We want to make you aware of a growing trend in which individuals impersonate pastors or church leaders through text or email, often requesting gift cards or urgent financial help.
Please know this clearly:
Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Child Care Center Ministry will never request gift cards, money, or financial assistance through text message or personal email.
From time to time, we do invite financial support for the life and ministry of the church. When we do, those invitations will always come through recognized and consistent channels, such as:
Official church email communications
Our website
Sunday worship or printed materials
These invitations will never be urgent, secretive, or pressure-driven.
If you ever receive a message that feels unusual, unexpected, or urgent, we encourage you to pause rather than respond. Scams rely on urgency. Taking a moment to step back is often the best first step.
If needed, you can always verify a request by reaching out through a known church contact method (not by replying to the message itself).
Thank you for helping us care well for one another by staying aware and informed.
Gather with us for Holy Week as we make our way together toward Easter morning.
Palm Cross Making Party, Thu, March 26 | Drop in 4-7 pm
Join us on Thursday, March 26, for a Palm Cross Making Party as we prepare for Palm Sunday. Drop in anytime between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to learn how to make palm crosses, enjoy time together, and help us get ready for worship. Pizza will be served during the party.
You are welcome to stay and make crosses at church, or you may pick up palms to take home and make your own. If you take palms home, please be sure all finished crosses are returned to the church building before worship on Palm Sunday morning, March 29.
Palm Sunday Worship, March 29 | 11 am
Our worship service will include the Palm Procession.
This year, our Holy Week schedule will not include a Maundy Thursday service.
Community Ministry Set Up, Fri, April 3 | 10 am – noon
Join us in unloading the Feed More delivery and setting up the pantry for Saturday’s ministry.
Good Friday Service, April 3 | 7 pm
Join us for an interactive and creative service as we reflect together on the meaning of Christ’s passion.
Community Ministry Sat, April 4 | 7:30 –11:30 am
Join us as we welcome neighbors, share food, and witness Christ among us. All are welcome.
*In place of an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, the congregation will host a family event in late April. (Date TBD)
Easter Morning, Sun, April 5 | 11:00 am
Join us for Easter Sunday Worship, and please bring fresh flowers with you as we decorate the flower cross together. After the service, we encourage everyone to take part in Easter on Parade on Monument Avenue.
Ash Wednesday invites us to take our first steps into the Lenten journey, turning our hearts toward Easter with honesty and hope. It is a day when the church speaks plainly about who we are: mortal people whose lives are finite, and faithful people who often struggle to live as fully and lovingly as we intend.
On this day, many Christians receive ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead and hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ashes come from last year’s Palm Sunday branches, once lifted in joy and now burned and mixed with oil. They hold together two truths we share: our mortality, and our experience of missing the mark in our love for God, one another, and ourselves.
Ash Wednesday gives us a place to begin without pretending. In naming both our limits and our failures, we are invited into a season shaped by repentance, repair, and trust in God’s mercy.
If you are able, we hope you will join us at Tabernacle and invite others to join you. If another Ash Wednesday service in the community fits your day more easily, we encourage you to take part there.
Ash Wednesday at Tabernacle
12:00 PM–5:00 PM | Open Sanctuary
The sanctuary will be open for quiet prayer, guided meditations, and the receiving of ashes. You are welcome to come briefly or to linger in silence and reflection, as your day allows.
6:00–7:00 PM | Ash Wednesday Service
We will gather for a communal Ash Wednesday service in the sanctuary, including music, scripture readings, a reflection, prayer, and the imposition of ashes.
Wherever and however you mark this day, may it be a faithful beginning to the Lenten journey.
When neighbors ask me how things are going at church, the word that keeps surfacing is “alignment.” What a gift it has been to cast our eyes in the same direction and focus our attention on unity.
These days feel familiar. More than 20 years ago, after a sustained season of longing and discernment, we began to sense the Spirit preparing us for something new. It was in that season, as in this one, we found ourselves leaning into trust that God wasn’t finished with us yet.
The leap of faith we took together in the first decade of the 2000s was met by God’s abundant grace and brought about a tremendous season of vitality. The threshold we now stand upon in the mid-2020s feels familiar. It feels like God is drawing us, yet again, toward a future shaped by hope.
Life Together Over the Last Six Months
Over these last six months, we’ve experienced so much life together:
We’ve seen long-needed facilities improvements take shape throughout the building, thanks to the dedication and diligence of many behind the scenes.
