News & Announcements

Upcoming Events

Sunday 09/07 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Kick-Off & Open House (Sunday School Classrooms)

Sunday 09/07 11:45 a.m. Program Year Kick-Off Cookout with the Blessing of the Backpacks*
(Cookout to Follow 10:30 a.m. Worship | Monroe Park)
*No Nursery available during cookout.

Sunday 09/14 11:45 a.m. Parish Ministry Fair Session 1: Parish Life & Formation*
(Before & After the 10:30 a.m. Service | Parish Hall) *First of two sessions.

Sunday 09/14 Reminder: Mobile Soul Sunday in Monroe Park with Road Closures

Friday 09/19 5:00 p.m. Parents’ Night Out (Drop Off at 5:00 p.m. & Pick Up at 9:30 p.m. | Quirk Hotel Rooftop Bar)

Sunday 09/21 9:30 a.m. Adult Forum led by Father Brent & the Rev. Jenny Montgomery (First Forum of the Program Year | First Floor Classroom)

Wednesday 09/24 Stewards of Hope Gathering: Education & Formation (RSVP Here | Morton Family Home)

Friday 09/26 6:00 p.m. Pride Eucharist hosted by GHTC & The Pace Center with Greater Richmond Episcopal Churches and Community Pride Choir (Church)

Thursday 10/02 10:30 a.m. Westminster Canterbury Worship & Luncheon (Lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Jacqueline room)

Sunday 10/05 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite Two with Blessing of the Animals (8:00 a.m. Worship is Regularly Scheduled | Outdoor 10:30 a.m. Worship in Monroe Park)

Sunday 10/12 9:30 a.m. Adult Forum: Inquirers’ Class Interest Session (Second Floor Conference Room)

Sunday 10/19 11:45 a.m. Parish Ministry Fair Session 2: Worship & Outreach*
(Following Worship | Parish Hall) *Second of two sessions.

Sunday 11/09 9:30 a.m. Needlers Interest Meeting (Second Floor Conference Room)

Highlights

Program Year Kick-Off Cookout with Blessing of the Backpacks – This Sunday, September 7

The parish will celebrate the kick-off of the 2025–2026 Program Year with the Blessing of the Backpacks and a cookout in Monroe Park on this Sunday, September 7th. Reminder: We ask parishioners with a last name beginning with A–K to bring either a salad or side, while those with a last name beginning with L–Z to bring either a dessert or fruit. You may drop off your dish in the servery on your way into church. We encourage our guests to bring chairs or a picnic blanket. If you are interested in helping with set up or breakdown, please contact Parish Administrator Lauren Frazier at (804) 359-5628 x23 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Parish Administrator” from the drop-down menu. Tyler, Use an image in eNews with A-K and L-Z for food!

Sunday School Kick-Off & Open House – This Sunday, September 7 at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School for elementary and middle school students starts this Sunday, September 7th! From 9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m., elementary students and their parents are invited to drop by the classrooms and meet their teachers. Middle schoolers are also invited to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to have a chance to get to know their teachers and one another. At 10:00 a.m., there will be a short lesson in the classrooms, which parents are welcome to stay and observe. Classrooms are located on the second floor of the Parish House. Please note that Sunday School will be from 9:30 a.m.–10:20 a.m. this year, which is a change from last year’s schedule.

Gathered in Grace, Growing Together! – First Stewards of Hope Gathering on Wednesday, September 24
This fall, Grace & Holy Trinity Church is celebrating our four pillars of ministry – Worship, Education, Parish Life, and Mission – through stewardship gatherings themed “Stewards of Hope.” Each pillar will be celebrated at one gathering in September or October, hosted in a parishioner’s home (or a location they choose). The host provides the main dish, guests bring a side or dessert, and the church will provide beverages. 

Our first gathering and dinner will be hosted by the Morton family on Wednesday, September 24th and celebrate the pillar of Education and Formation. Click here to RSVP.

Beware of Phishing & Other Scams

Please beware of any communication (email, phone calls, texts) purporting to be from members of our clergy, staff, or someone communicating on our behalf. No member of the Grace & Holy Trinity clergy or staff will ever contact you asking you “for a favor,” such as purchasing gift cards. Scammers use these tactics and are more common than you might think. Please be cautious and use good judgment. 

Parish Ministry Fair – First Session of Two on Sunday, September 14

This year we are having the beloved Ministry Fair over two Sundays in the fall instead of just one. Parish Life and Formation will be Sunday, September 14th and Mission/Outreach and Worship will be a month later, on Sunday, October 19th, both before and after the 10:30 a.m. services. Why change? This hopefully will allow more members to connect with more group leaders. We typically have forty ministries filling up the entire Parish Hall. We hope having two Ministry Fairs will help to enhance signups with fewer tables and more space to highlight twenty ministries on each of those Sundays. Thank you to Maurice Cole for organizing this ministry event again this year. Blessings!

