Posted: September 5, 2024

News for Sunday, September 8, 2024

Upcoming Events

09/08                    Program Year Schedule Begins
09/08   9:30 a.m. Gathering Around the Table: Exploring the Eucharist Service
                               “(Almost) Everything You Wish You Knew” (Week One | Parish Hall)
09/08   9:30 a.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsals Return (Children’s Choir Room)
09/08 11:45 a.m. Youth Instrumental Ensemble Rehearsals Return (Church)
09/08 12:00 p.m. Reception for Father Brent & Family (Following Worship | Parish Hall)
09/09   5:30 p.m. Spirited Sisters (Mosaic Restaurant, River Road Shopping Center)
09/12   6:00 p.m. Central Richmond Regional Pride Eucharist (St. Mark’s Episcopal Church)
09/15 12:00 p.m. Parish Ministry Fair (Parish Hall)
09/21   9:00 a.m. Parish Work Day (The Pace Center)
09/28 10:00 a.m. Men’s Group (Ellwood Thompson’s)
09/29 9:00 a.m. Stewardship Kick-Off Event with Breakfast (Parish Hall)
09/29  4:00 p.m. Youth Sunday Funday (Triangle Rock Club)
10/03 10:30 a.m. Westminster Canterbury Worship & Lunch (Westminster Canterbury Richmond)
10/05 4:00 p.m. Music for a Fall Day Concert (Church)
10/06 4:00 p.m. Blessing of the Pets (Monroe Park)

Save The Date

10/13 11:45 a.m. Celebration of Ministry for Judy Bowman (Parish Hall)
10/27 10:30 a.m. Children & Youth Sunday (Church)
10/27 11:45 a.m. Youth Sunday Funday with Grace & Holy-ween (Monroe Park)
11/02 11:00 a.m. Bishop Sean Rowe Installation Service*
(Prelude begins at 10:00 a.m. | The Episcopal Church Center in New York City)
*There will be an extensive livestream production to support churchwide access and participation.
11/03 10:30 a.m. All Saints’ Sunday with Baptism | Stewardship Commitment
(For more information click here)

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

Ministry Architects Schedule

Monday, September 9

12:00 p.m. | Open Hybrid Listening Session* (Zoom Available)
11:30 p.m. | Meet with staff that intersect with Children & Youth Ministry
  2:45 p.m. | Check-in with Father Brent
  4:00 p.m. | Open Hybrid Listening Session* (Zoom Available)
  5:30 p.m. | Listening Session with Parents/Listening Session with Youth (Separate Meetings)
  6:30 p.m. | Volunteers/Open* (Hybrid Meeting, Zoom Available) and Vestry Listening Session (Separate Meetings)
  8:00 p.m. | Consultants head to Hotel

Tuesday, September 10

9:00 a.m. | Opening Listening Session* (Correction: No Zoom Available)
11:00 a.m. | Opening Listening Session* (Correction: No Zoom Available)
12:00 p.m. | Opening Listening Session* (Hybrid Meeting, Zoom Available)
  2:00 p.m. | Consultants work on the Assessment Report

Wednesday, September 11

  2:00 p.m. | Pre-presentation Meeting with Father Brent
  6:00 p.m. | Presentation (Hybrid Meeting, Zoom Options Available with Recording)
  7:00 p.m. | Consultants head to Hotel
*Open listening sessions include parents, committee members, volunteers, and invested congregation members. Meetings will take place in the Parish Hall, unless stated otherwise.

Highlights

Parish Forum – Sunday, September 8 through Sunday, October 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Curious about the Eucharist? Join us for the Parish Forum series, “Gathering Around the Table: Exploring the Eucharist,” led by Father Brent Melton. Bring your questions and explore our worship together. The series runs Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall, from September 22nd through October 13th. On September 8th & 15th, the Parish Forum will take place in the First Floor Classroom.

Assistive Listening Devices Now Available
We are pleased to offer assistive listening devices for those who need help hearing during services. These devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see an usher before the service to request one.

Reception for Father Brent & Family – This Sunday, September 8
We are delighted to welcome Grace & Holy Trinity’s new Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Dr. Brent A. Melton and his family. Please plan to stay for a reception following the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, September 8th in the Parish Hall. For more information about Brent, his experience, and his family, visit ghtc.org/picsearch.

Parish Ministry Fair – Sunday, September 15
On Sunday, September 15th following the 10:30 a.m. service, we will celebrate and renew our commitment to the many ministries of Grace & Holy Trinity. Ministry leaders will be available at tables around the parish hall where they will explain what they do and encourage volunteer participation. Food will be provided, including assorted sandwiches for all from Cuisine a la Carte.

