Staying Faithful: On Stability

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Friends,

Each week at Evening Prayer, we include a reflection on an aspect of our twelve-part Richmond Hill Rule of Life.  This week it’s stability, which we define as “pledging to pray and work for the permanent transformation of the metropolitan city.”

Stability is also about staying the course, maintaining “a long obedience in the same direction.”

This critical season calls for stability.  We’ve been asked to stay put for our own safety and the safety of others.  While demanding, this is a time that invites us to embrace what stability offers.  Benedictine spirituality maintains that stability is rooted in a steady awareness of God’s presence and the willingness to respond accordingly.  It is about contemplation and action. It involves paying attention to what is, trusting that God is with us in this moment, and living our lives with confidence in God’s unfailing love.

Can you ground yourself in that awareness?  Take a deep breath.  Remember that God is here now.  Recognize that you are too.  With an open heart, receive the peace of mind and courage God graciously extends in the face of the fear and uncertainty of these days.

We’re looking forward to:

  • 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.
  • An Evening with Local Author Justin Earley – Thursday, June 4, 7:00-8:15 PM via Zoom.  Join the author of the award winning book, The Common Rule: Finding Purpose in an Age of Distraction for a presentation on spiritual practices to support us during this unsettling time. The registration will appear soon on our website.
  • The Way of the Creative – an on-line weekly course for recovering your creativity with artist and Richmond Hill resident, Richard Rumble.  Details here. 

We continue with:

  • Koinonia School of Race and Justice: Unearthing Buried Stories – the first archeological investigation into the heavily altered slave house located in the northeast corner of the garden began last week.  The preliminary shovel testing will guide future investigations.  To see recorded interviews with archeologist Tim Roberts and excerpts of the work that was done,  go to our Facebook page.
  • Wilderness Workshop – Jerry Deans began a four-part workshop last Thursday on navigating fear and grief during upsetting times.  The author of Lost But Not Forgotten: How Wilderness Experiences Can Transform Your Life, Jerry is helping participants see how God uses the valleys of life to deepen relationship and transform lives.  To join the group this Thursday click here.
  • Listening to the Silence – last week ten individuals participated in the virtual day of reflection with Rita Ricks. To participate on June 9, sign up here.
  • Music with a Message – Each Saturday a Richmond Hill resident posts a playlist of songs on our Facebook page for your enjoyment.  A brief video will introduce the resident and their choice of music.  Contributions from Pam Smith and Anthony Gaboton are already posted.  This Saturday look for an offering from Kristen Saacke Blunk.
  • 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 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.
  • Song and a Prayer to Close the Day – each evening at 9 PM from Richmond Hill, an abbreviated compline service is live streamed on our Facebook page.

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.  Browse our website or Facebook page for updates.

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

Staying the course,
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.