We’ve also witnessed a deepening commitment to participatory worship, as more and more congregants have stepped forward to serve in worship leadership, enriching our shared experience of God’s presence.
We ordained Rev. April Kennedy into Gospel Ministry.
We celebrated baptisms with Brenda, Spencer, Adah, Luke, Ben, and Raquel.
We grieved the passing of Jean and Woody, everyday saints whose lives shaped us in lasting ways.
We’ve embraced new rhythms and responsibilities. One of the most tender transitions in our shared life was Judy Fiske’s retirement from the staff after 45 years of faithful ministry. Her move from a staff leadership role to “the pew” has been met with grace on every side, a testament to Judy, the congregation, and the steady presence of our staff team.
We celebrated ministries, honored quiet acts of faithfulness, deepened relationships, and tended to the daily rhythms of church life in ways too numerous to name.
Becoming a Church That Sees and Is Seen
For generations, we’ve been known as the church that feeds people, a reputation rooted in compassion and care. That calling remains strong, but we are also maturing into a church that sees people with deepening clarity and compassion.
This has long been true of who we are, but in this season, people are beginning to name it. More and more are saying they feel seen. And in being seen, they are helping us see more clearly who God is calling us to be.
This clarity is shaping how we serve, how we prepare, and how we receive the gifts God is bringing through our neighborhood.
We are also becoming a church that is being seen, seen by neighbors across our city, some for the first time in a long while.
Building for Hope
The Building for Hope initiative is a powerful expression of this transformation. It has become a prayerful invitation to reflect on who we are, to name what we cherish, and to faithfully imagine the kind of future God is calling us to pursue together.
We are also becoming a church that is increasingly visible to our neighbors across the city, many of whom are engaging with us in meaningful ways for the first time in a long while. The Building for Hope initiative is a powerful expression of this transformation. It has become a prayerful invitation to reflect on who we are, to name what we cherish, and to faithfully imagine the kind of future God is calling us to pursue together.
Gratitude and the Road Ahead
We’re not naïve about the challenges ahead. These are demanding days for churches everywhere. And they are also sacred days.
I am grateful for the renewed energy among us, the unity we’re experiencing, and the growing sense that we are pushing forward because we believe God is doing something new.
Thank you to our staff, who lead with deep care and conviction. Thank you to our lay leaders, who carry the weight of this work with faith and joy. And thank you to each of you, for continuing to show up with open hands and hearts.
Out of an abundance of caution and due to the extreme temperatures, we have made the decision not to gather in person for worship this Sunday.
This creative service will include time for everyone to worship together in one virtual space and opportunities for more meaningful connection in smaller breakout rooms. We hope you will join us.
Why we made this decision We are incredibly grateful for the individuals who did an outstanding job clearing the perimeter of our church buildings. The sidewalks and entrances are accessible thanks to their dedicated work.
The concern lies beyond the immediate perimeter. Street parking remains unpredictable, and parking in the church lots will be extremely limited due to lingering ice and snow.
Although no significant new snow is expected, the decision reflects ongoing challenges from the last storm combined with safety concerns related to freezing temperatures.
Business Meeting Rescheduled to next Sun, Feb. 8
Our Quarterly Business Meeting has been rescheduled for next Sunday, February 8, and will take place immediately following worship.
Our primary goal with these meetings is strong participation, and we believe this change gives us the best chance of gathering well and engaging fully. There are many important things for us to come together and discuss.
We encourage everyone to read the reports submitted by our leaders ahead of time. Doing so will allow us to devote more of our time in the meeting to conversation, reflection, and discernment rather than information sharing alone.
Members of the church can access the report using the hyperlink included in the Tab Weekly e-newsletter.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our leaders who have worked so faithfully over the last six months. Your thoughtful reflections and careful storytelling in these reports help shape our shared understanding of the church’s life and direction. We are grateful for your leadership.
Thank you for joining us for self-guided worship today. Because of the projected snow and ice storm, our church building is closed and we are not gathering on site or on Zoom. For everyone’s safety, no activities will take place in the building, and it is likely the building will remain closed into the early part of the work week.
Today we invite you to worship where you are. You have two options and you are welcome to do either one or both. A recording of an Epiphany season service from last year is posted below. You will also find a beginner-friendly guided prayer experience based on Matthew 4:12–23 posted below.