Music for a Fall Day Concert – Saturday, October 5
Musicians Performing on WTVR-CBS 6 – September 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Come and join three wonderful performers for a concert of musical treasures. Celebrated singers Chase Peak and Caroline Whisnant and the phenomenal pianist Daniel Stipe will present thrilling opera selections, favorite tunes from great musicals, and even some contemporary gems. The concert will begin at 4:00 p.m. and there will be a reception following the concert. The musicians will be featured on Virginia This Morning on September 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will perform two songs from the upcoming concert. The show will be broadcast on WTVR CBS 6. Concert admission is $20. To purchase admission, please click here. Advance admission closes Friday, October 4th at 3:00 p.m. Admission is also available at the door.

Music Publicity – Seeking Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to assist with music publicity for concerts. This is a wonderful way to support the concert series. Interested in volunteering? Please contact Dr. Elizabeth Melcher Davis at (804) 359-5628, x18, or email emelcherdavis@ghtc.org.

Seeking Volunteers for Making Red Door Staff Lunch
Red Door Ministry needs your help. Not only do we make a good lunch for around 150 guests every Friday, but we also need a lunch for the volunteers, too. We are seeking volunteers who would fix a simple (i.e. sandwiches) lunch on a Friday for around 15 Red Door volunteers before Red Door Lunch begins at 12:00 p.m. Red Door especially asks for your help from September through October. Please sign up for one or more Fridays by calling Betsy Featherstone at (804) 353-9760 or by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and selecting Red Door Volunteer Coordinator from the drop down menu.

Men’s Group – Saturday, September 28
The GHTC Men’s Group will meet for coffee at Ellwood Thompson’s on September 28th at 10:00 a.m. This informal gathering occurs once a month on the 4th Saturday of each month. All men in the congregation are welcome to have coffee together and participate in casual conversation. Coffee and pastries are available for purchase at the cafe. 

Youth Sunday Funday – Sunday, September 29
Middle school and high school students, please join us for fun and fellowship at Triangle Rock Club. Drop off is at 4:00 p.m. and pick up is at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Please text Laura Lee at (850) 266-3996 to RSVP or chaperone. Friends are welcome!

Westminster Canterbury Worship & Lunch – Thursday, October 3
All are invited to join together at Westminster Canterbury on Thursday, October 3rd at 10:30 a.m. for worship with a lunch after. If you would like to attend, please sign up at the round table outside the church doors. You can also register by calling the Parish Office at (804) 359-5628 x23 and speaking with Lauren Frazier.

Blessing of the Pets – Sunday, October 6
Sunday, October 6th at 4:00 p.m., you are invited to bring your furry friends to church for the Blessing of the Pets. The service will be held just outside the church entrance on Laurel Street. In the event of rain, we will hold the service in the Parish Hall. 

Flower Memorials – New Online Form
We are pleased to offer a new Flower Memorial form on our website. This allows you to honor a loved one by contributing flowers for our Sunday services. If you’d like to honor a loved one, please fill out the form online at ghtc.org/flowers. Your generosity will help beautify our space and create a meaningful tribute.

Children & Youth Formation Plans
We value the children of our church, and we are committed to building sustainable youth and children’s ministries that are going to have a deep impact. The significant staffing transitions at Grace & Holy Trinity have created a natural opportunity for intentional focus on the children’s and youth ministries. There is a desire felt by church leadership and families to give intentional thought and care to innovation and sustainability in these ministries. We have invited Ministry Architects to visit us on September 9th-11th. (Learn more about them at ministryarchitects.com.) Ministry Architects will spend the majority of their time listening to a variety of groups within the church through focused listening groups. We hope to see participation in those groups from a broad spectrum of parents, volunteers, staff, and people who just love our young people. We want your insights, your frustrations, and your dreams to be heard.

After spending three days in these listening groups (and taking copious notes), the Ministry Architects team will hunker down to write a report, sharing with us what they’ve heard about the youth and children’s ministries – including assets, challenges and how we compare to children’s and youth ministries around the country – and where it seems that God might be taking us next. On September 11th at 5:30 p.m., the report will be presented to the congregation in the Parish Hall, laying out specific recommendations and a blueprint for how to move forward. If you would like to be part of this process and have your voice heard, please contact Terry Hathaway by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and selecting Children’s Ministry from the drop down menu.

To register your child, please click here.

The Three Sopranos in Concert is now available on SoundCloud
The Three Sopranos in Concert is now available on SoundCloud! The Three Sopranos in Concert was held on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at GHTC. The singers are well-known and loved Richmond soprano Sarah Kate Walston, along with GHTC’s internationally acclaimed soprano Caroline Whisnant, and GHTC’s up-and-coming mezzo-soprano Abigail Stinnett. The program ranges from the virtuosity of Verdi to the frivolity of Bacharach. The singers are accompanied by Daniel Stipe, a virtuoso keyboard artist on both organ and piano who is regarded as one of Richmond’s most outstanding performers.

Worship

Regional Pride Eucharist
Join the Central Richmond Region in celebrating and affirming our LGBTQIA+ community. A Pride Eucharist will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, September 12th at 6:00 p.m. Also, the Region will sponsor a tent at the Pride Festival as we extend our arms of love on behalf of the Episcopal Churches in the Diocese of Virginia.

