Staying Faithful

Updated on

April 2020: An Update

Praying the Psalms is a daily practice at Richmond Hill. It continues now (along with many activities, highlighted below), even with the doors closed. The residential community gathers at seven, noon, and six each day to pray as we have always done, reading and singing through our Psalter. The Psalms speak for us in all times – joy and sorrow, anger and fear, frustration and satisfaction. The Psalms give us permission to express ourselves honestly before God.

Walter Brueggemann, renowned Hebrew Bible scholar, points out that most of the Psalms fall into three categories: orientation, disorientation, and new orientation – mirroring life itself.

No doubt, we are now in a season of disorientation, thrown here abruptly and collectively by Covid-19.

The invitation is for us to accept what is given. To know that times like these are a part of life too, even if unprecedented in our lifetimes, leaving us, like the Psalmist, crying, “My spirit shakes with terror; how long, O Lord, how long?” (Psalm 6:3). Even as we long for better days, we must stay open to what the moment offers. What are we meant to learn? How are we being changed? What can God do with this time and with us for good?

The Psalms assure us that we are never alone, no matter how difficult the struggle, and reassure us that God is good, and that God’s mercy and faithfulness endure forever (Psalm 100:5). May we all come to trust this anew, even as we long for a new orientation.

As we patiently wait and care for one another:

Here’s What’s Happening

  • Song and a Prayer to Close the Day –live streamed each night at 9 PM from Richmond Hill. Participate live on our Facebook page or watch previous recordings there.
  • RUAH held its April retreats virtually on stories of transformation and discernment.
  • Armstrong Leadership Program continues to meet on Zoom providing almost daily guidance, support and encouragement. Meals and masks were recently delivered to the students and their families.
  • Micah Initiative is coordinating volunteers to read to children online, exploring virtual tutoring and supporting a pen pal program at nearby Bellevue Elementary School.
  • Spiritual Director Peer groups are meeting virtually, and Spiritual Direction is being offered by phone and on-line.
  • The Richmond Hill Council itself and Council Committees continue to meet and hold monthly meetings by Zoom.
  • Lindsey Franklin began work on April 15 as our new Associate Pastor for Development.
  • Richmond Hill recently received a Paycheck Protection Program loan, critical funding designed to offset months of lost revenue.

What’s Up Next

  • Tuesday Community Worship – 5:30 PM on Tuesday, April 28, we’ll offer another brief recorded service on our Facebook page led by members of our staff and community.
  • An Evening Workshop on Lamentation – join Rev. Sue Sinnamon on Tuesday, April 28, from 7-8 PM. Register here to receive the link.
  • 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.

What’s Coming Soon

  • Taizé Worship and Prayer – participate on-line, Tuesday, May 5, at 7:30 PM on Facebook. The service will be abbreviated, broadcast from the chapel, and led by residents of Richmond Hill.
  • Listening to the Silence – Tuesday, May 12, from 10am-3 PM with Rita Ricks – a virtual framework for deepening into silence wherever you are. Sign up here or with Rita directly at https://speaktoyourspirit.com/contact.
  • Group Spiritual Direction – join adjunct minister Joella Rhoades for a monthly spiritual direction session being offered on the second Wed. of the month (May 13) from 1-3.  To sign up, contact DeBorah Cannady at dcannady@richmondhillva.orgor by calling Richmond Hill.
  • Men’s Circle – Practice the Way of Council virtually this Thursday night, May 14, 7:00-8:30 PM via Zoom. Send an email to jblunk@richmondhillva.org to receive the Zoom link.
  • Spring Newsletter 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.
  • Unearthing Buried Stories – on-line adaptations of recent offerings from our Koinonia School of Race and Justice to promote racial healing and understanding.

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.

Please pray with us, stay in touch, and know that your relationship with Richmond Hill is cherished as much now as ever. Your continued financial support is welcomed and appreciated. To give to our Annual Fund click here or mail a check to Richmond Hill, 2209 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23223.

Gratefully,

Joel and Lisa