Contemplative Advent Eucharists

Wishing Everyone a Blessed Advent

Here for Others

Connecting and Caring

Our life together as members and friends of Holy Comforter, Richmond, is about so much more than what happens within the walls of our church. Sure, what happens internally is important, but we believe that we are here to connect with those who do not come to our church. We believe that we are here to care for people because we are all part of the same community, which is called 'humanity'. In the last two months, we have connected with so many in the wider community---in helping same-sex couples to have a civil marriage, in working with our local inter-faith group to plan a Thanksgiving Gathering of many different denominations and faiths, hosting our neighborhood's community meeting, working with people in the wider community to plan a Word AIDs Day service. And tomorrow, we will be supporting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals by talking about them, educating, and collecting and giving an offering to the Malala Fund, which supports education for girls throughout the world. Malala Fund, UN Millennium Development Goals

Animals Blessing Us

The Blessing of the Animals

On October 4th, we had a very fun day with our pets! Everyone was invited to come to church with their animals. Our life together in community involves animals and the environment in which they and we live. In observing St. Francis' Day, we were able to celebrate our pets, to celebrate God as Creator, and to consider how we are called to be stewards of creation and of all that God entrusts to our care. 

Life Together Online

The HoCo App

Nothing beats being together in the same room or working together to help others or hanging out together during Youth Group, but technology can help us stay connected when we can't be together. To help us know when we are gathering at the church or at PrideFest (this Saturday) or for a meeting of the Meditation Group, we now have a mobile app that can be installed on your phone or device for both Apple products and Android systems. The app is also a great way for your friends to get to know us, at least a bit. For the full experience, we hope that the app will encourage people to visit us in person.

RIP, average attendance | Faith & Leadership

What Does Life Together as a Church Look Like Today?

What helps you feel active in a church, be that Holy Comforter or another church? How often to you attend when you feel you are really involved and connected to the church community? Please comment if you would like to contribute your thoughts; I would love to know what you are thinking. 

From the article: "At one time, “active” meant attending services three or four times a month. Today people feel active when they enter the church building once or twice a month. Some people engage worship more regularly online than from the pew. Others prioritize participation in a small group over worship attendance."

RIP, average attendance | Faith & Leadership

Welcome Back Sunday

Let's all come to church on Sunday September 14th for Welcome Back Sunday! Even if you have not been away, this will be a great time to see those we might have missed over the summer because of vacation schedules. We will also have a ministry fair that day with a chance to win cool HoCo prizes.