News & Announcements

Upcoming Events

Friday 10/31 9:00 a.m. Holy Strollers (Meet at Grace & Holy Trinity Church Parking Lot)

Sunday 11/02 Daylight Savings Ends on All Saints’ Sunday (Clocks Move Forward an Hour)

Sunday 11/02 9:00 a.m. Church Directory Portraits Opportunity #2 (Before & After the 10:30 a.m. Service | Parish Hall) 

Sunday 11/02 9:30 a.m. Baptismal Covenants: Lutheran & Episcopal Communion of Saints led by Pastor Marissa (First Floor Classroom)

Sunday 11/02 10:30 a.m. All Saints’ Sunday with Stewardship Commitment (Livestream Available | Church)

Sunday 11/02 11:45 a.m. All Saints’ Sunday Reception* (Following 10:30 a.m. Worship | Parish Hall) *No Parish Breakfast

Sunday 11/09 9:30 a.m. What is our next Mission at GHTC? led by Father Brent (First Floor Classroom)

Sunday 11/09 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with VCU’s Vox Concordia Treble Choir & Vocal Chamber Ensemble (Livestream Available | Church)

Sunday 11/09 4:00 p.m. Choral Evensong for Veterans Day and Day of Remembrance (Livestream Available | Church)

Sunday 11/16 9:30 a.m. Inquirers’ Class Session 2: Liturgy – Praying What We Believe (Second Floor Conference Room)

Sunday 11/16 9:30 a.m. Mission/Outreach Spotlight: Red Door Ministry (First Floor Classroom)

Sunday 11/16 4:00 p.m. Parish Oyster Roast (Sauer Family Home near Three Chopt Neighborhood)

Friday 11/21 5:00 p.m. Parents’ Night Out (Drop off at 5:00 p.m. & Pick Up at 9:30 p.m. | Parents’ Location TBD)

Sunday 11/23 9:30 a.m. Intergenerational Formation: Waiting Well during Advent led by Madeleine Preston (First Floor Classroom)

Sunday 11/23 10:30 a.m. Children & Youth Sunday* (Livestream Available | Church) *8:00 a.m. Worship is Regularly Scheduled

Tuesday 11/25 5:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Tuesday Worship (Gibson Memorial Chapel)

Friday 11/28 12:00 p.m. Red Door Thanksgiving with Shood & Wood Fired Pizza (8 N. Laurel Street)

Sunday 12/07 11:45 a.m. Date Change Reminder: Prayer Shawl Ministry Interest Meeting (Parish Hall)

Highlights

All Saints’ Sunday Worship & Reception with Stewardship Commitment –This Sunday, November 2

Join us this Sunday, November 2nd, for All Saints’ Sunday worship services for Stewardship Commitment Sunday. There will be a reception hosted by the Hospitality Committee following the 10:30 a.m. service in the Parish Hall to celebrate the end of the Stewards of Hope Stewardship Campaign. A table with activities will be set up for Children & Youth. Due to the reception, there will be no parish breakfast.

Holy Strollers Halloween Walk – Today, Friday, October 31 at 9:00 a.m.

Susan Hankins writes, “On Friday, October 31st, we will have a Halloween stroll in the Fan District to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). Some houses are all decked out. The departure point will be the Grace & Holy Trinity Church parking lot, leaving at 9:00 a.m., sharp. From there, we’ll head west in search of ghosts, witches, and other Halloween excitement. At the VMFA, we’ll stop for a few minutes, say hi to Chloe, then walk to Qahwah House RVA, 900 W. Franklin Street, in the heart of VCU. I’ve wanted to take the Holy Strollers there for awhile now – yummy Yemeni coffee and pastries. Then back to the parking lot. Flat terrain. Total distance: about 3.4 miles.

As always, please dress for the weather. A hat is strongly recommended. Good shoes and socks for walking, and dressing in layers is also recommended. Bring water. Please let me know if you plan to attend one or both walks. Email or call/text to (804) 938-8440.”

2026 Outreach Grant Accepting Applications Now – Deadline of Tomorrow, Saturday, November 1

GHTC is accepting applications to support community organizations and facilitate volunteer opportunities during the 2026 calendar year. The Outreach Grant Program provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote Christian beliefs and principles through their services or programs. It is the commitment of GHTC to reach out to the community with God’s spirit of love, help and hope. Funding requests can range from $5,000 to $20,000. The 2025–2026 deadline for consideration of grant support is Saturday, November 1st, 2025. Apply here.

2026 Stewardship Commitment Sunday – This Sunday, November 2
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 2025 goal is $800,000, which will support the four pillars of our shared ministry — Worship, Education, Parish Life, and Mission. We invite you to prayerfully consider your gift and return your pledge by mail or through online giving by this Sunday, Commitment Sunday, November 2nd. 

After Sunday, October 26th our total amount pledged is $340,191 and our total number of those pledged is 68.

Second Opportunity for Church Directory Portraits for Realm – This Sunday, November 2

Grace & Holy Trinity’s own Andrew Peacock has offered to help take portraits for the new church directory in Realm. This will be the second opportunity to have your portrait taken. Andrew will snap photos in the Parish Hall this Sunday, November 2nd before and after the 10:30 a.m. service. 

SoundCloud Release of Worship in Memoriam of the Rev. Hill Brown – Released on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.

