TBC Richmond

Advent Devotion: The Journey from Christmas

Scripture Reading:  If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil work; if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. Isaiah 58:10 God has made us what we are, and … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Journey from Christmas

Advent Devotion: ‘Tis as Blessed to Receive as To Give

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Meg Lacy Vega (recorded in 2019) Scripture:  Do not be deceived my dear brothers!  Every good gift and every present comes from heaven; it comes from God….” (James 1:17) Meditation:   For much of my life I have not been very good at accepting gifts.  I guess … Continue reading Advent Devotion: ‘Tis as Blessed to Receive as To Give

Advent Devotion: The Phoenix Bird

Written by Fred & Ginny Karnas Scripture:  When anyone is joined to Christ, he [or she] is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.   (II Corinthians 5:17) Meditation:  In the old terminal of Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport one finds a large, brightly colored mural depicting the legendary phoenix.  Egyptian mythology … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Phoenix Bird

Advent Devotion: The Gift of Diversity

Written by Ginny and Fred Karnas Scripture:  You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak with the life of Christ himself.  So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free men, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Gift of Diversity

Advent Devotion: The Widow and the School Crossing Guard

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Rachel Brock (2019) Scripture: … the Lord Jesus himself said, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.”  (Acts 20:35b) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and love your neighbor … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Widow and the School Crossing Guard

Advent Devotion: Simple Gifts

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Hogan Brock (2019) Scripture:  Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Simple Gifts

Advent Devotion: The Sacred Romance

Written by Fred & Ginny Karnas Narrated by Sterling Severns Scripture:  For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life.  (John 3:16) Meditation:  In their book, The Sacred Romance, Brent Curtis and John Eldredge discuss the various … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Sacred Romance

Advent Devotion: Seeing Each other With New Eyes

Written by Fred & Ginny Karnas Narrated by Mamie Ruth (Hitchens) Blanton Seeing Each Other With New Eyes Scripture:  What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to- face.  (I Corinthians 13: 12). For where two or three come together in My name, I am there with … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Seeing Each other With New Eyes

Advent Devotion: What is Peace?

written by Fred & Ginny Karnas narrated by Penny Jenkins What is Peace? Scripture:  Our God is merciful and tender.  He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path … Continue reading Advent Devotion: What is Peace?

Advent Devotion: My Grace is Sufficient

written by Fred and Ginny Karnas narrated by Woody Jenkins Scripture:  … I was given a painful physical ailment . . . Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked Him to take it away.  But His answer was “My grace is all you need, for my power is strongest when You … Continue reading Advent Devotion: My Grace is Sufficient

Advent Devotion: For us…

Written by Ginny Karnas Narrated by Cole Severns Scripture:  Peace is what I leave with you; it is My own peace that I give you.  I do not give it as the world does.  Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”  (John 14:27) Meditation:  When we moved to Fredericksburg in 1991 our … Continue reading Advent Devotion: For us…

Advent Devotional: God is With Us

written by Ginny & Fred Karnas narrated by Anita McCarty Scripture: “A virgin will become pregnant and have a Son, and He will be called Immanuel” (which means, “God is with us”).  (Matthew 1:23).                 For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon … Continue reading Advent Devotional: God is With Us

Advent Devotion: The Journey to Wholeness

written by Ginny & Fred Karnas narrated by Fred Karnas Scripture:  He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.  Just as we have shared in Christ’s many sufferings, so also through … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Journey to Wholeness

Advent Devotion: Making Room in the Inn

"Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place…It is not a method of making our God and our way into the criteria for happiness but the opening of an opportunity to others to find their God and their way… hospitality is… a friendly emptiness where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free; free to sing their own songs, speak their own languages, dance their own dances.. Hospitality is not a subtle invitation to adopt the lifestyle o...

