Don’t shy away from “good trouble.”

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Dear Friends,

Trouble is usually something we avoid.  But the late Honorable Congressman John Lewis saw trouble as good and necessary when it involves standing up for justice and equity.  He was a lover of people and stood for what he believed was right even when it got him in hot water.  Living in a world that did not always accept him based on the color of his skin, he maintained his integrity and did not back down even when things got hard or messy.

Our lives get hard and messy too sometimes.  And certainly, the world we live in today is not without its share of conflict and unrest, heightened during this time of pandemic.  As people of faith we are expected to get into good trouble now and then by confronting wrong and working for change to ensure that all God’s people are valued and cared for.  The on-going social unrest and continued violence against Black bodies in this county remind us that there is still much work to do.  John Lewis’s template can guide us.  A man of faith, he believed “nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done, O Lord,” trusting in God’s goodness to prevail.

We don’t know what opportunity God will provide next for us to be change agents in the world.  But when we stand for truth and strive to represent the love of God, we can be assured there will be times of challenge, resistance and, yes, even trouble.  Let’s remember and trust that where the will of God takes us, the grace of God will sustain us.  May you be strengthened to not shy away from whatever “good trouble” comes your way.

Up Next (all times eastern): 

  • Listening to the Silence – Tuesday, Sept 8, 2020 from 10 AM – 3 PM with Rita Ricks – a virtual framework for deepening into silence wherever you are. Sign up here or with Rita directly.
  • Tuesday Community Worship – continue to join us at 5:30 PM on Tuesday evenings on our Facebook page for a brief service of worship led by members of our staff and community.
  • Centering Prayer – join the weekly group on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 7:30 PM  or another group in the city by contacting Becky Robinson, Chapter Coordinator of Contemplative Outreach of Richmond and Co-Leader of our Tuesday night group, at bbtsmi@aol.com.
  • Black Spirituality and Religion Panel – Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 7:00-8:30 PM join Richmond Hill resident Anthony Gaboton and friends for an evening entitled, My e(X)-Religion: Hip-Hop, Spirituality and Religion.  To learn more and to register click here.
  • Men’s Circle – Practice the Way of Council virtually Thursday, September 10, 2020 7:00-8:30 PM via Zoom.  Send an email to info@richmondhillva.org to receive the Zoom link.

Coming Soon (all times eastern):

  • An Evening with Archeologist Tim Roberts – Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 7:00-8:30 PM, learn more about unearthing African American stories at Richmond Hill (The Judy Project) from archeologist Tim Roberts.  Tim has been excavating on the grounds this summer and has discovered some amazing things that help us tell a more complete story of our history in connection with the native community who once lived on this land as well as the stories of those once enslaved here.  A link to register will appear on our website soon (email info@RichmondHillVA.org to be notified).
  • Men’s Retreat on Race and Justice – Friday to Saturday, September 18-19, 2020, join Richmond Hill residents Anthony Gaboton and Joel Blunk for a virtual men’s retreat confronting racism, co-sponsored by the men’s organization Illuman of DC.  Financial support is available upon request.
  • Amazing Praise – Tuesday to Thursday, September 22-24, 2020, participate in The Amazing Praise, a 48 hour, collaborative fundraiser with other Christian nonprofits in Richmond. Richmond Hill’s goal is to raise $40,000 through matching funds – all donations will be matched dollar for dollar, and if you are a new donor, your donation will be matched twice. AND, as a special treat, we will be reviving our evening Song and a Prayer to Close the Day live on our Facebook page the 22nd and 23rd at 9pm.

Other news

  • Richmond Hill Oblate Program – since introducing the idea of an oblate program in our spring newsletter, seven people agreed to form a pilot community committed to work and discern for a year in hopes of launching something publicly in fall 2021.
  • Koinonia School of Race and Justice – plans are underway to offer a six-month Koinonia experience January through June to include education, action, and self-care.  Details coming soon (email info@RichmondHillVA.org to be notified).
  • Micah – as Richmond Public Schools gear up for virtual learning, Micah volunteers are actively at work helping elementary schools with what they need — from offering school supplies to teacher welcome gifts to support and encouragement for students and families. To see how you can help RPS click here.
  • Armstrong Leadership Program –  objectives remain the same as ALP gears up to support RPS at the start of the virtual school year by providing access to school supplies, individual case management, one-on-one on-line tutoring, meal distribution, parental engagement, and curriculum focused on social/emotional learning, career development, college preparedness, personal development, leadership training and social justice.
  • Voter Registration Days – in follow-up to a recent Koinonia event on the voting process, Richmond Hill volunteers are hosting voter registration sites on Saturdays mid-September through mid-October.  To learn more, contact Richmond Hill Council President, Cathy Woodson at cwood329@gmail.com.
  • Support for Protesters – a statement appears on our website declaring that sincere engagement with protest organizers and their positions would represent an important path forward in our region’s long and regretful battle with racism, disparate distribution of power, and failure to demonstrate that Black lives do matter.  Click here to read the full statement.
  • Capital Campaign Renovations – restoration work around the property continues as the porches are being refurbished and the outside brickwork is tended to.  Work to renovate the refectory kitchen is scheduled to begin next week.
  • Phase 3 Reopening Plan – we enter phase 3 of our reopening plan on Tuesday, September 8.  Scheduled meetings, day groups, and spiritual direction sessions are welcomed back at Richmond Hill by appointment and in adherence with our Covid-19 protocols.

To learn more about any of the above opportunities or to be connected with a prayer partner or spiritual director, please contact us at (804) 783-7903 or info@RichmondHillVA.org.  Visit our website or Facebook page for updates.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with Richmond Hill during this time of separation.

Faithfully yours,

Lisa and Joel

You may donate to our Annual Fund by clicking here or mailing a check to Richmond Hill, 2209 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23223.