This Sunday’s Gospel • Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray...[continue reading]. Lectionary scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Virtual worship continues this Sunday, August 9.

Worship Services on YouTube How are you accessing the weekly worship services? Have you subscribed to the GHTC YouTube channel or are you watching on your smartphone or tablet? To stay up-to-date, be sure to like and follow the church on Facebook.

Regarding Regathering Church services, even when masks and distancing are used, are proving to be one of the largest vectors for the spread of Covid-19. Following our diocesan guidelines, which aim to protect the most vulnerable among us, Richmond has not yet met the required safety metrics of sustained reduction in infections and deaths. At this time, we do not have a date for regathering for worship or other activities. When it will be possible to regather, strict safety restrictions will require no distribution of Communion and no congregational singing. Your Vestry will be reviewing our action plan at next week's meeting so we can file it with the diocese. Staff continue to work remotely and we will keep you updated through the church website.

Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Update this Friday Each month Children, Youth, and Family Ministries releases a digital update keeping parish parents and others interested in this program area informed about its goings on. Anyone can be added to the email list and getting on it is as easy as emailing Aaron Davis. Want to start getting these updates? Just let him know.

GHTC Saturday Virtual Summer Music Camp - Pan Flute!! By Saturday morning, you can tune in to YouTube here and join in as Julia Terhune leads little ones in making pan flutes. This week's lesson primer: Did you know there is music in the Bible? The psalms are written so we can read them, but also we can sing them and play music to them! Some of them, like Psalm 5, even come with little notes to tell us what sort of instruments they were written for. This psalm is written for flutes. What you might like to play to go with this psalm? Do any of the other psalms sound like interesting songs to you?

Parish Youth Organizing Canned Food Drive GHTC youth, through the leadership of Luke Thomas, are organizing a canned food drive in support of FeedMore. A list of the most needed items at FeedMore can be found here and donations can be dropped off at any of the locations listed below. Please consider supporting our youth in this work of charity. Dykshorn Family: 125 North 25th Street, Richmond, VA. Turn into alley beside the house. Located inside the back gate.  Alexander Family: 9008 Rio Grande Road, Richmond, VA. Located next to the mailbox. Smithson Family: 3706 Lenox Forest DR, Midlothian, VA. Located on the front porch John H. Thomas PC: 536 Granite Ave, Richmond, VA. Located on the front porch

Virtual Coffee Hour Coming Sunday Morning Aug. 16 Watch for details next week on how you can participate in a Zoom get-together with fellow parishioners.

VCU Welcome Back Students will be returning to a limited campus experience at VCU on August 17, 2020. We are working to update our contact information for incoming students. If you or someone you know is a member of the VCU community as a student, faculty, staff or support tell them to follow us on social media at @episcopal_campus_ministry on Instagram and at @ecmatvcu on Facebook. To be added to our group text message you can email Mo. Kim

Happy Grandparents Nancy and Skip Smith welcomed their sixth grandchild! Sawyer Alexander Wright was born on July 20, 2020 to Whitney and Chris Wright. That makes three boys for the Wright Family!

T-Shirts En Route If you ordered a shirt through Red Door Ministry you should be getting an invoice from Andrew Peacock this week. You can pay for your shirt through the website by credit card or send a check. Orders will be placed upon payment.

Forward Day-By-Day Do you read this devotional? If so, you can request a copy be mailed to you or access it online. The latest edition begins with readings for August.

Truth Telling: The Episcopal Church Did you see Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's recent Facebook video? If you are interested in continuing the journey on truth and reconciliation, contact either Bill or Kim.

Meal Train Grace and Holy Trinity Church member and former ECM leader Gabe Arrington’s partner had surgery. The recovery has been harder than anticipated. If you are able to help they are in need of some additional meals. More dates have been added to the meal train. If you can sign up to bring a meal, donate a gift card, or have a meal delivered sign up here. There are some specific dietary restrictions in this household so be sure to read all the notes etc on the signup. Your love and generosity are greatly appreciated.

Planning Ahead During the Pandemic Over the last few months, the church has received several requests for help in funeral planning. You can find helpful documents online to guide you, which includes scripture references. There is also information on the Columbarium. In case of sudden illness or death it is helpful to have your paperwork in order for this essential act of faith. You can contact the clergy if you need help. If you would like to leave a legacy to the church through your estate, these online resources are helpful.

Connecting Online  You may be familiar with the church’s online member center although some of your fellow parishioners may not have the technology to connect. You can brighten someone’s day by sending a card or reaching out with a phone call. Remember, photos and birthdays help us have an accurate list of members, so please update your information today! Questions or problems? Contact church staff to learn more about finding your church friends online.