Advent Devotion: Sticky Kisses

written by Fred and Ginny Karnas narrated by Judy Fiske Scripture:   Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.  (Matthew 19:13-14) Meditation:  As I pulled my car into the parking lot at the shelter, I saw another car follow … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Sticky Kisses

Advent Devotion: Wisdom Through the Eyes of a Child

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Martin Tiller Scripture:  Remember this!  Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.  (Luke 18:17) Meditation:  Children are an important part of our journey to Christmas.  The excitement of little ones as they restlessly prepare for bed on Christmas Eve … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Wisdom Through the Eyes of a Child

Advent Devotion:

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Jerusha Tiller The Puppy in the Pocket Scripture:  Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us.  We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in … Continue reading Advent Devotion:

Advent Devotion: The Good Work of the Church

Written by Fred and Ginny Karnas Narrated by Sarala Kennedy The Good Work of the Church Scripture:   And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6) Meditation:  The late Elizabeth O’Connor was a … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Good Work of the Church

Advent Devotion: In the Cry of a Tiny Babe

Written by Fred and Ginny Karnas Narrated by Jonathan Barton In the Cry of a Tiny Babe Scripture:  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has chosen me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, … Continue reading Advent Devotion: In the Cry of a Tiny Babe

Advent Devotion: The Gift of the Stranger

written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Donna Soyars in 2019 The Gift of the Stranger Scripture Reading:  She gave birth to her first Son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger – there was no room for them to stay in the inn. (Luke 2:7) Meditation:   It was my … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Gift of the Stranger

Introduction to Community Bias

Community bias: It’s almost impossible to see what our community doesn’t, can’t, or won’t see.

Audio Recording of May 31 Q&A: ExCell + TBC Congregants

Topics featured in the recording include: Unique intent of informal partnership Details from Building and Grounds related to making 3rd floor more hospitable and safer What to expect on June 1 ballot ExCell Program introduction with Cindy Hutchinson (Director) Questions and Responses

The possibilities of declaring a year of jubilee?

A Word from our Pastor A few months ago, one of our members shared a word of encouragement in the communal journal. A few months later another member of our church used the word jubilee in a reflection they shared. The more I’ve pondered, prayed, studied, and explored the idea, the more I am compelled … Continue reading The possibilities of declaring a year of jubilee?

Exploring the possibility of deliberate partnership with ExCell, May 16, 2021

This is a brief introduction to ExCELL and our potential partnerships in the future. To get more information, see https://www.tbcrichmond.org/excell-partnership/

New Life, New Beginnings: Part 2

This is part 2 of a series of messages from our pastor, Sterling Severns, leading us into a time of renewal and new life. In this video, we hear about the last season in the life of our church, and where the Spirit is leading us in the days ahead. Make sure you watch this … Continue reading New Life, New Beginnings: Part 2

New Life, New Beginnings: Part 1

This is the first in a series of messages to prepare the congregation for a season of revival. This message was delivered as a sermon to the congregation on May 9, 2021.

Going Deeper: Communal Grief Part 2

Minister of Children & Families Jerusha Moses discusses different types of grief and how we cope with loss. What is your style of expressing grief? How do you process loss and pain? What helps you when you experience grief?

Pastoral Reflection: A Casket in the Corner of the Room

Our pastor reflects upon the life of one of his mentors, a former staff member.  God has an extraordinary knack for bringing all of life around, all of us around, full circle.  

Going Deeper: Communal Grief Part 1

Rev. Jacque Green reflects on communal grief in light of a world dealing with Covid-19. Articles and Books Mentioned in this Podcast: Doehring, Carrie. (2019). Searching for Wholeness Amidst Traumatic Grief: The Role of Spiritual Practices that Reveal Compassion in Embodied, Relational, and Transcendent Ways. Pastoral Psychology. 68.  Healing Our Hurts: Coping with Difficult Emotions, … Continue reading Going Deeper: Communal Grief Part 1

Return of the Prodigal, “George”

Our Pastor shares a reflection about the gift of meeting God in the alleyway of the church and welcoming "George" back to the place he calls home.

Going Deeper: The Change Cycle

Christy Foldenauer talks to us about the change cycle, and how we process change, from loss to integration.

