“Breathing Life into Dry Bones”
The Rev. David Peeples
Sunday, March 22, 2026
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.
CHILDREN’S FORMATION
YOUTH (EYC)
COLLEGE MINISTRY
ADULT OFFERINGS
Second Annual Day School
Art Show & Supper
Wednesday, March 25, 5:30–7 pm
Join us for Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School’s Second Annual Art Show & Supper on Wednesday, March 25, at 5:30 pm, in the Parish Hall and Commons.
Come enjoy dinner from Taco Mama, admire a delightful showcase of one-of-a-kind student artwork and spend the evening in fellowship with parishioners and Day School families. It’s sure to be a fun and colorful night for all!
The Great Vigil of Easter
St. Dunstan’s, Saturday, April 4, at 7 pm
The Great Vigil of Easter will be celebrated at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 4, at 7 pm. This beautiful and ancient liturgy will be shared by the congregations of St. Dunstan’s, Emmanuel, and Holy Trinity Episcopal Churches.
The Vigil is the first—and in many ways the primary—celebration of Easter in the Book of Common Prayer. Beginning in darkness on Holy Saturday evening, the service unfolds in four movements: the Service of Light, the Service of Lessons, Holy Baptism or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows and, finally, the Eucharist, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection together.
This moving liturgy echoes the practice of the early church, when Christians gathered through the night to hear scripture, pray and await the joy of Easter morning. At dawn, new believers were baptized and the community celebrated the first Eucharist of Easter. In this way, the Vigil beautifully connects Christ’s death and resurrection with the meaning of our own baptism.
All are warmly invited to join this shared celebration as we
keep watch together and rejoice in the light of the Resurrection.
“Joseph’s Journey”
Holy Trinity’s 2026 Vacation Bible School
June 1–3
Save the dates for Holy Trinity's VBS 2026— Joseph's Journey—June 1–3, 2026.
More information and sign-ups coming soon!
War Eagle RunFest Water Station
HT Parishioners greet runners with water and cheers at annual race.
Annual Pancake Supper
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026
Click image to see larger version.
The Fellowship Committee truly “flipped” for this year’s Annual Pancake Supper, serving nearly 100 parishioners one last festive meal before the start of Lent. With stacks of pancakes and every imaginable topping, along with sausage, orange juice and mimosas, the team kept the line moving—and the smiles coming—while clearly enjoying the celebration themselves.
Attendees, many dressed in colorful Mardi Gras attire, danced their way in to the lively beat of Jeff Stallworth, who set the tone with a spirited second-line rhythm played on work buckets at the door. Children joined the fun indoors and out, sporting beads and enjoying the festivities. It was a joyful evening of food, laughter and community as we prepared to enter the Lenten season together.
195th Convention of
The Episcopal Church in Alabama
Holy Trinity's clergy and delegates to the 195th Convention are from left: Jeff Stallworth, Rev. Pete Burgess, Kara Newby, Stephanie Ennis, Betsy Stallworth, Nealy Dyer, Russell Miller, Elizabeth Gowan, Rev. David Peeples and youth delegate Jack Wallace.
Holy Trinity’s convention delegation came home encouraged by the evident vitality of the Diocese of Alabama. Strong parish stewardship and a successful diocesan capital campaign will continue to support Camp McDowell, parish vitality, leadership formation and racial reconciliation work. Delegates strengthened relationships with other parishes, sharing ideas and seeing the breadth of ministry across the diocese. Holy Trinity was represented at the ministry fair through a booth highlighting its Relational Mission partnerships.
Diocese of Alabama Elects 13th Bishop
Bishop-Elect Is the Very Rev. Richard T. Lawson III
Holy Trinity's Delegates to Election
Parishioners Get the Job Done
Holy Trinity sent 10 delegates—8 lay delegates and 2 clergy—to Birmingham last Saturday (Jan. 31) to elect the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Alabama. Pictured from left are Kathy Friedenreich, the Rev. David Peeples, Hilary Joyce, Virginia Christian, Zeb Vaughn, John Friedenreich and Kennon Rose. Also attending, but not pictured, are Mary Grissom Hyde, Mary Wood Littleton and the Rev. Pete Burgess.
Wise, Warm & Wonderful
Love Was All Around at Valentine’s Gathering
Wise & Wonderful celebrated Valentine’s season last night (Feb. 3) in the Parish Commons. Gracious hosts Ann Nance, Wallis Smith and Mary Jane Lovvorn welcomed parishioners to share favorite appetizers and beverages while enjoying warm fellowship with friends.
Wise & Wonderful is a ministry for parishioners ages 50 and over, created to foster fellowship, friendship and plenty of laughter in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Whether longtime members or first-time guests, all were invited to “wear their hearts on their sleeves” and join in the fun—and many did.
Scout Sunday
Scouting Celebrated Feb. 1
Holy Trinity observed Scouting America’s Scout Sunday on Sunday, Feb. 1, a day set aside to recognize and celebrate the contributions of young people and adults involved in Scouting. Scouts were encouraged to wear their uniforms to the 9 am service.
