As we enter Thanksgiving week, we’re reminded how grateful we are for the Gayton family God has brought together. At Gayton, we’re committed to growing in faith, serving with joy, and building real community. Our mission is simple and central to all we do: to be disciples who make disciples of all generations.

This season brings meaningful opportunities to worship, serve, and connect—but it also invites us to remember those who may be facing the holidays without family nearby, without a place to belong, or without the security of enough food. As a church, we hold these brothers and sisters close in prayer, and we seek to be the hands and feet of Christ for anyone who feels alone or in need of care.

We hope you’ll lean in, give thanks, and join us in embodying God’s love in ways that bring hope to our community.

To stay up to date on everything happening at Gayton—including upcoming events and opportunities to serve—be sure to check The Glance each week. Click here to subscribe to The Glance.

Note: All news items are due by Mondays at 5 p.m.

Start your morning at 9 AM with the Bridges Adult Sunday School Class, then join us at 10 AM for worship with music, singing, and a message from Rev. Bryon LePere titled, "Do You Not Understand?" from Mark 8:14-21. In this passage, Jesus challenges His disciples to see clearly, remember God’s provision, and guard their hearts against the subtle influences that distort faith.

Kids (K–5) have their own worship at 10 AM, and nursery/preschool care is available at 10 AM and 11 AM (as volunteers allow).

At 11 AM, we offer Bible studies for kids, youth (with brunch!), and adults. Nursery and preschool care are also available during this hour (as volunteers allow). And don’t forget to stop by the Coffee Bar before class begins!

Then at 6 PM, Rev. Jennifer will host our 4th Annual Youth & Young Adult Friendsgiving Potluck Dinner—we invite all Youth & Young Adults to bring a favorite holiday dish to share and enjoy a cozy night of gratitude, friendship, and community in The Commons.

Youth Amazing Race: Christmas Edition

Deadline to Register: Monday, November 24

Who: Youth in grades 6–12

What: Get ready for the Amazing Race: Christmas Edition! Teams of students (with adult drivers/helpers) will follow clues across the Richmond area—completing fun challenges, puzzles, mission projects, random acts of kindness, and even Scripture memory. Every stop is a surprise, and we’ll wrap up with snacks, prizes, and stories from the adventure. Think of it as an epic Christmas party on wheels!

When: Sunday, December 7 from 2–8 PM

Where: Meet in the church gym. Drivers will return students to church for pickup.

Why: To celebrate Christmas with excitement, adventure, and community-building fun!

How? Sign up here and pay $20 (covers the race supplies and dinner.) If you need to pay by cash or check, please contact Rev. Jennifer.  Friends are welcome but must register separately.

Note: Team assignments and colors will be emailed after registration closes.

Adult Volunteers Needed!

This event is only possible with the help of our amazing adults!

Rev. Jennifer is seeking adults who can:

• Drive a youth team in your personal vehicle
• Help run challenge stations (handing out clues & overseeing tasks)
• Offer your home or office as a challenge stop
• Join us at the finish line for celebration and debrief

If you love our students, can keep a secret, and enjoy a good adventure, we need you! Please contact Rev. Jennifer if you can help.

The church office will be closed on Wednesday, November 26, but staff will be working from home. If you need assistance, please email our Office Manager at office@gayton.church.

Other staff members are available that day via email:

• Rev. Bryon LePere, Senior Pastor
• Rev. Jennifer Mullins, Youth, Young Adult, & Discipleship Pastor
• Pastor Hillary Billingsley, Kids Ministry Pastor
• Pastor Matt White, Worship Pastor
• Amy Jo Martin, Church Administrator
• Kelly Chin, Financial Administrator
• Amory Holloway, Facilities Use Coordinator
• Kevin Knitter, Facility Manager

Thank you, and we pray you have a safe and joy-filled Thanksgiving week.

Church family & friends, thank you for showing the love of Christ in such a tangible way this past Saturday, November 15 at our Mission Go! event. Over 50 volunteers stepped forward to serve—and because of your compassion and generosity, our community felt God’s care in powerful ways.

Together, we prepared and delivered fresh soup to nearly 40 individuals connected with BetterTogetherRVA—many of whom are part of our Gayton family. We also spent meaningful time fellowshipping with and completing home repairs for two of our senior saints here at Gayton.

In addition, your hard work helped us pack 107 duffel bags filled with essentials—such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, sheets, pillows, deodorant, and snacks—for the Faith & Recovery Ministry. These bags will be given to men and women leaving jail and entering True Recovery homes, providing dignity, hope, and a compassionate welcome as they begin a new chapter.

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus. Your willingness to serve, give, and show up makes a real difference in our church, our community, and the Kingdom of God. We are grateful for each of you.

More Mission GO! photos are coming soon to our Facebook page! Keep an eye out!

