Continuing the Journey…

Dear Richmond Hill Community,

Late last year, I wrote to announce the call of Rev. Dr. Lisa Johnson as Co-Pastoral Director alongside Rev. Joel Blunk. Now I write again, with gratitude and humility, to inform you that upon completing both his five-year commitment to Richmond Hill and his year-long re-discernment (of which Lisa was an engaged and fully-informed participant), Rev. Joel Blunk made the decision to transition from our residential community later this summer. [You can read his letter here.] During his years here, Joel’s embrace of monastic life, our mission, and our vision has inspired Richmond Hill’s community.

Acknowledging the circle of life within Richmond Hill’s residential community requires understanding that residential life is a commitment for a season. Responding to the call to Richmond Hill is a call to service, to be dedicated to prayer, spiritual development, racial reconciliation, and hospitality. Our Richmond Hill community has been blessed to have Joel—and his wife, Kristen Saacke Blunk—be with us on our journey. We rejoice and honor his many gifts shared with our community and we will miss his unassuming approach to religious life and commitment to this ministry.

Richmond Hill is a place of transformation, healing and spiritual development and we will continue to thrive by building on Joel’s commitment to our ministry and his prophetic voice. Joel’s spiritual gifts will continue to strengthen and enhance our work as an institution of healing and reconciliation in this region. We are thankful and we support Joel as he begins his transition, and we remain grateful for the Holy Spirit guiding him and Kristen to Richmond Hill.

Please be assured we will find time and a method for you to join in celebrating and affirming their ministry as Joel and Kristen prepare for their next journey. Let us remember ‘…there is an appointed time for everything and a time for every affair under the heavens…’ Please join us as we praise God for their time shared with us.

With thanksgiving,
Cathy Woodson, President of Council

P.S. Richmond Hill re-formed its Transition Committee to begin the process of identifying the next Co-Pastoral Director and will share more information as it becomes available.