News
Posted: May 5, 2023
News for Sunday, May 7, 2023
Upcoming Events
05/07 10:30 a.m. Children & Youth Sunday (Church)
05/07 11:30 a.m. May Day Celebrations & English Breakfast (Parish Hall)
05/08 5:30 p.m. Spirited Sisters (Burger Bach)
05/14 9:30 a.m. Parish Forum: Organ Concert (Chapel)
05/21 10:30 a.m. Mozart’s Missa Brevis (Modern Language | in memoriam: Elizabeth Martin |Church)
05/21 5:00 p.m. Final Sunday Evening Service until fall
05/21 1:30 p.m. Youth Sunday Funday at Flying Squirrels Baseball Game (The Diamond)
05/28 5:00 p.m. End of Program Year | Summer Schedule Begins
05/29 5:00 p.m. Office Closed for Memorial Day
*Please note that the final Wednesday Evening Service of the spring schedule was held on May 3rd. Evening Prayer will return at a new time during the fall schedule.
Save the Date
06/09 5:00 p.m. Parents Night Out (Parish Hall | Parents gathering TBD)
07/02 10:30 a.m. Independence Day Service & Picnic (Church & Monroe Park)
07/09 10:30 a.m. Hymn Sing During Worship (Church)
07/21 5:00 p.m. Parents Night Out (Parish Hall | Parents gathering TBD)
07/23 1:30 p.m. Youth Sunday Funday (Kanawha Pool)
08/06 5:00 p.m. School Supply Drive Begins
08/13 12:00 p.m. Senior Brunch (Following Worship | Parish Hall)
08/18 5:00 p.m. Parents Night Out (Parish Hall | Parents gathering TBD)
08/20 5:30 p.m. Sunday Evening Prayer Begins
08/27 4:00 p.m. Worship, Picnic, & Pool Party with Blessing of the Backpacks (McGuire Home)
08/27 5:00 p.m. School Supply Drive Ends
09/10 9:00 a.m. Parish Forum: TBA
09/10 5:00 p.m. Fall Schedule Begins
09/17 11:45 a.m. Parish Ministry Fair (Following Worship | Parish Hall)
09/23 3:00 p.m. Ukrainian Benefit Concert (Church)
09/24 TBD Youth Sunday Funday (Busch Gardens Williamsburg)
Sunday Schedule
Sunday, May 7, 2023
8:00 a.m. Holy Communion (Traditional Language | Spoken |Chapel)
9:30 a.m. Lectionary Group (Library)
9:30 a.m. Officiant & Lector Team Rehearsal (Classroom 2B)
9:30 a.m. Children’s Choir (Classroom 2C)
9:45 a.m. Youth Orchestra Rehearsal (Church)
10:30 a.m. Children & Youth Sunday with Morning Prayer (Modern Language | Choral | Church)
Preaching: Charlotte Nelson and Wayne Rachel, II
11:30 a.m. May Day Celebration and English Breakfast (Parish Hall)
5:00 p.m. Evening Prayer & Holy Communion (Modern Language | Spoken | Chapel)
Join the 10:30 a.m. service livestream via YouTube.
Sunday Bulletins are posted by Friday at ghtc.org/bulletin.
Worship & Music
A Word About the Sunday Morning Livestream
We had technical difficulties with our livestream this past Sunday, but the stream will be up and running this coming Sunday, May 7th. You can watch a video of the two Baptisms that took place during the service and read Associate Rector Paul Evans’ sermon below.
Good Shepherd Sunday | Year A | John 10:1-10
The Rev. Paul Evans
Where do you listen for….where do you hear the voice of Jesus? Many of us, myself included, might likely say that we listen for Jesus’ voice here at church on Sunday morning when we gather to hear God’s word read at the lectern and preached from the pulpit and amplified by the beautiful singing of our choir. We may hear the voice of Jesus in conversations we have in our Bible study groups,in children’s chapel, or maybe in conversations we have at coffee hour. For many of us, the familiar voice of Jesus is most clear and distinct when we gather here at church; a place where many of us find a deep sense of comfort and peace. There’s a way that we can interpret this morning’s Gospel from John that affirms this way of listening for Jesus in the places that are familiar. Jesus talks about his flock entering the sheepfold through a gate, a gate that protects them from the outside and from thieves and from bandits who might lead them astray. And then Jesus says, “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” But If we listen carefully to the voice of Jesus in each part of this short passage, we can learn a lot about How Jesus Loves, what it means to be a member of the flock, and about what responsibilities we have as followers of the Good Shepherd. Jesus says, “I am the gate.” Here in these four short words and in other places throughout the Gospels, we understand that Jesus—who calls himself the gate and gatekeeper—is not trying to keep out other sheep who may hear and listen for his voice. Later in this passage Jesus says, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.” Perhaps a more appropriate way to think of how Jesus is loving and is trying to love and grow his flock is as a bridge-builder—seeking to bring in new sheep who hear his voice and who are seeking his love into the fold. Jesus then says, “Whoever enters me will be saved.” This morning we will bring two new members into the baptized flock of the Good Shepherd, thanks be to God. In the Episcopal Church, our theology is that when we are baptized we are brought into the family of Jesus forever, a bond that cannot be broken, even by death. Chacona and Elliot—There may be times in your life after today when you find it hard to listen for and to hear the voice of Jesus, but through your baptism today, the love of Jesus will always seek you out, will always follow you. The same is true for all of us through our baptism. And we’ll affirm that truth in just a few minutes when we reaffirm our baptismal vows. But then Jesus says this, “(Whoever enters me will be saved), and will come in and go out and find pasture.” Come in and go out. Becoming a member of the flock of the Good Shepherd is about joining a community of love that is constantly in motion; a community that not only has heard the voice of Jesus but is always listening to hear it again through the life of the world that surrounds us. Jesus is the gate–or the bridge–that connects the community of the Baptized called out of the world to those listening for his voice beyond the sheepfold. Jesus is both nurturer, strengthening and loving and sustaining his flock who gather every sunday at church—AND Shepherd, calling each of us by name, leading us out of the sheepfold and into the world to share the great story of love and redemption his life revealed to the world and still embodies through us today. One of the greatest examples of this comes in Luke’s Gospel with the parable of the lost sheep. In this story Jesus leaves the flock of 99 sheep in the wilderness for the sake of the one who is lost. Jesus, the gate, the Good Shepherd, goes before us leading us out of what is familiar and known into a new place on the margins where one or two or three more sheep can be brought into his unending and undying love. We are a community of love that is constantly in motion—brought into the church through the grace of the sacraments and sent out into the world to embody the love of the Good Shepherd. Let us be challenged to not only listen for his voice where we have come to expect it and where it is familiar. But instead let us open our ears and our hearts in love to hear Jesus calling each of us by name into the places and to the people God uses to bring The Church into new life and resurrection. Amen.
Worship & Music
New Church Banner
Our new church banner, which debuts May 7th, was commissioned and paid for by a group of parishioners who saw that our old banner was worn out. This banner is used on special Sundays at church and for diocesan gatherings like ordinations. The new banner incorporates the long-used Trinity knot and anchor logo. The colors are the same as the Episcopal Church flag. A special thank you to the generous donors, to Tyler Brady and Leslie Winn for designing the new banner, and to Leslie Winn and Ivy Austin at The Costume Shop for creating the new banner.
Banns of Marriage
I publish the Banns of Marriage between Luna Karam and Colin Burke. If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the second time of asking. – The Rev. Duane Nettles
Transition in the Assistant Choirmaster and Organist Position
Sean McDonald, who has served as our fine Assistant Choirmaster and Organist for almost one year, has resigned from this position so that he can spend more time with his family. Sean also has a full-time position as a music teacher at Robious Elementary School in Chesterfield. May 21st will be his last Sunday with us. Mr. McDonald has enriched our worship services with his musical gifts, playing the organ and piano for preludes, hymns and service music, accompanying and directing the Parish Choir, directing the Children’s Choir, and developing and directing the Youth Orchestra. We are most grateful for Sean McDonald’s excellent musical leadership and dedicated service to the glory of God.
Starting June 1st, Stanley Baker has accepted the position of Assistant Choirmaster and Organist. A native of Alabama, Mr. Baker has been a professional church musician, organist and choirmaster for over forty years, working in different denominations and most recently at Centenary United Methodist in downtown Richmond where he served for thirty-two years as Director of Music. Mr. Baker holds an undergraduate degree in organ performance from the University of Alabama and a graduate degree in Church Music from Westminster Choir College. One of Mr. Baker’s specialties is Renaissance and Baroque choral and orchestral music. Mr. Baker organized and directed an annual summer concert series “Centenary Classics” which included early music with period instruments. At Grace and Holy Trinity, Stan will oversee and conduct both the Children’s Choir and the Youth Orchestra as well as assist Dr. Davis with service playing, accompanying on the organ and piano, and conducting. We look forward with great pleasure to welcoming Stan Baker to Grace & Holy Trinity.
Flowers at the Altar
This Sunday’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God. If you would like to remember or honor a loved one by giving the altar flowers, please contact Judy Bowman at (804) 359-5628 x14, with dates and specific requests (such as colors and/or particular flowers). The cost is $100. You may mail a check or handle the cost online at ghtc.org/give.
Parish Life
Youth Summer Camp Care Packages
Do you have a child or grandchild who is attending sleepaway summer camp? The Children & Youth Ministry would love to send your special young person care package to let them know how loved they are while they are away. These packages will include notes from church staff, GHTC swag, and sweet treats! You can sign up to receive a care package at ghtc.org/youth, or contact Lauren Frazier in the parish office at (804) 359-5628 x23.
Caroling in Monroe Park Planning Committee
Mark your calendars for Caroling in the Park on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023. We are hoping to grow this event and create the feel of a European Christmas Market with vendors selling gifts while enjoying the Christmas caroling in the park. We are looking for volunteers to serve on this committee. If you are interested, please reach out to Meredith McGuire.
Spirited Sisters meet May 8
The May meeting of the Spirited Sisters will be held on Monday, May 8th at 5:30 p.m. at Burger Bach in Carytown. This group is open to any and all women of the parish. For more information, contact Cathy Saunders.
Spirited Readers Book Club
You are invited to join the Spirited Readers Book Club, which meets on Monday afternoons once a month at a parishioner’s home. Upcoming books include Demon Copperhead (Barbara Kingsolver), Hold Still (Sally Mann), This is Happiness (Niall Williams) and Trust (Herman Diaz). For more information, contact Mary Ann Blankenship.
Parents’ Night Out: Summer Series 2023
Mark your calendars: Parents’ Night Out returns, once a month throughout the summer. On June 9th, July 21st, and August 18th, parents are invited to bring their children to church for Friday evening childcare. We provide dinner, activities, fellowship, and Christian education. Look out for more details and sign-up forms coming soon!
Update on the Bell Tower Project
Scaffolding and safety barriers for pedestrian access went up last week in front of the south entrance at N. Laurel Street for bell tower repairs. Crews have also set up scaffolding inside the belfry to repair the stucco. You can still enter the church using this entrance.
Outreach
Red Door Ministry Clothes Closet Seeks Donations of “B” Items During May
Every Friday, the Red Door Ministry serves lunch to approximately 100–150 guests. The ministry also offers clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other items from the Clothes Closet. In order to respond to some shortages in the Clothes Closet, Red Door leaders are designating the month of May as “B” Month. Please bring your donations of Belts, Ball caps, Bras, Books (paperback, crossword, word search), Bath/hand towels, and Backpacks. Items may be used but clean and in good condition, please. Your donation may be left in the box near the kitchen. In-kind receipts are available on the podium next to the box. Please list your donations on the sheet provided as well. (This information is used when preparing grant requests.) If you have questions or would like to discuss a large quantity donation, contact Porsche Pierson.
GHTC Youth are invited to join St. James’s Summer Mission Trip to Appalachia – July 16 – 22
St. James’s Church has invited GHTC youth to join their 2023 Summer Mission to Hurley, Virginia, in the far western part of the state. The poverty rate in Hurley is high, and flooding has destroyed much of the community in the past two years. The mission team will work with the Hurley Community Development Center to help repair homes in the community, and with the local food bank, which serves people in the Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia corridor. The cost to attend is $300. For more information, contact Associate Rector Paul Evans.
Save the Date: Ukrainian Benefit Concert – September 23
Our 2023-2024 Concert Series will open with Music for a Cause presenting instrumentalists and singers of the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a special Benefit Event at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, September 23rd, 2023. All funds raised at this concert go directly to Ukraine toward meeting needs of the homeless, widows, wounded soldiers, orphaned and needy children, and all who require hope and healing.
Beware of Phishing and Other Scams
Please beware of any communication (email, phone calls, texts) purporting to be from members of our clergy, staff, or from someone communicating on our behalf. No member of the GHTC clergy or staff will ever contact you asking you “for a favor,” such as purchasing gift cards. These are tactics used by scammers, and they are more common than you might think. Please be cautious and use good judgment.
An Update about Parish Communications
If you have an announcement that you would like to share in our parish communications, please contact Associate Rector Paul Evans by calling the parish office or by email.
Help Us Share Your News
We invite you to share your announcements about ministries of the parish by visiting our website and submitting the communications request form no later than the Monday two weeks before you want your announcement to run in the weekly eNews and the bulletin announcements.
For more information, visit the News page or call (804) 359-5628.
Sunday Services
8:00 AM • 10:30 AM • 5:00 PM
Friday Noonday Prayer
12:00 PM
Recent Worship
To watch the videos from the week of April 30th, click the links below.
Last Week
Sermon
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04/30 Sermon: The Rev. Duane Nettles, Rector (Transcribed)