OrlandoWhat do you say when

words that wrapped themselves around, comforted, held you crash to the floor?

When these words mingle with tears, the blood of others, the weeping of your soul;become part of the unsavory mix of despair that we call today?

What do you do with this ability to recall events, recount massacres?Replay cell phone messages of love to a mother?

Hear the chaos of cries and gunshot, hitting the deck, hitting the wall of your belief about what it is to be human?

Stop:quiet all that keeps you from this unbearable likeness of being.

Listen:to the sound of grief, your body vibrating sympathy.

Feel:your heart break.

Then pick up the threads of your everyday life and begin, yet again,

to weave them into the tapestry that is you, that is us, that is America.Dare to sing peace.

Dare to dream again.Dare to imagine.

by Nan Ottenritter ~ nottenritter@yahoo.com

News of The Church of the Holy Comforterin the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia

Richmond, July ~ August 2016

News of the Church of the Holy Comforter - Richmond, Virginia - 2

From the Children’s ChapelBy Ellen Hall

“I saw God the other day. She looked like you. He looked like me!” This summer we’re exploring God’s presence in our lives and the world. The kids in Children’s Chapel are talking about where they’ve seen God each week and all of the seemingly unlikely places we can find God. We’ll talk about seeing God in friends, and family, in nature, in our enemies, and even others seeing God in us. The final product of this summer-long journey will be a book and this is where our whole community comes in. We need you to record your own “God sightings”!! You can take pictures, draw, write them down, everything is needed. We’ll collect them each week and at the end of the summer we’ll create a book (which will be available for you to purchase online) for the church to show who we are as a church family. Please participate with our kids. The last Sunday of the project (August 21st) the kids will present both the song and the book. So how do you know if you saw God? Well, you don’t, unless you do!

• You can email drhum2000@yahoo.com• text 239-3171• Facebook• or hand me paper

All are quite welcome!!!! (It’s also welcome to include extended church family and other friends etc.)

You are invited to National Night Out!By Bonnie Atwood

National Night Out Against Crime is almost here! This year, the neighborhood and the church will join together in this wonderful community event. The night is Tuesday, August 2, from 7 to dark, in the rear of the church.

Here’s why you and your family will want to attend:

1. This is a golden opportunity to meet and greet Hoco’s wonderful neighbors. We work together to keep each other safe, and to iron out any mutual concerns. We value a good relationship.

2. This is also an opportunity to get to know our two police departments. We live at the junction of Richmond City and Henrico County. As we all know, police-community relations across the country have been under tremendous strain in recent years. We need to know each other and support each other. This is the way to make that happen.3. Meet your public officials! We have invited the Mayor, the school board representative, the city council rep, and many others, including candidates that you will be voting for this fall! Many have already said they are coming. These are people who give their time and talent to represent you! No boring campaign speeches—just brief remarks from each. Get to know them and tell them of your concerns.4. It’s going to be fun! We’ll have food (Church will grill; side dishes are welcome.) We’ll have door prizes! (We’ve already got some great gift cards that you’ll love.) There will be special events for KIDS. Bring the the oldsters; bring the youngsters. One year we had a 6-month-old baby and a 100-year-old lady. Who else can make that claim? 5. We make the neighborhood safer. When people know each other, they take care of each other. Make this happen.6. You can help: Bring lawn chairs, help set up, mingle, help clean up, and, if you are so moved, send thank you notes. You are a part of this!

Have questions? • Call Sibyl Telfian at 355-2335, • or Bonnie Atwood at 358-3745, • or call Hoco. We are all in this together!!

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A Message from Hilary+Dear Friends and Companions in Ministry,

In July, both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party will hold political conventions. Talk of politics is all around us. This year we will elect a new president. What is the role of the Church in this process? On Wednesday July 6th,

I led a discussion with members of our church about “Politics and Religion.” When I announced the Sunday before that we would be discussing the relationship between Church and politics, there was an audible gasp from the congregation. I

got your attention because the role of the Church in matters of politics is still a touchy subject. For some it is very clear: God calls us to be about God’s work in the world, and politics is part of that. For others, it is equally as clear: politics and religion should not be mixed.

Did you know that the Episcopal Church was once referred to as the Republican Party at prayer? Much as changed. There is also the joke, “What separates the Democrats and the Republicans in the Episcopal Church?” The answer being: “The altar rail!” That joke developed at a time when the clergy were seen as being more liberal than the congregations they served. Much has changed, at least in some places. But the reality is, our church congregations are diverse in many ways, political views included. So, the question is, if we believe that God calls us to be involved in politics as individuals and as a faith community, how can we do that in a nonpartisan way?