If you would like to share the experience with others, consider setting up a personal Zoom call and inviting friends, family, or members of your Sunday school class or community circle to join you.
As we prepare, let us hold in prayer those most affected by the storm, especially our neighbors who are vulnerable, and those caring for our wider community throughout the weather event, including • Crews working to restore power • Those clearing and treating our roads • Emergency personnel and medical staff • Outreach teams responding to people in crisis • Neighbors helping neighbors
Looking ahead, please plan to join us next Sunday, February 1, at 11:00 a.m. for our Communion service, followed by a church-wide business meeting and lunch. We look forward to being together again and celebrating all that God is doing in and through our church family.
We are holding you in prayer and trust that you will stay safe, warm, and connected in the days ahead.
Continue below for the Guided Colloquy Prayer on this week’s Gospel Lesson, Matthew 4:12–23 and/or the Epiphany season service video.
Guided Colloquy Prayer
An imaginative, gentle conversation with Jesus or someone from today’s Gospel. For individuals, families, or small groups.
What you need: A Bible, a journal or paper, a pen. Optional candle.
If you are with others, invite one person to read clearly.
If you are alone, consider reading it twice, a little softer the second time.
Prepare your heart
Sit comfortably. Place your feet on the floor or rest in a seated position that feels steady. Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
Take three slow breaths. With each breath, remember you are already in God’s loving presence.
If you wish, light a candle as a simple sign that you are entering prayer.
Enter the story
Read the passage again. As you listen, picture the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee.
Notice the sounds of water.
Notice the feel and smell of the nets.
See the faces of Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John.
Hear Jesus say, “Follow me.”
Let one detail stand out to you.
Do not force it. Simply notice.
Begin the conversation
Open your journal.
Choose one person for a short, written conversation
Jesus
Simon Peter
Andrew
James or John
Zebedee, the father who remains with the boat
3. Write the name at the top of the page.
4. Imagine sitting or walking with them by the water.
5. Write a few lines as if you were talking with a trusted friend. Keep it simple and honest.
Try one prompt to get started Jesus, what do you see in me today that makes you say, “Follow me”
Andrew, what was it like to drop the net so quickly
James or John, what was hardest to leave and what felt unexpectedly easy
Zebedee, how did you experience God as your sons stepped out
1. After you write a question or two, pause.
2. Listen quietly for a moment, then write the response you sense. You are not forcing God’s voice. You are offering your imagination to the Holy Spirit and testing what you hear by what you know of Jesus’ goodness in Scripture.
3. Keep writing back and forth for five to ten minutes.
Listen again
Close your journal.
Sit quietly for one full minute. If a word or phrase from the passage returns to you, receive it as a gift.
If your mind wanders, gently return to your breath and to Jesus’ invitation, “Follow me.”
Respond: Write a short prayer of two or three sentences.
Name one “net” you sense Jesus inviting you to release today and one step of following you can take this week.
If you are with others, each person may share one sentence about what they noticed or received.
Honor that God may be working in different ways in each person.
Closing prayer
Jesus, Light in our darkness, thank you for stepping onto our everyday shoreline. Give us courage to release what we cling to and to follow you with open hands, open calendars, and open hearts. Amen.
Previously Recorded Worship Service
Epiphany Season: January 26, 2025: Scripture John 2:1–11
Thank you to all who have donated poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones. Your gifts not only beautify our sanctuary, but also serve as a meaningful tribute to those who hold a special place in our hearts. We are grateful for your thoughtful generosity.
In Memory of
Corbitt Family, in memory of Mildred and Kenneth Inman.
Corbitt Family, in memory of Marion and Bill Fullerton.
The Crislips, in memory of K. June Mullins.
Janice Grant and Steve Slager, in memory of Janet M. Slager.
Penny Jenkins, in memory of Woody Jenkins.
Barbara Little, in memory of Dan Little.
The Melton and Honings families, in memory of Mary Melton.
The Melton and Honings families, in memory of Joe and Eunice Melton.
The Melton and Honings families, in memory of Ralph and Isabel Moughamian Andrews.
The Melton and Honings families, in memory of Charles and Marian Honings.
The family of Beverly and Charles Pflugrath, in memory of Charles Pflugrath.
Barb Satterwhite, in memory of Don Satterwhite.
Barb Satterwhite, in memory of Mary Melton.
Linda Southworth, in memory of Clyde and Annie Southworth.
Donna and Jim Soyars, in memory of Troy and Polly Forsyth.
