News & Announcements

Upcoming Events

Saturday 01/31 7:00 a.m. Youth Ski Trip (Day Trip | Meet at River Road Presbyterian Parking Lot, 8960 River Road RVA 23229)

Saturday 01/31 Postponed Holy Strollers (Date TBD)

Sunday 02/01 11:30 a.m. “Last Weekend in Minneapolis” led by Pastor Marissa (Zoom)

Sunday 02/01 Postponed Inquirers’ Class Session 5

Sunday 02/01 Cancelled Holy Eucharist with the Greater Richmond Children’s Choir along with 8:00 a.m. Worship and In-Person Activites

Sunday 02/08 9:00 a.m. Annual Parish Meeting* (Church) *No parish breakfast or formation. Worship is regularly scheduled.

Sunday 02/08 11:45 a.m. Annual Meeting Cake & Punch Reception with Questions (Following 10:30 a.m. Worship | Parish Hall)

Sunday 02/15 10:30 a.m. No Livestream Available for 10:30 a.m. Worship

Monday 02/16 Church & Parish Office Closed in Observance of Presidents’ Day

Tuesday 02/17 5:30 p.m. Mardi Gras Pancake Breakfast (Parish Hall)

Wednesday 02/18 12:00 p.m. Ashes-To-Go (Monroe Park)

Wednesday 02/18 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday* (Church) *Childcare available.

Saturday 02/21 5:00 p.m. Front Porch Forum Dinner (Dinner Begins at 5:30 p.m. | Parish Hall)

Sunday 02/22 1:00 p.m. Youth Sunday Funday (Location TBD)

Tuesday 03/02 9:00 a.m. ECW Diocese of Virginia: A Lenten Retreat with Rev. Sarah Kye Price (Christ Church Episcopal, 5000 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen)

Sunday 03/08 Reminder: Daylight Savings Begins (Clocks move forward one hour.)

Thursday 03/19 7:00 p.m. Compline Service (Livestream Available | Church)

Friday 03/20 5:00 p.m. Parents’ Night Out – Lent Themed (Parents’ Location TBD)

Sunday 03/22 1:00 p.m. Youth Sunday Funday (Location TBD)

Highlights

Sunday Worship Moves Online Only:  Morning Prayer Available Here – Sunday, February 1

Due to the icy conditions and expected inclement weather over the weekend, Grace & Holy Trinity Church regretfully cancels the in-person Sunday worship services, both 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., parish breakfast, and in-person formation, scheduled meetings, or events.

A service of Morning Prayer, Rite Two has been prepared for Sunday. You will notice some of Father Brent’s leading and the three sung canticles offerings are my last week’s recording. The readings, sermon, announcements, choir anthem, prelude and postludes are all new. This was an intentional way to save preparation time reusing those repeated portions of the service. The service and bulletin are available by clicking the buttons above or by using the “Watch Morning Prayer” buttons on ghtc.org. If there are Church & Parish Office closures and changes to the February 2nd–February 6th work schedule they will be announced through the Parish News outlets.

Pastor Marissa will still lead the Adult Education forum “Last Week in Minneapolis” through Zoom at 11:30 a.m. Watch her sermon from Sunday, January 18th here.

If you’re not already, subscribe to eNews at ghtc.org/news or follow @graceandholytrinity on Instagram or Facebook.

Please stay safe out there. Blessings!

– In Peace, 

Father Brent

2026 Vestry Election Candidates – Election at Annual Parish Meeting Next Sunday, February 8 at 9:30 a.m.

The Nominating Committee is happy to announce that Robert Cillessen, Michael Hale, Terry Hathaway, Alexander Macauley, Ronald May, Glenn Moore, Andrew Peacock, Bill Perkins, and Courtney Scottow have agreed to stand for election to the Vestry this year. Click here to read the candidates’ biographies. Please vote for up to five (5) of the nine (9) candidates. Vestry election qualifications, process, and procedures are available at ghtc.org/vestry and will be available with the printed nominees leaflet available on our Connect Tables.

Youth Ski Trip – Meeting Location Update: Tomorrow, Saturday, January 31

Middle and high school students are going snow skiing and tubing tomorrow, Saturday, January 31st at Massanutten Ski Resort. We will leave from the parking lot behind River Road Presbyterian Church (8960 River Road RVA 23229) at Collegiate School at 7:00 a.m. and return to the same location by 6:00 p.m.

Holy Strollers – Tomorrow’s Walk on January 31 is Postponed

The first stroll of 2026 will be postponed to a later date to be determined because of freezing temperatures and ice. Thank you for understanding. If you have any questions, contact Susan Hankins by visiting ghtc.org/contact and selecting “Holy Strollers” from the drop-down menu or call (804) 938-8440.

Red Door Clothes Closet is Collecting Winter Wear – January 2026

The Red Door Clothes Closet is in need of warm winter clothing! Please drop off donations of hats, gloves, scarves, and coats in good shape in the collection bin by the elevator. Together we can help keep our neighbors warm.

Zoom Forum: Reflections from Last Weekend in Minneapolis led by Pastor Marissa – Sunday, February 1 at 11:30 a.m.

Pastor Marissa has returned from an intense and eye-opening trip to Minneapolis last week and is eager to share her experiences. Come hear what ordinary people are coping with and doing to support their communities, the incredible presence of faith, and how you can help. She will lead the forum online through Zoom at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Watch her sermon from Sunday, January 18th here.

