Getting the House Ready
THE REV. BETH FRANKLIN
As we approach the end of my first full program year with you, I find myself looking back with immense gratitude for the ways you have welcomed me, shared your lives with me, and shown me the true heart of St. James’s. It has been a year of listening, learning, and seeing firsthand the remarkable vitality of this community.
One of the things that has become abundantly clear to me over these past months is just how much our physical space shapes our common life. We are blessed with an expansive, beautiful, and historic campus in the heart of the Fan. It is a sacred place where we encounter God, and it serves as the backdrop for the incredibly diverse events, worship, and fellowship that bring us together.
As anyone who cares for a home knows, a campus of this scale requires constant care, intention, and maintenance. Tending to our buildings and grounds isn’t just about property management; it is a spiritual practice. We serve as faithful caretakers to these spaces so that they can continue to be a sanctuary for our souls and a safe and joyful gathering place for everyone who walks through our doors.
As we look ahead, we also have to think about how we invite the wider world onto this campus. We need to get the house ready! The Vestry is currently assessing the needs that have been identified as immediate and non-negotiable throughout our campus. We will be in regular communication with the congregation to make strategic decisions about timing, funding, and sequencing of this work that allows us to maintain the integrity of our spiritual home.
The hospitality at the heart of this community holds abundant potential. The Fan District and the greater city of Richmond are full of energy, diversity, and life. I believe God is calling us to walk alongside our neighbors in new ways—finding fresh opportunities to open our doors, share our blessings, and connect with neighbors who are longing for community.
Getting the house ready means ensuring our campus is not only well-maintained, but also deeply reflective of the generous, courageous spirit of St. James's. It is about preparing ourselves—and our space—to welcome the future with open arms.
Thank you for the love and stewardship you constantly share with this parish. I am excited to see how we will continue to grow into our shared calling, care for our home, and step out into the neighborhood together.