Vestry Highlights from August 2025

• The Members of the Vestry participated in a Diocese required Mutual Ministry Review facilitated by the Rev. Kevin Newell, Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church at Brook Hill. It focused on a wide-ranging discussion of the current work and missions of Grace & Holy Trinity Church. Father Kevin will provide a summary. 
• Father Brent presented a plan to provide a catered dining experience at GHTC for Richmond Forum attendees at our church. This fund-raising initiative will include parking and a seated dinner in a relaxing location, less than 100 steps from the Altria Theater.
• New “directional” signs will soon go up near the front door, highlighting GHTC’s mission ministries.  
• Realm, the new data management program, is fully operational. Everyone is encouraged to sign up for it; the process is quick and painless. Please see the announcement included in these Parish Announcements.
• A grant proposal to support  GHTC’s covenant partnership with The Pace Center for campus ministry was approved for submission to the Diocese.  
• Information about GHTC’s children’s formation program will be distributed to members. Additionally, the clergy plan to distribute flyers door-to-door at homes in the area. 
• September 7th is Kickoff Sunday, and all are invited to a potluck meal and cookout after the 10:30 service. The new porch rocking chairs, the ministries’ directional signage, and bookbags, will be blessed as part of the festivities. Come hungry and thankful. 
• The annual Stewardship Campaign will soon be underway. Look for information about it. Neighborhood pot luck dinners will be part of this effort.

Children’s Choir

Is your young one interested in music? Children’s Choir is for children from pre-K through fifth grade. They rehearse on scheduled Sundays from September-May from 9:30 a.m.–9:55 a.m. during Sunday School in the Children’s Choir room upstairs. The Children’s Choir will learn musical songs throughout the year that reflect the liturgical seasons. They sing on Children & Youth Sundays and at other worship services such as the Christmas Pageant. The Children’s Choir is directed by Abigail Stinnett and assisted by Luke Brennan, Assistant Choirmaster & Organist. Interested in joining? Contact Abigail by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and selecting her name from the drop down menu.

Parish Choir

Everyone is welcome to join the Parish Choir for youth in high school to any age. They rehearse weekly on Thursday evenings from September-May from 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. in the Choir Room downstairs. The Parish Choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. worship services, Choral Evensongs, Lessons and Carols, and at other special worship services. The choir is a welcoming and caring community of faith that shares its musical gifts to the glory of God. The Parish Choir is directed by Dr. Elizabeth Melcher Davis, Choirmaster & Organist, and accompanied by Luke Brennan, Assistant Choirmaster & Organist. Interested in joining? Contact Beth by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and selecting her name from the drop down menu.

Youth Instrumental Ensemble

Calling all youth instrumentalists! All youth instrumentalists from 4th grade through high school are invited to join the ensemble. The ensemble includes strings, brass, woodwinds, piano, and acoustic guitar. The ensemble plays on Children & Youth Sundays and at other worship services during the year. Rehearsal dates and times will be determined once participants are confirmed but will likely follow the 10:30 a.m. worship service on scheduled Sundays from September–May. The Youth Instrumental Ensemble is directed by Luke Bennan, Assistant Choirmaster & Organist. Interested in joining? Contact Luke by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and selecting his name from the drop down menu.

Have You Logged Into Realm?: A New Location for Membership, Giving & Communication

We made exciting changes to our church’s membership, giving, and communications program, moving from the ShelbyNext database to Realm. GHTC has emailed invitations to join. Once you open your invitation you’ll be able to create an account for our new system by clicking on the link and creating a password. Please note that unless you create an account, you will not be included in the online directory that other members are able to view. Some of you may have already noticed our updated online giving webpage and “Realm Member” page. You can securely give from our website and via text message using the free Realm Connect app on your phone. We appreciate your continued support. If you have any questions, please contact Tyler Brady at (804) 359-5628 x25 or by selecting “Tyler Brady – Communications” from the drop-down menu at ghtc.org/contact.

Parents’ Night Out Returns – Friday, September 19 at 5:00 p.m.

Our first Parents’ Night Out of the program year will be on Friday, September 19th from 5:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. All children and youth are invited to the church for dinner, games, and a movie. We will also decorate flower pots to give new VCU students with our partners at The Pace Center. Parents, after you drop your kids off at 5:00 p.m. at the church, head to Quirk Hotel Rooftop Bar. Please register your child here by Wednesday, September 7th.

Intergenerational Formation Event – Sunday, September 28th at 9:30 a.m.

What does it mean to share in God’s “heavenly treasure?” What “treasure” does the Church have to offer? Everyone is invited to our first Intergenerational Formation Event, where we’ll think through these questions together and participate in a treasure hunt in the Church. Join us in the First Floor Classroom on September 28th at 9:30 a.m. for this event for all ages.

Pride Eucharist hosted by GHTC & The Pace Center with Greater Richmond Episcopal Churches and Community Pride Choir – Friday, September 26th at 6:00 p.m.