GHTC presents the release of professional recordings from Holy Communion held on Sunday, May 4th in Memoriam of the Reverend Hill Brown. The GHTC Parish Choir presented Rutter’s jubilant “Gloria” and Parry’s festive “I Was Glad” with brass, percussion, and organ. The recordings are available on SoundCloud as of Wednesday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. in honor of All Saints’ Day.

Christmas Ministry Begins Sponsorships the week of Sunday, November 9

GHTC will be sponsoring 25 children and their families from Dumbarton Elementary School for Christmas this year. Many of these children live in hotels and shelters and need support for food and clothing. Sponsorships will begin the week of November 9th, 2025. Each family consists 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 13th, 2025, 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.

Holy Eucharist with VCU’s Vox Concordia Treble Choir & Vocal Chamber Ensemble – Sunday, November 9 at 10:30 a.m. Worship 

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Vox Concordia Treble Choir and Vocal Chamber Ensemble, conducted by Lisa Fusco, will sing anthems and lead the hymns and service music at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, November 9th. 8:00 a.m. worship is regularly scheduled.

Choral Evensong for Veterans Day & Day of Remembrance – Sunday, November 9 at 4:00 p.m.

GHTC will present a Choral Evensong for Veterans Day and the Day of Remembrance on Sunday, November 9th at 4:00 p.m. in the Church. Worship will include the “The Responses for Evening Prayer” by Stephan Casurella, “Magnificat” and “Nunc Dimittis” by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, and the glorious “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” from “Five Mystical Songs” by Ralph Vaughan Williams sung by the Parish Choir, accompanied by Luke Brennan, Assistant Choirmaster & Organist, and conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Melcher Davis, Choirmaster & Organist. The presentation of “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” from Choral Evensong in February 2023 can be heard here. Please invite family and friends to this lovely worship service!

Inquirers’ Class for Adults – Session #2 on Sunday, November 16 at 9:30 a.m.

Inquirers’ Classes help adults who are interested in knowing how the Episcopal Church approaches worship, faith, spirituality, and theology. The class is open to anyone who wants to know more about the Church, especially adults who want to be baptized, confirmed, or received in the Episcopal Church. In addition, it is a great way to get to know other people at GHTC. On Sunday, November 16th, meet in the Second Floor Conference Room at 9:30 a.m. for our second session together. Our Bishop will be at GHTC on Sunday, April 26th to confirm and receive those who have participated in the classes. If you ever wish to be a Eucharistic Visitor, or Vestry member, you need to be confirmed or received. Youth confirmation classes are being offered too. Please contact Director of Formation Madeleine Preston for more information on youth confirmation, and Father Brent for questions regarding the classes and adult confirmation.

Adult Formation: Red Door Spotlight – Sunday, November 16 at 9:30 a.m.

Fridays are busy at GHTC for the volunteers, students, and guests who are part of the Red Door Ministry! Come learn about this thriving community meal: how it works, who we serve, what the greatest needs are, what’s new with the Clothes Closet, and what volunteers love and remember most.

Parish Oyster Roast – Sunday, November 16 at 4:00 p.m.

Join us on Sunday, November 16th, for a special parish Oyster Roast hosted by the Vestry! We will gather at Brad Sauer’s home, in the University of Richmond area, Add Later: 5999 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23226, starting at 4:00 p.m. for an afternoon of fellowship and delicious oysters.

Households with last names A–M are invited to bring a dessert, and those with last names N–Z, please bring a side dish to share. We look forward to celebrating together!

Parents’ Night Out – Friday, November 21: Drop Off at 5:00 p.m. & Pick Up at 9:30 p.m.

Our second Parents’ Night Out of the program year will be on Friday, November 21st from 5:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. All children and youth are invited to the church for dinner, games, and a movie. The parents’ location is to be determined. Please register your child here by Friday, November 14th.

Become a Lay Reader to Help Lead Worship – Sunday, November 23 after 10:30 a.m. Worship

During each service, members of the congregation lead us in reading scripture. GHTC would love to expand our cadre of lay readers (lectors). Readers are scheduled only when they tell us they are available, have each month’s schedule in advance and are provided with their reading on Wednesday before they read on Sunday so they can prepare. If you are interested, please attend an informational meeting on Sunday, November 23rd, after the 10:30 a.m. service in the first floor classroom or contact Mary Ann Blankenship at (804) 334-8922 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Lectors” from the drop-down menu.

Thanksgiving Service – Tuesday, November 25 at 5:00 p.m.
Join us for our Thanksgiving service on Tuesday, November 25th at 5:00 p.m in the chapel. All are welcome as we come together in gratitude and reflection.

Children & Youth Sunday – Sunday, November 23 at 10:30 a.m.

All children and youth are invited to share their gifts with the congregation during our Children and Youth Sunday! There are opportunities to serve as lectors, ushers, chalice bearers, and/or musicians. Please register here by Wednesday, November 12th.

Date Change: Prayer Shawl Ministry Interest Meeting – Now on Sunday, December 7

Our prayer shawls will be blessed at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, December 7th. A prayer shawl is a knitted shawl, and is given to someone who is in need of the comfort a shawl brings. Each shawl is wrapped in tissue and is presented in a bag with a prayer. The shawls are knitted by the members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. We plan to have an interest meeting on Sunday, December 7th at 11:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall, so we can show you what we do – and encourage you to join us. If you cannot knit, we will teach you and we have yarn and needles to lend. Please join us and learn more about this wonderful ministry. – Betsy Featherstone

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.

With college students returning to campus, 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.

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.