A Holy Lent: Discipleship, Confession, and Prayer Book Practices A message to the Diocese of the Rio Grande introducing Lent as a season of wilderness that prepares Christians for Holy Week and Easter by recalling Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Drawing from the Ash Wednesday liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer, it explains Lent’s purposes: training disciples (including preparing converts for baptism), and restoring those estranged by sin through penitence, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The speaker invites viewers to observe a holy Lent through self-examination and repentance, prayer, fasting and self-denial, and reading and meditating on Scripture. Practical suggestions include joining the diocesan discernment program run by the Commission on Ministry for vocational discernment (lay or ordained), and reading resources such as Living the Sabbath (Norman Wirzba), Reconciliation: Preparing for Confession in the Episcopal Church (Martin Smith) with guidance on both general and private confession, Mary Earle’s introduction to the desert mothers, The Calling of the Laity (an anthology compiled by Verna Dozier) on lay vocation, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together. The script also discusses the 1904 fictional short story The Archbishop’s Test, which imagines the Church of England canceling programs to focus on fully living the prayer book through the Daily Office, weekly Eucharist, Evensong, and catechism teaching, arguing that deeper prayer renews the Holy Spirit’s energy for ministry. Viewers are encouraged to begin Morning and Evening Prayer (or Compline) using the Book of Common Prayer, online resources like Forward Movement, or an app, and to use Lent to deepen faith, confess sins, seek reconciliation, and cultivate silence and solitude.

00:00 Welcome + What Lent Is Really About (Wilderness & Preparation)

00:56 Ash Wednesday in the Book of Common Prayer: The Church’s Invitation to a Holy Lent 02:15 Why We Keep Lent: Discipleship Training, Penance, and Reconciliation

03:53 Practical Lenten Plan: Self-Examination, Prayer, Fasting & Scripture

04:23 Go Deeper in Vocation: Diocese of the Rio Grande Discernment Program

05:20 Lenten Reading Picks: Sabbath Rest, Confession, Desert Wisdom & Lay Ministry

09:33 Bonhoeffer for Lent: The Cost of Discipleship & Life Together

12:00 A Prayer Book Reset: ‘The Archbishop’s Test’ and Returning to the Daily Office

15:47 Final Invitation: Deepen Faith, Confess, Reconcile, and Enter the Wilderness

Honoring Veterans: A Call to Responsible Deployment and Care

In this video, Bishop Michael Hunn reflects on the historical and constitutional foundations of the U.S. military, emphasizing the importance of responsible deployment and comprehensive care for veterans. It advocates for accountability in the use of armed forces and highlights the need to address physical, psychological, spiritual and moral wounds of those who serve. A prayer for Veterans Day from the Book of Common Prayer concludes the commemoration.

00:00 Introduction: The History of Conflict

00:24 The Role of the Military in American Freedom

00:56 Honoring Veterans: A Call for Responsibility

02:17 The Moral and Psychological Costs of Service

03:01 A National Obligation to Care for Veterans

03:26 Prayer for Veterans Day

Facing the Future with Faith In this Address to the Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, Bishop Michael Hunn address the pressing challenges facing the world and our communities today—from political division and economic fragility to environmental crises and immigration issues. Within this context, the Episcopal Church stands as a beacon of hope and unity. Bishop Michael emphasizes the crucial role of clergy in guiding us through these turbulent times, urging support for the church's future through phases of spiritual renewal, financial planning, and strategic resource management. Discover how we can ensure the continued presence and mission of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of the Rio Grande for generations to come. 00:00 Introduction and Current Challenges 00:30 Political and Social Unrest 03:07 Environmental Concerns and Stewardship 04:25 Role of the Episcopal Church 05:40 The Importance of Clergy 09:09 Phases of Diocesan Renewal 15:19 Facing Financial Realities 18:13 Strategic Changes for the Future 21:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

Historic Election: Bishop Sarah Mullally Becomes the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury Bishop Michael Burkel Hun of the Diocese of the Rio Grande in the Episcopal Church celebrates the election of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, marking the first time in over 14 centuries this role is held by a woman. Bishop Hun discusses the importance of the Anglican Communion's bonds through common prayer, affection, and the Eucharist, emphasizing the need for healing and unity rather than governance reforms. He highlights the significance of Mullally's leadership and the inherent unity given by Christ that binds the Communion together.