Holy Eucharist with Greater Richmond Children’s Choir – This Sunday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m. Worship

The internationally award-winning Greater Richmond Children’s Choir, led by Artistic Director, Crystal Jonkman, and Associate Director, Roshan Chakane, will sing anthems and lead the hymns and service music at our 10:30 a.m. worship service. 

Annual Parish Meeting, Worship & Reception Information – Sunday, February 8 

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on February 8th, at 9:00 a.m. in the Church. Printed copies of the Annual Report and agenda will be available at the meeting and online at ghtc.org/publications. Paper ballots and pencils will be included with the printed 2025 Annual Report booklet. The nursery will be open beginning at 8:45 a.m. All children and youth are invited to the youth room to make the Alleluia Banner together. There will be no Parish Breakfast, worship services are regularly scheduled, and a cake and punch reception will follow the 10:30 a.m. service in the Parish Hall.  If you have questions about participating in the meeting and Vestry election, please contact Jane Carlson through ghtc.org/contact or by calling (804) 359-5628 x23.

Prayers for Healing by the Font Offered During Worship

When prayers for healing are offered, you are invited to come to the prayer station at any time during communion, before or after you receive. The clergy will ask what you wish to pray for and you may share as much or as little as you would like. Then they will pray with you and, if you consent, trace a cross with anointing oil on your forehead. You are always welcome and no prayer is too big or too small!

Spirited Sisters Reminder – Monday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m.

The Spirited Sisters ministry is hoping to grow in 2026 and invites you to dinner. Spirited Sisters, a women’s group of the parish, will continue to meet monthly for lively conversation and a meal next on Monday, February 9th at 5:30 p.m. at Toast in the Village Shopping Center on Three Chopt Road. For more information or to attend, contact Cathy Saunders by calling (804) 304-3929 or visiting our website at ghtc.org/contact and selecting “Spirited Sisters” from the drop down menu.

Ash Wednesday Schedule – Wednesday, February 18 

GHTC will have three offerings for Ash Wednesday this year. The 11:00 a.m. Healing Service will include imposition of ashes. Ashes-to-Go will be offered by Clergy in Monroe Park beginning at 12:00 p.m. Finally, a choral Holy Eucharist service for Ash Wednesday will take place in the Church at 7:00 p.m. A livestream is available for this evening service, as is child care.

Front Porch Forum Dinner Registration Open for Saturday,  February 21

GHTC has begun 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 next four-course dinners will be on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 and continue on March 21st, and April 18th. The cost is $80 per person, which will include drinks and your meal. If you need parking the cost is $100. Seating will be limited to 35–40 people. 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. Invite friends, family, and fans of the forum. The menu for February 21st will be announced and available for download soon. Click here to make your reservations.

Rescheduled Sunday Funday at Urban Air Adventure Park – Sunday, February 22

All middle and high school students (5th grade and up) are invited to Sunday Funday at Urban Air Adventure Park! We will meet there at 1:00 p.m., and pick-up will be at 4:00 p.m. Friends are welcome. Please register here by Monday, February 16th.

Compline Service – Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Compline, from the Latin compleo, meaning “to complete,” marks the end of the day’s liturgical cycle. On Thursday, March 19th, GHTC will hold a compline service containing scripture readings, psalms, confessions, hymns, and prayers for protection. It will last about 20 minutes and will be informal. It will be led by members of our Parish Choir. This will be a way to connect as a community towards the end of the week and experience the beauty and stillness of this ancient service. Please invite others to attend this meaningful and contemplative time of reflection.

Cherry Street & Cathedral Place Implement Pay-to-Park

The City of Richmond has installed paid parking signs along North Cherry Street and Floyd Avenue/South Cathedral Place. The parking regulations include paying for parking by phone from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Cathedral Place will be affected Monday–Sunday, while Cherry remains open to free parking on weekends. To pay for parking, download an app at rvapark.online or text the zone number to (866) 888-7275.

Youth Instrumental Ensemble 2026 Rehearsal Schedule – Returns Sunday, February 8 at 9:00 a.m.

The Youth Instrumental Ensemble rehearsals return Sunday, February 8th at 9:00 a.m. The remaining dates will remain at 11:50 a.m. All youth musicians (orchestral instruments, keyboards, guitars, and singers) from 4th grade through high school are invited to join the ensemble, and we also welcome solo performances. We will be preparing a musical piece to present on Children & Youth Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Rehearsal Dates: February 8 | February 22 | March 1 | March 15

If your youth is interested, please contact Luke Brennan by visiting ghtc.org/contact and selecting “Youth Instrumental Ensemble” from the drop-down menu or call (804) 358-4369 x21.

2026 “Stewards of Hope” Update & Ongoing Pledges

As Stewards of Hope, we invite you to prayerfully consider a gift and return your pledge by mail or through online giving. Our 2026 goal is $800,000, which will support the four pillars of our shared ministry — Worship, Education, Parish Life, and Mission. After Sunday, January 25th our total amount pledged is $740,320.80 and our total number of those pledged is 143.

Other Communications

Pastoral Care Phone Number
A Pastoral Care Line is now active for parishioners experiencing a pastoral emergency when the church office is closed. The on-call number is (804) 322-3758. Please save this number to your phone’s contact list. Voice and text messages can be left at this number. The pastoral care team is comprised of our clergy and two staff members. We want to make sure we can connect to support our parishioners in any time of need.

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.