tbc Abundant Community, Coppages, Life of the Community, Mission

Summer Mission Opportunity in Hungary

Doug and Lea Coppage are looking for people to help with next summer’s Baseball Camp in Vác, Hungary! The camp will be Monday, June 30, through Saturday, July 5; the trip would be (approximately) Friday, June 27, until Tuesday, July 8.

These are the kind of people we’re looking for:
1. 8-12 year olds who play baseball/softball,
2. their parents
3. any age ball players
4. chaperones 
5. people interested in helping in any way.

Please ask God whether you might take part in this. If you do, contact pastor@tbcrichmond.org

Date Details:
Friday, June 27 at the latest: FLY to Hungary
Saturday, June 28: ARRIVE in Hungary
Sunday, June 29: REST, PREP for camp
Monday-Saturday, June 30 – July 5, 2025: CAMP
Sunday, July 6: Go to church in Budapest AND/OR Budapest tour.
Monday, July 7: Budapest tour OR fly back to the States.
Tuesday, July 8: fly back to the States.

Sterling Severns Life of the Community

Lifting up Cochrane Family…

We lift up the Cochrane Family and all those who loved and shared life with Jimmy. In this time of sorrow, let us find meaningful ways to be the heart and hands of Christ, bringing comfort and compassion to those who are grieving. As we honor his life, let’s also express our gratitude for the many ways Jimmy touched our lives and the life he continues to share with God. Let’s commit to pray, for comfort and thanksgiving!

James “Jimmy” H. Cochrane, Jr departed Newport, the Hokie Nation and his SCV camp unexpectedly on October 24. He was born in Richmond, spent much of his childhood and adult years in Rockville. Jim graduated from the Collegiate Schools, Virginia Tech (Architecture) and the University of Richmond (Transportation Management). He was the ultimate Tech fan, rarely missing a Hokie football or basketball game. When he was not wearing orange or maroon, he might be found in Civil War battalion attire or a Scottish kilt. He was pre-deceased by his parents J. Harwood Cochrane and Louise “Lulu” Blanks Cochrane, and his sister Suzanne Austell Martin. He is survived by his sister Judith Cochrane Hines, seven nieces and nephews, twelve great nieces and nephews and fiance’ Dale Hawthorne Harper. Jim worked at Overnite Transportation, Highway Express, then owned and operated a TourTime America motorcoach franchise.

He served on the boards of the Richmond Ski Club, the Museum & White House of the Confederacy, Huguenot Springs Cemetery and the American Frontier Culture Museum. Jim was fiercely proud of his Cochrane Scottish heritage and his brotherhood in the Kappa Alpha Order. He was well versed in American and military history. He was a long time member and Commander of the J.E.B. Stuart camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, coordinating and commanding numerous reenactments throughout Virginia and the south. He dedicated his life to civil war history and the battlefields of the Shenandoah Valley will forever be a part of his legacy. He retired to Wintergreen and subsequently Newport to be near his beloved Blacksburg.

He was larger than life and will be greatly missed by his family and friends in the Richmond Ski Club, the Knibbs Battery cannon battalion, Kappa Alpha and at Virginia Tech. There will be a memorial service at 11am Wednesday 11/6/24 at Woody Funeral Home at 1771 North Parham Rd Richmond, Va 23229. A private interment will follow. A Celebration of Life will follow a cannon salute at Huguenot Springs Cemetery on a later date.

Sterling Severns Abundant Community, Community Ministry, Life of the Community, Rule of Life Together

See You at the Corner of Emmaus and Grove

Learning to See: Join us this Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6-8 p.m.

