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Christian Formation for Adults

"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
for building up the body of Christ..."

-Ephesians 4:12

Adult Education Forum

The Adult Education Forum takes place each Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. (between services), September - early June.  The aim of the Forum is to help parishioners deepen their understanding of the Christian faith and how that faith is relevant in a difficult and uncertain world.  The Forum can take many forms: a lecture/presentation by a renowned guest speaker, a round-table moderated by a member of Redeemer's clergy, or perhaps a discussion led by a group of parishioners.  Although the number of parishioners who participate regularly is strong and growing, the Forum retains the intimacy of a small discussion group.  For more information, contact the Parish Office: office.redeemer@verizon.net.

Adult Formation Classes

Formation in the faith is a lifelong process.  Redeemer's clergy offer mid-week classes during the course of the year for adults who seek to explore their faith more deeply, to prepare for the sacraments of Baptism and/or Confirmation, or to be received into The Episcopal Church.

Christian Contemplative Group

Christian Contemplative Group: Finding Our Inner Compass is open to all who are interested in exploring the wisdom tradition and in deepening their spiritual practice.  Each session begins with a short liturgy of simple chants, centering prayer, and readings.  The group then moves at its own pace through a selected text for study.

Meetings are held in the nave, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., on the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month, with an additional except during the season of Lent, when Taize services are held Monday evenings in the church. For more detailed information, contact parishioner and group leader Alice Despard: 301-263-9644, or visit the group's weblog.

Education for Ministry (EfM)

The Church of the Redeemer participates in the Education for Ministry (EfM) program developed by the School of Theology at The University of the South (Sewanee).  EfM is a comprehensive four-year curriculum that covers the basics of theological education in Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), Christian Scriptures (New Testament), Church History, and 20th Century Philosophers and Theologians.  The curriculum also emphasizes theological reflection and worship.  Students meet once a week in a seminar-setting under the guidance of a trained mentor.  The program provides lay members of the Church with the training needed to enrich their faith and prepare them for their own special calling.  You do not need to be a Redeemer parishioner, or even an Episcopalian, to join the group.  All you need is the desire to learn more about the way God works in your life and what God holds in store for you.  To request an information package, contact parishioner and EfM mentor Jo Barclay-Beard: 301-593-5993 or jobbeard@yahoo.com.

Redeemer Book Group

The Book Group is an ad hoc collection of Redeemer parishioners who share a passion for literature, particularly history and theology.  The group meets at a member's home every four to six weeks.  Tea, coffee, and other refreshments are often served.  Everyone’s opinion is heard and respected. All are welcome!

Recent readings have included Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama; White Tiger by Aravind Adiga; The Shack by William P. Young; The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck; American Lion by Jon Meacham; The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery; and The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed; Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout; Oracle Bones by Peter Hessler; and A Lucky Child: A Memoir of Surviving Auschwitz as a Young Boy by Thomas Buergenthal.

Meeting dates, times, and locations are published in "This Week at Redeemer", the Sunday announcements, and The Redeemer Spirit newsletter.

20's & 30's Ministry

One of the fastest growing segments of the population at Redeemer is individuals in their 20's and 30's.  The very first gathering of the newly formed 20's and 30's Ministry was an Advent dinner in Decemer 2009.  The group's most recent gatherings have included an evening of snacks, conversation, and board games, a happy hour at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo. and an autumn barbeque at the home of the Associate Rector.  We hope these will be the first in a series of events through which the young adults of Redeemer can get together for social time and meaningful discussion about the intersection of life and faith.  If you have questions or ideas for future gatherings, contact Robin Razzino: revrobingulick@verizon.net, or Tom Smith: music.redeemer@verizon.net.