The Episcopal Churches of Greater Richmond and The Pace Center will gather at Grace & Holy Trinity Church on Friday, September 26th to host a Pride Eucharist celebrating our embrace and affirmation of the LGBTQIA+ community. The worship service will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the church and feature the Community Pride Choir. Livestream is available here. If you would like to help lead worship by reading the Prayers of the People, or as an acolyte or usher, please contact Father Brent by visiting ghtc.org/contact and selecting “Priest-in-Charge” from the drop-down menu.

• Following worship, there will be a reception in the Parish Hall. Please bring a side or snack to share. If you would like to help host the reception, please contact the Rev. Jenny Montgomery by visiting ghtc.org/contact and selecting “Priest Associate” from the drop-down menu. 
• Middle and high schoolers are invited to come to the gazebo in Monroe Park at 4:30 p.m. for games and a pizza dinner before heading to the Church for the Eucharist. 
• Choir rehearsal is at 5:00 p.m. on September 26th, and all are welcome. If you are interested in joining the Community Choir to sing “The Gift of Love” by Hal Hopson, please contact Choirmaster & Organist Dr. Elizabeth Melcher Davis at ghtc.org/contact and select “Choirmaster & Organist” from the drop-down menu. 

Diocesan Episcopal Church Woman Tea – Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. WEB

All women of the Diocese of Virginia are invited to the 2nd annual tea to benefit the gifts and scholarships fund. The tea will be held at Church of the Epiphany at 8000 Hermitage Road in Henrico on Saturday, September 27th from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. The suggested donation is $30.  If you would like to attend please RSVP to Kathy Jimerson or call (804) 651-2559. If you have questions, please contact Cathy Saunders or call (804) 304-3929.

Westminster Canterbury Worship & Lunch – Thursday, October 2 at 10:30 a.m.

GHTC invites all generations to join together at Westminster Canterbury Richmond on Thursday, October 2nd for worship and lunch. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and lunch will follow. If you would like to join us for lunch, please sign up at the round table outside the Parish Hall church doors. You can also register by calling the Parish Office at (804) 359-5628 x23 and speaking with Lauren Frazier.

Holy Eucharist with Blessing of the Animals in Monroe Park – Sunday, October 5 at 10:30 a.m.

In commemoration of St. Francis Day, you and your pets are invited to Eucharist with a Blessing of the Animals. The 10:30 a.m. service will be held outside on Laurel Street to accommodate our animal guests. Please bring a chair and keep pets leashed or in their carriers and with you at all times. We look forward to celebrating God’s creation and the animals that enrich our lives!

Other Communications

Whom do I contact for…?
If you have a question or need to contact GHTC, please use the following email addresses and their respective subjects to help direct you to the correct staff member(s):

Worship (including Holy Baptism and Marriage) | Father Brent
Mission Questions | Chuck Bleick or The Rev. Steve Pace
Communications Questions | Father Brent & Pastor Marissa
Formation Questions | Father Brent & Madeleine Preston
Pastoral Care Questions | Father Brent
Music Questions | Dr. Elizabeth Melcher Davis
Paying Your Pledge | Kathy Schultheis
Property & Church Records Questions | Lauren Frazier
Vestry Questions | Chuck Bleick
Campus Ministry Questions | The Rev. Russ Kerr

For questions outside of these subjects please visit ghtc.org/contact or call (804) 359-5268.

Sign Up for Music eNews
Sign up for the Music eNews to stay connected with the vibrant musical life of our congregation. By signing up, you’ll receive exclusive updates on concerts, music-centered worship services, and other exciting music-related activities at GHTC. Visit our website at ghtc.org/music to subscribe. The sign-up form will appear on mobile devices at the bottom of the page.

Prayer Request – Online Form
If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please visit our website at ghtc.org/prayer and fill out the form. Your requests are confidential and will be shared with Parish Administrator and clergy.

Please Wear Your Name Tags
This is a gentle reminder to please wear your name tags when you come to church. Grace & Holy Trinity is fortunate to have visitors and new parishioners joining us each week. Wearing your nametag is an important part of our hospitality to all and a visible reminder to newcomers and lifelong members alike that we are an open and welcoming community. Please pick up your name tags along the wall in the hallway as you enter from the Cherry Street parking lot, and please leave them there when you leave church. If you need a name tag for the first time or if you have misplaced yours, please contact Communications Associate Tyler Brady by visiting ghtc.org/contact.

Beware of Phishing & Other Scams
Please beware of any communication (email, phone calls, texts) purporting to be from members of our clergy, staff, or someone communicating on our behalf. No member of the Grace & Holy Trinity clergy or staff will ever contact you asking you “for a favor,” such as purchasing gift cards. Scammers use these tactics and are more common than you might think. Please be cautious and use good judgment.

Pastoral Care
Grace & Holy Trinity is committed to providing spiritual guidance, support, and a compassionate presence to all in times of need or spiritual growth. If you would like to speak with the clergy, please email pastoralcare@ghtc.org or call the Parish Office at (804) 359-5628.