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2209 East Grace Street, Richmond, Va 23223 February / March 2020 Tending The Spirit living here now are committed to that. Life in community isn’t about perfection, either. It’s Called to Community about growth in ourselves and in the lives of others. You reading this are part of that, too. ebruary marks four years since Kristen and I packed I want to thank you for making it possible for us to live our bags, leaving most of what we had accumulated in community here. Without you, the twelve of us could in 25 years of marriage behind, and moved to Rich- not do this. The sisters who originally arrived on this hill Fmond Hill. It was a sense of God’s call that led us here. I in August of 1866 had the support of the Catholic Church. came to be co-pastoral director, and we acted on a call to The church made it feasible for them to pray the hours to- live in a residential religious community. gether and open a modest school for girls. You make it pos- When asked what it’s like to live sible for us to devote ourselves to here — the most common question the daily prayers for the healing of guests want to know — I say it’s metropolitan Richmond and to lead both incredibly rewarding and dif- unencumbered lives of hospitality. ficult. There is no question that the Without you and your generous hardest part is living where I work, support, we couldn’t do this. with a family I didn’t choose. My As a result, there are approx- own grown sons, though, remind imately 4000 guests a year who me often that they didn’t choose me, come to Richmond Hill on retreat to either! be inspired and renewed for minis- Relationship is at the heart of my try out in the world and in this city. theological understanding of the life Our Micah and Armstrong Leader- God desires for us. Even the doctrine ship programs flourish, impacting of the Trinity provides that example: the lives of numerous children in three in one, each equally important our public schools. And programs and unique. None alone conveys the like Ruah, Koinonia, and now, our whole truth. To love and be loved is Rapha School (teaching contempla- what it’s all about, and Jesus makes tive healing) are transforming lives it clear that that is done in commu- that then make a difference in their nity. The great commandment calls own communities. Many of you are us to love self, neighbor, and God living examples of that! — all three. In fact, one without the At the heart of it all is a modest other isn’t possible. The early church used the image of a residential community of which I am privileged to be a spoked wheel to convey what loving God is like. God is at part. It’s our responsibility to keep the prayers going ev- the center, and we make up the spokes that radiate out and ery morning, noon, and evening. It’s our responsibility to away. As we draw near to God, we also draw near to one answer the door for guests and treat them — treat you — another. Likewise, drawing near to our neighbor naturally as Christ herself. It’s our responsibility to care for this sa- moves us closer to God. Perhaps you get the picture. cred ground where we live — these buildings, the garden, At Richmond Hill, then, we 12 residents not only wor- the labyrinth, the walls. From here, we are able to tend to ship together, we live together in hopes of modeling the things — even as the busy world moves around us--and very healing we seek throughout the city. work for change. It — the work, the welcoming, the tend- In a way, the religious life we lead together as residents ing, the living together — changes us, those who live here, is simple. But it’s not easy. As Benedictine Sister Joan Chit- too. Maintaining this residential community is a counter- tister makes plain, it is one thing to talk about the love of cultural thing that we are doing together. God; it is another thing altogether to practice it. Christian Recently, I found my son reading Status Anxiety by phi- community offers that opportunity, or at least the chance losopher and author Alain de Botton. The book is about to try. That’s what we stumble along attempting here day meritocracy and the constant tension or fear of being per- by day. Success isn’t the goal; faithfulness is, and those ceived as “unsuccessful” in material terms by the society. continues on page 2 UPDATE 1 February | March 2020 Revive Richmond Hill Tending The Spirit Council Members Richmond President Cathy Woodson Vice President Secretary Andy has been under some stress him- Don Cowles Adeline Clarke self — I think in part the result of grow- The Very Stones Cry Out Treasurer ing up in a home that