Just days earlier, they had witnessed Jesus’ brutal death in Jerusalem, leaving them overwhelmed with grief and uncertainty. Two of His followers, one named Cleopas and the other unnamed, now walk the road to Emmaus, their minds swirling with questions. How could this have happened? What if everything they believed was wrong? What next? Along the way, they find themselves hosting a stranger, and as they walk, they speak repeatedly of the burden of failure. As the sun begins to set, stillness—the great amplifier of anxiety—settles in. Broken hearts break bread together, and then it happens—the stillness is broken with the miraculous. Eyes are opened, the presence of the risen Christ is made known, and the presumed hosts find themselves invited yet again into a future wide open.

The Emmaus Road is long, and while you won’t see it on any map, it intersects at every corner in the city we call home. Just after the pandemic, Alcoholics Anonymous began meeting weekly in the “Blue Room” of the little church at the corner of Emmaus and Grove. There, each week, just after the sun goes down, the brokenhearted gather together and inevitably find themselves less alone than they thought they were. Stories of brokenness, despair, healing, and transformation are shared in that space. It’s on the road to Emmaus the future is resurrected, one broken heart at a time, one step at a time.

This Thursday, I’d like to invite you to the corner of Emmaus and Grove. We’ll gather together with one of the leaders of the AA meeting that takes place every Wednesday in the Blue Room. We’ll hear stories, and perhaps some of us will even feel called to share some of our own. Perhaps, in the sharing of stories and also in the stillness—the great amplifiers of God’s presence—we’ll all catch a glimpse of a resurrected future?  Perhaps we, each and every one of us as guests, might leave that place more resolved to keep walking, one step at a time, toward that future together?

I hope to see you there.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Sterling W. Severns
Pastor

Details for Thursday, October 24, 2024:

  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Blue Room, Tabernacle Church
  • Dinner: Pizza and salad provided
  • RSVP: Please e-mail communications@tbcrichmond.org
Sterling Severns Devotionals, Life of the Community, Romans, Paul's letter to

Through Many Dangers, Toils, and Snares

We were the only two in line, strangers waiting for the pharmacy to reopen. It took her little or no time to begin to openly share her story with me. As she spoke about her journey through illness and healing, her hands told the story as much as her words.

She gently touched her head, right where the tumor had been, explaining how peace first entered her life—something she grasped intellectually after the surgery, as she processed what she had been through. 

Then, she placed her hand over her heart, describing how that peace deepened, becoming something she could feel more fully. 

But it was when she placed both hands on her stomach that her voice softened, and she said, “But now, I know it here.” This was peace she carried in her gut, a knowing that had grown through suffering, endurance, and the long journey now behind her. And she couldn’t keep it to herself—the peace had become too real, too profound, not to share.

Her testimony brought to life the very words of Paul in Romans 5. He speaks of suffering producing endurance, endurance shaping character, and character leading to a hope that does not disappoint. There are no platitudes here—no quick fix for pain. Paul is sharing the journey that he, and so many others, have walked: through suffering, into endurance, and into a hope that transforms us from the inside out. This is not about earning anything—it’s about receiving the grace of God, who walks with us and delivers us through every trial. God is with us every step of the way.

As we sang together at the end of last Sunday’s sermon,

“Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.”

The suffering we endure becomes the very path through which God leads us into hope. This journey isn’t about mere survival—it’s about discovering a peace so deep, a hope so life-altering, that we are never the same.

I invite you to take some time this week to reflect on these powerful truths. If you feel called to explore further, our reflection guide is available on the website as a helpful tool to guide your prayers and thoughts. It offers an opportunity to dive deeper into how God may be transforming your experiences of suffering into endurance and hope. 

Thanks be to God for the gift of grace……leading us home.

Yours in Christ, 

Rev. Sterling W. Severns

Sterling Severns Children's Formation, Life of the Community, Taste & See, Youth, Youth Formation

Taste & See: Thurs., Oct.  3, 6-8 PM

Join us for “Taste and See: Around the Table”, a monthly intergenerational gathering held in the sanctuary, where we share a meal, build connections, and explore the life Jesus is offering us. 

