News & Announcements

Upcoming Events

Saturday 12/13 9:00 a.m. Holy Strollers: Vita Trail in Byrd Park (Meet at GHTC Parking Lot)

Saturday 12/13 12:00 p.m. Christmas Ministry Gift Drop-Off (GHTC Parking Lot)

Sunday 12/14 9:30 a.m. Finding Mary in the Dark led by Father Brent (First Floor Classroom)

Sunday 12/14 11:45 a.m. Acolyte Meeting (Youth Room)

Sunday 12/14 3:00 p.m. Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market (Music Begins at 4:15 p.m. | 8 N. Laurel Street)

Sunday 12/21 10:00 a.m. Children’s Pageant Rehearsal* (Church) *No 10:30 a.m. worship, 8:00 a.m. worship is regularly scheduled.

Sunday 12/21 4:00 p.m. Festival of Christmas Lessons & Carols (Livestream Available | Church)

Sunday 12/21 5:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols Reception (Following 4:00 p.m. Worship | Parish Hall)

Monday 12/22 4:30 p.m. Holy Strollers Holiday Lights Walk (Beginning at Whole Foods Grocery, 2024 W. Broad Street)

Wednesday 12/24 4:00 p.m. Children’s Pageant with Holy Eucharist, Rite Two* (Livestream Available | Church)

*Prelude music begins at 3:30 p.m. No Bible Study at 9:45 a.m. or Holy Eucharist with Healing at 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday 12/24 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve* (Livestream Available | Church)

*Prelude music begins at 10:30 p.m.

Thursday 12/25 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day* (Chapel) *No Morning Prayer at 8:45 a.m.

Thursday 12/25 12:00 p.m. Parish Office & Church Closed through Thursday, January 1, 2026 in Observance of Christmas & New Year’s*

*No Morning Prayer on Tuesday, December 30th or on Thursday, January 1st. No Bible Study or Holy Eucharist with Healing on Wednesday, December 31st. Parish Breakfast & Adult Formation will pause on December 28th and January 4th, and return Sunday, January 11th.

Highlights

Christmas Poinsettia Flower Memorials – Deadline of this Sunday, December 14
If you would like to order a poinsettia for Christmas Eve in memory of or in thanksgiving of a beloved family member or friend, GHTC offers a few different ways to submit. Submit your payment online here, followed by submitting your memorial bulletin information at ghtc.org/christmas. The cost is whatever you would like to contribute. The memorials will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletins. The deadline to submit is this Sunday, December 14th.

To submit in person, please fill out an Offering Envelope found on either Connect Table or the pew backs, with the names of those you are remembering, and place it in the offering plate. You may also call Financial Administrator Kathy Schultheis in the Parish Office at (804) 359-5628 x14.

Two Holy Strollers Offerings – Byrd Park on December 13 & Holiday Lights on December 22
Susan Hankins writes, “Two fun walks for you, your friends, and family: everyone is invited to a stroll in Byrd Park on Saturday morning, December 13th, and then the popular Monument Avenue Holiday Lights walk in the late afternoon on Monday, December 22nd. Here are the details:

1. Vita Trail in Byrd Park: Meet at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13th, in the Grace & Holy Trinity Church parking lot, 8 N. Laurel Street, or meet the group in Byrd Park at the start of the Vita Trail on Trafford Street (also called Police Memorial Way). We will do a 3–4 mile walk around the park; it’s fun to see it up close. Two coffee shops are close by in Carytown; we can head to one of them afterwards. Carytown probably will be packed, however, so we’ll play it by ear.
2. Holy Strollers Holiday Lights Walk: Meet at 4:30 p.m., sharp, Monday, December 22nd, on the sidewalk in front of Whole Foods grocery, 2024 W. Broad Street, for the short walk over to Monument Avenue. After admiring the beautifully decorated homes on both sides of a mile-long stretch of Monument Avenue, we will walk back to Broad Street, stopping at Chicken Fiesta for something to eat and drink. Stately houses and a respite at a casual Tex-Mex eatery – it should be a wonderful Christmast-time walk, followed by a relaxing time with friends – a break amid the hub-bub of the holidays.

I will be in the parking lot at Grace & Holy Trinity Church around 4:00 p.m., December 22nd, if some of you would like to park there. We’ll leave for Whole Foods at 4:15 p.m., not later. I can take six people in my car.

As always, dress for the weather. Pay close attention to the temperatures, especially for the Monument Avenue walk. It will be dusk when we start walking, and dark soon after. Hats, gloves, winter jackets, warm socks, comfortable shoes. A flashlight is a good idea. The sidewalks are uneven in places, yet the sights are so pretty at night.”

If you’d like to join one or both walks please call or text (804) 938-8440, or visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Holy Strollers” from the form’s drop-down menu.

Christmas Ministry Gift Drop Off – Tomorrow, Saturday, December 13
Unwrapped gifts can be brought to the Church parking lot tomorrow, Saturday, December 13th, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., or picked up from your home.

