This Sunday’s Gospel • Matthew 21:33-46
Jesus said, “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country...[continue reading]. Lectionary scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Virtual worship continues this Sunday, October 4.
Weekly Services Online
When GHTC started a YouTube channel years ago we never expected to transition to online worship during a pandemic. You can help us by subscribing to our YouTube channel the next time you watch a service. Questions? Contact your church staff. You can also follow and like GHTC on Facebook.
Upcoming Events
09/30 - Bible study returns at 7:30 p.m. | Contact Beth McClelland to join.
10/4 - Virtual Blessing of the Animals on October 4 @ 4:00 p.m. | Join here.
10/7 - In-Person Generosity Gathering at the Morton's home @ 6:00 p.m.
10/11 - Final Session - Music Exploration Series: Taizé, Celtic, & Native American @ 10.00 a.m. | Join here.
The Parables of Jesus - Bible Study Starts Tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study will continue via Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m, starting tonight and ending on November 18. Beth McClelland and David Lewis are co-facilitators. Mary Ann Blankenship will handle Zoom. Please contact Beth McClelland by email or at 804-304-8823 to join.
Virtual Blessing of the Animals - This Sunday, 4:00 p.m.
Because of his understanding of God’s grace to and through nature and animals, St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. We will observe his feast day this year with a virtual Blessing of the Animals this Sunday, October 4, at 4:00 pm, via Zoom. Any animal is welcome, including stuffed animals and plush pets. You can tune in even if you don’t have an animal, and remember to invite your animal-loving neighbors and friends to join in too.  
Generosity Gatherings – In Person & Zoom 
For six months, we have stayed together, even when we have been apart. In October, let us come together to celebrate each other and all the many ways we give of our time, talent, and treasure at GHTC. 
 
Four In-Person Gatherings 
  1. Wednesday, 10/7, 6-8 p.m. at Caroline & Marshall Morton’s home (rain date Wednesday, 10/14, 6-8 p.m.) 
  2. Thursday, 10/15, 6-8 p.m. at Suzanne & Harold Williams’ home (rain date Thursday, 10/22, 6-8 p.m.) 
  3. Sunday, 10/18, 4-6 p.m. at Shelli Lord-Pawson & Todd Pawson’s home (rain date Wednesday, 10/21, 6-8 p.m.) 
  4. Thursday, 10/22, 6-8 p.m. at Jodie & Thomas Pully’s home (rain date Thursday, 10/29, 6-8 p.m.) 
and Two Zoom Meetings 
  1. Wednesday, 10/28, 6-8 p.m. 
  2. Sunday, 11/1, 5-7 p.m. 
 
All in person gatherings will be held outside with social distancing, 6 feet apart with face masks worn for optimal safety. Food and beverages will be safely served at the in person events. Attendance will be limited to 10 guests at each gathering on a first come, first served basis so sign up soon and mark your calendar. 
 
We hope you will connect with your church family during October when we pledge our financial support for the future. Your gifts are important to help us stay together even when we are apart! 
Prayers of the Discernment Committee
It's been a busy time for the Discernment Committee. They have continued to meet virtually over the last six months and their sessions convene with a prayer. Here's one of the recent ones:

Dear God, we give thanks to you that we have before us so many persons seeking to be the rector of our parish. We ask that you guide us in our deliberations in order that we might discern the right person to lead the renewal and mission of Grace & Holy Trinity. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.
VCU's Food Bank Needs YOU
The VCU food bank, Ram Pantry, has had a huge increase in demand for food from students. You can donate to help feed students:
  • Email or call Ram Pantry directly at 804-828-4514 to make a donation.
  • Drop off the items at GHTC. Please make arrangements with Peter Knecht to make sure he or Roland will be in the building.
  • Drop off items at Mother Kim’s home. 
The items needed can be found here. At this time only food donations are being accepted, no gift cards or cash donations. Thank you!
Fellowship and Music Exploration Continues on Sunday, October 11
We hope to see you on Sunday, October 11 at 10:00 a.m. for 15 minutes of fellowship, then 45 minutes of discussion. Click this Zoom link for access.
Topic - Taizé, Celtic, & Native American: different styles from around the world which share elements of simplicity and repetition.
Vocal Concert - Saturday, October 24 at 3:00 p.m.
James Taylor, a parishioner and member of our Adult Choir, will present a vocal concert accompanied by Charles Staples, pianist on Saturday, October 24 at 3:00 p.m. The concert will be live streamed and recorded for viewing on Facebook and YouTube. Please mark this date on your calendars. Thanks to James and Charles for sharing their musical gifts with us!
Breaking Sacred Ground is Holy Work
Watch and listen to this reflection from Nick Sollog on the recently completed Sacred Ground Circle. If you are interested please contact Mo. Kim for information about the next session. There will be additional sessions offered in the Winter as well. 
Regathering Plan Approved - Ushers Needed!
Ushers will play an important role in our regathering plan in keeping you keep safe and helping you follow our new procedures. Please let Bill Perkins know if you are willing to help. Training will be provided. We still need to wait until the health markers for the Richmond area meet the safety criteria before we can execute our plan. Staff continue to work remotely and we will keep you updated through the church website.