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Christian Formation

Sunday Morning Adult Education

The Adult Education Program presents speakers from inside and outside the parish to discuss a variety of topics from the Bible to current social issues. The goal of the programs is to deepen our understanding of Christian faith and of how that faith is relevant in a difficult and uncertain world. The number of parishioners involved has been steady and strong for a small church, but the classes still retain the intimacy of a small discussion group. Classes take place in the parish hall from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. (between services) on most Sundays from September through May.

Adult Education Program for 2008

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105

Classes and Workshops

Smaller classes and workshops for those with special interests take place throughout the year:

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 will move at its own pace through A Handbook to Practical Wisdom, by Lynn C. Bauman.  The group meets in the sanctuary from 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. 

Education for Ministry (EFM)

The Church of the Redeemer participates in the EFM program developed by the School of Theology

at The University of the South (Sewanee).  EFM is a comprehensive four-year program that covers the basics of theological education in Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), Christian Scriptures (New Testament), Church History and 20th Century Philosophers and Theologians, as well as integration of learning in Theological Reflection and worship.  Students meet once a week in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors.  The program provides lay members of the church the training needed to enrich their faith and prepare them for their own special calling.  You do not need to be a member of Redeemer, or even an Episcopalian, to join our group - which has both parishioners and non-parishioners at present - 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 Professor Pat Bleicher at 703-532-9156 or pbleicher@aol.com; or Redeemer's own Jo Barclay-Beard at 301-593-5993 or jobbeard@yahoo.com.

Book Club

The Book Club meets approximately once a month in members' homes to discuss, over tea and snacks, books chosen simply because one or more members highly recommend them. Some recent choices: Karen Armstrong's The Spiral Staircase; Janet Wallach's Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell; Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections; Stanley Greenblatt's Will in the World; and Jon Meacham's American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation. All parishioners and their guests are welcome at these meetings.

Contact: Susan Grigsby, 301-229-7735

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 movies and speakers. One 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 keep group members in touch with each other. "We enjoy getting together," says one member, "and we look after one another."

Contact: Moses Middleton, 301-585-1438 or Pat Stevens, 301-263-0451

Updated: December 19 2007