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Special Events
Homecoming Sunday
As the quiet days of summer draw to a close, the parish community gathers on the Sunday after Labor Day for Homecoming Sunday, the start of a new year in the programmatic life of the church. After a Festal Eucharist in which the Adult and Youth Choirs make their return from a well-deserved summer recess, the celebration continues with an ice cream social in the Parish Hall.
Attending a new church can be an overwhelming experience! One of the many ways in which we strive to welcome and incorporate newcomers into the life and ministry of The Church of the Redeemer is through quarterly receptions, most often held at the Rectory. These receptions provide an excellent opportunity for newcomers to get to know fellow parishioners and members of the clergy, staff, and Vestry. Although they are primarily occasions for food and fellowship, Newcomer Receptions always include time for questions and answers.
Begun in the fall of 2005, Music at Redeemer is an exciting series of choral services and concerts held in the stunning acoustic of Redeemer's sanctuary. The series is one of the key outreach components of Redeemer's growing music program. For centuries, the church has played an important role in the cultivation and promotion of artistic endeavors. That tradition continues here. We invite you to join us! For more information, including a complete listing of events, please see the Music page.
"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity,
you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men."
-St. Francis of Assisi
Every year, on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), a Blessing of the Animals takes place in the garden bearing his name. All animal lovers, pet owners, and properly restrained pets are welcome! This traditional ceremony is held in remembrance of the love that St. Francis of Assisi had for all creatures great and small, a reflection of the love that God has for us all.
Each November, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches and the annual stewardship campaign draws to a close, parishioners gather in the Parish Hall for an evening of fellowship and fine food prepared by Redeemer’s own Jefferson Arrington and Cathy Ayers. The purpose of this meal is not to raise money, but, rather, to simply enjoy one another’s company and to celebrate the life and ministry of The Church of the Redeemer.
Each year, on the Third Sunday of Advent, the children and youth of the Parish offer a dramatic recreation of the Nativity story. At Redeemer, no two pageants are ever exactly alike. Under the direction of parishioner Michelle Huey, the Christmas Pageant is always imaginatively scripted, designed, costumed, and performed. The Pageant, which includes the reading of appropriate biblical passages and the singing of carols, takes place within the context of the 10:30 Eucharist.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper & Talent Show
Each year, on Shrove Tuesday, scores of parishioners gather in the Parish Hall to enjoy a traditional pancake supper. Volunteers mix the batter, flip the cakes, and serve up generous portions of sausage and apple sauce to those in attendance. After supper, all are invited to participate in the annual Talent Show. A quartet from the choir sings; the kids put on a silly skit; someone recites a poem; a piano student gives a practically perfect performance of Beethoven's Für Elise. The Pancake Supper and Talent Show, a definite highlight of parish life at Redeemer, is an evening of pre-Lenten fellowship and fun for all.
Following the 10:30 a.m. Festal Eucharist on Easter Day, dozens of young parishioners and visitors participate in the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the church lawn, a long-standing tradition at The Church of the Redeemer. While the youngsters are hard at work gathering candy-filled eggs, adults enjoy traditional hot cross buns and fellowship in the Parish Hall.
The Strawberry Festival and Silent Auction
In June of each year, when the strawberry crop is at its peak, a group of stalwart parishioners gathers at a local farm and handpicks bushels of berries. The berries are then washed, hulled, and stored for the next day's big event - the Strawberry Festival, a yearly fundraiser enjoyed by parishioners, as well as hundreds of neighbors from Bannockburn, Glen Echo, Cabin John and beyond. In addition to strawberry shortcake and sundaes, the delectable fare includes grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks. While kids enjoy the moonbounce, facepainting, and games outside, grown-ups peruse the baked goods, books, recordings, household items, and clothing on sale inside. At the silent auction, one can bid on a wide array of unique items and opportunities - from lessons in Greek to a basket of treats for your spoiled dog - from a rector-guided tour of an art museum to a week-long stay at a parishioner's summer get-away. And if none of this suits you, simply waste the day away with live music on the lawn!
Each summer, Redeemer is pleased to offer a music camp for 25-30 children and youth from the parish, local community, and beyond. Using portions of the Orff and Dalcroze methods, two professional music educators, assisted by Director of Music Tom Smith, offer instruction in rhythm, theory, vocal production, and improvisation. Volunteers from the parish organize games, outdoor recreation, and arts and crafts. Lunch is provided daily. Full scholarships are made available to underprivileged children and youth from parishes in the Diocese of Washington. This week of musical learning and fun culminates in a unique performance for family, friends, and parishioners. For more information, including registration materials, please see the Music page. Summer Music Camp 2009 will take place Monday, 13 July - Friday, 17 July.