Through fun, purposeful activities like storytelling, drawing, and shared discussions, we’ll experience faith and community in fresh ways.Each month offers something unique, fostering meaningful relationships and laying the groundwork for future discipleship in our church. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, “Taste and See” promises an evening of laughter, reflection, and growth. Come ready to share, eat, and be surprised by how God is moving in our lives and in our community.

It’s super helpful for the staff to know how many to expect. Please RSVP to communications@tbcrichmond.org. 

April Kennedy Abundant Community, Devotional, Devotionals, Life of the Community, Staff

Seeing.

It was a practical choice—a hamper— Elena had chosen it from the assortment of freebies offered on Saturday. As cars were being loaded, Carmen, another neighbor, walked up, her eyes lit up when she noticed the hamper. “Where did you find that?” Carmen asked. “I’ve been looking for something just like that for my house.”

Without a second thought, Elena smiled and handed the hamper to Carmen. “Then it’s yours. You’re my friend, and you need it,” she said, as though giving away something she had wanted for herself was the most natural thing in the world. There was no hesitation. In that moment, her focus wasn’t on her own needs but on her friend—someone deserving of love, care, and generosity.

The beauty of this moment stood in sharp contrast to how things had been months ago. Elena had been visibly frustrated, feeling it was unfair that others not present would be served before her. In that moment she felt a need for control, a need to ensure there would be enough to meet her own needs. She was carrying a heavy weight, reacting from a place of scarcity and self-preservation.

Somewhere along the way, Elena’s heart softened. She discovered that there was abundance—abundance in God’s provision and in the relationships she was building in the community. Through this change, she became a vessel of grace, letting go of her need to grasp and instead embracing the love that flowed between her and Carmen, a friend she had made while waiting around the table.

Each of us has, at one time or another, been that person struggling for control, feeling the need to protect what we think we deserve. We’ve all experienced that moment when we’re afraid there won’t be enough or when someone else’s gain feels like our loss. That desire to be first, to secure something before someone else takes it, is a familiar reaction born out of our own insecurities and fears. But oh how beautiful, when we begin to see those around us not as competitors, but as friends. Instead of viewing someone as taking what belongs to us, we recognize their needs and their humanity. We see Christ in them. And in that recognition, the act of giving and sharing becomes a reflection of God’s love—abundant, overflowing, and full of grace.

What a gift to SEE the transformation from Christ’s love, to recognize it when it happens around us and in us. May we continue to practice seeing— To Pay Attention, Be Amazed and Tell About It. 

– April Kennedy, Minister of Abundant Community

communications Life of the Community, Staff

Meet Rev. Rancy Zarr, Pastoral Intern

Experience is a vital component that shapes individuals in their personal, professional, and spiritual journeys. As I reflect on my own life, I realize the profound impact that my background in theology, coupled with my diverse experiences in pastoral ministry, leadership roles, and academic instruction, has had on shaping me into the person I am today. My name is Rancy T. Zarr, born in Zwedru, Liberia. I am married to Edith Zarr, and we are blessed with two children, a daughter and a son.

My higher academic journey began at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, where I pursued a Bachelor of Theology from 2006 to 2010. This foundational higher education equipped me with a deep understanding of theological concepts, biblical studies, and practical ministry skills. Subsequently, I am pursuing advanced degrees at the Union Presbyterian Seminary in the United States, obtaining a Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) which started from 2023 and will end 2026. These degrees focus on enhancing my knowledge of Christian education, leadership development, and pastoral ministry, providing me with a broader theological framework to engage with contemporary issues in the church and society.

