Staying open to certainty

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Friends,

Intentional prayer is a practice done with certainty three times a day, every day at Richmond Hill, even during this pandemic. Certainty is hard to find in uncertain times. However, the Apostle Paul tells us with confidence that “the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil.1:6).  Our prayers continue.

We can be certain that God’s grace and mercy are always available to us. Sarah Yancey writes in Jesus Always, “No matter what is happening in your life, you can be joyful in Christ because He is your Savior.”  These are encouraging words in uncertain times.  We have a reason to rejoice in our relationship with Christ.  It’s a joy not predicated on any external happenings, nor is it something the world can give or take away.

So, let us draw strength from our relationship with God in Christ Jesus, knowing that the Lord’s hands are upon us; the Lord’s work will continue within us; and the Lord’s love and grace will abound through us.  God has given us a good work to do right here and now.  Therefore, let us be certain to pray, to persist in our pursuit of racial reconciliation, to exercise radical hospitality, and to offer spiritual development to our greater community.

We’re looking forward to:

  • Walking into the Storm – an evening with Justin Earley next Thursday, June 4, 7:00-8:15 PM via Zoom.  Justin, the author of the award winning book, The Common Rule: Finding Purpose in an Age of Distraction, will offer spiritual practices to support us during this unsettling time.  Justin writes, It was a global crisis that gave birth to the powerful concept of a “Rule of Life.” And it is that same Rule of Life that can teach us how to love our Richmond neighbors during, and after, this global crisis.  Click here to learn more and register.
  • Poverty, the Pandemic and Personal Stories from the Frontline – our Koinonia School of Race and Justice invites you to a webinar on Tuesday, June 9, at 7:00 PM with physician Erik Martin and researcher Imani Randolf.  Both have been on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic in New York and have important information and stories to share about health and resource disparities further revealed by this crisis.  Click here for more details and to register.
  • Monte Maria Chapel Turns 125 Years Old – June 10 marks the 125th anniversary of the dedication of our chapel.  Join us on Facebook for a brief telling of the history of the chapel and a virtual tour.  Details to come.
  • The Way of the Creative – Beginning Wednesday evening, June 10, an eight-week virtual course on creative self-recovery with artist and Richmond Hill resident, Richard Rumble.  For more details and to register click here.
  • Juneteenth Zoom Gathering – in commemoration of the anniversary of the ending of slavery in the United States, join us on Thursday evening, June 19, from 7:00-8:15 PM for a conversation on roots, rights, redemption and you as we search for an answer to the question What does it mean to be free?  More details here.

What’s been happening:

  • Budgeting and Staffing Decisions – our Council met recently to make some difficult staffing and programming decisions in response to the financial impact of Covid-19.  Please pray for our residents and staff as we negotiate these trying times and adjust to recent changes.
  • 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 continues.  To see up-to-date recorded interviews with archeologist Tim Roberts and excerpts of the work being done,  go to our Facebook page.  To learn more about our efforts to unearth African American stories at Richmond Hill, visit The Judy Project on our website.
  • COVID-19 Emergency Operating Grant – Richmond Hill was the recent recipient of a Virginia Humanities grant designed to support cultural non-profits in the Commonwealth.  The funds will assist our Richmond Hill African American History Project and offer support for our general operating needs.
  • An Evening with Author and Historian Lois Leveen – a hundred people joined us last Thursday evening for a discussion considering the similarities between what folks are facing in this historic pandemic and what Mary Bowser Richards Denman, who once lived next door to Richmond Hill, and other African Americans faced in the wake of Emancipation.  See above for upcoming offerings from our Koinonia School of Race and Justice.

What continues:

  • Wilderness Workshop – Jerry Deans continues his four-part workshop on Thursdays focused 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.
  • 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.  Visit our website or Facebook page for updates.

Certain in Christ,
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.