Category Rector’s Blog

Anna Julia Haywood Cooper

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Today, the church celebrates the life and witness of Anna Julia Haywood Cooper. Does that name sound familiar? The Anna Julia Cooper School is located at 2100 north 29th street, right here in Richmond. It’s named…

Tears

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree I was always taught that there are a few ways that you might experience the presence of God . . . through laughter, through deep feelings of joy, through a sense of peace, and, even…

Looking Toward Lent

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Well, another season is coming to a close. The season of Epiphany began on January 6. This year, the season of Epiphany was very short because Ash Wednesday comes so early . . . . February 14th. This…

Our Sibling, Paul

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Paul’s story is peculiar. He was a persecutor of Christians. One day, he set off to a place called Damascus to stir up more trouble, I’m sure. On the way, a very bright light overtook him and…

Gathering

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree In her book, The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, Priya Parker says its always important to tell people why you’re gathering. Is it to celebrate? Is it to offer updates? Do you gather to…

You Know Me?

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree This past Sunday, we heard from Psalm 139. This psalm is known as an “individual psalm of thanksgiving.” If psalms run the emotional gamut ranging from joy, to anger, to regret and lament, this psalm is…

Compelling Preaching Project

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Did you know that, for the last year, I have been participating in a nation-wide project connected with Luther Seminary (where I received my Doctorate in Biblical Preaching)? The project is exploring the question: What makes…