 |
 |
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.
The Blessing of the Animals
"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.
Christmas Pageant
Each year, on Christmas Eve, 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 John Vorhes, the Christmas Pageant is always imaginatively scripted, designed, costumed, and performed. The program, which includes the reading of appropriate biblical passages and the singing of Christmas carols, takes place within the context of a service of Evening Prayer designed for the entire family.
For information on seasonal worship services, click here.
For a listing of events on the 2007-08 Season of the Music at Redeemer Series, click here (pdf).
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.
Strawberry Festival & Silent Auction
Hold the date for 2009 - Saturday, June 15, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
WHAT IS THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL?
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!