Pastoral Reflection: Erroneous Assumptions

A video podcast from our pastor on misplaced expectations and the important work of listening to honest stories from the past.

Going Deeper: Life Cycles of a Congregation

We are indebted to Dr. Tracy Hartman, one of our beloved members, for introducing us to "Life Cycles of a Congregation."

Pastoral Reflection: The Right People

Pastor Sterling Severns tells the story of a pastor modeling sacrificial love, and talks about God sending us just the right people at just the right time. Who has come into your life at just the right time? How have you seen God in the people around you?

Does Church Size Matter?

Today Pastor Meg Lacy Vega talks to us about how congregations function differently depending on their size.

Pastoral Reflection: The Gift of Remembrance

Pastor Sterling Severns remembers old friends and those who have left us in one way or another. I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about … Continue reading Pastoral Reflection: The Gift of Remembrance

Going Deeper: Leading Beyond the Blizzard

Spencer Law reads and reflects on the article Leading Beyond the Blizzard: Why Every Organization Is Now a Startup. What do you think?

VIRTUAL VISITS, SEPTEMBER 6

Click here to: ……..sign-up ……..learn more ……..and, upon return, testify about your experience return.

SUN, SEPT. 6: A BIG ADVENTURE

Receiving Sustenance through the breaking of Bread. Remembering a promise and keeping a promise. A day of worship. A day of reunion. An adventure with purpose. On September 6, we will gather for a brief Communion service at 9:30AM before being sent out to worship with sister churches (mostly virtually) and participate in our Sunday School classes. There will be another brief Communion service at 4PM. A page with the hyperlinks will be available in the coming days.

PREPARING FOR THIS WEEK’S TOWN HALL MEETING, WEDNESDAY @ 9 PM (EST)

PREPARATION: Please do your best to dive into the data from our church-wide survey and also re-famaliarize yourself with our experimental hospitality covenant from this summer…..prior to our time together.  You also have the option of viewing a recorded slide presentation (20 minutes). The presentation gives an overview of the survey results, including a breakdown … Continue reading PREPARING FOR THIS WEEK’S TOWN HALL MEETING, WEDNESDAY @ 9 PM (EST)

Our upcoming theme is “Diversity”

Join us for worship on Sunday, August 16, at 11:00 AM. This week’s theme is diversity.

Continuing the Conversation: Spencer

In many ways, testimony is the most democratic—and empowering—of all Christian practices.  The entire New Testament is a testimony, a record of experiences that early Christians had with the transformative power of God.  Those early believers wrote down theirtestimonies their experiences of sharing their testimonies, and the impace of their testimonyes on the people around … Continue reading Continuing the Conversation: Spencer

Our Upcoming Theme: TESTIMONY

Join us for worship on Sunday, August 9, or anytime in the week ahead as we begin our conversation on the role of testimony in the life of the church.

Continuing the Conversation: As the Deer

Last Sunday, some of our musicians shared different arrangements of “As the Deer”.  As we continue the conversation this week, we encourage you to listen to the stanzas of the song. You may choose to use the music, and lyrics, as a prayer guide, or as an entry into prayer. 

Significant Update: Structure for September – Late December (2020)

Last week, key leadership gathered together for a two hour virtual meeting. We’re pleased to report that the group reached a consensus on our church structure for September – late December 2020. Please set aside half hour to watch or listen to the presentation. Continue to pray for discernment as we have some big decisions … Continue reading Significant Update: Structure for September – Late December (2020)

Continuing the Conversation: Healed where we are broken.

Continuing the Conversation: Mary Jo on healing.

What happens when God doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we expect and/or desire God to do so?

Continuing the Conversation: Exploring John 5

Rev. Sterling Severns delves deeper into John 5.

Healing: continuing the conversation (Sterling Severns)

God helps us sift through the rubble.

Sermon: Healing

Rev. Sterling Severns’ sermon about God’s work in the brokenness of the world. July 26, 2020