Holy Week 2020

Updated on

An Update…

Dear Richmond Hill Community:

‘We’re all in this together’ has become a common refrain these days.  There is something reassuring about knowing we are not alone, especially in a time as uncertain and unsettling as this.

These words from Jesus are comforting, too: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt.18:20).  However, amidst social-distancing and stay-at-home guidance, we now must creatively find new ways to gather, together.

Gathering
What’s Been Happening:

  • The Lenten Retreat Series has transitioned into an on-line meeting and concludes this week.
  • Through Easter Sunday, you may join us every evening for A Song and a Prayer to Close the Day.  This abbreviated form of Compline is streamed live on our Facebook page from various locations at Richmond Hill.  We begin at 9:00 PM, but you can view the recording later at your convenience.
  • RUAH and Rapha classes have moved online to conclude their program years.
  • Armstrong Leadership Program students and leaders are continuing to meet virtually;  the Micah Initiative is reading to children on-line and exploring virtual tutoring.
  • Spiritual Directors are contacting their directees to meet by phone or video format.
  • Peer groups are meeting virtually, while small groups like our men’s and women’s circles are now video conferencing.

What’s Happening Tonight:

  • Tuesday Community Worship during Holy Week  – Tonight, April 6, at 5:30 PM, we’ll offer a brief recorded service on our Facebook page. It will feature music from Jim Bennett, a homily by our interim associate pastor, Lindsey Franklin, and accompanied prayers for metropolitan Richmond led by Individual Ministries Coordinator, DeBorah Cannady.
  • Taizé Worship and Prayer – participate on-line tonight, Tuesday, April 6, at 7:30 PM on Facebook.  The service will be abbreviated, broadcast from the chapel, and led by residents of Richmond Hill.

What’s Coming Later this Week and Next: 

  • Men’s Circle – Practice the Way of Council virtually this Thursday night, April 9, 7:00-8:30 PM via Zoom.  Send an email to jblunk@richmondhillva.org to receive the link.
  • Easter Morning Prayers from the Garden – You can join the residents live at 7:00 AM on Facebook.
  • Listening to the Silence – Tuesday, April 14th, from 10am-2pm with Rita Ricks – a virtual framework for deepening into silence wherever you are. Sign up with Rita directly here.
  • Centering Prayer – join the weekly Tuesday group 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.
  • The spring newsletter will arrive soon featuring a vision for a Richmond Hill oblate program designed to further enable your participation in Richmond Hill’s mission and rhythm of life from where you are.

What We Hope to Offer Soon:

  • Art and Spirituality – with Brenda Giannini.
  • A Midweek Course on Fear and Grace – with Jerry Deans, author of Lost But Not Forgotten: How Wilderness Experiences Can Transform Your Life.
  • A 24-Hour virtual retreat on Creating a Rule of Life – with Richard Rumble and others from the Richmond Hill residential community.
  • An Evening Session on Grief and Lamentation. 
  • On-line journaling prompts.
  • A Wall Meditation – a guided meditation posted on the wall outside the chapel for those walking by, including a place to write down prayer requests.

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.

Life at Richmond Hill
After careful discernment, and in concert with the governor’s directives, we are cancelling outside groups and retreats through June.  Due to existing plans of renovations related to our capital campaign, the closure to outside groups will continue through July and August.  Restoration and renovation work funded by Phase 1 of our capital campaign will address the Adams-Taylor House, perimeter wall, chapel, kitchen, and refectory.  (The coronavirus has forced the delay of Phase 2 of the campaign until early 2021.)

The residential community is taking care of each other, maintaining our distance in-house, and continuing to clean and disinfect the facility.  We faithfully maintain the prayers in the Monte Maria Chapel three times a day for the healing of metropolitan Richmond and for those impacted by the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Our non-residential staff are working from home, as able, and are staying connected through online meetings.

You Are Cherished
While you are unable to be together with us physically, we can all gather spiritually.  Please pray with us, stay in touch, and know that your relationship with Richmond Hill is cherished during this unprecedented time.  Our hope is that the forced isolation and distancing from others will give you time to slow down, pray, and become aware of God’s continued presence in new ways.  This article from our own Mimi Weaver encourages just that.

And as we conclude this message, we must note that your continued financial support is welcomed and appreciated.  Closing for July and August was part of our plan, going without retreat revenue from March – June was not. So you can sustain this purpose-filled place and our residents through a donation to our Annual Fund by clicking here or mailing a check to Richmond Hill, 2209 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23223.

Still gathering,

Joel and Lisa