Monetary donations will help purchase grocery store gift cards to assist the families and teachers supporting these students. Monetary Donations can be sent to GHTC Financial Administrator Kathy Schultheis with “Christmas Ministry” noted. If you would like to sponsor a child, make a monetary donation, or have questions, please contact Nancy Smith by calling (804) 339-8030 or by visiting ghtc.org/contact and selecting “Christmas Ministry” from the drop-down menu. Thank you all for your amazing support of this ministry.

The 5th Annual Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market – This Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. with Music Beginning at 4:15 p.m.
GHTC’s Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market brings The Greater Richmond Children’s Choir (GRCC), Hood Temple AME Zion Church Music Ministry, RVA Street Singers, the GHTC Vocal Ensemble, and a brass quintet together to lead us in carols for this fifth annual holiday event this Sunday, December 14th. There will be a holiday market with local vendors such as “Melt, Shawntell & Patrick Griffin;” “Accessories by the Passage, Teresa Howard;” “JD Knots, Julie Dyer;” “Pillows by Glenice, Glenice Coombs;” “Robjent Designs;” Susan Chadwick; “The Doozy Turtle;” “Circles with Chuck Bleick, Helen Rai;” “Ultra Sparkle, Diann Ashton;” “DK Designs, Dawn Kowal;” “Celestial Gardens, Kayla Hipolito;” Tyler Storm Brady; and “The Yarn Barn, Brooke Fox.” Food vendors include “Uncle Dave’s Kettle Korn,” “JC Desserts,” and “Gimme Pound Cakes.” Ornament painting, photos with Santa in his Model T, and fun children’s activities start 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 VCU West Main Street Parking Deck for complimentary Sunday parking by using the provided QR Code at the event found on signage and the back of the caroling program. GHTC encourages carpooling to help bring your friends and family.

2024 Lessons & Carols will Release on SoundCloud – Wednesday, December 17
Last year’s Festival of Lessons & Carols was professionally recorded and GHTC will release the full album on SoundCloud on Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m. Listen to Lessons & Carols all season long in preparation for this year’s Christmas worship. Thank you to our musicians for putting this beautiful album together.

Intinction Behind the Altar Rail – Changes Began on Sunday, November 30
Intinction (dipping the wafer in wine) during communion now takes place behind both communion rails. This change began on Sunday, November 30th. After you receive the wafer, simply pinch the wafer between your thumb and index finger and hold it up near your face. This will signal for the intinction cup to be brought to you. You will dip the wafer yourself and then receive. Please refrain from intincting in the regular chalice (common cup). We remind you that the safest way to receive the wine is by drinking it from the chalice. We appreciate having the option for everyone to receive communion again at the altar rail, both in the Chapel and the Church. A regular communion station will be located in the rear of the Church for your convenience. We hope this change is meaningful. Let me know if you have questions about communion. –Father Brent

Festival of Christmas Lessons & Carols – Sunday, December 21 at 4:00 p.m.
This worship service, presented by the Parish Choir, accompanied by Luke Brennan, Assistant Choirmaster & Organist, and brass quintet, will include music by Biebl, Clausen, Handel, Holst, and Stopford conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Melcher Davis, Choirmaster & Organist. Soloists will be Keely Borland and Courtney Scottow, Sopranos, Abigail Stinnett, Alto, Cole Whittington, Tenor, Brendan Landes and Chase Peak, Basses. There will be a reception following the worship service hosted by the Hospitality Committee. Visitors can use the VCU West Main Street Parking Deck for complimentary parking by using the provided QR Code at the back of the bulletin.

Children’s Pageant with Holy Communion, Rite Two – Wednesday, December 24 at 4:00 p.m.
The 4:00 p.m.Christmas Eve worship service will include the Children’s Pageant, musical offerings by the Children’s and Parish Choirs, youth instrumentalists, David Maier, Abigail Stinnett, and Caroline Whisnant, soloists, and flute and harp duo. The prelude music will begin at 3:30 p.m. Visitors can use the VCU West Main Street Parking Deck for complimentary parking and VCU will have the exit gates open.

Christmas Eve Worship with Holy Communion, Rite Two – Wednesday, December 24 at 11:00 p.m.
The 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve worship service will include musical offerings by the Parish Choir, David Maier, Abigail Stinnett, and Caroline Whisnant, soloists, and flute and harp duo. The prelude music will begin at 10:30 p.m. Visitors can use the VCU West Main Street Parking Deck for complimentary parking and VCU will have the exit gates open.

Christmas Day Worship with Holy Communion, Rite Two – Thursday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m.
The 10:00 a.m. Christmas Day worship service will include musical offerings by Abigail Stinnett and Caroline Whisnant, Soloists. It will be held in Gibson Memorial Chapel. Visitors can use the VCU West Main Street Parking Deck for complimentary parking and VCU will have the exit gates open.

