Simply Christian LIFE with Bishop Michael Hunn

Sacred Journeys: The Inspirational Story of The Rev’d Dr. Hilary Borbón Smith

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

Erika Kirk’s Example: Forgiveness, Faith and the Way of Jesus

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

Unity in Prayer: The Episcopal Journey to the Dominican Republic

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

St John’s Tool Library: Building Community Power in Alamogordo, NM

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

Opening Hope: Deacon Laurie Benavides Opens the High Mountain Youth Project Teen Shelter

Welcome to our tour of the new youth shelter and drop-in center in Ruidoso, New Mexico!
00:00 – Introduction: Bishop Michael Hunn and Deacon Laurie Benavides open the video and discuss the vision for the shelter. 00:39 – Overview: Laurie explains the three components of the safety net for youth experiencing homelessness. 00:58 – Drop-in Center & Emergency Shelter: Details about the drop-in center (Mon–Fri, 1–7pm) and the 24-hour youth emergency shelter. 01:20 – Transitional Housing: Introduction of the new transitional housing and rental assistance program for youth and young adults up to age 24. 01:43 – Community Support: Acknowledgment of staff, volunteers, board, and the role of local churches and community support. 02:09 – Community Recovery: Request for prayers as the community recovers from wildfires and flooding. 02:27 – The Dream: Laurie shares how long she’s been working toward this goal (since 2012). 02:36 – Facility Tour Begins: Quick tour of the shelter and its current state. 03:54 – Bedrooms & Staff Area: Explanation of the staff area, bedrooms, and common spaces for youth. 05:20 – Capacity: The shelter can house up to 14 young people (ages 14–17) for up to 90 days at a time. 06:03 – Social & Breakfast Area: Tour of the social area, breakfast bar, and kitchen, with notes on donated items and community contributions. 07:16 – Closing: Final thoughts and gratitude for all who have supported the project.
Special thanks to everyone who has helped make this shelter a reality. Please keep Ruidoso and Lincoln County in your thoughts and prayers.
YouthShelter #CommunitySupport #Ruidoso #HomelessYouth #Nonprofit
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Welcome to our tour of the new High Mountain Youth Project shelter and drop-in center in Ruidoso, Lincoln County, New Mexico!
00:00 – Introduction: Bishop Michael Hunn and Deacon Laurie Benavides open the video and discuss the vision for the High Mountain Youth Project shelter.
00:39 – Overview: Laurie explains the three components of the safety net for youth experiencing homelessness.
00:58 – Drop-in Center & Emergency Shelter: Details about the drop-in center (Mon–Fri, 1–7pm) and the 24-hour youth emergency shelter.
01:20 – Transitional Housing: Introduction of the new transitional housing and rental assistance program for youth and young adults up to age 24.
01:43 – Community Support: Acknowledgment of staff, volunteers, board, and the role of local churches and community support.
02:09 – Community Recovery: Request for prayers as the community recovers from wildfires and flooding.
02:27 – The Dream: Laurie shares how long she’s been working toward this goal (since 2012).
02:36 – Facility Tour Begins: Quick tour of the shelter and its current state.
03:54 – Bedrooms & Staff Area: Explanation of the staff area, bedrooms, and common spaces for youth.
05:20 – Capacity: The shelter can house up to 14 young people (ages 14–17) for up to 90 days at a time.
06:03 – Social & Breakfast Area: Tour of the social area, breakfast bar, and kitchen, with notes on donated items and community contributions.
07:16 – Closing: Final thoughts and gratitude for all who have supported the project.
The High Mountain Youth Project is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment for youth in Ruidoso and Lincoln County. Special thanks to everyone who has helped make this shelter a reality. Please keep Ruidoso and Lincoln County in your thoughts and prayers.

