Posted: November 21, 2024

News for Sunday, November 17, 2024

Upcoming Parish Forums

“Journey Through Advent”
Nov. 24, Dec. 8 and 15 (First Floor Classroom)

Upcoming Events

Saturday 11/23 10:00 a.m. Men’s Group Meeting (Ellwood Thompson’s) 

Sunday  11/24 9:00 a.m. Confirmation Retreat: “What is Christianity?”
(Church & Upstairs Conference Room)

Tuesday 11/26 5:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Tuesday Worship (Chapel)

Friday   11/29 12:00 p.m. Red Door & Shood Thanksgiving with River City Wood Fire Pizza
(Youth Service Opportunity/Sunday Funday | 8 N. Laurel Street)

Sunday 12/01 9:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. Advent Wreath Making* (Parish Hall)
*Following both worship services.

Sunday 12/01 11:45 a.m. Usher Training (Church)

Sunday 12/08 3:00 p.m. Caroling in Monroe Park and Holiday Market (Monroe Park)

Friday 12/13 9:00 a.m. St. Andrew’s School Service Opportunity (St. Andrew’s School)

Monday 12/16 5:00 p.m. Blue Christmas Service (Chapel)

Save the Date

Sunday 12/22 8:00 a.m. Advent IV with Holy Eucharist* (Chapel) *One service only.

Sunday 12/22 9:00 a.m. Breakfast & Ministry Preparation for Christmas (Parish Hall)

Sunday 12/22 4:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols (Church)

Tuesday 12/24 4:00 p.m. Christmas Pageant (Church)

Tuesday 12/24 11:00 p.m. Midnight Holy Eucharist (Church)

Wednesday 12/25 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day (Chapel)

Sunday 01/05 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Baptism (Church)

Sunday 01/05 3:00 p.m. Youth Sunday Funday Christmas Party (Parish Hall)

Sunday Bulletins are posted by Friday at ghtc.org/bulletin.

Highlights

Confirmation Retreat – November 24 at 9:00 a.m.
On November 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we will have our next Confirmation Retreat at the church. The confirmands will be exploring what it means to be a Christian. As we have previously communicated, we will be repeating the same four retreats held last year in anticipation of a Bishop’s visit to confirm everyone who has participated in all four retreats. To learn more about confirmation, please contact Billy McGuire by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and select “Confirmation” from the drop down menu.

Thanksgiving Service – Tuesday, November 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for our Thanksgiving service on Tuesday, November 26th at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel. All are welcome as we come together in gratitude, reflection, and have communion together.

Red Door Thanksgiving with Shood – November 29
Shood will partner with Red Door on Friday, November 29th, to give slightly used reconditioned athletic shoes to our Red Door visitors at noon. Shood is a non-profit founded by GHTC parishioner Robin Telfian and operated in partnership with Jeff Wells, owner of two Fleet Feet stores in the area. “Shood makes gently used, high-quality shoes available to those in need through a pop-up shopping experience throughout Richmond, Virginia.” The partnership will be accompanied by Richmond’s #1-voted food truck River City Wood Fired Pizza providing meals to those in need. 

Advent Wreath Making – Sunday, December 1 – Following Both Worship Services
On Sunday, December 1st, following both morning services – at 9:30 a.m. after the 8:00 a.m. service, and again at 11:45 a.m. after the 10:30 a.m. service – the whole parish is invited to join in making Advent wreaths. Please bring plenty of clippings of greens (boxwood, holly, evergreens, etc.) from your yard to share, as well as your own clippers. We will provide foam wreath forms, candles, instruction, and encouragement.

Christmas Poinsettia Flower Memorials
As we prepare for Christmas, we invite you to donate one or more poinsettias in memory of someone deceased. Please visit our website at ghtc.org/give, select the “Altar Guild” fund, and enter your loved one’s name in the “note” section. The cost is whatever you would like to contribute, and the memorial names will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletins. The deadline to submit is Sunday, December 8th. Your donations support the work of the Altar Guild. You may also contact Financial Administrator Kathy Schultheis in the Parish Office at (804) 359-5628 x14.

The 4th Annual Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market – Sunday, December 8 with Music Beginning at 4:15 p.m.
GHTC’s Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market brings The Greater Richmond Children’s Choir (GRCC), New Life Deliverance Tabernacle Vocal Ensemble, RVA Street Singers, the GHTC Vocal Ensemble, and a brass quintet together to lead us in carols for this fourth annual holiday event on Sunday, December 8th, 2024. There will be a holiday market with local vendors, River City Wood Fire Pizza food truck, JC Desserts, a Red Door Ministry Clothes Closet giveaway shop, ornament painting, photos with Santa in his Model T, and fun children’s activities starting at 3:00 p.m. The brass quintet will begin at 4:15 p.m. with caroling following at 4:30 p.m. Visitors can use the QR Code on the back of the Sunday worship bulletins for complimentary Sunday parking in the VCU West Main Street Parking Deck. GHTC encourages carpooling to help bring all of the friends and family. 

