THIS WEEK: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2025
“Do not fear - i am with you." - jeremiah 41:10
At Gayton, we’re all about growing in faith, serving with joy, and building real community. Our mission is simple: to be disciples who make disciples of all generations.
This Sunday, Rev. Bryon will share a message titled “AI Christianity” from Mark 7:1–23 — a reminder that faith isn’t artificial or performative, but alive and authentic from the inside out.
We’ll also gather that evening for our Gratitude Dinner — a special time to share a meal, give thanks, and celebrate God’s goodness together as a church family.
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this Sunday, Nov. 9:
Start your morning at 9 AM with the Bridges Adult Sunday School Class, then join us at 10 AM for a joyful time of worship filled with music, singing, a message from Rev. Bryon LePere.
Kids (K–5) will enjoy their own worship service during at 10 AM, and nursery and preschool care will be available at both 10 AM and 11 AM (dependent on volunteers).
At 11 AM, we’ll dive deeper with Bible studies for kids, youth (with brunch!), and adults. Don’t forget to grab a coffee at the Coffee Bar before Bible Study!
The Message
"AI Christianity"
This week, Rev. Bryon LePere continues our Jesus series with a look at Mark 7:1–23 — where Jesus challenges outward religion and calls us to genuine, heart-level faith. How can AI affect our faith? You'll have to come to worship or tune in to find out!
The Discernment Task Group is accepting nominations for up to three Deacon positions. Please submit your nomination online or by paper ballot at the Welcome Desk by today, Nov. 9.
Deacons provide spiritual care, assist in worship, and support the church’s ministries.
Please prayerfully consider your nominations.
Join us as we celebrate God’s goodness and the gift of community at our Potluck Gratitude Dinner this Sunday, Nov. 9 in the Gym.
The church will provide meat and beverages. Guests are invited to bring a side or dessert to share (as you’re able). It’s a sweet time of good food, warm fellowship, and thankful hearts. Everyone is welcome at the table.
👉 Please RSVP with the number attending and the dish you plan to bring. Please RSVP even if you are not bringing a dish, so we have a count.
This Monday, Nov. 10:
Church family, this is our moment to love out loud!
On Saturday, November 15, we’ll gather for Mission GO! — a joyful day to live out Jesus’ call to love our neighbors and serve our community.
Registration closes Monday, November 10!
Mission GO! is a day to see God’s love in action as we laugh, pray, and serve together. Whether you come alone, with your family, or with your small group, there’s a place for you!
Opportunities include:
- 🥘 Meal Prep for Better2Gether RVA Families
- 🧳 Packing Duffel Bags for Faith and Recovery
- Option: Can’t attend? Please contact Mike Brumagin to Sponsor a bag.
- Watch a Video on the F&R Ministry!
- 🌿 Yard Work Projects (Off-Site) for some of our senior saints
We will be doing the projects in shifts:
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Breakfast Included)
12:30 PM – 4 PM (Lunch Included)
Cost: $10 per person or $20 per household.
When we serve together, we remind the world who we are — people of grace, compassion, and hope. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus and let His love shine brightly through us!
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) beginning Monday, Nov. 10. 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.
This Wednesday, Nov. 12:
Wednesdays are a special time to slow down, connect, and grow together. The day includes Women’s Bible Study and Young Adults LifeNight upstairs. Each gathering has its own rhythm, but together they reflect a church family learning, growing, and walking with Jesus side by side.
Wednesday, november 19:
The next Gayton business meeting will be a hybrid meeting and held on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6 PM. Members may attend and vote in person in the Worship Center or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent out previous to the 19th and all votes will be counted during the meeting. We will have ministry and finance reports, as well as elections for deacons and other council members.
Sunday, Nov. 23:
The 4th Annual Youth & Young Adults Friendsgiving will be held on Sunday, November 23, from 6:00–7:30 PM in The Commons. Join us for a cozy evening of gratitude, laughter, and friendship as we share a potluck-style dinner and a special time of fellowship for Youth & Young Adults. Bring your favorite holiday dish to share and enjoy good food, great company, and a reminder of God’s blessings all around us. For more details, contact Rev. Jennifer for more information.
Sunday, Nov. 30:
This November 30, join us for a special 5th Sunday Fellowship at 11 AM as we come together to decorate our church for the Christmas and Advent season! Let’s celebrate the joy of the season with Christmas music, cookies, and holiday cheer filling the air. Whether you come on your own, with friends, your family, or your small group, there’s a spot (and a garland!) waiting for you.
Sign up to help with one of our decorating tasks — from setting up and decorating one of our 10 Christmas trees, to hanging interior and exterior wreaths, to adding beautiful swag in the Worship Center. Be sure to bring an ornament representing your family for our Gayton Family Tree, Which will be decorated that day. Please label your ornament with your name(s) and pick them up on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Come be part of making our space warm, welcoming, and festive as we prepare our hearts and church home to celebrate the birth of Christ. We can’t wait to decorate together!
Wednesday, dec. 3: jingle jam (Family Experience) & Angel tree gifts due
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.
Friday, dec. 7: Christmas Post Office opens & Amazing race
For Who?
All youth in grades 6-12!
What is it?
The “Amazing Race” is a large, long event where students and adults are put on teams who solve and follow clues all around the Richmond area, completing a variety of tasks along the way… making their way... to an undisclosed finish line. Some tasks are fun activities, some are mission-focused, some are team-buiilding, some are puzzles to figure out. Teams also memorize scripture and do random acts of kindness along the way. It is an extensive fun race and no teams know where they are headed from challenge to challenge. Adults serve as team drivers or helpers at the station and challenge sites. After all have crossed the finish line, prizes are given and we have snacks while debriefing and sharing about our adventures. This particular Amazing Race is entirely Christmas-themed - and will serve as one big epic Christmas party!
When? Sunday, December 7 from 2:00-8:00pm.
Where? Everyone will gather at the church gym and will be directed to the starting line once arrived. At the end of the race, drivers will bring students back to the church for pick-up.
Why? A fun, exciting way to celebrate Christmas and build community at the same time!
How? Sign up here and pay $20. The $20 covers the race supplies and dinner. If you need to pay by cash or check, please contact Rev. Jennifer. Students are encouraged to invite friends but they MUST also register on the link.
The deadline to sign up is by Monday, November 24. The teams will be assigned and given a team color to wear! All those registered will get a more detailed email after registration is closed.
Sunday, Dec. 14: Hope Awakes (Christmas concert)
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!
Offering Envelopes
Join our Worship & AV Teams!
- Worship Team: Guitar & Bass Players
- AV Team: House Sound, Lyrics & Media, Livestream Video, & Livestream Audio
For more information, contact Worship Pastor Matt White.
Other Ways to Give Back:
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.
Celebrating Your Faithful Stewardship
Here is a summary of the tithes and offerings received in September 2025:
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Total Tithes & Offerings (September): $74,531.24
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September Budget Goal: $65,000.00
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Surplus: $9,531.24
Your generous giving supports ministry, missions, outreach and the daily operations of the Church.
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