Donna and Jim Soyars, in memory of Bill and Tom Soyars.
The Walters Family, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Elgin Lowe, Sr.
The Walters Family, in memory of Mr. Chester Walters.
The Walters Family, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Henderson, Sr.
The Walters Family, in memory of Mr. Alfred Henderson, Jr.
Bill Welstead, in memory of Woody Jenkins
Bill Welstead, in memory of Jean Finley
In Honor of
The Corbitt Family, in honor of Ron Simmons.
Anita McCarty, in honor of Maya in her senior year.
Marty Watkin and John Gass, in honor of Dr. Bill Welstead and Gail Welstead.
Marty Watkin and John Gass, in honor of Bill and Brenda Gradwell.
During Advent, we are learning to see more clearly the needs of our community that are rising to the surface through our Building for Hope process. This week, we’re turning our attention to affordable housing—the growing pressure our neighbors face in finding a place they can truly afford.
Last Sunday we named how this challenge shows up all around us: families facing eviction, parents choosing between rent and groceries, neighbors unable to find housing within their budget, households spending more than half their income just to keep a roof overhead, people living one unexpected bill away from losing stability, and, at its most extreme, neighbors experiencing homelessness.
We acknowledged that the crisis is larger than any one solution, and yet God invites us to begin by seeing, listening, and responding with compassion.
As you move through the week, we invite you to pause and reflect:
Name where you’ve seen the lack of affordable housing create hardship—now or in the past. Who comes to mind? What story rises up for you?
What do you find yourself longing for God to do?
May these reflections shape our prayers and our readiness to take the next faithful step together.
Prayer: God of shelter and shalom, give us eyes to see, courage to listen, and hearts willing to respond.—Amen
Lynwood “Woody” Bruce Jenkins died peacefully after a day surrounded by family and friends in his home in Powhatan, Virginia on October 11th following a 10-month battle with cancer. He leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years, Virginia “Penny”.
Woody embarked on a life of service working as a house parent to underprivileged youth in Baltimore, MD. He went on to work as integration coordinator for Morgan State University, afterwards serving as a Human Resources director in life care facilities in the Baltimore and Philadelphia areas. When he returned to Virginia, he became a real estate broker at Lake Anna. After a near-fatal automobile accident, Woody responded to his original calling to become a pastor, entering seminary at age 56 and earning Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. He served at Southampton Baptist Church in South Richmond and Elk Creek Baptist Church in Mineral, VA until he retired. In between pastorates, he worked in the development office at Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond.
When not at work, he was involved in helping family, friends, and community with whatever needed fixing. He helped coach his sons’ baseball teams and cheered loudly at his grandsons’ various games. He was the first President of Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity in Baltimore and Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Habitat for Humanity and finally served Habitat with his wife as volunteer Mid-Atlantic Regional Directors approving new projects in five states, including Richmond HFH as well. He went on mission trips to Slovakia, Panama, and Brazil. He helped to establish the Rural Institute for Theological Education in the Goshen Baptist Association to provide undergraduate studies for adults in rural counties with many students going on to pursue seminary degrees. He joined the Goochland County Fire and Rescue Department in 2002, primarily driving an ambulance for many years. Woody soon saw the need for chaplaincy services for patients, families, and even the FEMS staff themselves, and that came to fruition for FEMS and the Sheriff’s department.
Woody was predeceased by his parents, Hugh E. and Hattie C. Jenkins, his half-brother, Harold Stoneburger, and his brother, Robert. In addition to Penny, he also leaves his sister, Mary Kathryn Richardson, and brother, James Jenkins (Joyce), his first wife, Nancy Jenkins, and also his son, David, and step-children, Laurel Nelson (Brooks), Ronald Mattson (Pamela), and Michael Mattson (Rebecca), and his grandchildren, Syd (Katie), Matthew, James, Simon, and Reid. He also leaves Hung Pham, Brian Roskow, and Brian Giesler who each lived in his and Penny’s home as young men.
Among his many joys were hunting, fishing, traveling the open road in his RV, and loving on his many dogs over the years, so we add Bodie and Kylie, the last of the pack.
A celebration of life is planned for Monday, November 24 at 11 a.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1925 Grove Ave., Richmond, VA 23220 followed by a time of fellowship with the family. The service will be available on Live-stream. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Tabernacle Baptist Church Endowment Fund or Richmond SPCA.