Morning Prayer Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:45 a.m.
The staff recently began praying Morning Prayer together on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. in the Chapel and all are invited. Morning Prayer is a simple and reflective service which is part of the Daily Office. It is designed to take place during the week and can be led by anyone. Come start your day with prayer and scripture seated around the chapel font.

Bible Study Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m.
This Advent we will offer a Bible Study on Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the Library. This is a no homework or prior Biblical knowledge type of study. You can bring a Bible or borrow one. This Bible Study is designed to listen to how scripture touches our lives and what God might be calling us to be or do. An added bonus is the option to stay for A Service of Holy Eucharist with Healing at 11:00 a.m., two doors down in the Chapel.

2026 “Stewards of Hope” Update & Ongoing Pledges
Hope is at the heart of our life together. It steadies us in uncertain times, guides our worship, and empowers our service to the world. This year, as Stewards of Hope, we’re invited to anchor our giving in that same steady hope. Our 2026 goal is $800,000, which will support the four pillars of our shared ministry — Worship, Education, Parish Life, and Mission. Though we have celebrated Commitment Sunday already, we still invite you to prayerfully consider your gift and return your pledge by mail or through online giving. 

After Sunday, December 7th our total amount pledged is $697,450.80 and our total number of those pledged is 131.

Westminster Canterbury Happy Hour & Caroling Rescheduled to Epiphany – Tuesday, January 6 at 4:00 p.m.
All are invited to the rescheduled Westminster Canterbury Happy Hour on its new date of Tuesday, December 8th at 4:00 p.m. in the Courtyard 5th Floor Lounge. Bring your own drinks and food to share. Please register by calling the Parish Office at (804) 359-5628 x23 and speaking with Lauren Frazier.

Front Porch Forum Dinners – Begins Saturday, January 17, 2026
Our community will be offering a full course dinner before the Richmond Forum events in 2026. Sylvia May, a parishioner, choir member, and chef, along with Father Brent have planned this community building idea for utilizing our proximity to Altria Theatre. The four-course dinner will be in the Parish Hall on Saturday nights beginning on January 17th, 2016. The cost is $110 per person, which will include parking, drinks, and a four-course meal. There will be limited seating to 35–40 people. Ministry groups wanting to raise money could work a night together and this is also a great way for any older youth to gain restaurant experience. Guests will arrive at GHTC after 5:00 p.m. and dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. Richmond Forum doors open at 7:00 p.m., so dinner will end by 7:15 p.m. We are first advertising this invitation to area Episcopalians as we all tend to enjoy the forum. This could also be a great holiday gift to consider. Click here to make your reservations.

Leading Together – Vestry Nominating Committee Accepting Nominations Open through January 18, 2026
The Vestry and clergy create a shared vision for the life of Grace & Holy Trinity Church. The Vestry Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations of members to serve a three-year term on the Vestry. All nominations must be submitted no later than January 18th, 2026. Elections will be held at the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, February 8th, with terms to begin immediately after the election. The new members of the Vestry will be elected by secret ballot, with the five candidates receiving the most votes being elected from among at least eight nominees. To submit the name of a member for consideration, please contact Jane Carlson, Nominating Committee Chair by visiting ghtc.org/contact and selecting “Nominating Committee Chair” from the drop-down menu or call (804) 358-4369.

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) | Father Brent
Mission Questions | Chuck Bleick or The Rev. Steve Pace
Communications Questions | Father Brent & Pastor Marissa
Formation Questions | Father Brent & Madeleine Preston
Pastoral Care Questions | Father Brent
Music Questions | Dr. Elizabeth Melcher Davis
Paying Your Pledge | Kathy Schultheis
Property & Church Records Questions | Lauren Frazier
Vestry Questions | Chuck Bleick
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@ghtc.org or call the Parish Office at (804) 359-5628.

Get Involved with The Pace Center this Semester
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.

The Pace Center appreciates donations of snacks, baked goods, and soup. You can sign up here. In addition to food donations, The Pace Center welcomes and invites GHTC parishioners to participate in any (or all) of the following:

• Stories & Lunch | Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.; Share in a meal and a common
  story theme.
• Volunteer at Belmont Community Resource Services | Fridays from 9:00 p.m.–
  12:00 p.m.; Meet at Pace (700 W. Franklin Street) and join a group of students volunteering at BCRS (a 17-minute drive from campus). Belmont serves over 500 families on Friday mornings. Please note that this event takes place outdoors (rain or shine!); dress accordingly.
• Walk A Dog | Fridays at 2:00 p.m.; Make new friends while walking dogs together. Bring your dog with you, or just show up for a nice walk with college-aged students
• Strings N Things (Crochet & Knitting) | Fridays from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.; Bring your fiber arts project, or learn a new craft. Beginners (and experts willing to teach) welcome!

All events take place at Pace. If you have questions, please contact the Rev. Russ Kerr by visiting ghtc.org/contact and selecting “Campus Minister” from the drop-down menu.