In terms of practical experience, I have served in various leadership roles within the Baptist community in Liberia. As the Moderator of the Grand Gedeh Baptist Association from 2006 to 2010, I oversaw the coordination of local churches, facilitated training programs for pastors and lay leaders, and promoted unity and collaboration within the denomination. Subsequently, I served as a Pastor of the St. Simon Baptist Church in Monrovia from 2010 to 2012, where I ministered to a diverse congregation, provided pastoral care, and organized community outreach programs. Additionally, I served as the Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Zwedru, Liberia, from 2017 to 2023 after serving as assistance pastor for over 10 years with said church

Furthermore, I have been actively involved in leadership positions within the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, serving as the County Vice President from 2017 to 2023. In this capacity, I participated in strategic planning, resource mobilization, and advocacy for educational initiatives within the Baptist community. Additionally, I have shared my knowledge and expertise as a Lecturer at the Grand Gedeh County University in Zwedru from 2018 to 2022, where I taught courses in theology, ethics, and church history, mentored students, and facilitated discussions on the intersection of faith and society.

In terms of skills, I have honed strong written and verbal communication abilities in English, enabling me to articulate complex ideas, engage with diverse audiences, and communicate effectively in various settings. My passion for evangelism and mission has driven me to engage in church planting initiatives, outreach programs, and interfaith dialogues, fostering connections and collaborations with individuals from different religious backgrounds.

When reflecting on my achievements, one notable highlight is my participation in an Interfaith Religious panel on Peace and Security, where I contributed to discussions on promoting religious tolerance, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding efforts in post-conflict settings. This experience reinforced my commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting social cohesion, and advocating for peace and justice in a diverse and often polarized world.

In terms of interests and hobbies, I am a traveler who enjoys exploring different cultures, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and broadening my horizons through new experiences. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through fitness activities is a priority for me, as I believe that physical well-being is intertwined with spiritual and emotional health. Furthermore, my passion for reading and literature fuels my intellectual curiosity, inspires critical thinking, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of human experience.

In conclusion, my academic background, professional experiences, leadership roles, and personal interests have shaped me into a well-rounded individual with a passion for service, a commitment to faith-based activities, and a desire to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. The diverse experiences and skills that I have acquired along the way have enabled me to navigate challenges, foster connections, and engage with the world in a meaningful and purposeful manner. Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my journey of growth, learning, and service, guided by a strong sense of purpose and a deep-rooted faith in God’s transformative power. 

Sterling Severns Devotionals, Life of the Community, Rule of Life, Rule of Life Together, The Right Next Step

Sacred Pause & the Path to Freedom

The past few days have felt heavy. Between the news cycle and the looming presidential debate, it’s hard to ignore the way tension creeps into our hearts. There’s a pressure that builds, a simmering frustration, and it doesn’t take much—a comment from a family member, a dismissive remark in a conversation—for that tension to spill over. I’ve felt it myself. It’s easy to snap back, shut down, or get defensive. These knee-jerk reactions often define us in ways we don’t intend—people may no longer see us as someone willing to listen or seek understanding. When our righteous anger shifts into self-righteousness, we can lose sight of the healing God is calling us to offer the world. But that doesn’t mean we’ve missed our chance. God’s grace meets us, not in perfection but in our efforts to return, pause, and try again. Each pause, no matter how difficult, is an invitation to step back into the work of healing—work we’re never disqualified from, no matter how many times we need to begin again.

This past Sunday, just before the benediction, I encouraged you to join me in practicing the Sacred Pause. It’s the space between what happens to us and how we respond. Lately, I find myself leaning into that space and discovering surprising freedom. When life throws us off balance, the Sacred Pause helps us stop reacting and start responding. As I mentioned, “Sometimes, after the pause, the response might be exactly what you originally wanted to say or do. The difference is that now your response comes from a place of peace and thoughtfulness, not frustration.” In that brief pause, we rediscover the freedom Christ offers us—not just from unhealthy reactions, but from the need to respond impulsively to every situation with anger or fear. Click here to learn how to practice the Sacred Pause.