Christmas Ministry for Dumbarton Elementary Students – Sponsorships & Donations
Through the Christmas Ministry for Dumbarton Elementary School, Grace & Holy Trinity has helped find sponsors for 22 students this year, but still have 2 more students that need sponsors. The Christmas Ministry is also looking for monetary donations to purchase grocery gift cards for families and teachers at this point in the campaign. Each family is comprised of one to four children. Detailed instructions for gifts will be given to each sponsor. Unwrapped gifts can be brought to the Church parking lot on Saturday, December 7, 2024, or picked up from your home. Monetary donations will help purchase grocery store gift cards to assist the families and teachers supporting these students. For Monetary Donations, please visit our website at ghtc.org/give and select “Christmas Ministry” from the fund drop down menu. If you would like to sponsor a family, make a monetary donation, or have any questions, please contact Nancy Smith at (804) 339-8030 or at nancybsmith@yahoo.com.

Red Door Winter Gear Drive
As the winter months approach, Red Door is seeking donations of coats, scarves, knit hats, gloves, socks, underwear, sweatshirts, and sweatpants for Richmonders in need. We are no longer accepting donations of bedrolls, bedding/blankets, and suitcases due to limited storage space. The Red Door Winter Gear Drive began on Sunday, November 17th. Please drop off any new or gently used winter gear at the service ministry box between the elevator and the kitchen.

Movement in Grace – Weekly on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
(Please Bring Your Yoga Mat)
Movement in Grace is a 60-75 minute movement, meditation, breath work, and reflection practice under a candlelight ambiance. This practice combines yoga, Pilates, somatic movement, and traditional exercise science and creates a union with yourself through contemplative techniques of reflection, mindfulness, and meditation. Practice is led by Singith Perera in the Parish Hall on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Please bring a yoga mat, any props you find helpful, and a small towel. We encourage hydration, a light snack beforehand, and most of all, a spirit of compassion and self-growth. Suggested donations of $20 are appreciated, but not required – students and staff may participate for free. For more information about the practice, contact Singith via text at (202) 290-0378 or send an email by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and selecting “Movement in Grace” from the drop down menu.

St. Andrew’s School Community Care Day (Service Opportunity) – Friday, December 13
Join us at St. Andrew’s School on Friday, December 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a day of service and community engagement! Activities include organizing spaces, cleaning up the campus, and working on community projects. Donations of gently used children’s clothing and school supplies are also being collected. Lunch will be provided! RSVP to Carl Tabb at ctabb@st-andrews-school.org by Thursday, December 5th to participate. Let’s come together to show our commitment to caring for our community!

Blue Christmas Service – Monday, December 16
For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is advertised on television or in greeting cards. They may be facing a holiday after the death of a loved one or other type of loss. Perhaps they have suffered through an emotional trauma, or maybe they feel pressured and overwhelmed by holiday preparations. On December 16th at 5:00 p.m. a Blue Christmas Service will be held in the Chapel. It is an opportunity to have a quiet, spiritual time amid a busy season. This short reflective service will include scripture, music and meditations to focus on the comfort God offers during dark times. All are welcome.

Youth Sunday Funday Christmas Party – January 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
Middle school and high school students are invited to a white elephant regifting exchange and tacky sweater contest at the Lee Family Home, 312 Ralston Road. Parents are welcome to drop off or join in some holiday cheer and NFL viewing. Please RSVP with Laura Lee at (850) 266-3996.

Remaining Communications

Upcoming Events at The Pace Center
The Pace Center, our covenant partner for campus ministry, is an inclusive, multicultural community at VCU where students’ unique stories and gifts are valued. As a collaborative ministry of several Christian denominations, it emphasizes the importance of deep relationships and the inherent value of each individual. Please visit thepacecenter.com for more information on Pace’s upcoming events and how you can support students in our community.

Holy Eucharist & Healing Wednesdays beginning at 11:00 a.m. (GHTC Chapel)
Stories & Lunch Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Arts & Faith Circle Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Movement in Grace Wednesdays beginning at 7:00 p.m. (GHTC Church)
Walk-A-Dog Fridays from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Food Donation Sign Up Sign Up to Donate on The Pace Center Website

Episcopal Relief & Development – Hurricane Relief Fund
Support those impacted by recent storms by donating to the Hurricane Relief Fund, helping communities rebuild and recover. Your gift will provide Episcopal Relief & Development partners on the ground with critical supplies, such as food and water, pastoral care, and other urgent needs. You’ll also help with the long-term rebuilding and healing efforts. Click here to donate and learn more.

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) | The Rev. Dr. Brent Melton
Mission Questions | Chuck Bleick or The Rev. Steve Pace
Communications Questions | Communications Team
Formation Questions | The Rev. Dr. Brent Melton
Pastoral Care Questions | The Rev. Dr. Brent Melton or The Rev. Jon Scarffe
Music Questions | Dr. Elizabeth Melcher Davis
Paying Your Pledge | Kathy Schultheis
Property & Church Records Questions | Lauren Frazier
Vestry Questions | Meredith McGuire
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 [at] ghtc.org or call the Parish Office at (804) 359-5628.

For more information, visit the News page.