As a church, we will not endorse a candidate. Instead, we are called to talk about the issues, the importance of voting, and being involved in the political process. As a congregation, we are members of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, virginiainterfaithcenter.org. The Center advocates for policies to help the poor

and those in need, among other objectives. Their motto is “learn, pray, act.” As a church, we can also be about education for ourselves and others regarding the issues. The Episcopal Public Policy Network provides resources such as can be found here: advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/episcopal/EpiscopaliansVote. The EPPN has provided a toolkit to help churches engage with this upcoming election in a nonpartisan manner. One can pledge to vote through this website.

Churches are called to present our understanding of how God dreams we will order our lives, and the life of our communities, and then act on that knowledge. As our Presiding Bishop states:

“If we who are Christians participate in the political process and in the public discourse as we are called to do — the New Testament tells us that we are to participate in the life of the polis, in the life of our society — the principle on which Christians must vote is the principle, Does this look like love of neighbor?” – Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, March 2016

Enjoy the political conventions!

Peace,Hilary+

The poem and the pictureThe cover features a poem by parishioner Nan

Ottenritter and an image from our remembrance of those killed at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. There are 50 candles, 49 for those killed and the 50th for the shooter and all others who have or

had hate in their hearts that God would transform it. And it is for those injured in the shooting.

Since that event, we as a nation have experienced a number of other tragic and

troubling events; lives have been lost because of racism, guns, fear, and hate. Even though the

poem is specifically about Orlando, it also speaks to us of other events that bring tears to our eyes.

What is needed are random acts of prayer and care from church members to calm and heal this broken nation. It is a time to remember that through our baptism we all became ministers to

this world.

Photography - David Smith-Soto

News of the Church of the Holy Comforter - Richmond, Virginia - 4

Sunday Morning Adult Formation Class to Explore How Jesus Became God

By Peggy Hombs, Adult Formation Ministry

The regular Sunday morning adult formation class will resume at 8:45am on Sunday, September 18th, with a new DVD-based curriculum How Jesus Became God, featuring Bart D. Ehrman, Phd. Ehrman is a Distinguished Professor at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a New York Times bestselling author, and a long-time lecturer on the history of Christianity for the Great Courses series.

Drawing on his 2014 book, How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher from Galilee, Ehrman reveals how Jesus’s divinity became dogma in the first few centuries of the early church. The claim at the heart of the Christian faith is that Jesus of Nazareth was, and is, God. But this is not what

the original disciples believed during Jesus’ lifetime—and it is not what Jesus claimed about himself.

A master explainer of Christian history, texts, and traditions, Ehrman reveals how an apocalyptic prophet from the backwaters of rural Galilee crucified for crimes against the state came to be thought

of as equal with the one God Almighty, Creator of all things. But how did he move from being a Jewish prophet to being God? Ehrman sketches

Jesus’ transformation from a human prophet to the Son of God exalted to divine status at his resurrection. Only when some of Jesus’s followers had visions of him after his death—alive again—did anyone come to think that he, the prophet from Galilee, had become God. And what they meant by that was not at all what people mean today.

Each week the group will view a 30 minute DVD, followed by facilitated discussion, prompted by, but not confined to, a study guide. Please join us – all are welcome to participate. For more information, contact me.

Weekday Bible study with the Rev. Thom Blair resumes in September

By Peggy Hombs, Adult Formation Ministry

The weekday Bible study groups led by The Rev. Thom Blair will resume in September. The Monday evening group meets at 7pm in the Hayward Parlor to explore and discuss the parables resumes September 12th. The Wednesday morning group meets at 11am, also in the Hayward Parlor, and will continue their leisurely pace through the Gospel of Luke—resumes September 14th . Both meet for about an hour with the Wednesday class concluding in time to attend the weekly Eucharist. These groups are open to anyone and include participants from Grace & Holy Trinity and St. Stephen’s. Thom is an exceptionally gifted discussion leader with a wealth of knowledge to share. For more information, contact me.

News of the Church of the Holy Comforter - Richmond, Virginia - 5

Fan Free Clinic now Health BrigadeFrom Health Brigade e-mail and website sources

“We have weathered lots of cultural storms since 1968 when we opened as the first free clinic in Virginia. But, we adapted with your support. We’ve been advocates for those we serve knowing it’s the right thing to do.

“A crusading spirit lives in every board member, employee, volunteer and donor. We are not afraid to be pioneers. Our efforts are often not mainstream. But, that’s okay. We are health crusaders.”

