This Sunday’s Gospel • Matthew 22:34-46 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart..[continue reading]. Lectionary scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Please join us online for virtual worship on Sunday, October 25 at ghtc.org via YouTube.

Coffee Hour Rescheduled to Nov. 1 at 10:00 a.m. Due to being out of town for a funeral, The Rev. Bill Queen will not host our coffee hour this Sunday. It is being rescheduled to Nov.1 when our Music Exploration Series wraps up with Renewal Music. Log in at 10:00 a.m. for 15 minutes of fellowship and a 45 minute discussion on styles of music found through Episcopal hymnals. Access the handout to listen in advance. Click this Zoom link for access on Sunday November 1. Children’s Chapel Oct. 25 at 11:15 a.m. via Zoom Please join GHTC youth this Sunday as they learn about Jesus’ two greatest commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Join the Zoom meeting and be sure to note the Meeting ID of 854 2424 3770 and passcode of 413970 Questions? Contact Aaron Davis to participate and learn more.

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. Watch for this concert on Saturday, October 24 at 3:00 p.m. You can download the complete concert program...why not invite a friend to enjoy music by Vaughan Williams, Schubert, Strauss, and other operatic favorites?

October 26 Book Club via Zoom If you’re reading more, please join your church friends to discuss interesting books. Monday’s evening Zoom meeting is hosted by Mary Ann Blankenship and the group will discuss Chesapeake Requiem by Earl Swift.

Annual Generosity Campaign Underway The ongoing pledges of parishioners support the operating budget of the church. You can make your pledge online, send in a pledge card or contact Judy Bowman to set up an automatic bank draft or monthly credit card payment. Thank you for making your commitment to GHTC early; it helps the Vestry and the Finance Committee plan for 2021. Your generosity is appreciated!

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. See recommendations about Race at Grace here.

CirclesRVA Seeks Volunteers Interested in helping people move out of poverty? Be a bridge builder and an ally! Ally training begins in November to support the next group of participants (Circle Leaders). You can learn more here and contact Kristin Blalock on how less than 8 hours of your time each month can change lives in Richmond.

Prayers of the Discernment Committee Over the last few months, virtual meetings have occurred regularly for the Discernment Committee. Each session begins with a prayer, including this one: Dear God, the giver of every good gift, graciously regard the needs of your Church and guide with your heavenly wisdom the minds of those responsible for finding a rector for this parish. Send us a faithful pastor to feed your flock and to lead us in the way of holiness, through Jesus Christ, your only Son, our Lord.

Ushers Needed for Regathering Plan Although the Diocese has approved our plan to regather in church, we are waiting on the health markers in Richmond to decrease. When we do regather, we will need ushers to keep parishioners safe and follow new procedures. If you are willing to serve as an usher please contact Bill Perkins.

Roadside Clothing Closet Open Thanks to Episcopal Campus Ministry employee Jasmine Novell we have been able to open a COVID-19 version of our clothing closet. We are now accepting fall and winter clothing for distribution at the Red Door feeding ministry. Personal hygiene items such as travel size soap and shampoo are also needed as we have not been able to restock during COVID. If you would like to donate items, a porch pickup can be arranged or you can drop items off at the church during the week by contacting Peter Knecht. Read more about Jasmine who is on staff again after a hiatus in the spring, and Mattison Payne, our VCU social work intern for the 2020-21 academic year. Welcome to these young women as they help the team at Red Door Roadside.

Vestry Nominations Due by Nov. 30 Nominations are open for candidates for election to the Vestry class which will serve from February 2021 through January 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 online. Submit all nominations by November 30. If you have any questions you can reach out to a member of the Vestry, Bill, Kim or Thomas Ewers.