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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 is held 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.  Recent speakers have included The Reverend Dr. David Gortner, Director of the Doctor of Ministry programs and Professor of Evangelism and Congregational Leadership at Virginia Theological Seminary, and Mary Getz, Grassroots Coordinator for the Episcopal Public Policy Network.

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, including a listing of upcoming topics, please 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.

A special series of formation classes is offered during the season of Lent.  Recent topics have included Anglican Spirituality and Creating a Rule of Life.  For more information about Adult Formation Classes, please contact any member of Redeemer's clergy.

Parish Book Group

The Book Group is an ad hoc group of Redeemer parishioners who love books, literature, history and theology. The group meets once every four to six weeks at the house of one of the members. Over tea and coffee we discuss the book we had earlier chosen to read. We have read a variety of books and had stimulating discussions. Everybody’s opinion is heard and respected. Members of the group bring suggestions for reading and the group decides what to read next.  Everybody, whether he/she has read the book or not, is always welcome.

In 2009, the group read 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.

The first books chosen for 2010 are 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.  Each of these books is highly recommended by members of the Group. Meeting dates, times and locations are published in This Week at Redeemer, the Sunday Announcements and The Redeemer Spirit newsletter. Please contact parishioner Ellen Shillinglaw for more information: ellen.shillinglaw@gmail.com

Other recommended reading from members of the group include three books by Simon Winchester, The Map That Changed the World,  T he Man Who Loved China, and The River at the Center of the World; Bob Abernethy's The Life of Meaning: Reflections on Faith, Doubt and Repairing the World; and The Forever War by Dexter Filkins (about Afghanistan); and Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel (a historical novel about Thomas Cromwell).

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 Handbook to Practical Wisdom, by Lynn C. Bauman.

Meetings are held in the sanctuary, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., on the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month, with an additional brief meeting following the Taizé Service (8:15 p.m.) on the first Monday of each month.  For more detailed information, contact Alice Despard: 301-263-9644, or visit the group's weblog.

Discovery & Travel Group

As part of Episcopal Senior Ministries (ESM), Redeemer's seniors meet monthly to enjoy a variety of programs aimed at helping them maintain their quality of life.  Past programs have included speakers, movies and trips.  One recent program featured a lawyer who discussed how to draw up a will; at another, a policeman demonstrated how guard dogs can improve security.  The dogs were a huge hit!  Current projects include archival work with photos and books.  The meetings also enable group members to keep in touch with one another.  "We enjoy getting together," says one member, "and we look after one another."  For more information, please contact Moses Middleton: 301-585-1438, or Pat Stevens: 301-263-0451.

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, please contact parishioner and EfM mentor Jo Barclay-Beard: 301-593-5993 or jobbeard@yahoo.com.

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 will be an Advent dinner, Saturday, December 12, 7:00 p.m., at the home of parishioner Callie Raulfs.  We hope this 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, please contact Robin Gulick: revrobingulick@verizon.net, or Tom Smith: music.redeemer@verizon.net.