Worship
Worship is when we give our deepest affections and highest praise to something. To worship God means to honor and show reverence, acknowledging and celebrating God’s power and gratitude. Episcopal worship is a liturgical practice that involves tradition and symbolism, a contemporary expression of faith in God. GHTC’s worship services, formation offerings, and all other services are listed here and open to all. Please click the “Full Calendar” button at the bottom for the upcoming times and locations of all of our events and special services, including our Worship related ones.
Worship
Worship is when we give our deepest affections and highest praise to something. To worship God means to honor and show reverence, acknowledging and celebrating God’s power and gratitude. Episcopal worship is a liturgical practice that involves tradition and symbolism, a contemporary expression of faith in God. GHTC’s worship services, formation offerings, and all other services are listed here and open to all. Please click the “Full Calendar” button at the bottom for the upcoming times and locations of all of our events and special services, including our Worship related ones.
Sunday Worship Services
Holy Eucharist, Rite One
8:00 a.m.
(Spoken | Chapel)
Holy Eucharist, Rite Two*
10:30 a.m.
(Choral | Church)
*Livestream Available
Weekday Services
Morning Prayer
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
(Library)
Red Door Prayer Service
Fridays at 12:40 p.m.
(Chapel)
Worship Ministries at GHTC
Acolytes
Serving God in his church starts young. The acolyte program is an excellent way to serve the church, and to learn responsibility and discipline. Age-appropriate duties may include giving alms basins to ushers, helping the priest to set the communion table, marking pews at communion, and as able, to lead processions carrying a cross. Younger children can start as junior acolytes carrying a torch or banner. Young people are trained before being scheduled to serve. How often an acolyte serves depends on the individual’s or family’s schedules, and regular participation is encouraged. If your child would like to serve as an acolyte, please contact Dan McNamara at (804) 754-7319 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Acolytes” from the form’s drop-down menu.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild prepares the church for each service, including special services such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The members set the altar for communion, mark the lessons, and arrange flowers. They also maintain the pristine condition of the linens. Currently, the Altar Guild has about twenty members who serve on five active teams. The schedule is rotated yearly to make sure that each team gains experience with different types of services and celebrations. Catherine Perrin is the Guild member who is in charge of the flower arrangements. If you would like to join or have questions, please contact Jean Jumet at (804) 938-5600 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Altar Guild” from the form’s drop-down menu.
Chalice Bearers
According to the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, “A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the consecrated elements at a celebration of Holy Eucharist when an adequate number of clergy is not present. A Eucharistic Minister acts under the direction of a Deacon, or under the Member of the Clergy who oversees the congregation or community of faith.” They are a “Confirmed communicant in good standing, Faithful in worship and in stewardship,” and “Mature in faith.” If you are interested in becoming a chalice bearer, please contact Beth McClelland at (804) 200-1504 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Chalice Bearers” from the form’s drop-down menu.
Greeters
The Sunday Greeter’s Ministry welcomes everyone to church before the later service, both parishioners and parishioners-to-be. We are welcoming and warm to all, affirming the friendliness of this parish, and offering newcomers an opportunity to be included in the church’s email list. Most volunteers serve once a month. To volunteer, or to get more information, please contact Lisa Dawson at (804) 350-1950 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Greeters” from the form’s drop-down menu.
Intergenerational Choir
We are excited to announce that the Children’s Choir is now Intergenerational Choir! All ages are accepted. We will still be singing for our Children and Youth Sundays. The first Sunday that we will sing will be October 25th, 2026. Click here for the rehearsal schedule. If you love to sing; we want to hear it! If you have questions or would like to join, please contact Intergenerational Choir Director Abigail Stinnett at ghtc.org/contact and select her name or “Intergenerational Choir” from the form’s drop-down menu.
Lay Readers
Lay Readers come to the lectern to read the lessons designated for every service. If you love these texts, are able to read with understanding and humility, and can commit to reviewing your readings ahead of time, please consider serving in this meaningful way. If you aren’t sure, we’re happy to provide a little coaching. We’ll also connect you to internet sites that will teach you how to pronounce things that are not decipherable out loud. If you have questions or would like to join, contact Andrew Peacock for 8:00 a.m. worship at (804) 320-2318, or contact Mary Ann Blankenship for 10:30 a.m. worship at (804) 334-8922, or visit ghtc.org/contact and select either “Lay Readers-8:00 a.m.” or “Lay Readers-10:30 a.m.” from the form’s drop-down menu.
Parish Choir
Everyone is welcome to join the Parish Choir from youth in high school to any age. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings during the program year from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Parish Choir sings for the Sunday worship services at 10:30 a.m. and for Choral Evensongs, Christmas Lessons and Carols, and other special worship services. They are a welcoming and caring community of faith that shares its musical gifts to the glory of God. The Parish Choir is directed by Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Melcher Davis, Choirmaster & Organist, and accompanied by Luke Brennan, Assistant Choirmaster & Organist. If you have questions or would like to join, please contact Choirmaster Beth Davis at (804) 359-5628. ext. 18 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select her name from the form’s drop-down menu.
Shining Examples
The Shining Examples polish brass every Thursday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The brass contributes so much to the beauty of the church, and we have a good time chatting while we work. Stop by our table and pick up a list of what we polish. We think you will be surprise and will want to help! If you have questions or would like to join, please contact Dougie Erikson at (804) 200-1433 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Shining Examples” from the form’s drop-down menu.
Ushers
Ushers warmly welcome congregants at the door of the nave for the 10:30 a.m. service and hand them bulletins. We keep track of the total number of congregants at each service for the church’s attendance records, and for those who are preparing communion. During the service, we collect offerings from the congregation and deposit them in the church’s safe. We try to have four ushers each Sunday, and we fill the spots for the upcoming month by emailing the pool of volunteers. We would love for you to join us and put your name on the list. The time requirement is minimal, but the reward is great. If you have questions or would like to join please contact Kathy Wommack at (804) 399-6289 or visit ghtc.org/contact and select “Ushers” from the form’s drop-down menu for more information.
Youth Instrumental Ensemble
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. Performances will be on select Children and Youth Sundays, and our first performance will be October 25th, 2026. If you would like to join or have questions, contact Assistant Choirmaster Luke Brennan at ghtc.org/contact and select his name or “Youth Instrumental Ensemble” from the form’s drop-down menu.