instilled Christ- n March 17, Richmond Hill will pub- Matt Dolci like values at odds with the world he licly launch its capital campaign Eric Armstrong now finds himself in. The book’s title Oto refurbish its historic monastery and Dominic Barrett alone makes me reflect further on life in grounds. During our early, quiet phase, Andrea Berger community. generous supporters have already com- Rev. Joel Blunk Christian community is one antidote mitted $1.9 million! DeBorah Cannady to status anxiety. In fact, it seeks to do As with “all things Richmond Hill”, Tim Holtz away with status altogether. God’s King- Rev. Dr. Alesia (Lisa) Johnson this Capital Campaign began several Katie Johnson dom is not of this world. It is not laced years ago — first, in prayer and then, in Rev. Larry Johnson with the hierarchies that extol some at revelation. Rev. Janet Legro the expense of others. It is not fraught In prayer, the Richmond Hill Coun- Rev. Melody Porter with distribution problems, scarcity, cil asked, “What’s required to care for Yvette Rajput segregation, war. Instead, it is about life this amazing place?” It commissioned an Richard Rumble found in and with God. In Christian Historic Structures Report from Glave & Vickie Seymour community, our commitment is to find Holmes Architecture, which identified John Taylor our identity — not in ourselves or in the needs from preserving crumbling garden Davis Wrinkle work we do — but in Christ. As a lifelong walls to restoring sagging porches on the Community and Staff Christian, I’ve heard those words forev- Adams-Taylor house. Co-Pastoral Director er, but they carry a different meaning But, then, something more profound Rev. Joel Blunk emerged. now, after living at Richmond Hill. [email protected] The Council, residents, and staff asked, Interim Co-Pastoral Director Now I know how radical those words “How might this Capital Campaign be Rev. Dr. Alesia (Lisa) Johnson are. And how difficult. I also know how more than the preservation of buildings [email protected] life-enriching community can be. To live Interim Associate Pastor and grounds?” They answered, “This is Lindsey Franklin in community is to stand against the em- about preparing for the next generation [email protected] pires that be by living counterculturally of ministry — preserving our mission of Administrator to their values and commitments. supporting God’s healing of metropolitan Tim Holtz The world needs this alternative — [email protected] Richmond; extending the radical hospi- this example — to offer hope, healing, tality of a diverse residential community; Community Relations Aria Kirkland-Harris and the possibility of new life in the face and holding sacred this transformative [email protected] of all that threatens us. place overlooking the City.” Individual Ministries Coordinator Know that 12 of us are hard at work “This is a place with a purpose.” DeBorah Cannady and prayer on your behalf — on God’s Inspired by Richmond Hill’s past work, [email protected] behalf! — holding space and offering its lively spirit today, and its promising fu- Retreat Host Mary Lewis prayers, open to the spirit of unity which ture, almost 100 donors have now joined [email protected] binds all things together as one. Thank the Campaign. Office Coordinator you for helping create the opportunity But, this Campaign is for all of us — Debbie Winans with our many different and emerging [email protected] for the 12 of us to do what we do. And thank for your part in the overall minis- stories — to journey together closer to Communications Coordinator God’s “beloved community”, to sustain Richard Rumble try of Richmond Hill. [email protected] this sacred place, and to discover, along the way, Richmond Hill’s next generation Facilities Coordinator Rev. Joel Blunk David Vinson of ministry to metropolitan Richmond. Co-Pastoral Director [email protected] Richmond Hill is here for all who seek Assistant Dining Host understanding and meaning in their per- James Byrd If you think you may be interested in explor- sonal lives. Richmond Hill is here to give Gardener ing residential life at Richmond Hill, please healing and hope to an entire City. Heather Watt contact us at [email protected] Musician Come let us walk gently together — in Jim Bennett thoughtful prayer and profound gratitude Urban Service Corps Table of Contents for all that has come before. Let us walk Anthony Gaboton confidently, arm in arm — into the future, Addan Jones with a rich hope and unrestrained joy. Yohance Whitaker God is at work! Residents Departments Kristen Saacke Blunk 1-2 Tending the Spirit, 6 Worship Services, Listen! You can hear it.