Many great religious traditions embrace the importance of creating space between action and reaction. In moments when we feel overwhelmed by emotions, finding that space is critical to breaking the cycle of impulsive reactions. This pause allows us to reconnect with God and listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I’ve been inspired by the broader wisdom found in the work of Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, whose profound reflections on human resilience and choice offer insight for anyone navigating difficult emotional experiences. Frankl wrote:

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

Viktor Frankl

Frankl’s words resonate deeply with the Christian practice of the Sacred Pause. It’s in that pause that we make room for the Holy Spirit to guide us, allowing God’s voice to rise above the noise of our emotions. When we slow down and invite God into that space, we can respond not from fear or anger, but from a place centered in love, grace, and wisdom.

This practice reflects the liberation Paul speaks of in his letter to the Romans, where he encourages the early church to live in the freedom of Christ’s love rather than remain bound by division and conflict. And, in those moments where we struggle or fall short, we remember that God’s grace is always present, drawing us back into that space of transformation. Explore how you can incorporate the Sacred Pause into your daily life.

Returning to the World’s Tension

We live in a world brimming with tension, frustration, and conflict. In our own church life, we’ve felt it too—whether it’s during a difficult conversation in a business meeting or while serving in Community Ministry when impatience gets the better of someone. Perhaps you’ve encountered it on the road, stuck behind the guy with the offensive bumper sticker, or while watching a political talk show where contempt seems to be the driving force. These moments test our capacity to live out the love and grace we’re called to embody.

But here’s the good news: we’re growing together. Every time we lean into the Sacred Pause, we take one step closer to healing ourselves and the world around us. The Sacred Pause begins with us—giving God the space to transform our hearts. In that pause, we not only stop our own unhealthy reactions but also make room for others to be seen, heard, and transformed. When people feel understood, they too are invited into their own pause, to reconsider, and begin again. We may not always get it right the first time or even the second, but the love of God, always present and always at work, gives us the space to try again. And as we grow together in our faith, we get to participate in God’s healing project—a project that is grounded in love, grace, and reconciliation.

Together, as a church community, we have the privilege of being instruments of healing in a world that so desperately needs it. Let’s keep growing, keep pausing, and keep discovering the ways God is leading us to love more deeply, to listen more closely, and to heal more faithfully.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Sterling W. Severns, Pastor

Going Deeper:

God has used many voices to help me grow in my faith, and Arthur Brooks has been one of them. If you’re interested in exploring more about the power of the pause, I encourage you to watch or listen to the conversation between Simon Sinek and Arthur Brooks at the 92nd Street Y, where they discuss the importance of pausing before reacting. You can find the interview here or listen to the podcast here.

John Gottman’s Four Horsemen—criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling—are harmful patterns that damage relationships, often arising when we react out of intense emotions. You can learn more about these patterns here.

Sterling Severns Life of the Community, Rule of Life, Rule of Life Together, Spiritual Disciplines, The Right Next Step

Spiritual Discipline: The Sacred Pause

Morning Reflection: Rediscovering the Freedom to Choose

As described in the article, “Sacred Pause & the Path to Freedom”, the Sacred Pause offers us the freedom that Christ gives—not just from unhealthy reactions, but from the need to respond impulsively in anger or fear. Begin your day by reflecting on the freedom found in Christ’s love and the grace available when we pause, listen, and invite God into our responses.

During the Day: Practicing the Sacred Pause

When you feel emotional or overwhelmed, practice the Sacred Pause by following these steps:

  1. Notice the Moment: Acknowledge when strong emotions arise, without rushing to respond.
  2. Pause and Breathe: Take a few deep breaths, giving yourself time to pause. This space helps you avoid reacting impulsively and invites God’s guidance to work through you.
  3. Ask Self-Awareness Questions:
    • What am I feeling right now?
    • Why am I feeling this way? (Is this connected to something deeper, like past experiences or emotions?)
    • What is God trying to show me through this feeling?
    • Is this a moment where I should respond now, or is God calling me to wait?
    • How would God want to respond through me in this situation?
  4. Recognize the Need to Wait: Remember that the Sacred Pause might lead you to wait for the right time to respond. Sometimes, waiting is part of God’s wisdom, allowing you to reflect more deeply before acting. Trust that waiting is an active, spiritual practice that creates space for God to guide you.

