Dear Friends,

Thank you to all who joined me last Sunday for our conversation on Heaven, Hell, and the World of Spirits. We covered a great deal of ground, but the heart of it felt simple and urgent: this life is precious, and how we live it matters. Every choice to do good, to serve others, and to forgive helps bring more of heaven into our daily lives and prepares us more gently for what comes next.

Click here to view the recording.

Coming Up This Sunday

This week I am delighted to welcome back Jim Robinson as our guest speaker.

Jim Robinson serves as a Senior Fellow and former Executive Director of the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. He has devoted his life to the development of individuals, organizations, and communities, and many of you may remember his memorable reflection a few years ago on the power of an acorn.

This Sunday, Jim will explore the theme Our Deepest Fears as Gifts. We all recognize the courage required to live through uncertain times. It takes courage to stand for our values and to shape our lives around what we hold most deeply.

Jim’s message invites us to consider whether courage is also the path through our deepest fears — and whether those fears may become the very gateway through which we reclaim our power. In the words of Marianne Williamson, “We are powerful beyond measure.”

I think you will find his wisdom both timely and deeply meaningful. I will be in the chapel for those joining us in person, and I hope to see you there.

Questions You Were Too Afraid to Ask a Pastor

On March 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET, we will gather at Swedenborg House for a special salon conversation: Questions You Were Too Afraid to Ask a Pastor.



This informal evening is an invitation to ask candid questions about faith, doubt, and the spiritual life without judgment. Why does God allow suffering? Can you believe in science and still have faith? Is prayer simply talking to yourself? Do all religions lead to the same place? Bring your curiosity, your doubts, and the questions you may never have said out loud.

The gathering will take place in the living room at Swedenborg House, 2023 Q Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to all.

Click here for more information, or RSVP by emailing revtafel@holycitydc.org.

Holy Week and Easter

During Holy Week, we will gather for a Holy Thursday Communion Service on April 2 at 6:00 p.m. ET and a Good Friday Service on April 3 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Both services will be offered online and in person. Those joining remotely may use the same Zoom link as our Sunday services.

Then, on Easter Sunday, April 5, we will gather again in the evening for a Jesus Christ Superstar watch party at Swedenborg House, beginning at 6:00 p.m. or immediately following Sunday service.

Katy Venzor will host the evening and provide a festive Easter-themed charcuterie board, wine, and finger foods as we experience this powerful musical retelling together.

Please RSVP in advance so we can plan well for food and dietary needs.

Daryl Davis at Swedenborg House

On April 14 at 6:30 p.m. ET, Swedenborg House will host blues musician, civil rights leader, and bridge-builder Daryl Davis for the launch of his new book, Klan Whisperer.

Daryl is widely known for his extraordinary work building relationships across deep divides and helping members of extremist groups renounce hatred. I will host the evening in conversation with him as we explore what his life’s work can teach us about courage, reconciliation, and bridge-building in divided times.

In-person seating will be limited to 25 people. A $30 donation supports the church. Signed books will be available for purchase, with paperback copies at $50 and hardcover copies at $75. Online participation will also be available.

Click here to register for the event.

Spiritual Entrepreneur Intensive

On April 18, Kelly Crouch, Sheri Smith, and I will host a day-long Spiritual Entrepreneur Intensive at the Swedenborg House.

This workshop is designed for those who want to translate spiritual calling into meaningful projects, initiatives, and forms of service in the world. Participation will be limited to 15 people to allow for focused conversation and engagement. The fee is $50.

Click here to register for the event.

With gratitude and blessings,

Rev. Rich Tafel

Our Sunday Speaker | Jim Robinson

Jim Robinson has devoted his career to discovering, supporting, and enabling the development of individuals, organizations, and communities.

As an organizational executive, he championed the design of systems that strengthen team performance and drive sustained organizational growth. As a coach and mentor, he has supported leaders at all stages of their development, helping them navigate complexity and lead effectively. As an educator, he has created learning environments that develop the whole person while addressing the demands of organizational performance in dynamic and challenging contexts.

In addition to his leadership roles, Jim has advised policy think tanks, grassroots movements, and social impact organizations. His work focuses on expanding opportunities for historically underserved communities and enabling individuals to realize more of their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.



