This Sunday’s Gospel • Mark 1:4-11
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him...[continue reading]. Lectionary scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Please join us online for virtual worship on Sunday, January 10 at ghtc.org via YouTube.
Welcome, Duane!
We’re excited to welcome our new rector, the Rev. Duane Nettles, as he begins his first week here at GHTC! We hope everyone will tune in this Sunday, January 10, to celebrate with Duane during our worship service.

Want to send a welcome note? You can contact Duane via email or by sending a letter to the church.
Virtual Memorial for Neighbors Experiencing Homelessness Today
Today at 4:00 p.m. Mo. Kim will be preaching at a virtual memorial service for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Join us and remember our community members who died while experiencing homelessness or known to the community of folks with housing insecurity.
Psalms Bible Study begins Today via Zoom
There will be a six week Bible study via Zoom on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 p.m. starting today, January 6 and ending February 10. The group will be studying one psalm each week. If you are interested in joining please contact either Beth McClelland at 804-304-8823 or Mary Ann Blankenship for the Zoom log-in.
Generosity Update
Thank YOU for your gifts! We have received more than $570,000 in annual pledges for 2021...you still have time to join us! Simply click here and complete your secure, confidential commitment. It takes about two minutes. Questions? Contact Judy Bowman at 804.359.5628 ext. 14.
Samples from Sunday
Starting this week we are featuring musical samples from the Sunday online worship services in our weekly E-news and on our church Facebook page. The music will also be featured on our GHTC YouTube Music Channel in the “Samples from Sunday” playlist. This week we are sharing the beautiful presentation of “We Three Kings” presented by Mary Hetherington on the piano from last Sunday’s service. Thanks to Mary for sharing her musical gifts with us!
Spirited Sisters Meeting on January 11
The Spirited Sisters will meet again on Monday, January 11 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Contact Cathy Saunders or Mary Ann Blankenship for more information.
Book Club
The book club that grew out of the Spirited Sisters group meets the third Monday of the month at 4:30 via Zoom. All GHTC members—and others—are welcome to any meeting of the book club.

Upcoming books include: 
  • January 18 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday): Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin, a semi-autobiographical novel steeped in Baldwin’s family history and Biblical references
  • February 15: The Guest List by Lucy Foley, a murder mystery set on an isolated island off the coast of Ireland during a wedding weekend
  • March 15: Giving up the Ghost by Hilary Mantel, a memoir by the best-selling author of the Wolf Hall trilogy about Thomas Cromwell

Please contact Mary Ann Blankenship by email or 804.334.8922 to get the Zoom link for the discussion or for more information.
Winter Wellness
Winter can be a difficult time, even more so during a pandemic. Thanks to Estelle Brodeur, Caroline Speirs Coffill and Kim Reinholz, we have weekly resources to help your mind, body, and spirit as we journey through this season together. This week's reflection focuses on the Epiphany and the Ignation Examen practice.
Planning for the New Year
No one likes to think about planning their funeral, yet you can learn how easy it can be by watching this video featuring Elaine Quinn and Kim Reinholz. There are also resources for scripture and hymns at this document and other information on the sacraments page of our website
GHTC YouTube Music Channel
Our YouTube Music Channel has many new audio and video recordings of hymns, organ music, vocal solos, and musical offerings by the Adult Choir and Amazing Grace Choir. Check out the beautiful music and subscribe to our Music Channel!
Racial Equity
If you’re looking to improve your understanding about racial equity, check out the materials (books, videos and podcasts) on the church’s Race at Grace webpage. We continue to endeavor to respect the dignity of every human being and love one other as Christ loves us, with God’s help. If you would like to add to the conversation or have questions, contact Mother Kim Reinholz.

Additionally, the Vestry seeks parishioners to join a committee exploring the next steps for GHTC as a parish to respond to these issues. If you would like to know more, contact Barbara Derry or Thomas Ewers.
Lend a Hand on Prayer Blankets 
Our own Molly Howle has graciously donated fleece to be made into scarves and blankets for Red Door guests with the intention of them being made into “Tie Blankets.” If you or someone you know would like to work on this project please contact Mo. Kim and she will make sure that you get the fabric that you need through a contactless drop off. No sewing, knitting, or skill other than cutting and being able to tie shoes required.  
Have You Changed Your Phone Number?
During this time of virtual worship it's more important than ever for us to reach out to each other. Please be sure your phone number, email and correct contact information is on file at the church. You can log into the secure online member center and see photos or update your records, or contact Judy Bowman in the church office.