Evening Reflection: Journaling and Sharing

At the end of the day, take a few moments to reflect on your experiences with the Sacred Pause and consider these questions:

  1. Did I create space today to pause and respond thoughtfully?
    How did the Sacred Pause free you from reacting impulsively or defensively, as described in the article, “Sacred Pause & the Path to Freedom”?
  2. Were there moments when I forgot to pause and reacted out of emotion?
    Reflect on specific moments when you acted without thinking. Was it with a family member, coworker, or someone else? Did your reaction create a chain reaction, escalating tension or misunderstanding? This connects to the article’s message about knee-jerk reactions and their consequences.
  3. How did the Sacred Pause help me rediscover my freedom?
    Did the pause help you break a cycle of frustration? Reflect on the freedom from emotional reactivity that Paul describes in Romans and how this practice brings you closer to that freedom.
  4. What deeper emotions or past experiences might have influenced my reactions?
    Think about moments where your reactions were stronger than expected. Could this be connected to something from your past? This ties into the article’s insight on how deeper emotional or historical baggage can influence our reactions.
  5. In what ways did I experience or offer God’s grace today?
    Reflect on how you received or extended grace during your day. Remember that even when we fail to pause, God’s grace meets us, offering us second chances to begin again.

Hopeful Word on Second Chances

As the article beautifully states, “God’s grace meets us, not in perfection but in our efforts to return, pause, and try again.” Every time we pause, whether we succeed or fall short, we are offered the chance to begin again. No impulsive reaction, no matter how intense, disqualifies us from God’s work of healing and transformation. Each new day, each new moment, is an opportunity to pause, respond, and grow.

Going Deeper

For more insights on the power of the Sacred Pause, you can explore these helpful resources:

Sacred Pause & the Path to Freedom”: Discover how the Sacred Pause can help us break free from impulsive reactions.

Arthur Brooks in Conversation with Simon Sinek at the 92nd Street Y: Brooks and Sinek discuss the importance of pausing before reacting and how this practice fosters empathy and understanding.

Viktor Frankl’s Reflections: Explore Frankl’s insight on the space between stimulus and response, where our growth and freedom lie.

John Gottman’s Four Horsemen: Learn more about the damaging patterns that arise from reactive, emotionally charged behavior.

tbc Art of Neighboring, Community Ministry, Life of the Community

Come and See

Standing in the stairway, welcoming a neighbor into the building, our conversation follows a familiar path. “How is your family? You know I’m always going to ask you that because I know your family is important,” they say. This neighbor, despite their own complex family history and solitude living situation, consistently takes the time to ask about my loved ones. There is nothing unusually deep or unique about the conversation, yet it yields empathy and compassion. It’s the moment I see the best of my neighbor.

This is when I recognize Christ in my neighbors face. It’s this moment where we are genuinely caring for each other, that I see a more complete picture of my neighbor. This pushes me towards deeper empathy and understanding.

Holy moments happen all the time. They unfold in normal conversation, with the participants leaving knowing they were on holy ground. They don’t depend on your ability to fix or assist, but rather on simply being present and authentically engaging with others.

Amidst the holy moments on Saturday mornings, we offer a hot meal, food and clothes. Food might be the “why” that brings people into the building but it should not trump getting to know our neighbors. When we look at our neighbors with love, we see the best parts of them—we see Jesus. Come and see.

-April

Saturday, May 18, 7:30 – 11:15 a.m. We would love for you to join us on Saturday morning. There is an opportunity for everyone: signing in neighbors, cooking breakfast, assisting neighbors with shopping, restocking, organizing clothes, loading cars and of course the best opportunity of all— enjoying time with neighbors around the table. 

Please sign up and let the team know you are coming! 

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSf4HUJAN7dD2l…/viewform