Staying Faithful

Updated on

May 10, 2020

Friends,

Finding rhythm in these unusual times isn’t easy. One of the most difficult things about work closing and staying at home has been the change in routine. Our schedules have been upended and adjusting is not only confusing but exhausting.

Praying the hours has helped us at Richmond Hill to maintain some semblance of routine. We still go to the chapel at seven, noon, and six each day as if nothing has changed, though so much has. (For one, we miss your company!) Still, the prayers keep us on schedule. Afterwards most of us stop to eat like we do when you’re with us!

While it is hard to maintain a regular prayer cycle apart from community, it can be done. Actually, the practice of praying before meals or bedtime are examples. Praying through the day can help us keep our bearings and remind us of God’s constant presence. We need a little structure to do that and the natural cycle of the day provides it. From the rising of the sun to its setting, God’s name is great among the nations (Malachi 1:11).

We invite you to join us in prayer from where you are and see if it helps bring rhythm and balance back into your life during these trying times. The daily prayers are posted on our website and Facebook page for your convenience.

Also, please consider signing up for the four-part workshop beginning this Thursday on navigating fear and grief in upsetting times led by Jerry Deans (learn more below or click here).

What’s Been Happening:

  • Giving Tuesday Now a Huge Success! – last Tuesday’s #GivingTuesdayNow Campaign raised $7,820 thanks to all of you.
  • Richmond Hill Renovations – sub contractors surveyed the site last week and will again this week in preparations for renovations to begin in early June.
  • Song and a Prayer to Close the Day – an abbreviated compline live streamed each night at 9 PM from Richmond Hill. Participate live on our Facebook page or watch previous recordings there or on our website.
  • Annual Residential Community Re-discernments – May is the month when all residents meet individually with a small committee to reconsider their sense of call to the mission of Richmond Hill and the commitments of living in the residential community. The meetings began last week, hosted by the Community Committee. Please pray for all involved in this important process, being done virtually this year.

What’s Up Next:

  • 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.
  • Group Spiritual Direction – join adjunct minister Joella Rhoades for group spiritual direction on Wednesday, May 13, from 1-3.  To sign up, contact DeBorah Cannady at dcannady@richmondhillva.orgor by calling Richmond Hill, (804) 783-7903.
  • Men’s Circle – Practice the Way of Council virtually Thursday night, May 14, 7:00-8:30 PM via Zoom. Send an email to jblunk@richmondhillva.org to receive the Zoom link.
  • Wilderness Workshop – Jerry Deans will lead a four-part workshop beginning Thursday, May 14, on navigating fear and grief during upsetting times. The author of Lost But Not Forgotten: How Wilderness Experiences Can Transform Your Life, Jerry will help participants see how God uses the valleys of life to deepen relationship and transform us into healers of our suffering world.   Click here to learn more and register.
  • Music with a Message – Each Saturday a Richmond Hill resident is posting a playlist of songs on our Facebook page for your listening pleasure. A brief video will also be posted introducing the resident and their choice of music. Saturday, May 16, Anthony presents Hip-Hop and Religion.

What’s Coming Soon:

  • An Evening with Author and Historian Lois Leveen – Thursday, May 28, 7:00-8:15 PM via Zoom. Looking at the life of “Mary Bowser” who lived right next door to Richmond Hill, Dr. Leveen, author of The Secrets of Mary Bowser, will point out the similarities between what folks are facing in this historical moment and what Mary Bowser Richards Denman and other African Americans faced in the wake of Emancipation. For more information and to register go to our website.

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.

As you consider the value of being still and resting during this difficult time, here is an article from Faith and Leadership that might help.  Though written for pastors and church leaders, Melissa Florer-Bixler offers a perspective that may benefit all of us: Resisting busyness in the time of COVID-19.

Your continued financial support is welcomed and appreciated.  You may donate to our Annual Fund by clicking here or mailing a check to Richmond Hill, 2209 East Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23223.

We’re grateful for you!

Finding our rhythm,
Lisa and Joel