News & Announcements

Upcoming Events

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

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

Sunday 11/23 11:45 a.m. Lectors/Lay Reader Interest Meeting (Following 10:30 a.m. Worship | First Floor Classroom)

Sunday 11/23 11:45 a.m. Belize Vision Mission Interest Meeting (Following 10:30 a.m. Worship | Library)

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

Wednesday 11/26 Thanksgiving Office Closure Begins Wednesday and Ends on Sunday, November 30 (Worship is Regularly Scheduled for Sunday)

Wednesday 11/26 No 11:00 a.m. Healing Service due to Thanksgiving Office Closure

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

Sunday 11/30 No Parish Breakfast

Sunday 11/30 9:30 a.m. Advent Wreath Making (Before & After 10:30 a.m. Worship | First Floor Classroom)

Tuesday 12/02 8:45 a.m. Tuesday Morning Prayer Begins (Chapel)

Wednesday 12/03 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study Begins* (Library) *Followed by the weekly Holy Eucharist with Healing at 11:00 a.m.

Thursday 12/04 8:45 a.m. Thursday Morning Prayer Begins (Chapel)

Sunday 12/07 9:30 a.m. Advent Traditions, Hymns & Carols led by Pastor Marissa (First Floor Classroom)

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

Monday 12/08 4:00 p.m. Westminster Canterbury Happy Hour & Caroling (Courtyard 5th Floor Lounge)

Wednesday 12/10 12:00 p.m. A Musical Offering: An Advent Organ Recital with Cheryl Van Ornam, Organist* (Free Admission | Gibson Memorial Chapel)
*11:00 a.m. Healing Service is Regularly Scheduled

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) 

Wednesday 12/24 4:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Pageant* (Livestream Available | Church) *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)

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 will pause on December 28th and January 4th, and return Sunday, January 11th.

Highlights

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

Our second Parents’ Night Out of the program year will be tonight, 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 will be Bar Solita (123 W. Broad Street).

Intergenerational Formation: Waiting Well During Advent – This Sunday, November 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Advent is a time of waiting, reflecting, and preparing our hearts for Christmas. During this Sunday’s Intergenerational Formation session, there will be several stations in the First Floor Classroom with activities designed to help us observe this quickly approaching season. Sunday’s session is designed for you to be able to come and go as able, so if your family is participating in Children and Youth Sunday, you can still join in before or after your rehearsal time.

Children & Youth Sunday – This 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.

Become a Lay Reader to Help Lead Worship – This 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 this 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.

Belize Vision Mission Trip Interest Meeting – This Sunday, November 23 after 10:30 a.m. Worship

This after-church gathering is for anyone who wants to learn more about the Belize Vision Mission Trip. The meeting will take place in the Library and last about 30 minutes – introducing the Belize vision screening mission program and gauging interest in participating in the mission trip. We would also like to find out who may want to help the ministry while staying in Richmond. For more information visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Belize Mission Team” from the contact form’s drop-down menu to email the ministry leaders.

Open Call for Vendors for the 5th Annual Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market – Submission Deadline of this Sunday, November 23

The fifth annual Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market, hosted by Grace & Holy Trinity Church, is coming on Sunday, December 14th at 3:00 p.m. The holiday market currently has an open call for vendors until the submission deadline of this Sunday, November 23rd. To apply as a vendor, please visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Caroling in Monroe Park” from the form’s drop-down menu.

Red Door Clothes Closet Now Collecting Winter Clothing – Begins this Sunday, November 23

Red Door Clothes Closet is seeking donations of coats, scarves, knit hats, gloves, socks, new and unopened underwear, sweatshirts, and sweatpants for Richmonders in need, and we are especially in need of donations for men. Acrylic throw blankets and foot or hand warmers are also appreciated. We are no longer accepting bedrolls, bedding/blankets, and suitcases due to limited storage space. Starting this Sunday, November 23rd, please drop off any new or gently used winter gear at the service ministry box between the elevator and the kitchen. Thank you for your generosity.

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.

Red Door Thanksgiving with Shood – Friday, November 28 at 11:00 a.m.

Shood will partner with Red Door on Friday, November 28th, to give slightly used reconditioned athletic shoes to our Red Door visitors. 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 River City Wood Fired Pizza providing meals to those in need. Shood will begin at 11:00 a.m. and lunch will be served beginning at 12:00 p.m. Red Door is also seeking volunteers to help pack Christmas Bags this Friday, November 28th. To volunteer, please visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Red Door Coordinator” from the form’s drop-down menu.

Intinction Behind the Altar Rail – Begins Sunday, November 30

Intinction (dipping the wafer in wine) during communion will soon take place behind both communion rails. This change begins 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 consume. 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 look forward to 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

Advent Wreath Making – Sunday, November 30 Following Both Services

On Sunday, November 30th, 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, supplementary greens, instruction, and encouragement.

Christmas Ministry Sponsorships Continue Through Saturday, December 13

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. 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.

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, November 16th our total amount pledged is $552,650 and our total number of those pledged is 120.

Seeking Volunteers for Setup or Breakdown of the 5th Annual Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market

The fifth annual Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market, hosted by Grace & Holy Trinity Church, is coming on Sunday, December 14th at 3:00 p.m. The Caroling Committee is seeking volunteers to help set up and/or break down the event. The work would involve moving and assembling shade tents, stage equipment, and tables. Setup will begin after 10:30 a.m. worship, while breakdown will begin at 6:00 p.m. To volunteer, please visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Caroling in Monroe Park” from the form’s drop-down menu.

Morning Prayer Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. – Begins Tuesday, December 2

The staff recently began praying Morning Prayer together twice a week from 8:45 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. in the Chapel. 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. – Begins Wednesday, December 3

This Advent we will begin offering 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.

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

Westminster Canterbury Happy Hour & Caroling – Monday, December 8 at 4:00 p.m.

All are invited to drinks, conversation, and singing carols at Westminster Canterbury on Monday, December 8th at 4:00 p.m. in the Courtyard 5th Floor Lounge. 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.

A Musical Offering: An Advent Organ Recital in Gibson Memorial Chapel with Cheryl Van Ornam, Organist – Wednesday, December 10 at 12:00 p.m.

Featuring the beautiful sounds of the chapel organ, Cheryl Van Ornam will perform works by Böhm, Carter, Dupré, and Guilain on Wednesday, December 10th at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Visitors can use the VCU West Main Street Parking Deck for complimentary parking by using the provided QR Code inside the recital program. GHTC encourages carpooling to help bring your friends and family. Admission is free. 

Christmas Poinsettia Flower Memorials – Deadline of 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 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.

The 5th Annual Caroling in Monroe Park & Holiday Market – 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 on Sunday, December 14th. There will be a holiday market with local vendors, Uncle Dave’s Kettle Korn, JC Desserts, and more. 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. GHTC encourages carpooling to help bring your friends and family.

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.