This Sunday’s Gospel • Matthew 22:15-22
The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality...[continue reading]. Lectionary scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Virtual worship continues this Sunday, October 18.
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Weekly Services Online
GHTC is continuing with our online worship services. 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.
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Upcoming Events
10/22 - Generosity Gathering at the Pully's Home @ 6:00 p.m.
10/24 - Virtual Concert @ 3:00 p.m. | Learn more here.
10/25 - Final Session - Music Exploration Series: Renewal Music @ 10:00 a.m. | Join here.
11/18 - Advent Packages Distributed
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Faithfull Witness
Your Vestry thanks all of you who shared your ideas through the Faithful Witness Listening Sessions, emails, and phone calls, helping us think and pray through how we should as a parish witness to our community about the important issues of racial equity and justice. We were mindful that making no statement at all could be mistakenly interpreted by some of our neighbors to be an indication that we were unaware of, or did not care about, such issues. We have decided to display on our church building and in our online communications a declarative statement adapting the words from our Baptismal Covenant, Book of Common Prayer, p. 305: "Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. I will, with God’s help." We reaffirm these words regularly throughout the year among ourselves in worship, and believe that it is important to let our community know that we stand for this.
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Race at Grace
We promise at baptism to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being. We do this with the expectation of having God’s help. Sometimes God’s help comes in the form of a friend, family member, or sibling in Christ sharing resources they found helpful. This is particularly true when we talk about race and racism in the institutions which we love. If you have a resource that you would like to share with your GHTC family, please share it with Kim or Bill along with the type of medium, how folks can access it, and a short write up of why you recommend it. We would be happy to share it on our church website so others can benefit from your recommendation. You can see some of the first recommendations from staff members at the Race at Grace page on the GHTC website here.
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Vestry Nominations for Class of 2024
The Vestry is seeking nominations for candidates for election to the Vestry class of 2024. If you or someone you know would like to serve on the Vestry, please submit your recommendation to a Vestry member or Thomas Ewers. Before submitting a nomination, please consult the Vestry requirements and information on the Vestry section of the Church website. Please submit all nominations by 11/30/2020. If you have any questions you can reach out to a member of the Vestry, Bill, Kim or Thomas Ewers.
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Send Us Your Photos!
We have enjoyed parishioners’ photos in our weekly online worship’s “virtual altar flowers.” Now, with the change of season, we invite you to submit your photos of autumn flowers and/or fall foliage. Send your photos to Shelby Scattergood.
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Upcoming Generosity Gatherings
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Thursday, 10/22, 6-8 p.m. at Jodie & Thomas Pully’s home (rain date Thursday, 10/29, 6-8 p.m.)
- Wednesday, 10/28, 6-8 p.m.
- Sunday, 11/1, 5-7 p.m.
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!
During October, we are celebrating each other and all the many ways we give of our time, talent, and treasure at GHTC. Please join us! Your gifts are important to help us stay connected even when we are apart.
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Virtual 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. This pre-recorded concert will launch on Saturday, October 24 at 3:00 p.m. Access to the video and concert program can be found here.
The concert will feature music by Vaughan Williams, Schubert, Strauss, and other operatic favorites. Thanks to James and Charles for sharing their musical gifts with us!
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Fellowship and Music Exploration Ends on Sunday, October 25
We will hold our final session of our Music Exploration Series on Sunday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Topic - Renewal: a worship music style that draws upon folk and popular music traditions and instruments.
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Book Club Starts Monday, October 26
A dedicated group of readers is reconvening this month via Zoom. The group will meet on October 26. This group is open to everyone! If you would like to participate, contact Mary Ann Blankenship by email or at 804-334-8922. The October book is Chesapeake Requiem by Earl Swift.
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Brené Brown with Bishop Michael Curry
The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry recently sat down with Brené Brown to discuss love and hate and to reflect on Curry's recent book "Love is the Way." You can listen to their discussion here.
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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:
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours; and then use us, we pray, to your glory, to the welfare of your people, and to the discernment of a rector for our parish. We ask this through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
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CirclesRVA wants YOU to be an Ally!
If you would like to learn more about how you connect people across racial and socio-economic lines, contact Kristin Blalock at CirclesRVA. Ally training begins in November to support the next group of participants (Circle Leaders). You can learn more here.
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Roundup for Red Door
With the weather changing, our Red Door ministry will continue to serve guests every Friday. If you can provide any of the following items, please contact Mother Kim:
- Size 10 work boots—someone has a new job and needs a pair; can you donate ones you no longer use?
- Hygiene supplies in travel sizes (unopened soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion)
- Back packs/duffle bags/suitcases
- Books—we have given away hundreds of donated books and Bibles. Porch pick-up is available.
- Snack tray tables—to provide indoor socially-distanced meals we would like to set up 20 individual tables. Can you donate a set of 4-5 of these TV tray tables or lend them to the Red Door this fall and winter?
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VCU's Food Bank Needs YOU
The Food Bank at VCU, which we helped to start, is currently in need of food. If you would like to donate food to Feed Rams please see the flyer. You can drop off items at the pantry, drop off items at the church, or drop off items at Mo Kim’s home.
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Advent - Revolutionary Love
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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 soon if you are willing to help, as we are about to schedule our training session. 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.
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