Serving God in his church starts young. The acolyte program is an excellent way to serve the church, and to learn responsibility and discipline. Age-appropriate duties may include giving alms basins to ushers, helping the priest to set the communion table, marking pews at communion, and as able, to lead processions carrying a cross. Younger children can start as junior acolytes carrying a torch or banner. Young people are trained before being scheduled to serve. How often an acolyte serves depends on the individual’s or family’s schedules, and regular participation is encouraged. If your child would like to serve as an acolyte, please call Dan McNamara at (804) 754-7319 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select the ministry from the contact form’s drop-down menu.

The Children’s Choir is directed by Abigail Stinnett (Abbey). Under her leadership, and with the able assistance of Stanley Baker, children have the opportunity to develop singing skills, grow in fellowship and community, and participate in worship. We invite children in pre-K through 4th grade to join the Children’s Choir. The Children’s Choir rehearsals are held every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Parents of interested children, please contact Children’s Choir Director Abbey Stinnett by visiting ghtc.org/contact and selecting Abbey from the contact form’s drop-down menu.

Children’s Formation gives children the chance to learn, work, and play together. Children’s Sunday School at GHTC uses the Godly Play curriculum and meets at 9:30 from September-May. GHTC also offers Children’s Chapel and Nursery during the 10:30 service year round, as well as several children’s events throughout the year. Contact Madeleine Preston at (804) 359-5628 x15 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select Madeleine from the contact form’s drop-down menu.

Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Through attending at least four of eight offered full day retreats and service opportunities, confirmands will wrestle to answer four essential questions: What is Confirmation? What is Christianity? What does it mean to be Episcopalian? What does it mean to be a part of GHTC?  The cycle of four retreats is each year and participants are expected to attend one of each retreat in that two year cycle. The bishop will visit GHTC in the spring of 2026 to confirm. If you are interested, please reach out to Billy McGuire by visiting ghtc.org/contact and selecting the ministry from the contact form’s drop-down menu.