Faith Education at GHTC

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 Altar Guild prepares the church for each service, including special services such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The members set the altar for communion, mark the lessons, and arrange flowers. They also maintain the pristine condition of the linens. Currently, the Altar Guild has about twenty members who serve on five active teams. The schedule is rotated yearly to make sure that each team gains experience with different types of services and celebrations. Catherine Perrin is the Guild member who is in charge of the flower arrangements. This ministry is led by Jean Jumet; call her at (804) 938-5600 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select the ministry from the contact form’s drop-down menu.

According to the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, “A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the consecrated elements at a celebration of Holy Eucharist when an adequate number of clergy is not present. A Eucharistic Minister acts under the direction of a Deacon, or under the Member of the Clergy who oversees the congregation or community of faith.” They are a “Confirmed communicant in good standing, Faithful in worship and in stewardship,” and “Mature in faith.” If you are interested in becoming a chalice bearer, please contact Mike MacDowell at (571) 512-8587 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.

The Greater Richmond Children’s Choir (GRCC) is dedicated to bringing together boys and girls from diverse backgrounds to experience the joy of singing and to gain a life-long love for good music through age-appropriate vocal training. The GRCC strives to nurture the unique gift each child brings, to encourage all to reach for excellence, and ultimately, to create responsible and compassionate citizens of the world. Veteran GRCC director Crystal Jonkman was named Artistic Director in 2017 after Founding Artistic Director Hope Armstrong Erb was named Artistic Director Emeritus. The 2024-2025 season will be our 28th! GRCC includes choristers, ages 8-18 in ensembles representing many different schools in the city of Richmond and the surrounding counties.

Why was Saint Paul talking in the Epistle about eating or abstaining from meat? In a ten-minute sermon, the preacher can’t delve into every Bible reading. If these texts pique your interest, consider coming to Lectionary Group every Sunday between 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. in the library. For more information contact the Rev. Jack Sutor at (804) 994-4809 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select the ministry from the contact form’s drop-down menu.