Earth Day During Easter Season
by the Rev. Gwynn Crichton We are blessed in the Northern Hemisphere that the Great Fifty Days of Easter coincide with springtime and Earth Day! This year, Earth Day is celebrated on Monday, April 22nd. Earth Day, inaugurated in 1970, is…
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…
Ash Wednesday and Lenten Lunch
by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Ash Wednesday | Join us this Ash Wednesday for the imposition of ashes as we begin our Lenten journey towards Holy Week. We will be offering contemplative services at Noon and 7 PM. At 7 PM,…
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…
Strategic Reorientation Process Next Steps
by the Rev. Charlie Dupree The beginning of a church year brings a lot of activity to a church system, much of which happens behind the scenes. After a short lull, it’s not long before we implement what’s next. In the case…
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…
Christmas Blessing
by the Rev. Charlie Dupree May love and laughter Light your days And warm your heart and home; May good and faithful friends be yours Wherever you may roam; May peace and plenty bless your world With joy that long…
Longest Night
by the Rev. Charlie Dupree As the longest night of the year approaches, I am reminded of the words from the Fourth Gospel. It tells of a person sent by God . . . John, who was called to testify to…