We are excited to welcome Brittany Harris as Gayton’s new Office Manager!

If you’ve visited the office recently, you’ve already seen how beautifully Brittany has stepped into this role—filling some very large shoes after Patricia’s faithful years of service. She greets visitors with warmth, keeps daily operations running smoothly, and supports our staff and ministries with care. She also maintains correspondence and member records, assists with the calendar and communications, coordinates supplies, schedules volunteer coverage, and helps plan staff events. We’re grateful for the heart and excellence she brings to our team.

Brittany is a lifelong Goochland native who came to faith at a young age and seeks to live out God’s love with grace and compassion. She has spent many years supporting local foster families and caring for women and children in meaningful, practical ways.

Outside of church ministry, Brittany is a permanent makeup artist who empowers women and helps cancer survivors embrace healing and new beginnings. Her heart is to honor God’s image in every person and remind others of their worth in Christ.

We’re grateful to have Brittany on our team—please join us in welcoming her with joy and prayer!

On Sunday, November 30 at 11 AM, we’ll gather for a special 5th Sunday Fellowship as we decorate our church for the Christmas and Advent season! Enjoy Christmas music, cookies, and holiday cheer while we work together to make Gayton warm and festive for the weeks ahead.

We need helping hands for a variety of decorating tasks — from setting up and trimming our 10 Christmas trees, to hanging interior and exterior wreaths, to adding beautiful garland and swag in the Worship Center. Whether you come solo, with friends, your family, or your small group, there’s a place for you to serve.

Don’t forget to bring an ornament to represent your family for our Gayton Family Tree, which we’ll decorate that day. Please label your ornament with your name(s); ornaments may be picked up beginning Sunday, January 4.

Come help us create a beautiful space as we prepare our hearts and our church home to celebrate the birth of Christ. We can’t wait to decorate with you!

At the Nov. 19 Business Meeting, our congregation voted and affirmed the following individuals to serve:

• Church Officers Clerk: Georgia Riddick
• Deacons: Glen Young & Lisa Smith
• Worship Council: Parker Lindquist & Aimee Wester
• Missions/Evangelism Council: Harrison Turner
• Teller: Georgia Riddick

Thank you to each person who has stepped forward to serve, and thank you to our Gayton family for your prayerful participation and support through your vote.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 5:30–6:30 PM

(Rehearsals: Monday, Dec. 1 @ 1 PM & Wednesday, Dec. 3 @ 3 PM)

Join us for a joyful evening of music, laughter, and holiday cheer!

This festive variety show, presented in partnership with ASQ, is open to the public — so invite your friends and family to come celebrate the season.

More information coming soon! For details, contact Pastor Hillary.

Help decorate our church for Christmas and honor your loved ones!

Order your poinsettias (red flowers wrapped in festive red foil) online or using a paper order form (available at the Welcome Center). Orders are due by Friday, Dec. 7.

Poinsettias will decorate our Worship Center throughout the Christmas season and may be picked up on Christmas Eve.

✨ The poinsettia, shaped like the Star of Bethlehem, reminds us of Christ’s birth and the joy of the season.

Join us for Hope Awakes, our annual Christmas concert celebrating the light of Christ and the hope that shines anew this season!

There will be two performances on Sunday, December 14, at 3 PM and 5:30 PM.

We’re currently seeking volunteers to help with food provision and service support as we host this festive and spiritual tradition.

More details coming soon.

Click HERE to see more of Gayton's Advent Season activities!

GBC Family,

As we enter this season of giving, I invite you to join us in supporting the Northside Outreach Center’s Christmas Store—one of our cherished ministry partners. This beautiful ministry allows families in Highland Park to shop with dignity for brand-new gifts for their children.

There are three simple ways to bless a family this Christmas:

• Shop the Amazon Wish List
• Donate New, Unwrapped Toys:
• Drop off Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–1:30 PM at the NOC Community Thrift Store.
• All donations must be received by Wednesday, December 10 at 1:30 PM so the NOC team can prepare the store.
• We will also have a donation box in the Welcome Area at Gayton. Please drop off items by Sunday, December 7.
• Give Financially (Secure online form)

Thank you, church family, for sharing Christ’s love in such tangible ways.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Bryon

We are excited to offer another way to give! Just text “give” to (757) 379-8236 (or scan the QR code) for instructions to complete your gift. It’s quick, safe and convenient! Please reach out to our Financial Administrator Kelly Chin with any questions.

For more information, contact Worship Pastor Matt White.

Here is a summary of the tithes and offerings received in October 2025:

* Total Tithes & Offerings (October): $69,897.06

* October Budget Goal: $65,000.00

* Surplus: $4,897.06

Your generous giving supports ministry, missions, outreach and the daily operations of the Church.

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