Interviews in the Richmond Times-Dispatch noted that they are moving to sliding-scale charges for their services. It appears they will still need support from churches like Holy Comforter for those who can afford to pay nothing.Reported by Peggy Hombs and Bruce MacAlister

Book club meetings July 28th & August 24thBy Megan Graber

Thursday, July 28th at 6:30 pm, Prayers the Devil Answers by Sharyn McCrumb

Wednesday, August 24th at 6:30 pm; watch the weekly eMessenger for the book selected.

Men at the Movies Go to the OlympicsBy Steve Van Voorhees

Does your faith intersect with the normal course of your living? Is it possible to see God in that intersection? What about us could please God? We are told that God loves us – can we feel

that Love somehow in the living out of our lives? And, what of our relationships with our brothers and sisters in this world? You may very

well find the answers to these questions, or at least, some ideas about them in the 1981 movie, Chariots of Fire, about members of the English Olympic track team at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

The next Men at the Movies gathering will be Tuesday, August 23rd, in the parlor. Gather at 6:00pm; movie and discussion, 6:30-9:00pm. As usual, we will have popcorn, sodas and water available. Bring dinner or snacks, if you want.

News of the Church of the Holy Comforter - Richmond, Virginia - 6

Activities for August and early September• Yoga – The Sunday yoga class

taught by Mary Davis is on break for July and will resume on August 7th.• Centering Prayer – The 1st Tuesday of the month; it starts at 6pm with a sit for 20 minutes, then we have a meditative walk around the nave, which is followed by 20 more minutes of silence. All are invited to come for the first 20 minutes, the second, or both.• Next parish potluck supper – will be in Wednesday September 7th. The Neighborhood Night Out takes the place of the parish potluck in August.• Syrian Refugees – “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. ... Just as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me” (Matt. 25: 35, 40); “Give me your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” (Statue of Liberty.) We are Episcopalians, and that means looking to our highest ideals as Americans and followers of Christ. If you are interested in offering your time directly with the family, or helping to organize for their needs, like furniture or groceries, please speak to Laura or Cameron Hunt (phone numbers and email addresses in the directory).• Y’all Come Choir – Do you like to sing? Have you thought about singing in the HoCo choir but aren’t sure you can make the Thursday night commitment? Well – the Y’all Come Choir is for you! This summer the choir is taking a much-needed break from Thursday night rehearsals. On Sundays, we gather at 9am to put together a simple anthem for the Offertory and invite one and all to be a part of this group. No vestments, no processing! The ability to read music is not required. For more information contact Ellen Johnston (ellenjohnston95@hotmail.com or 353.1819) or just show up at 9am on Sunday morning. Hope to see you!• The next Story Time service and dinner will be Sunday, August 14th, and every second Sunday of the month following. Dinner is served, following the service, provided by the

church, at no charge every month. The service beings at 4:30pm and concludes around 5:05pm. This service is for children, their families, and friends of all ages. • The Sunday morning 8:45am, Adult Formation, which meets in the Hayward Parlor will be suspended as of July 24th and will resume on Sept 18th.

Let there be Lightby George Collier, Property Ministry Chair

Does the sermon seem more meaningful lately? Does the communion table seem more inviting

lately? You may not have noticed, but roughly half of the accent spot lights in the Nave, that focus on the chancel and communion table area, have not been burning for some time. They are costly

to replace, both for the labor and the bulbs themselves (they are special long range spots designed for this kind of space.)

Recently, we received a very reasonable quote from Davis and Green to replace them, and had purchased some of the bulbs some time ago. So, Kipley Herr met the D&G folks Wednesday morning, July 6, they brought in the ladders and

went to work. We finally have the lighting that the Nave was meant to have.

Photography by Kipley Herr

News of the Church of the Holy Comforter - Richmond, Virginia - 7

Bill’s enthusiasm for music spanned all sorts of genre. He loved country, folk, pop, sacred and (yes) barbershop music. He even wrote a theme song for the Church’s parish retreats at Shrine Mont that became the anthem for those gatherings.

For me, the biggest surprise about Bill’s passion for singing was in his status as the King of Karaoke in Cancun, Mexico. In 2013, Bill and Anne invited Nancy and me to spend a week with them at a resort condominium in Cancun. Bill was quick to let us know that Thursdays were Karaoke night at the resort. That evening we discovered that Bill had an alter ego. The DJ at the club knew and introduced Bill as “Mr. Bill from Richmond” where upon Bill sang his rendition of “Almost Heaven West Virginia”. This ended with a standing ovation from the packed room. No other performer received the applause and accolades that Bill did that evening.