00:00 Introduction and Historic Election Announcement

00:51 Current Debates in the Anglican Communion

01:37 The True Nature of the Anglican Communion

02:42 Enduring Gifts of the Anglican Communion

04:02 The Role of Bonds of Affection

06:12 The Centrality of the Eucharist

08:14 Call for Unity and Moving Forward

08:51 Conclusion and Blessings

Diocese of the Rio Grande Weekly Update: Special Announcements & Rev. Dr. Hilary Smith's Inspiring Journey In this week's update for the last week of September 2025, the Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande reminds clergy about the upcoming clergy conference and announces the ordination of Gary to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Preparations for the Diocesan Convention in November are also discussed, including a presentation by the Borderlands ministry team. The Bishop encourages laity to run for diocesan positions and emphasizes the collaborative leadership between clergy and laity. The video features an in-depth interview with Rev. Dr. Hilary Smith, the new vicar of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Gallup, New Mexico. Dr. Smith shares her spiritual journey, experiences as a parish priest, spiritual director, historian, and her initial reluctance towards Christianity. She discusses her epiphany in England, which led to her baptism and service in the Diocese of Virginia before joining the Diocese of the Rio Grande.

00:00 Weekly Update Introduction

00:17 Upcoming Clergy Conference

00:55 Diocesan Convention Preview

01:40 Call for Diocesan Office Candidates

02:29 Interview with Reverend Dr. Hilary Smith

03:19 Hilary's Journey to the Diocese

05:33 Spiritual Direction and Historical Background

07:57 A Mystical Experience in England

17:17 A Life-Changing Experience

17:43 The Journey of Faith Begins

18:29 Finding Community in Church

20:11 The Power of Religious Practices

25:18 The Importance of Church Attendance

28:32 Exploring Different Ways to Pray

29:41 A New Ministry Chapter

A Call to Forgiveness and Compassion in Troubling Times In this powerful address, Bishop Michael Hunn explores the extreme violence and hatred currently gripping the United States and the Diocese of the Rio Grande. The murder of Charlie Kirk and his widow Erica Kirk's public act of forgiveness serve as a profound example of living out Christian faith. This episode delves into the layered meaning of forgiveness, how it parallels salvation, and the ongoing struggle to practice love and compassion in a divided society. Through personal anecdotes, including interactions with ICE agents and asylum seekers, we learn about the importance of recognizing humanity in others. Join us in reflecting on the urgent need for prayer, understanding, and living out the gospel of Jesus Christ to combat hatred and violence.

00:00 Introduction: A Nation in Turmoil

00:39 A Shining Example of Forgiveness

01:39 The Ongoing Journey of Forgiveness

02:09 Salvation: A Continuous Process

03:17 Parallel Between Forgiveness and Salvation

04:50 Practicing Faith in Daily Life

05:10 Encounter at the Courthouse

06:36 Seeing Humanity in Everyone

09:08 Imagining a World of Peace

11:06 Call to Action: Embrace Understanding and Dignity

13:11 Conclusion: Keep the Faith

Weekly Update: Exploring the Ministry of the Diocese in the Dominican Republic | September 20, 2025 In this week's update for the Diocese of the Rio Grande, dated September 20, 2025, we highlight the upcoming Diocesan Convention in November and encourage members to serve in various diocesan roles. The video also covers the recent House of Bishops meeting in the Diocese of the Dominican Republic, showcasing the impactful ministry activities amidst a 20% poverty rate. Special attention is given to the unique liturgical practices and cultural expressions of the local Episcopal Church. A call for prayers for the newly consecrated Bishop of Cuba and other countries in Latin America is also included. Join us in celebrating the spirit and service of our global Anglican community. 00:00 Weekly Update Introduction

00:23 Upcoming Diocesan Convention

01:10 House of Bishops in the Dominican Republic

04:11 Cultural and Liturgical Highlights

13:53 Special Offerings and Celebrations

16:38 Final Greetings and Reflections

19:06 Encouragement to Visit the Dominican Republic

Revolutionizing Community Support: St. John's Episcopal Church's Innovative Labor Hub In this episode, we highlight a groundbreaking ministry effort at St. John's Episcopal Church in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Hosted by Evan Lambert, President of Community Power New Mexico, this video showcases the Labor Hub - the first of its kind in the nation. This unique initiative includes a tool library, materials bank, and educational center, all designed to assist community members who cannot afford contractor services or materials. Everything offered is donated and free to the community. The video also provides a tour of the hub, detailing the various tools, materials, and resources available, and discusses the broader impact and replicable nature of the project. Dive deep into how this project is bridging material and spiritual gaps and learn about the collective efforts to uplift the community amid high poverty rates. 00:00 Introduction to the New Ministry Effort

00:40 Overview of the Labor Hub

01:36 Personal Stories and Community Impact

04:22 Tour of the Workshop and Tools

08:21 Addressing Poverty and Systemic Issues

11:39 Community Engagement and Future Plans

23:40 Introduction to the Rio Grande Ministry

00:21 Meet Evan Lambert and the Labor Hub

00:45 Tour of the Tool Library and Materials Bank

01:37 Personal Stories and Community Impact

03:08 The Vision and Mission of the Labor Hub

04:35 Restoration and Community Involvement

05:39 Public Workshop and Volunteer Efforts

08:21 Addressing Poverty and Systemic Issues

12:19 Expanding the Vision Beyond Alamogordo

17:46 Conclusion and Future Plans