News from the Richmond Hill Council

In August, the Council voted to implement an acting leadership structure for Richmond Hill with the intention that it would be in place for about 90 days as we sought a longer-term interim leader(s). We are profoundly grateful that Lorae Ponder (Acting Pastoral Director) and Tom Baynham and Sheryl Johnson (Acting Assistant Pastoral Directors) accepted the call to step into these roles. They have embraced the hard work of managing and leading all aspects of the mission of Richmond Hill, and they have done inspired, remarkable work in a very short time.

In consultation with residents and staff, the Richmond Hill Council considered a proposal at the September 17 meeting to continue this existing leadership structure for longer than the initial 90 days. The proposal was enthusiastically and unanimously approved. We have decided to “skip” the intended step of hiring an interim leader(s), leaving the current structure in place as we discern and develop a plan for seeking permanent leadership. By continuing with Lorae, Tom, and Sheryl’s leadership, we will have greater stability in our work and be able to dig deeply into the implementation of our strategic plan.

We are excited about the work that is being done by our leaders, the staff, and the residential community in this season at Richmond Hill. We are grateful for the many ways in which the extended Richmond Hill community has supported this work during this time of transition and we ask your continued engagement and faithfulness to our shared mission through offering your prayers, your financial support, and your participation. Thank you for walking with us and being part of the Richmond Hill community!

Katie Johnson, Council President