Rev. Katie Heishman has accepted a position at Union Presbyterian Seminary and will be transitioning out of her role as Co-Pastoral Director at Richmond Hill in mid-August. We are very sad to see her go, but always trust that God’s love has led her to this new calling and that God will continue to bless our work at Richmond Hill.
We ask for your prayers in this time of change: for Katie, Tim, and their children as they prepare to leave the place that has been their home for the past 2½ years; for the residents and staff as they continue their work with all the generosity of spirit and hard work that is their way; for Richmond Hill’s Council as we move into this next phase of leadership; and for all of our community, that we may recommit ourselves to our mission to actively seek God’s transformation in metropolitan Richmond.
Plans will be made to celebrate Katie, to thank her, and to send her to her new ministry with our blessings. We will let you know the day and time once that celebration has been scheduled. Please see a message to all of you from Katie below.
As people of faith, we know that no ministry depends on one person or even a group of people; we can only be the workers in the vineyard that God has called us to be, knowing that it is God who gives the increase. Let us turn to God and to one another in this time of change. “And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15)
Grace & peace,
Katie Johnson, Council President Richmond Hill
Dearest Richmond Hill Community,
Thank you for calling me to be one of your co-pastoral directors for a season at Richmond Hill. To everything there is a season, and now has come the season for my family and I to depart from the residential community and me as your co-pastoral director. Our time at Richmond Hill will come to an end mid-August.
It’s been the highlight of my ministry to serve, pray, and minister alongside the residents, staff, and dedicated volunteers of Richmond Hill. I am honored to have been a part of supporting and shepherding the early stages of the strategic plan. I truly believe it was developed for such a time as this and that Richmond Hill is shoring itself up for generations to come. Its implementation over the next two and a half years will surely reap a harvest for Richmond Hill and the broader Metropolitan Community.
I’m hopeful I have contributed to the ministry of Richmond Hill in positive ways. We have welcomed Sojourners for short seasons to join the residential community in rhythms of work and prayer. With the flourishing of young children in the residential community, it’s been a weekly joy to lead “Kid Prayer” on Monday nights, which honors our rhythm of prayer for the city and meets them at their developmental level. Coming out of the pandemic, we’ve re-established residential community rhythms and created systems of welcoming people well.
Richmond Hill has an incredible cohort of dedicated residents, staff, and volunteers and I know Richmond Hill is in solid hands. We have never taken on the work of this ministry alone, but by God’s grace and faithfulness who shepherds and sustains this sacred space still. The words of Mary, which we recite every evening, affirm God’s promises and faithfulness: “You have mercy on those who fear you, from generation to generation.” I’m very grateful to have been a part of this new emerging generation and know that God has beautiful things in store.
My family and I are filled with gratitude at the opportunity to call Richmond Hill home for the past two and a half years. We will remain in Richmond and hope to remain connected with so many of you. We will continue to hold Richmond Hill and our Metropolitan Community in prayer. We desire their flourishing and thriving with all our hearts.
All will be well, all will be well, and all manner of things shall be well. – Julian of Norwich
