A brief reception followed the Blessing.

Youth Sunday, May 11, 2025
and Senior Recognition

We congratulate all of Holy Trinity’s high school seniors and wish them well!

2025 Shelley Lackey Youth Award

Catherine Adele Lam

Catherine Lam was named the winner of the 2025 Shelley Lackey Youth Award at the 9 am service last Sunday (May 11). She was selected for her outstanding leadership within our parish and our diocese, as well her ability to "consistently spread joy and love to those around them—as Shelley did every day of her life." Catherine receives $1500 to use as she likes and $500 to contribute to a charity of her choice. Catherine (center) is pictured here with Nealy Lewis and Shelley's children, husband and parents.

EPISCOPAL NIGHT LIVE

Youth Variety Show Slayed on Sunday, May 11

Great Turnout for Hit Show

Holy Trinity's youth group hosted "Episcopal Night Live!" last Sunday afternoon. All of the acts were amazing — highlights included unicycling, classical piano, masterful paintings of our priests during Jacks Dyer's speed painting, a lesson in teen vocabulary, videos created by the kids to tour the church (while moving really fast) and go on a NEATure walk with Linus. The EYC concluded the evening by leading campfire songs and Compline with the audience. It was a night to remember that celebrated both our older students on their way to graduation and our younger kids who showed lots of musical talents and funny sketches. An exceptional ending to a fantastic year for EYC!

The proceeds from the show will support Bethany's Kids, an all-inclusion camp session at Camp McDowell for all of God's people. You can still make a contribution by clicking here.

2025 Holy Trinity Service Award

The 2025 Holy Trinity Service Award was presented to Drew and Miriam Clark at the 9 am service on Sunday, April 27. Members of our parish since 1989, the Clarks were recognized for their outstanding service and leadership within our parish and throughout our diocese.

Click the image below to read their detailed tribute:

Catechesis: The Liturgy of the Light

The Liturgy of the Light capped off a great year for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (formation for children ages 3 through 5th grade) last Sunday (April 27), as folks of all ages came to the Chapel to share in the celebration. Just as with the Great Easter Vigil, which we celebrated at Emmanuel on Easter weekend, the Liturgy of the Light that marks the beginning of the celebration of Easter with the blessing and lighting of the Paschal Candle, a symbolic representation of Christ's light overcoming darkness.

Women, Stress & the Power of Connection:
A Workshop for Well-Being

On Sunday, March 30, at 2 pm in the Parish Hall, Holy Trinity's ECW hosted a conversation that addressed many common issues women face over the course of their lifetimes. The ECW assembled a panel of experts who explored methods to help women better manage difficulties throughout their lives. Many stressors are common among women at certain periods of life—adolescence, young adulthood, love & marriage, child-rearing, work–life balance, health crises, aging, loss, etc. Breakout discussions among small groups of women of varying ages helped us to identify ways in which we can help ourselves and offer support to others. In addition to the conversation and fellowship, the attendees enjoyed refreshments of tea and scones.

EXPERT PANELISTS

Jen Crockett is a licensed psychologist at Kennedy Krieger Institute, a Baltimore children’s hospital. She is Director of Telehealth and Director of the Behavioral Health Program for Military Families.

Carolyn Miller is a licensed clinical social worker who works as a therapist at Perspective Counseling specializing in maternal mental health, relationship concerns and anxiety.

Kellie Pope is a licensed psychologist who works in private practice in Auburn, specializing in relational trauma, women’s health and mind/body approaches to healing.

Peggy Howland is a retired licensed clinical psychologist with more than 30 years experience in individual therapy. She is the co-leader of the Mind–Body Wellness Support Group at Spencer Cancer Center of East Alabama. Her areas of specialty include successful aging, family and relationship issues, life transitions, and managing severe medical conditions.

Day School Art Showcase

Art Exhibit & Dinner Wednesday, March 26

Come to Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School’s student art exhibit and enjoy dinner and fellowship on Wednesday, March 26, 5:30–7 pm in the Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome!

New Processional Cross Given
in Memory of Richard Craig Fargason

You may have noticed that Holy Trinity has an exquisite new Processional Cross. This was a gift from Lanette Fargason and friends, in memory of her late husband Craig, and the dedication is engraved on the back. The cross, known as the St. Philip Processional Cross, is deeply engraved on the front with passion flower ornamentation and the IHS monogram. This beautiful new cross was dedicated at the 8 am service last Sunday, and Lanette was the first crucifer to carry it. Unfortunately, now that we have entered Lent, the cross is draped in purple and will remain so until Easter.

APBP Offers Ways to Help Moms in Prison

Cookies for Breastfeeding
Holy Trinity's ECW met in February to learn about the Alabama Prison Birth Project (APBP) and its work to maintain mother–child bonds through the support of breastfeeding. The women baked lactation cookies to send to the prison. A lot of dough was leftover, so it was rolled into balls and frozen in the downstairs chest freezer. If you would like to bake some for a future meal, just click here to sign up to bring dessert for an upcoming meal. You'll just need to thaw the dough in advance and bake @350 for 11–14 min.

Collecting Picture Books
We will also be collecting picture books in March for mothers at Tutwiler to use during mother-child visits or for recording stories to send to their children, especially those featuring different cultures and family caregivers. If you are interested in contributing a purchased or gently used book, please see our recommended list and signup to prevent duplicates.

If you have questions or want to know how you can get involved with APBP, contact Stephanie Ennis.