Rector’s Blog: Observations from the HRI Pilgrimage

Observations from the History and Reconciliation Initiative Pilgrimage to Alabama by Charlie Dupree The first thing that happened when I entered Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church in Montgomery, Alabama was a hug from the greeter at the door. “Wow, what a greeting,” I thought to myself. “Is she going to hug everyone who enters the church?” Sure enough, that’s […]

Rector’s Blog: An Instrument of Peace

An Instrument of Peace This past week, the church celebrated the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). When we celebrate the saints, we not only recall the ways that they were examples of the faith, we also celebrate the very fact that they were human! They weren’t always perfect, these saints. Take Francis, for […]

Rector’s Blog: Becoming

Becoming By Father Charlie In her book, Becoming, Michelle Obama shares stories of the joys and challenges of being the first lady, a wife, a mother, and the first woman of color to be in this role. I can’t imagine the stressors involved in raising a family and maintaining some sense of normalcy in this […]

Rector’s Blog: Another Day, O Lord…

Another day, O Lord… By Father Charlie The following prayer is one of my favorites. It’s tucked away in the service for the Ministration to the Sick (BCP, 461). The prayer sits quietly… its wisdom building and building… In the Morning This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, […]

Rector’s Blog: Radical Welcome

Dear St. Paul’s family, This past Sunday, we heard Jesus tell two parables. The parables tell of a shepherd who was attending to 100 sheep. One got lost. The shepherd went to great lengths to find the one that was lost. The second parable tells of a woman who had ten coins, but lost one. […]

Rector’s Blog: “Joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!”

“I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” You may have noticed that I like to laugh in church. A spiritual director once told me that if a church community can come together and cry together, why shouldn’t they be able to come together and laugh together? Joy is a sign of God’s presence. […]

The Rev. Charlie Dupree: Don’t Be a Stranger; This is Your Home.

Blog: Psalm 121, Journeys, and Angry Cats

I’ve been the Rector of St. Paul’s, Richmond for a little over two weeks. Just prior to that, Matthew and I pulled up stakes in Indiana. We said goodbye to the people of Trinity, Bloomington and headed east. Our cat, Francis, was my travel mate for the two-day journey. He was not as excited as […]

The Rev. Charlie Dupree: Humility Helps Us Make Room at the Table

This sermon is preceded by an acoustic cover of Daniel Lanois’ “The Maker” by parishioner Geoff Switz, in honor of the passing of lifelong St. Paul’s member Buford Scott. The Rev. Charlie Dupree’s gospel reading and sermon begin at 6:30. Thanks for listening.

Weekly Encouragement: A Change in Season

“That we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Have you felt it? There has been a coolness and a dryness in the air for the last several days. We’ve been sleeping with the windows open—always a joy. Walking Finn, I’ve noticed the first visible sign of autumn. The […]