What’s Really Happening at the Border: Weekly Update’s New Season Begins

Diocese of the Rio Grande: Weekly Update on Borderland Ministries Join us for this week's update from the Diocese of the Rio Grande. Bishop Hunn returns with a critical interview featuring Ana Reza, chaplain for the Borderland Ministries, discussing current issues at the New Mexico and Far West Texas borders. Learn about the ongoing website refresh, the upcoming diocesan convention, and important actions you can take. Ana Reza shares firsthand insights about the realities facing migrant families, the growing detention centers, and the advocacy efforts needed. Discover ways to support, participate, and engage in this vital mission.
00:00 Welcome Back to the Weekly Update
00:33 Website Refresh and Convention Updates
02:05 Interview with Ana Reza: Borderland Ministries
03:07 Current Situation at Fort Bliss
06:08 Legal and Humanitarian Challenges
09:27 Daily Realities and Community Support
24:38 Self-Deportation and Support Programs
32:53 Call to Action and Final Thoughts

Voices of Compassion: Responding to Courthouse Ice Arrests in El Paso

On the Ground: Humanitarian Responses to courthouse ICE arrests in El Paso
In this week's update from the Diocese of the Rio Grande, Bishop Michael Hunn speaks with Ana Reza, the Border Chaplain, and Deacon Sondra Jones about the ongoing ICE raids and deportation quotas affecting asylum seekers in El Paso. The discussion highlights Ana and Sondra’s efforts in providing support, prayer, and accompaniment to those facing unexpected detentions despite following all legal procedures. The episode also addresses the emotional and moral consequences for both the immigrant families and the enforcement agents, and calls for community involvement through witnessing, organizing, and peaceful protest.
00:00 Introduction and Weekly Update
00:51 Current Situation in El Paso
00:57 Rapid Response and Legal Observations
03:57 Human Stories and Court Experiences
09:25 Witnessing and Moral Implications
24:05 Call to Action and Ways to Help
31:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Protecting Principles: Our Appeal Against Homeland Security’s Second Letter.

Addressing Termination of Diocesan Shelter Program Funding by DHS Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande discusses the receipt of a second letter from Homeland Security, terminating their shelter and services program grant. The bishop explains their compliance with federal laws and grants, their efforts to appeal the decision, and the importance of clarifying that their work with asylum seekers has always been legal. He emphasizes the principle of due process and the legal rights of asylum seekers.
00:00 Introduction and Context
00:42 Reading the Second Letter from Homeland Security
01:50 Clarifying Misconceptions and Defending Actions
04:28 Appealing the Decision
05:47 Reasons for the Appeal
07:55 Conclusion and Next Steps

At A Loss: A Holy Saturday Homily

Contemplating Grief and Loss: A Reflection on Jesus' Death Following the Gospel Reading for the day, read by Canon JP Arossa,  Bishop Michael Hunn delves into the Holy Gospel according to Matthew, recounting the events following Jesus' crucifixion and burial by Joseph of Arimathea. The sermon explores the profound themes of grief and loss, drawing parallels between our human experiences and God's own grief at the death of Jesus Christ. It invites the audience to reflect on the harrowing notion of a world where death is the final end and encourages a return to contemplate the significance of what comes next.
00:00 The Burial of Jesus
00:50 The Guard at the Tomb
02:09 Reflections on Loss and Grief
04:18 God's Experience of Loss
05:57 Contemplating a World Without Resurrection
07:11 A Call to Witness the Resurrection

Facing Death and Resurrection: Spiritual and Practical Insights for Life’s Final Stage with Jan Hosea

In this episode, we delve into how elderhood offers a unique spiritual opportunity to reflect on one's spiritual bucket list and identity beyond profession and family roles. Our discussion also covers the spiritual practice of preparing for the end of life, including planned giving and legacy planning within the church. We explore the importance of advanced directives, funeral planning, and the creation of a comprehensive guide to aid individuals and families in navigating these pivotal decisions. Additionally, the video touches on a new program at St. Mary's during Lent titled 'Leave A Legacy,' which educates congregants on medical and spiritual concerns, legal and financial considerations, probate processes, and estate planning. Viewers are encouraged to think deeply about their spiritual and financial legacies and the importance of their contributions to the future of the church community.
00:00 Introduction to Elderhood and Spiritual Bucket Lists
00:48 Spiritual Practice and End-of-Life Preparation
01:24 Legacy Planning and Financial Gifts
04:06 Funeral Planning and Personal Preferences
10:45 Lenten Program: Leave A Legacy
17:34 Diocesan Support and Future Planning
21:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts