The Redeemer Spirit...The Redeemer Spirit September 2013 A monthly publication of The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, Maryland Dear Redeemer Parish, We have been through

The Redeemer Spirit September 2013

A monthly publication of The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, Maryland

Dear Redeemer Parish,

We have been through a period of hard work. We have celebrated our Rector Susan and said farewell. Many people planned and worked to create beautiful and loving celebrations and gifts. And now it is time for rest. Even God rested on the seventh day of creation. I encourage everyone to take a moment to be peaceful, reflect on the past events, and dream about the future. Your Vestry is preparing for the work ahead. We are in conversation with our diocesan consultants and each other. The diocese has processes and options, and is open to new ideas. We have learned from Susan how to use our brains and listen to our hearts and each other. As Susan said in her final remarks on Sunday, “sometimes we learn as we go.” We will share information with you with every step we take. So far, we have been taking baby steps. We are learning how to navigate this new land of transition to new clergy leadership. And it can be a slightly bumpy road, with curves, bends and switchbacks. Any road we take is always moving forward. We are all journeying together. Your leaders are heart-centered and open-minded. We are learning to listen to each other and stay in communication. We endeavor to follow the teachings of Jesus and hold compassion in our hearts. We look for the next right step and accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We spend time during each Vestry meeting to become centered and present, listening for how the spirit works in each of us, as we knuckle down to the hard work. Our current project is to identify all Redeemer's areas of ministry and collect information on how each area is organized and operates, and offer help if needed. We are accomplishing this task through interviews of each ministry’s leaders. You may be approached by a Vestry member to participate in an interview. They are a fun way to gather information and connect with each other. We can then share this information with the congregation, newcomers, and our next Rector. Please feel free to speak with any Vestry member about our areas of ministry project or the transition to new clergy

Notes from the Senior Warden process. We are available to hear your concerns and ideas and will share them during our meetings and find ways to support you. Stay in touch, stay connected, continue your good works, remember to rest and say your prayers.

With much affection and blessings to all,

Your Senior Warden, Cathy Arrington

Homecoming Sunday

Sunday, September 8 We invite you to join us for worship, Christian formation, and fellowship on Homecoming Sunday, September 8. The 10:30 Eucharist will include the return of the Adult and Youth Choirs from summer recess.

Guest Preacher: The Rev’d Dr. Lloyd (Tony) Lewis

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 9:15 a.m. Adult Forum (Parish Hall) 9:15 a.m. Bible Study (Classroom) 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist 10:30 a.m. Church School 12:15 p.m. Ice Cream Social 1:00 p.m. 9/11 Unity Walk

All are welcome; bring a friend!

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Monday, September 2 Labor Day (Parish Office closed) Labyrinth Walk, 7:00—8:00 p.m. (p. 2) Sunday, September 8 The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Homecoming Sunday Guest Preacher: The Rev’d Dr. Lloyd (Tony) Lewis (p.3 ) Ice Cream Social, 12 noon 9/11 Unity Walk, 1:00—5:00 p.m. (p. ) Monday, September 9 Contemplative Christian Group, 7:30 p.m. (p. 8) Monday, September 16 Monasteries of the Heart, 12 noon & 7:30 p.m. (p.9 ) Wednesday, September 18 Vestry Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, September 22 The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Guest Preacher: The Rev’d Carole Crumley (p.3 ) Bethesda Cares Dinner Preparation (p. ) Monday, September 9 Contemplative Christian Group, 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 27 All Parish Retreat, 4:00 p.m. — Sunday, 2:00 p.m. (p. 5) Sunday, September 29 The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Guest Preacher: The Rev’d Dr. Ruthanna Hooke (p. 3)

Sunday, October 6 The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Stewardship Sunday Stewardship Luncheon, 12 noon Inscape Chamber Orchestra in Concert, 5:00 p.m. (p. 7) Reception (following concert) Monday, October 7 Taizé Service & Healing Rite, 7:30 p.m. (p.8 ) Monday, October 14 Contemplative Christian Group, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 16 Vestry Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 21 Monasteries of the Heart, 12 noon & 7:30 p.m. Monday, October 28 Contemplative Christian Group, 7:30 p.m.

September Events October Events

The Rev’d Robin Razzino presided at the first marriage between a same-gender couple at The Church of the Redeemer. The couple came to Redeemer’s retired Rector at the beginning of the year, inquiring whether they could get married at the church. One of the men, Bill Nickel, had fallen in love with the Redeemer nave after attending a concert here. He come back several times for worship, finding the congregation to be warm and welcoming. As with every couple, their wedding was a joyous occasion which followed several months of marriage preparation between the clergy and the couple getting married. They are as honored as Robin is to have been part of the first same-gender wedding at Redeemer. Please continue to hold Bill and his husband, Joe McClane, in your prayers as they begin their married life together. For more information about the diocesan and national church guidelines on marriage, please visit the diocesan website: http://www.edow.org/for-parishes/liturgical-resources/marriage-guidelines. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about Redeemer’s marriage policy, please contact the Rev’d Robin Razzino: [email protected] or 301-229-3770.

A Redeemer First

Personal Notes

We offer condolences to Alice Despard on the death of her father, Clement Despard. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. We welcome as newly-registered parishioners Rick Robin-son and Josh Hildreth.

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We are pleased to announce that, in September, there will be a Guest Preaching Series, featuring three of the area’s finest preachers:

The Rev’d Dr. Lloyd (Tony) Lewis is a retired professor of New Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary. Dr. Lewis served on the faculty of VTS from 1978—1991 and 2000—2012. He completed his PhD at Yale University, where the focus of his study was the social and theological

implications of the use of family language in Paul’s Letter to Philemon. Luckily for our parish, Dr. Lewis will be with us on the one Sunday in the three-year Lectionary Cycle on which we read from Paul’s letter to Philemon! Dr. Lewis is a Canon Theologian to the Bishop of Long Island and an Honorary Assistant to the Rectors of Saint Paul’s Parish, Washington, D.C., and Christ Church, Hackensack, New Jersey. He was one of the Rev’d Robin Razzino’s favorite professors at VTS and one of Tom Smith’s favorite colleagues when they overlapped as staff members.

The Rev’d Carole Crumley is an Episcopal priest who works at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, which provides in-depth support for contemplative living and leadership — a way of being in the world that is prayerfully attentive and responsive to God’s presence and guidance. For 40

years, Shalem has offered a wide variety of programs and resources for spiritual directors, clergy, lay leaders, and individuals who want to open themselves more fully to God in their daily lives and work. The Rev’d Crumley directs Shalem’s Soul of the Executive, a program for executives seeking to deepen the spiritual grounding of their leadership. She is an experienced pilgrimage guide to sacred and secular sites throughout the US, Europe, and the Middle East. A native of Tennessee, the Rev’d Crumley has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University and a Master of Divinity from INTER/MET Seminary. In 1982, she joined the staff of Washington National Cathedral, serving as the Cathedral’s Canon Pastor and Canon Educator until 1997. In her capacity as a member of the senior staff, she pioneered programs in spirituality for the Cathedral and managed its pastoral ministry. She established the Cathedral chaplain program for clergy volunteers and founded the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. She also founded and directed the Cathedral Volunteer Service

In the coming months, the clergy, Vestry, and staff will keep the parish fully informed about the parish transition process with weekly updates in This Week at Redeemer (TWAR), the parish’s weekly email bulletin, in the Sunday announcements, and in this newsletter. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak with any member of the clergy, Vestry, or staff. Joey Rick, diocesan Canon for Congregational Vitality, attended the Vestry meeting on Wednesday, August 21. Canon Rick spoke about the transition process and answered Vestry members’ questions (see p. 11). The Rev’d Robin Razzino, with help from the Rev’d Dr. David Schlafer, is continuing the work of liturgical and pastoral leadership in the parish.

Guest Preacher Series

Parish Transition Update

Community, a ministry for young adults. Closer to home, we know the Rev’d Crumley as a friend of Redeemer who presided at the wedding of our very own David Schlafer and Peggy Tucker.

The Rev’d Dr. Ruthanna Hooke is an Episcopal priest and Associate Professor of Homiletics at Virginia Theological Seminary. She is a gifted preacher and teacher, having taught at the Seminary since 2003. Dr. Hooke’s recent courses at VTS have included The Preacher as Artist,

Prophetic Preaching, Preaching Resurrection, Embodying the Sermon, and Performing and Preaching Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. She has worked with Redeemer parishioners several times, most recently with the group which presented dramatic interpretations of the readings at the Easter Vigil in 2013. Dr. Hooke recently published Transforming Preaching, a volume in Transformations (Church Publishing, Inc.), a series devoted to exploring vital practices for the church of the 21st century. Transforming Preaching argues the importance of engaging and training the preacher’s body and voice so as to foster a fuller embodiment of the Word proclaimed. It includes interviews with notable preachers in The Episcopal Church.

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Adult Forum Sunday mornings, 9:15 a.m. (Parish Hall) On Sunday, September 8, at 9:15 a.m., the Adult Forum will begin a new season of learning, discussion, sharing and reflection on a wide range of topics, using varied formats, in a welcoming informal setting. Parishioners and organizers, Mary Packard-Winkler and Mary lin Raisch, have planned programs based on suggestions from parishioners. As plans and schedules are refined, your continued input is welcomed. We hope to strike a balance between academic and personal topics. We will hear from parishioners, who will share professional expertise and personal stories, as well as from guest presenters. In September, there will be a introduction to the parish transition process; a presentation on interfaith issues following from the 9/11 Unity Walk; and a discussion of stewardship of Redeemer in 2014. In October, a series entitled Talking about Faith will explore the meaning of challenging religious concepts and terms (for example, “sin” and “salvation”); invite parishioners to hare personal faith stories; and, for All Saints’ Day, share stories of “saints” in our lives. In November/December, Navigating Change and Challenges, will address the experience of dealing with significant life transitions, such as a new job, new baby, death, illness, caring for ailing family members. We will also discuss the challenges of coping with fast changing technology and social media use. Please watch This Week at Redeemer and the Sunday Announcements for details and updates. And we’d like to hear from you: what topics are you most interested in? Would you be willing to help by organizing or leading a session, or participating in a panel discussion? If you have questions, comments or would like to help, please contact Mary Packard-Winkler: [email protected] or 301-320-3976, or Mary lin Raisch: [email protected] or 301-762-2790.

Mary Packard-Winkler, Mary lin Raisch

Adult Education Coordinators

Bible Study Sunday mornings, 9:15 a.m. (Intermediate Classroom) The weekly small group Bible Study will resume on Sunday, September 8, 9:15 a.m. in the Intermediate classroom. Topics over the past two years include Ecclesiastes, the Apocrypha, the Intertestamental Period, the Book of Revelation, Old Testament prophets, Genesis

(creation story and the life of Abraham), Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, James, Hebrews, Titus, Acts, First & Second Peter, Psalms, First, Second & Third John, and the Gospel stories of Martha and three Marys. There is still much to explore and discover. All are welcome to join us as we continue reading, discussing, and learning from and about the Bible. If you have questions, please contact Steve Gibson:

Steve Gibson

Adult Education

Dear Friends,

A day after actually moving out of the rectory, I am in that state of not knowing where anything is. I do, however, know where my heart is: with you. My heart is filled with thankfulness and joy for the glorious worship we shared on August 11. The wave of love that filled the room carried me through the day and buoys me up still. I will always treasure every moment of the day — your presence, the stunningly beautiful flowers, the gifts of music and new anthems composed for the occasion. (I know there is a disc with photos — secretly taken — from the 10:30 Eucharist, but just at the moment I can’t put my hand on it.)

I am grateful, also, for the time of fellowship that followed both services that day. There are beautiful photographs of the coffee hour, smiling, happy faces, and souls I will always carry with me. There was delicious food and more gifts: A new refrigerator for our bay house! The quilt made by the children! (We’ll send pictures when these are in place. Just now, the place looks like a warehouse, full of boxes.) And the parish hall’s being dedicated to me.

I am deeply honored and grateful for the love you have shown me, not only on that day of celebration, but always. I hope that what I have given you and the Church over the years is even half enough to convey how deeply I have loved and always will love you.

In the quiet of an upcoming week at the beach I will be savoring the treasure of your words collected in the memory book. I am so thankful to Angela for organizing these, as well as the book of photos and memorabilia; thankful to Tom for commissioning the anthems; thankful to Cathy, Robin, and the Vestry for planning the day of celebration. I am thankful to God for all of you; I just can’t say it enough!

Grace and Peace, Susan

The Rev’d Susan Thon

Note from Our Former Rector

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Are you ready to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of daily activities? Does a weekend devoted to prayer, fellowship and relaxation with your Redeemer friends sound too good to be true? Well, you are in for a treat! Redeemer’s annual All Parish Retreat will take place from Friday September 27, 5:00 p.m., through Sunday, September 29, 2:00 p.m., at the Bishop Claggett Center, Buckeystown, Maryland (just an hour’s drive from Bethesda). The Center is situated on a 277-acre working farm in beautiful Frederick County and provides an ideal atmosphere for a weekend retreat. The theme for the 2013 All Parish Retreat is Discernment: Listening for God's Guidance in Our Daily Life. The retreat is for parishioners of all ages. The Retreat will be led by the Rev’d Torrence Harman, Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Lancaster, Virginia. The Rev’d Harman is an experienced spiritual director and retreat leader. She has a gift for bringing people into an awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Through insightful teaching and practical applications she will guide us as we explore new ways to open ourselves to hear and see God’s glory in our daily lives. Before being called to ordained ministry, the Rev’d Harman practiced law and mediation for some 20 years.

If you think you would like to attend the retreat, please add your name to the sign-up sheet on the board in the Parish Hall, so that we can get an early idea of numbers. The cost is $184 per adult and $169 for children under 16. Scholarship funds are available (please speak with the Rev’d Robin Razzino). If you have questions, please contact Seminarian Vikki Clayton or parishioner Jane Dealy: [email protected] or [email protected].

Vikki Clayton Seminarian

Sunday, September 8, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

This year’s 9/11 Unity Walk will take place on Sunday, September 8, beginning at about 1:00 p.m. We hope that many parishioners will participate in this family friendly experience as they have done in prior years, joining with people of all faiths to stand up for religious freedom and tolerance. There is great food and music and the opportunity to visit houses of worship from the synagogue, where the Walk starts, to the Sikh Gurdwara, Orthodox and Christian churches, a Buddhist Temple, the Mosque and the Gandhi Memorial. There are several service projects to participate in: a shoe drive, a gleaning project and packaging trail mix for the homeless. During registration cards will be made for Nelson Mandela and a video tribute created. Together, we can rise above the differences and distinctions that divide us and walk in solidarity. The 9/11 Unity Walk organizers thank Redeemer for graciously approving outreach funds to support the Walk's continued mission. Redeemer is listed as a partner on the UW website. For more information and to register, please go to www.911UnityWalk.org. You can also help spread the word by: • Signing up for UW emails at www.911unitywalk.org • Posting to Facebook and Twitter. • Forwarding information to friends and family (we can

send you a template). • Sharing with your neighborhood list serv. • Sharing with other faith communities you are

connected to and asking them to share the information on listservs, calendars and/or newsletters.

• Sharing with your school — this is an amazing, family-friendly, educational opportunity.

• Obtaining postcards or a poster to put up (we will provide, just let us know how many you need).

For more information, please contact parishioners Dominique & Mike Rychlik: [email protected] or 301-365-3845.

Dominique and Mike Rychlik 9/11 Unity Walk Coordinators

Annual 9/11 Unity Walk All Parish Retreat

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As we begin the 2013-2014 program year, I encourage all parishioners to become more actively involved in Redeemer’s growing ministry of music:

Consider the possibility of joining the Adult Choir. Additional voices are always welcome.

Encourage your children to participate in the Youth Choir…a free addition to your child’s musical education.

Plan to attend a musical event or two…or three or four. An extraordinary series of concerts and choral services has been planned.

Volunteer to assist with the publicity/production of the Music at Redeemer Series. Many hands make light work.

Sing or play a musical instrument in the Taizé Ensemble. The music of Taizé is accessible to all.

Help to organize a post-concert reception in the Parish Hall. Hospitality and fellowship are vital components of the Music at Redeemer Series.

Above all, join us each Sunday morning as we “worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” Sing praise to God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Adult Choir: New Singers Welcome A volunteer ensemble augmented by professional singers, the Adult Choir provides musical leadership for the 10:30 Eucharist each Sunday and for special liturgies throughout the year. With a focus on the music of the English Cathedral tradition, the repertoire of the Adult Choir spans many centuries. The 2013-14 season begins with rehearsal on Thursday, August 29, at 7:30 p.m. New members are welcome! No prior choral experience is necessary, although all singers must possess a pleasing tone quality and the ability to match pitch and blend. Youth Choir: Calling All Children and Youth The Youth Choir joins the Adult Choir in providing musical leadership for the 10:30 Eucharist each Sunday and for special liturgies throughout the year. Although there is no minimum age requirement, all choristers must be able to read. The 2013-14 season begins with rehearsal on Wednesday, September 4, at 4:30 p.m. An ice cream social follows. The Youth Choir is a wonderful – and FREE – opportunity for high quality music education right here at Redeemer. Both Choirs Highlights of the upcoming season include a service of Choral Evensong conducted by Dr. Martin Neary, former Organist & Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey, London, the annual Service of Lessons & Carols for Advent with guest conductor Dr. Benjamin Hutchens, and a trip to sing two services and produce a professional recording at historic St. Paul’s Church, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. For

Musical Notes more information, visit the parish website or contact Tom Smith, Director of Music: [email protected] or 301-229-3770. Taizé Ensemble Redeemer’s monthly service of prayer and meditation in the style of Taizé will resume on Monday, October 7, at 7:30 p.m. New singers and instrumentalists are welcome! Participation in the Taizé Ensemble requires a minimal time commitment. For more information, please contact Tom Smith. Music at Redeemer Series 2013-14 The annual music brochure will be sent to the printer shortly. It will then be mailed to over 1,200 households, including all households on the parish mailing list. In the meantime, see p. 7 of this newsletter or pick up a copy of the 2013-2014 schedule in the Narthex or Parish Hall. Volunteers will be needed throughout the season to assist with ushering and reception preparation. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Tom Smith.

The Ten Commandments of Congregational Singing

I. Thou shalt sing!

II. Thou shalt sing with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

III. Thou shalt sing fearlessly, striving to ignore the possible wondering glances of thy neighbors. Thou shalt know in thy heart that they would like to sing with thee, if they only had the nerve. Never lose faith that they will sing with thee if only thou do continue.

IV. Thou shalt sing joyfully, as it is written by the prophet Isaiah: “Sing, O Heaven, be joyful, O Earth, and break forth into Singing, O mountains.”

V. Thou shalt sing reverently, for music is prayer.

VI. Thou shalt sing without hesitation, for though an individual may pray in a whisper or even in wordless silence, a congregation must sing.

VII. Thou shalt not resist new melodies, for we have been taught never to let our prayer become rigid. Seek to fulfill the words of the Psalmist: “Let us sing a new song unto the Lord.”

VIII. Thou shalt never mumble but sing out loud. Never be deterred by an occasional mistake.

IX. Thou shalt not hesitate to sing with the choir for they fervently want you to join with them.

X. Thou shalt never forget the words of the Psalmist: “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live.” True and certain it is that God loves us when we work, but He loves us all the more when we sing.

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Music at Redeemer

2013-2014

Sunday, 6 October, at 5:00 p.m. INSCAPE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: “Songs of the Earth”

Redeemer’s Ensemble-in-residence explores the use of folk-song and poetry in classical music. The program features Dan Visconti’s Low Country Haze; Luciano Berio’s Folk Songs; and Gustav Mahler’s Der Abschied from Das Lied von der Erde (arr. Schoenberg), with baritone Andrew McLaughlin. Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 3 November, at 5:00 p.m. CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE SUNDAY AFTER ALL SAINTS’

Dr. Martin Neary, former Organist & Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey, leads Redeemer’s Adult and Youth Choirs in singing the evening office. Music includes works by Edgar Bainton, Herbert Howells, Martin Neary, and Tomás Luis de Victoria. A brief organ recital precedes the liturgy. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 8 December, at 5:00 p.m. A SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS FOR ADVENT

Modeled after the famed service held each year at King’s College, Cambridge, this festive liturgy, sung by Redeemer’s Adult and Youth Choirs (Dr. Benjamin Hutchens, guest conductor), includes works by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Stanford Scriven, Richard Shephard, and Charles Wood. Reception to follow.

Tuesday, 24 December, at 10:30 p.m. FESTAL EUCHARIST OF THE NATIVITY

An extended, candle-lit prelude of organ voluntaries, choral anthems, and congregational carols begins at 10:00 p.m. Music includes works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Harold Darke, William Bradley Roberts, John Rutter, Tomás Luis de Victoria, and David Willcocks. Arrive early to join in the caroling and to ensure seating.

Sunday, 5 January, at 5:00 p.m. THE YALE SPIZZWINKS(?)

The Yale Spizzwinks(?), America’s oldest underclassman a cappella group, have entertained audiences around the world with a unique blend of sweet harmony and tongue-in-cheek humor since 1914. The suggested donation is $15. Reception to follow. NOTE: The Spizzwinks(?) will also sing at the 10:30 Choral Eucharist.

Sunday, 12 January, at 5:00 p.m. COUNTERTOP ENSEMBLE & ILLUMINARE: “Expressions of Praise”

The Countertop Ensemble and Illuminare, two of Washington’s leading early music ensembles, join forces for a program of sacred song from all corners of Europe. Music includes plainsong and works by Antoine Brumel, Orlando Gibbons, Francisco Guerrero, and Giovanni Gabrieli. Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 9 February, at 5:00 p.m. CONCERT ORGANIST SIMON THOMAS JACOBS

British organist Simon Thomas Jacobs, First Prize Winner at the 2013 St. Albans International Organ Competition, performs works by J.S. Bach, César Franck, Franz Liszt, and William Walton. The program features recent additions to Redeemer’s organ, including a high-pressure Solo Trumpet. Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 9 March, at 5:00 p.m. CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

An evening service to mark the beginning of the season of Lent, sung by the Adult and Youth Choirs. Music includes works by David Briggs and Richard Webster. A brief organ recital by Russell Weismann precedes the liturgy. All proceeds from the offering benefit Episcopal Relief and Development. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 30 March, at 5:00 p.m. INSCAPE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: “Poetic License”

An exceptionally unique program featuring Dominic Argento’s Six Elizabethan Songs, with acclaimed soprano Hilary Park; William Walton’s Façade (An Entertainment); and the world premiere of The Bear and the Dove, by Brooklyn-based composer Gregory Spears. Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Thursday, 17 April, at 7:30 p.m. CHORAL EUCHARIST FOR MAUNDY THURSDAY

The Maundy Thursday liturgy — the start of the Triduum Sacrum, the three holy days leading up to Easter — includes the Washing of Feet, Procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, and Stripping of the Altar. Music includes works by Peter Aston, Nicolas de Grigny, Maurice Duruflé, and Edward Elgar.

Friday, 18 April, at 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. THE SOLEMN LITURGIES OF GOOD FRIDAY

Stations of the Cross (12 noon) is followed by a performance of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, with Hilary Park, soprano, and Kristen Dubenion-Smith, mezzo-soprano. The proper liturgy (7:30 p.m.) for this most holy day includes plainsong and polyphonic works by William Byrd and Tomás Luis de Victoria.

Saturday, 19 April, at 8:30 p.m. THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER

Begun in complete darkness on the church lawn, the liturgy includes the Lighting of the Paschal Candle, the Exsultet, the Prophecies, Holy Baptism, and the First Eucharist of Easter. Music includes works by Edward Bairstow, Gary Davison, George Frideric Handel, and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.

Sunday, 18 May, at 5:00 p.m. INSCAPE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: “Premieres”

An eclectic program featuring two commissioned works by local composers Julia Adolphe and Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis, as well as the North American premiere of Carolísima: Serenade, by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, prolific British composer and Master of the Queen’s Music. Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 1 June, at 5:00 p.m. CHORAL EVENSONG FOR ASCENSIONTIDE

The 2013-14 season concludes with a service of Choral Evensong, sung by the combined choirs of The Church of the Redeemer and All Souls’ Memorial Church (Dr. Benjamin Hutchens, Director of Music). Music includes works by Gerald Finzi and Charles Villiers Stanford. Reception to follow.

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Taizé Service & Healing Rite First Mondays (October—June), 7:30 p.m. Taizé is an informal, contemplative liturgy with scripture, icons, incense, silence, and chant accompanied by piano, guitar, and other instruments. The Healing Rite — prayers for healing of body, mind, or spirit for yourself or someone you love — is offered at the conclusion of the service. Taizé is offered on the first Monday of each month, October—June, and every Monday in Lent. The first Taizé Service of the 2013-14 will take place on Monday, October 7, at 7:30 p.m. We extend a special invitation to those who have never experienced the quiet beauty of Taizé. Contemplative Christian Group Second & Fourth Mondays (September-June), 7:30-9:00 p.m. The Contemplative Christian Group is a small, intimate group that gathers to deepen contemplative practices in community. Each session begins with a short liturgy of simple chants, readings, and centering prayer. The discussion that follows centers around a selected text. Through these contemplative practices, it is possible to learn to act in new ways, change old patterns, and develop our relationship with God, with ourselves, and others.

All are welcome to drop in any time on our meetings, which are held in the Nave on the second and fourth Monday of each month, 7:30-9:00 p.m., September—June (except during Lent). For more information, contact Alice Despard: [email protected] or 301-263-9644.

Children & Youth

Contemplative Mondays at Redeemer

New Church School Teachers for 2013-2014! We are adding new teachers to the Church School teaching ranks - yay!! Three parishioners have generously accepted the call to help teach in the coming year. We have five classes and we need 25 volunteers total to be fully staffed. Many hands make light work. Though adding these three teachers is a great start, we are still in need of at least two Godly Play and two middle school teachers. If this is a ministry with which you would like to help please let the Rev’d Robin Razzino know. In the meantime, heart-felt thanks go to Susanne Shirzad and Mike Rychlik who have volunteered to teach Godly Play, and Jim Winkler who has volunteered to teach Middle School. I am in the midst of contacting teachers from last year and many have said that they are willing to teach again this year: Joelle Morris, Karen Stewart, Ayesha Court, Janice Huey, Steve Gibson, Melinda Nelson, Mary K Young, Jefferson Arrington, Cathy Baker, Chrissy De Fontenay, and Pat Fitzgerald. Others veteran teachers have yet to be contacted, but I am sure they will also be up to the task. This is such an important ministry and one that requires a lot of time, patience and energy. I am so grateful for everyone who takes it on. Please thank them – even if you don’t have children in church school!! New Curricula for 2013-2014 We have a new curriculum for the Middle School class, first tested last Spring by Dongbo Wang and Katie Glover. The curriculum is called TEENTEXT and is brought to us by the same organization that sponsors the Bible Workbench (a way of doing bible study popular with many adults at Redeemer). The curriculum is based on the Sunday Lectionary and ties Scripture to everyday concerns. You can learn more about the program by visiting: https://www.educationalcenter.org/resources/resources-youth In addition to using the tried and true Episcopal Church Curriculum, the Intermediate Class (4—6 grades) will also use a curriculum called Weaving God’s Promises. To learn more about this program, visit: http://www.weavinggodspromises.org/Program. I am grateful for the teachers who will be using these new curricula and finding creative ways to adapt them to Redeemer’s unique context (especially having only about 30 minutes each Sunday for Church School).

Parishioner Amy Yount, who has taught the Middle School Class here for years and is a priest and middle school educator during the week, has graciously offered to host a training for all Redeemer Middle School and Intermediate Class teachers. Amy will help teachers envision ways to adapt the curricula to our context and ways the youth can be engaged in activities that benefit the church and the wider community while they are sitting in class. Keeping hands busy while minds are engaged is always important and if we can do more than doodle then we are maximizing our time and learning possibilities!

The Rev’d Robin Razzino

Associate Rector

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Monasteries of the Heart Third Mondays (September-June), 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. Have you ever wondered why someone would choose to live in a monastery? For Saint Benedict, the spiritual life lay in simply living this life, our daily life, well. He turned the ordinary into an experience of the extraordinary; a union with the sacred in the here and now.

The text for these gatherings is Monastery of the Heart: An invitation to a meaningful life by Joan Chittister, a book written for those who desire to have a powerful relationship with God, but in a modern context (something other than a monastery). In the discussion, following the reading of a chapter, everyone is invited to say in a few words about how the reading spoke to them. As the discussion grows, the wisdom of the group brings new energy to the group.

There will now be two gatherings, 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. Participants may come to either or both. Each session begins with a centering exercise, followed by the reading of a chapter in the book. Bring your own book, follow along without a book, or use one of the extra books that we have. For more information, please contact parishioner and group facilitator Bob Yates: [email protected] or 240-205-5783. All are welcome!

Backpacks/School Supplies Drive You can still contribute to the annual backpacks/school supplies drive that provided 64 filled backpacks to Transitional Housing Corporation (THC), a Redeemer outreach partner, for needed children so that they could begin the school year with the tools they need to thrive. This year’s drive was organized by parishioners Marisa Guzman-Vogele and Susan Vogele, who were assisted by other youth in the parish in filling the backpacks. Each backpack with supplies costs approximately $45. If you would like to contribute, please make your check payable to The Church of the Redeemer with “School Supplies” on the memo line. Thank you! Bethesda Cares Dinner Program Sunday, September 22 Redeemer will again be responsible for providing dinner for 50-60 homeless people through the Bethesda Cares Dinner Program. Bethesda Cares has been an outreach partner of Redeemer’s for many years. In 2012, Bethesda Cares served 13,416 hot meals to the hungry, provided

Outreach

clothing for 232 people, and offered a warm comfortable space in which 934 people came to sit, have a cup of coffee and read the newspaper without being told to “move along.” A list of food items needed for the dinner and a sign-up sheet will be posted on the Outreach board in the Parish Hall. If you are willing to contribute an item or help with delivery, please sign up. If you would like more information, please contact Mary Helen Carlson: [email protected] or 301-983-0541 Bananas, Babies, and Dancing in Burundi Parishioners Clarice Leslie and Nwanganga Shields spent the month of July in Burundi on a mission to review the

work being done by Hope for Burundi, a Redeemer outreach partner. On Sunday, October 20, following Coffee Hour, Clarice and Nwanganga will share their experience, pictures, inspirations, and Hope for Burundi’s priorities with all of us. Please save the date.