Bill’s presence in our lives is something to treasure. The best way I can express my grief to Anne and the family is that, as a country song by Jerry Jeff Walker puts it, “he was a friend of mine.”

Rest in peace, “Mr. Bill from Richmond”.

“He was a Friend of Mine”By Ed Deane

Late in the summer of 1987, Nancy and I were relatively new members at Holy Comforter. The Cullisons invited us to a pool

party and cookout at their home. The purpose of the event was to get to know some of the parishioners and meet the new Rector, some guy named Bill Wells. This was the beginning of my 30 years of friendship with Bill Cullison.

Bill and I had similar backgrounds as academicians who found their career paths as practitioners in the public sector. Through the years, I learned of Bill’s early life in Oklahoma up to his relocation in Richmond and a career at the Federal

Reserve Bank where he met Anne in an elevator.

As we aged through the years, I found that we were experiencing the same maladies and challenges that age was bringing. This provided some interesting guy to guy conversations. Through these middle-age adventures, I was always fascinated with Bill’s passion for music. Bill would sing anywhere at any time, including conducting “sing-alongs” with choir members during yard sales at the Church.

Bill had been involved in choral music as far back as his undergraduate college days. His most fulfilling music experiences in his later years was singing in the choir at Holy Comforter. Even as his vision made it difficult to read scores in the hymnal, he was exploring ways he might solve the problem, so he could continue to sing in the choir. Ultimately, Bill’s mobility problems prohibited his participation in the choir, but he always loved the music from the pew to which he and Anne had laid claim.

Photo by Sue Taylor

Photo by Hilary Smith

News of the Church of the Holy Comforter - Richmond, Virginia - 8

Church of the Holy Comforter, Richmonda parish in the Diocese of Virginia under the Episcopal Church in the USA which is part of the

worldwide Anglican CommunionMonument Avenue at Staples Mill Road

web www.hoco.org; e-mail administrator@hoco.org; phone 804-355-3251; fax 804-355-0049

Holy Comforter is a Christian community,engaging diversity, empowering through worship, and embracing the spiritual journey,

in our church and in our community and in the world,that all may be made whole and fully alive.

Coming Events at the Church of the Holy ComforterSee the inserted calendar page for detailed calendar and rota

• Sundays, Choral Eucharist, 10am• Sundays, about 10:15am, Children’s Chapel, starts in the Church, moves to Parish House Children’s Chapel• Sunday August 14th, Story Time, 4:30pm

Food Pantry Hours:• First and third Saturdays, 11:00am to noon • First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:30pm

Veterans Shelter Dinner• Fourth Thursdays, 5pm for prep, 6pm carpool to the shelter

Hoco Birthdays for the months of July and August:July - Bernly Bressler, 1; Evan Herr, 2; Darlene Klenzmann, 2; Allen Hurdle, 4; Mary Davis, 5;

Robert Hanayik, 5; Mimi Berry, 6; Judith O’Brien, 6; Kathleen Rose, 7; Joanie Haymore, 10;George Lowry, 10; Grace Zipperer, 13; Marie Turner, 13; Gail Heaton, 16; Helena Geipel, 17;

Courtenay Schwartz, 18; Julie Edwards, 18; Roberta Kline, 19; Joan Vaughn, 19;Evan Schuster, 21; Richard Rose, 23; Garnett Christoph, 25; Dorcas Douthit, 27; Benjamin Raymond, 27;

Joan Prest, 27; Casey Falterman, 28; Sarah Baker, 29; Angie Palmer, 30; Samantha Hooker, 30;August - Steven Nine, 1; Alyson Mugford, 4; Cameron Hunt, 6; Prudence Milligan, 6; Daniel Falterman, 6;

Alison Roussy, 7; Nancy Deane, 8; Gayle Turner, 11; Anderson Schwartz, 15; Robert Sr, 16; Jordan Taylor, 18; Pat May, 20; Pat Taylor, 21; Helen Reese, 26

Editing of the Messenger is done by Bruce MacAlister, the layout by George Collier.

The next Messenger will be available Sunday, September 4th, 2016.The deadline for that edition is Friday, August 26th, 2016 (but earlier submission is encouraged).

Please send your submissions to editor@hoco.orgA full color (and much more attractive) version of the Messenger is available on our web site -

www.hoco.orgOur current calendar is available on the web site - http://www.hoco.org/calendar.htm