Children’s Choir – Rehearsals Return September 8
Is your young one interested in music? Children’s Choir is for children from Pre-K through fourth grade. They will rehearse weekly on Sunday mornings, beginning September 8th, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Children’s Choir room upstairs. The Children’s Choir will learn musical pieces throughout the year that reflect the liturgical seasons. They will be preparing a song for Children & Youth Sunday on October 27th at 10:30 a.m. The Children’s Choir is directed by Abigail Stinnett and assisted by Stanley M. Baker, Assistant Choirmaster & Organist. Interested in joining? Contact Abigail Stinnett by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and selecting her name from the drop down menu.

Youth Instrumental Ensemble – Rehearsals Return September 8
Calling all youth instrumentalists and singers! The Youth Instrumental Ensemble (singers too) will begin rehearsals after church (at approximately 11:50 a.m. in the nave of the church) on September 8th. We will be preparing a musical piece to present on Children & Youth Sunday, October 27th, at the 10:30 a.m. service. All youth musicians (orchestral instruments, keyboards, guitars, and singers) from 4th grade through high school are invited to join the ensemble. There will be approximately seven rehearsals on Sundays after church. Attendance is suggested for at least four rehearsals. Interested in joining? Contact Stan by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and selecting his name from the drop down menu.

Intinction Station – Now in the Sanctuary
Intinction during communion will continue to be offered, however it now takes place at a station beneath the lectern in the sanctuary. You have the option of coming towards the front of the church and before the chancel stairs, move to the left in front of the lectern so to receive the sacrament by intinction. Then proceed down the left aisle (passing the baptismal font) so to return to your pew. We look forward to having everyone receiving communion again in the main worship space. Questions? Visit our website at ghtc.org/contact and select Father Brent from the drop down menu.

Prayer Request – New Online Form
We have introduced a new online Prayer Request form for your convenience. 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.

Mission

Clothes Closet Suspending Donations
Thank you for your generous donations to the Clothes Closet! Donations are being processed, and we are blessed to be at capacity. We ask that you hold off on bringing additional items until further notice. Please keep an eye out for upcoming communications regarding the Winter Gear Drive beginning in late October.

Parish Life

The Three Sopranos in Concert releases on SoundCloud – Wednesday, September 4

Listen to the Three Sopranos in Concert on the GHTC SoundCloud now. Available for free at soundcloud.com/ghtcmusic. If you need technical assistance with SoundCloud or have any questions, please contact the GHTC Communications Team.

On Saturday, January 27th, GHTC presented the Three Sopranos in Concert. Well-known and loved Richmond soprano Sarah Kate Walston, GHTC’s internationally acclaimed soprano Caroline Whisnant, and up-and-coming mezzo-soprano Abigail Stinnett sang outstandingly beautiful works together. The program ranged from the virtuosity of Verdi to the frivolity of Bacharach. The singers were accompanied by Daniel Stipe, a virtuoso keyboard artist on both organ and piano who is regarded as one of Richmond’s most outstanding performers.

Spirited Sisters – Monday, September 9
Spirited Sisters, a women’s group of the parish, will meet next on Monday, September 9th at 5:30 p.m. at Mosaic Restaurant in River Road Shopping Center at 6229-A River Road for lively conversation and a meal. For more information or to RSVP, please visit our website at ghtc.org/contact and select Spirited Sisters from the drop down menu.

Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market – Parishioner Vending Opportunity
Caroling in Monroe Park continues to expand this year with more vendors as part of a holiday marketplace. If you make crafts or merchandise and would like to participate as a vendor in the market, please contact Meredith McGuire by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and select “Senior Warden” from the drop down menu.

Spirited Readers Book Club – Upcoming Meetings
All members of GHTC and their friends are welcome to join the Spirited Readers Book Club for one or every meeting. We meet in members’ homes, generally on the afternoon of the third Monday of the month. Over the next few months, the club will be reading:

• Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (a classic set in the 1920s, in which the protagonist reflects on her past, including WWI)
• West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge (During the Great Depression two giraffes miraculously survive a hurricane and after a hilarious twelve-day road trip are delivered to the San Diego Zoo.)
• James by Perceival Everett (Huckleberry Finn re-told from the perspective of the enslaved Jim)

Questions or want to attend? Contact Mary Ann Blankenship by visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and select Spirited Readers Book Club from the drop down menu.

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.

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
Communications Questions | Communications Team
Formation Questions | The Rev. Dr. Brent Melton
Pastoral Care Questions | The Rev. Dr. Brent Melton
Music Questions | Dr. Elizabeth Melcher Davis
Paying Your Pledge | Judy Bowman
Property & Church Records Questions | Lauren Frazier
Vestry Questions | Meredith McGuire

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

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.

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.

For more information, visit the News page.