His areas of expertise include leadership development, organizational design, change leadership, and performance improvement.

Readings for the Coming Sunday

New Testament

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

Matthew 14:29-31

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.

Swedenborg Insight

Heaven and Hell 533

All fear that comes from love of self and the world is fear of losing honor, gain, reputation, and life. But fear that comes from love of heaven is a holy fear — a fear of acting against what is good and true.

Divine Providence 278

People are led out of their evils not by being forced, but by being led gently according to their own affections, and by being shown truths that allow them to see and turn away from what binds them.

CHC Read & Discuss Group to Start New Book

The CHC Read & Discuss group will meet on Monday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. ET (via Zoom) to begin a new book: The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis.

Originally delivered as lectures at the University of Durham in 1943, this short but influential work explores the nature of moral reasoning and the consequences of losing a shared understanding of objective values.

Lewis critiques a contemporary educational text for treating value judgments as merely subjective, arguing that this shift risks undermining our ability to recognize truth, beauty, and goodness as real. Drawing from both Western and Eastern traditions, he presents a defense of what he calls the “Tao,” or a universal moral law that underlies human experience.

The book is widely available through libraries and booksellers. Additional background information can also be found online for those who wish to explore further in advance of the discussion.

All who are interested are warmly invited to join the conversation, whether you are new to the group or returning. For additional details and a Zoom link to join, email Dr. Malcolm Peck at aandmpeck@comcast.net or Steve Svelmoe at sjsvelmoe@yahoo.com.

Mark Your Calendar for Other Upcoming Events

Questions You Were Too Afraid to Ask a Pastor

Salon Q&A with Rev. Rich Tafel

March 25 | 7:00 p.m. ET (In Person Only)

Join us for an informal salon-style conversation where you can ask a pastor anything—without judgment. This evening invites honest questions about faith, doubt, and the spiritual life.

Why does God allow suffering? Can you believe in science and still have faith? Is prayer simply talking to yourself? Do all religions lead to the same place?



We will gather in the living room at Swedenborg House (2023 Q Street NW, Washington, DC 20009). Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to all.

Click here for more information, or RSVP by emailing revtafel@holycitydc.org.

Holy Week Services

Holy Thursday Communion Service

April 2 | 6:00 p.m. ET (Online and In Person)

&

Good Friday Service

April 3 | 12:00 p.m. ET (Online and In Person)

We will gather for Communion on Holy Thursday evening and for a reflective Good Friday service at noon the following day. Those joining online may use the same Zoom link as our Sunday services.

&

Easter Sunday Evening Gathering

Jesus Christ Superstar Watch Party

April 5 | 6:00 p.m. ET or immediately following Sunday service (In Person Only)

On Easter Sunday evening, we will gather at Swedenborg House for a community watch party of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Hosted by Katy Venzor, the evening will include a festive Easter-themed charcuterie board, wine, and light fare.

To help us plan appropriately for food and dietary needs, please RSVP in advance.

Daryl Davis Book Party – Klan Whisperer

April 14 | 7:00 p.m. ET (In Person and Online)

Swedenborg House will host blues musician and civil rights leader Daryl Davis for a special book party celebrating the release of Klan Whisperer.

Daryl is widely known for his extraordinary work building relationships across deep divides and helping individuals renounce hatred through dialogue. Rev. Rich Tafel will host an evening conversation with Daryl about his life’s work and what it teaches about bridge-building in divided times.

In-person attendance is limited to 25 guests. A $30 donation supports the church. Signed books will be available for purchase ($50 paperback, $75 hardcover). Online participation will also be available.

Click here to register.

Spiritual Entrepreneur Intensive

April 18 | Day-Long Event (In Person Only)

Rev. Rich Tafel, Kelly Crouch, and Sheri Smith will host a day-long Spiritual Entrepreneur Intensive at Swedenborg House.

This workshop explores how spiritual calling can be translated into meaningful projects, initiatives, and forms of service in the world. Participation is limited to 15 people to allow for focused engagement.

The fee is $50.

Click here to register.

Thought of the Week