News & Announcements

Upcoming Events

Saturday 10/25 9:00 a.m. Holy Strollers (Meet at Grace & Holy Trinity Church Parking Lot)

Sunday 10/26 9:00 a.m. Church Directory Portraits Opportunity #1 (Before & After the 10:30 a.m. Service | Parish Hall)

Sunday 10/26 9:30 a.m. Intergenerational Formation: The Communion of Saints led by Madeleine Preston (First Floor Classroom)

Sunday 10/26 11:45 a.m. Grace & HolyWeen (Following 10:30 a.m. Worship | Parish Hall)

Sunday 10/26 11:45 a.m. Worship Committee Meeting (Following 10:30 a.m. Worship | First Floor Classroom)

Tuesday 10/28 6:00 p.m. Stewards of Hope Dinner: Worship (RSVP Here | Melton Family Home near Tuckahoe)

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

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 (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 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry Interest Meeting (Second Floor Conference Room)

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

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

Highlights

Swap Meet RVA Market in Monroe Park – This Sunday, October 26 at 11:00 a.m. 

The next Swap Meet RVA market will be held in Monroe Park this Sunday, October 26th from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. N. Laurel Street will be closed from Franklin Street to Main Street and set up will begin before 11:00 a.m. which may cause slowed traffic in the area on your way into church. Our 10:30 a.m. worship will end during the event, so please be cautious and patient leaving Grace & Holy Trinity Church. Thank you for understanding.

All Saints’ Sunday Family Member Prayer Requests – Due this Sunday, October 26

On All Saints’ Sunday, November 2nd, we celebrate and remember the lives of those who have died. You are invited to submit the names of family members who have passed away since last November. Their names will be read aloud at the start of the Table Liturgy to honor their memory and commend them to God. Please submit names by this Sunday, October 26th. To include a name, please fill out the All Saints’ Prayers form at ghtc.org/allsaints or call Parish Administrator Lauren Frazier at (804) 359-5628 x23.

Two New Holy Strollers Walks – This Saturday, October 25 & Friday, October 31 at 9:00 a.m.

Susan Hankins writes, “It’s long past time for the Holy Strollers to get together, so here are two walks just six days apart. Both promise wonderful sights, fresh air, and time with friends. 1. This Saturday, October 25th, we’ll head for the river, leaving from the Grace & Holy Trinity Church (GHTC) parking lot, 8 N. Laurel Street, at 9:00 a.m., sharp. We’ll cross the Potterfield Bridge and go over to the Floodwall. The Floodwall walk features magnificent views, and ends near the 14th Street Bridge. We’ll cross the bridge and stop briefly at Starbucks or The Plant Cafe coffee shop, then walk back towards the starting point, either through downtown or along the river. This walk will descend to the river, and gradually ascend as we walk back to church. Total distance: about 4.8 miles. 2. On Friday, Oct. 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. Again, 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, especially for the first walk as we’ll be close to the water for much of it. 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.”

Intergenerational Formation: The Communion of Saints – This Sunday, October 26 at 9:30 a.m.

Join us this Sunday for an Intergenerational Event on the Communion of the Saints! Everyone is invited to bring a photo of a “saint” from your life; this can be anyone, living or deceased, who has encouraged you in your life of faith. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the First Floor Classroom.
– Madeleine Preston, Director of Formation

Grace & HolyWeen – This Sunday, October 26 after 10:30 a.m. Worship

Join us for our annual Grace & HolyWeen event this Sunday, October 26th after the 10:30 a.m. service! There will be food, activities, and a costume contest. Don’t forget to bring your costume to change into after the service.

Two Opportunities for Church Directory Portraits for Realm – This Sunday, October 26 and Sunday, November 2

Grace & Holy Trinity’s own Andrew Peacock has offered to help take portraits for the new church directory in Realm. There are two opportunities to have your portrait taken. Andrew will snap photos in the Parish Hall both this Sunday, October 26th and next Sunday, November 2nd before and after each 10:30 a.m. service. 

October 2025 Vestry Meeting Highlights

• Approval of plan to begin seeking qualified college level music students for the Hill Brown Music Scholars program.
• Approval of the Property Committee’s recommendation to proceed with the Code3 AV proposal for the upgrades to the church’s sound system and video capabilities. 
• Discussion regarding GHTC’s system for awarding academic scholarships.
• Confirmation about the increase in Children’s Formation attendance this year.
• Planning for the Oyster Roast on November 16th at Brad Sauer’s home.
• Plans to disseminate the results of the Mutual Ministry Review that took place with the Vestry in August 2025. 

2026 Stewardship Campaign Begins – Fourth Stewards of Hope Gathering on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m.
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 Commitment Sunday, November 2nd. 

After Sunday, October 19th our total amount pledged is $284,591 and our total number of those pledged is 50.

Our ministries reach into every corner of our congregation and our community, shaping lives and proclaiming the Good News. Each pillar will be celebrated at dinners, hosted in a parishioner’s home (or a location they choose) each at 6:00 p.m. The host provides the main dish, guests bring a side or dessert, and the church will provide beverages. RSVP for the remaining dinner here.

Tuesday 10/28 Stewards of Hope Dinner: Worship (Melton Family Home near Tuckahoe)

SoundCloud Release of Worship in Memoriam of the Rev. Hill Brown – 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 will be available on SoundCloud (soundcloud.com/ghtcmusic) on Wednesday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. in honor of All Saints Day. 

2026 Outreach Grant Accepting Applications Now – Deadline of 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.

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

Join us on 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.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Interest Meeting – Sunday, November 9 at 9:30 a.m.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry started in 2003 and has given away nearly 300 shawls. 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, November 9th at 9:30 a.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room, 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

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, 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.

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.