Following the service, scouts were available to visit with parishioners interested in learning more about scouting, and informational materials were displayed on the Monk’s table in the Parish Commons. We were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this longstanding tradition of service, leadership, and community involvement.
Women’s Wellness Workshop
A Day to Rest, Reflect and Renew
The ECW hosted a Women’s Wellness Workshop at Holy Trinity last Saturday (Jan. 24), offering a day set aside to rest, reflect and renew as participants prepared for the year ahead.
The workshop grew out of interest in continuing the conversation that began with the ECW’s mental health panel discussion last spring. The day included time for prayer, small-group discussions based on life phase, lunch and a variety of wellness experiences such as yoga and a sound bath.
The workshop provided a peaceful and restorative pause from busy schedules, giving women the opportunity to nourish body, mind and spirit while connecting with one another in the parish.
Following the Star:
An Epiphany Celebration
Sunday, Jan. 4, at 10 am in Parish Hall
Pictured above are Rollins Haack, Oliver Gibbs and CJ Gehling (photo credit: Naomi Gehling)
We gathered last Sunday (Jan. 4) for a joyful Epiphany celebration as we remembered the journey of the Magi and rejoiced in their arrival to worship the infant Jesus. Our three kings entered bearing gifts as we heard the scripture and sang We Three Kings. Father Pete then offered a brief reflection on the meaning of Epiphany and why this feast matters in our life of faith.
We concluded the celebration with Epiphany star cake and sent everyone home with chalk to mark their doors—a beloved Epiphany tradition symbolizing God’s blessing and welcome in the year ahead. A handout explaining the meaning of Epiphany and the custom of chalking the door was also shared.
Everyone enjoyed singing, learning and celebrating this meaningful tradition together.
Wise & Wonderful Celebrates a New Year
Group Enjoys Post-Holiday Catch-Up
Wise & Wonderful rang in the New Year with a January gathering on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 5:30–7 pm at the church. Guests enjoyed good company, lively conversation and a festive start to the year. As always, the evening was made even better by shared appetizers and favorite beverages brought by friends.
Wise & Wonderful is a fellowship group for adults “somewhere over 50” at Holy Trinity, gathering once a month for laughter, connection, and community. New faces are always welcome to join in this joyful group.
Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
5 pm
Annual Christmas Pageant
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
3 pm
The Day We Rose Up Against Hunger
(Click on image above to open a larger version.)
What a joy-packed morning we had last Saturday. Our Holy Trinity crew rolled up their sleeves and packed 15,000 meals for communities in need around the world—and we were so speedy we wrapped up 30 minutes early!
There was dancing, laughing and plenty of hairnet glamour as volunteers of all ages filled the room with energy and love. Not only did we send compassion out into the world, we shared so much of it with each other right here at home.
Huge thanks to our amazing organizers—Jim Floyd, Phil Lewis, and Ken Romaine—and to Jeff Stallworth and the Men’s Group for cooking up a warm, delicious meal to celebrate afterward. What a beautiful day of service, fellowship, and fun!
2025 Annual Parish Meeting
The 2025 Annual Parish Meeting was held at 11 am on Sunday, Nov. 9, following the 10 am single service. Hilary Drew gave her final remarks as Senior Warden and thanked many people for their support during her term. Jacob Barger gave his Treasurer’s Report, which demonstrated the parish’s financial stability as we begin to close out 2025.
Rev. Pete Burgess offered his Rector’s report, sharing that Holy Trinity has experienced a year of growth, transition and renewed vitality. He expressed deep gratitude for the dedication and grace of the parish staff members, who have navigated significant changes while keeping the ministry vibrant and connected.
A major highlight of the year was welcoming the Rev. David Peeples as Associate Rector. His gifts for pastoral care and adult formation have enriched the congregation through hospital visits, teaching, and leadership in study and worship. The parish also celebrated the return of Dara Miller as Parish Administrator following Laura Meadows’s retirement, ensuring a seamless transition.
Father Pete continues his close collaboration with Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School, which this year brought renewed focus on campus safety. A newly formed Safety Committee is implementing enhanced security practices across all church activities.
Holy Trinity’s community life remains strong and growing. Worship attendance has risen by nearly 10 percent, fellowship events are thriving and ministries for children, youth and college students are flourishing. Stewardship and parish engagement are at record highs, with an abundance of energy and participation across ministries.
Looking ahead, Father Pete envisions a process of intentional planning and discernment leading up to Holy Trinity’s 70th anniversary in 2027. The report concludes with an invitation for every member to dream and pray about how God is calling Holy Trinity deeper into its mission of love, service and reconciliation.
Following a very brief question & answer period, voting for new vestry members was opened and parishioners recessed from the nave to cast their ballots.
A copy of the Holy Trinity 2025 Annual Report is available by clicking the image below.
Click image to open Annual Report.
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.
Memorial Garden & Columbarium Blessing
Ceremony Well-Attended Despite Rain
(Click photo to see larger version.)
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.
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.
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:
Women, Stress & the Power of Connection:
A Workshop for Well-Being
Panel Discussed Female Anxiety at Every Stage of Life
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.
New Processional Cross Given
in Memory of Richard Craig Fargason
St Philip Processional Cross Given in Memory of 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.