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Reflections on the Healing Ministry Thirty-some years ago, at a time when I was bankrupt in body, mind and spirit, I was drawn to an early morning Eucharist in a small Episcopal Church. The service included an opportunity for healing through the laying on of hands and anointing with oil. While I had been skeptical about self-proclaimed miracles of faith healers, especially those who advertised their power, I decided to see what it was like to participate. Initially, I asked prayers for myself and experienced an instant sense of uplift and a surge of energy. Although I did not recognize it as such, I was receiving God’s healing grace and love. I began praying for others as well as myself. As I returned, week after week, I wasn’t “cured” of any ailment, but I was being transformed so gently that I couldn’t discern any change until much later. Soon, I became active in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, enrolling in a two-year course to become a spiritual director and a six-week course about healing. We learned how to quiet all the noise in our heads — to lose all of our little ego demands — and to open up to God. Each of us experienced in different ways the flow from God through us into the one we touched. Next, a wonderful opportunity arose when I joined a group, led by Canon Carole Crumley, which was developing a healing service for the National Cathedral. Peggy Tucker, a Redeemer parishioner, was also a member of the group. The special Eucharist and Healing Service was held once a week in the early morning and twice a month on Sunday evenings. Peggy or I (and later others) multi-tasked as verger/acolyte/lector/chalicist and served behind the rail, laying on hands and anointing with oil. The early morning service was an especially holy time as we worshipped in Bethlehem Chapel where people have been praying since the Cathedral first underwent construction. Subsequently, I have been privileged to serve on Healing Ministry groups in three different parishes. The manner in which the rite was offered varied, but it always provided solace and transformation through union with God. These days, as I am challenged by the vicissitudes of age, I am comforted by 2 Corinthians 4:16, “But we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” Receiving communion is an important part of that renewal; receiving laying on of hands is another powerful way to connect with the Holy. It may not cure my aching joints, but it certainly lifts my spirit.

Classes Begin in September: Sign-up now! Whether you are a devout Christian, a skeptic, a cradle Episcopalian, an Anglican Jew, a sometime Buddhist, a lapsed Catholic, or a fellow traveler, you may be interested in exploring your faith in a respectful and intellectually engaging environment. If so, consider joining Redeemer's Education for Ministry (EfM) class. Established by the University of the South School of Theology, the program offers a comprehensive theological education — the equivalent of the core curriculum of an Episcopal seminary — over the course of four academic years. Students register for one year at a time and take summers off. The first year includes study of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament); the second year, Christian Scriptures (the New Testament); the third year, Church History; and the fourth year, Modern Philosophers and Theologians. Spiritual development and worship are part of each year. The Classes, which are led by parishioner and EfM mentor Jo Barclay-Beard, are held on Tuesday evenings, 6:30-9:30 p.m., September to May. If you think this course might be of interest to you, please contact Jo Barclay-Beard: [email protected] or 301-593-5993.

Each of us experiences the Healing Rite in a different way, but you might want to see what it is like for you; just let go of any expectations and be open to whatever you experience.

Jack Hutchings Parishioner

The Healing Ministry at Redeemer The Healing Rite — prayers for healing of body, mind, or spirit for you or someone you love — is offered at both the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. liturgies on the third Sunday of the month, and at the Taizé Service on the first Monday of the month (October-June). If you would like to learn more about the Healing Ministry at Redeemer, please contact any member of the clergy or parishioner Linda Lear: [email protected] or 301-469-5369.

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Healing Ministry

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Pledges include $69,495 pre-paid in 2012. Expenses for the period exceed the budget due to Rectory repairs, HVAC work, and payment to the auditor. These are non-recurring expenses. Budgeted expenses are expected to even out dur-ing the remainder of the year. Questions about parish fi-nances? Please contact Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair, Mary K Young: [email protected].

Actual Jan-July

Budget Jan-July

Variance Total 2013 Budget

Pledges $382,104 $337,807 $44,297 $579,097

Total Ordinary Income

$519,634 $430,506 $89,128 $718,797

Expenses $444,008 $442,161 $21,847 $718,797

Net Ordinary Income

$75,626 $8,345 $67,281 $0

Year to Date as of July 31, 2013

Senior Warden Cathy Arrington opened the meeting with a period of centering prayer and silence. She invited other Vestry members to consider leading the opening meditation in the future. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the July Vestry meeting were approved. Areas of Ministry: The Vestry is reviewing various areas of ministry (see Notes from the Senior Warden, p. 1). Vestry member Janice Huey is organizing and coordinating this project. Members of the Vestry are conducting interviews with the leaders (past and present) of various Redeemer ministries to gain an understanding of what each involves and how it is done. In particular, the Vestry hopes to identify those ministries that are in need of attention and/or assistance. Once the information has been gathered, it will be shared with all Vestry members and staff. The information will be useful in a variety of ways, including for future ministry leaders and the new Rector. Calendar: A calendar for August 2013 through June 2014 was provided. It was decided to schedule the Fall Garden Clean-up for Sunday, November 10. If anyone has questions about the calendar they will contact Cathy or Administrative Assistant Angela Beckman. Treasurer’s Report: Mary K Young reported that adjustments resulting from the rector’s retirement will have a positive effect on the 2013 budget, though there is work to be done on both the Rectory and clerestory windows. Work has begun on the 2014 budget and the diocese has provided estimates of possible transition costs. Building & Grounds: Junior Warden Peter Carlson reported that the radon treatment on the Rectory will take place on Thursday, August 22, with the hope of removing the oil odor from the building. Angela Beckman, at Peter’s request, informed the Vestry that three bids have been received for repairing the clerestory windows in the church and that these are being reviewed. The cost will likely be in the range of $20,000. Transition to New Rector: Joey Rick, Canon for Congregational Vitality with the Diocese, attended the Vestry meeting to discuss the process of moving towards hiring a new rector. There are a number of ways that this can be done. Vestry members posed a considerable number of questions to Joey in a thoughtful and lively discussion that was helpful to all present. The Rev’d Dr. David Schlafer, in summarizing the next step, stated that

the Vestry will need to determine what is the appropriate process for this parish at this time. After Joey Rick left the meeting, there was a period of quiet and discernment. Next Meeting: The Vestry will meet again on Sunday, August 25, 12:15 p.m., to continue the discussion on the transition process. The next regular Vestry meeting will be on Wednesday, September 18. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Angela Beckman Administrative Assistant

Treasurer’s Report

August Vestry Report

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On Sunday, August 11, we said farewell to our beloved Rector, the Rev’d Susan Thon, and to longtime parishioner Peter Magrath, Susan’s husband. Heartfelt thanks to all who were here for the occasion and to all who helped in so many ways — both large and small — to make it a day of celebration, thanksgiving, and joy. Deo gratias!

