Today we welcome Dominic Barrett, Executive Director of Shalom Farms.  Shalom Farms is one of our Urban mission partners at Second Presbyterian and we have so enjoyed working with them at both their Powhatan location and Northside location.

Shalom’s mission is to work with communities to ensure access to healthy food and the support to lead healthy lives.  At Shalom Farms, they believe everyone should have good food-- food that is good for our bodies, good for the environment, and good for our communities. However, thousands in Richmond lack access to healthy food. Many people also lack the tools and resources to cook it, eat it, and share it. Through sustainable agriculture and hands-on experiences, Shalom Farms works with communities to ensure access to healthy food, and the support to lead healthy lives.  Join me in welcoming Dominic as I learn more about the mission of Shalom, how they have transformed the food apartheids in the Richmond area, and how YOU can get involved.  

Today we are changing things up a bit.  I am delighted to be sitting down with Second Presbyterian’s organist and Director of Handbells Michael Simpson.  Michael is an integral part of the music ministry at Second Pres, and a seasoned musician in the Richmond area.  His talents and gifts have benefitted several church choirs, community choruses, and more.  Not only is he an outstanding musician, but he truly embodies what it means to be a music minister.  The end of April concluded a 50 year long career in music ministry and now he is well on his way to easing into full time retirement.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy this special episode as I learn about how Michael’s story has shaped our ministry here at Second and throughout the Richmond area.  Welcome, Michael Simpson! 

Welcome to Second Serving!  A new podcast housed at Second Presbyterian Church in downtown Richmond, Virginia hosted by Kelley Connelly.  Second Serving is a series that invites both local and global organizations, faith leaders, community members, and more to tell their stories.  Join us, as I listen, grow, learn, and unpack what ‘loving our neighbor’ truly looks like. 

Today we are speaking with two employees from Feed More.  Feed More is one of our urban mission partners at Second Pres and a food security staple in the Richmond community.  Feed More is also Central Virginia’s primary Core relief hunger organization.  Feed More collects, prepares, and distributes food to neighbors most in need.  They partner not only with food-insecure individuals and families but also other local non-profits with similar missions.  Feed More truly believes that thriving communities start with full plates.  Welcome, Sarah and Sydney of Feed More!

Welcome to Second Serving!  A new podcast housed at Second Presbyterian Church in downtown Richmond, Virginia hosted by Kelley Connelly.  Second Serving is a series that invites both local and global organizations, faith leaders, community members, and more to tell their stories.  Join us, as I listen, grow, learn, and unpack what ‘loving our neighbor’ truly looks like. 

We are kicking off our podcast with one of our urban mission partners at Second Pres, REAL LIFE.  REAL LIFE’s mission is to serve individuals who have been impacted by incarceration, homelessness, or substance use disorder by giving them an opportunity to overcome their personal and community barriers that hinder their pathway to a thriving life.  Many men and women seeking services from REAL LIFE are in crisis due to their housing situation. And many recovery and transitional houses are just too expensive and require fees upfront. Finances are most often an obstacle for someone newly out of jail or who are homeless and prohibit them from accessing structured and sober housing. Instead of being homeless or transient, REAL LIFE offers a safe place that clients can call a home while they receive holistic programming services. By giving them a home, REAL LIFE is setting them on their journey to success.  Listen as we welcome Executive Director and Founder, Sarah Scarborough, PhD and learn about the important work REAL LIFE is doing in the Richmond area.