Sunday, August 11

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We wish a happy birthday to:

Tim Nickerson Anne Southard Lowry Adams Judy James Emma Rackstraw Jim Winkler John Harbeson Michael Hart Mary Helen Carlson Graeme Browning Bruce McWilliams Anna Nachbar-Seckel Leah Ninde-Nazarian Lily Young Celina Zhou

We wish a happy anniversary to:

Joe Daley & Debbie Babcock-Daley Hal & Marlene Palmer David & Anne Hotes

If you would like to donate altar flowers on any Sunday in 2013, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall. Donations may be made in honor, memory, celebration, thanksgiving or anonymously. The dedication will be printed in the Sunday announcements. The requested donation is $65. Please let

the Parish Office know your dedication at least a week be-fore the Sunday you are giving the flowers and if there are specific flowers you would like to be used (if available). More than one person may sign up for a given Sunday. You may choose to keep the flowers after the service or arrange for them to be taken to someone who is ill or homebound. Please speak with a member of the clergy to find out if there is anyone who might be given the flowers.

The Altar Guild

September Birthdays & Anniversaries

Altar Flowers

It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything. This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promises. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, And to do it very well. It may be incomplete, But it is a beginning, a step along the way, An opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do The rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference Between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.

AMEN. This prayer is attributed to Archbishop Oscar Romero, who served the people of El Salvador until his assassination in 1980 while he was saying Mass in San Salvador.

A Prayer

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Sunday Holy Eucharist, 8:00 a.m. Adult Forum, 9:15 a.m. (September — May) Bible Study, 9:15 a.m. Adult Choir Warm-up, 9:15 a.m. (September — June) Youth Choir Warm-up, 9:45 a.m. (September — June) Nursery Care, 10:15 a.m. Choral Eucharist, 10:30 a.m. Church School, 10:30 a.m. Coffee Hour (following the 10:30 Eucharist) Monday AA Meeting, 12 noon Taizé Service & Healing Rite, 7:30 p.m. (first Monday, October — June; every Monday in Lent) Christian Contemplative Group, 7:30 p.m. (second & fourth Mondays) Monasteries of the Heart, 12 noon and 7:30 p.m.

(third Monday) Tuesday Education for Ministry, 6:30 p.m. (September — May) AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Morning Prayer & Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. AA Meeting, 12 noon Holy Eucharist, 12 noon Youth Choir Rehearsal, 4:30 p.m. (September — June) Vestry Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (third Wednesday) Thursday Adult Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. (September — June) Friday (Parish Office closed) AA Meditation Group, 12 noon AA Meeting, 8:30 p.m. Saturday Beginner’s Mind Yoga, 9:30 a.m.

The Episcopal

Church of the Redeemer

6201 Dunrobbin Drive at MacArthur Boulevard Bethesda, Maryland 20816

Phone: 301-229-3770 • Fax: 301-320-8037 Website: www.redeemerbethesda.org

The Parish Office is open Monday — Thursday, 8:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.

■ Parish Clergy & Staff

The Reverend Robin G. Razzino, Associate Rector email: [email protected]

The Reverend Dr. David J. Schlafer, Assisting Priest email: [email protected]

Thomas P. Smith, Director of Music email: [email protected]

Angela Beckman, Administrative Assistant email: [email protected]

Alice Despard, Sexton email: [email protected]

Vikki Clayton, Seminarian Intern email: [email protected] ■ Vestry & Officers

Cathy Arrington, Senior Warden (2014) 301-219-1207 • email: [email protected]

Peter Carlson, Junior Warden (2015) 301-983-0541 • email: [email protected]

Steve Gibson (2015) 301-229-1168 • email: [email protected]

Janice Huey (2013) 301-320-6023 • email: [email protected]

Melinda Nelson (2014) 301-391-6117 • email: [email protected]

Mary Packard-Winkler (2016) 301-320-3976 • email: [email protected] David Riggs (2014) 301-365-3675 • email: [email protected]

Callie Raulfs-Wang (2015) 757-254-7843 • email: [email protected]

Cynthia Winder (2014) 301-229-9093 • email: [email protected]

Mary K Young, Treasurer/Chair, Finance Committee 301-320-5696 • email: [email protected]

Catherine Sands, Secretary 301-229-5159 • email: [email protected]

Parish Contact Information Weekly at Redeemer

The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

6201 Dunrobbin Drive at MacArthur Boulevard Bethesda, Maryland 20816

The Redeemer Spirit

A monthly publication of The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

The deadline for the October issue is September 23.

w w w . r e d e e m e r b e t h e s d a . o r g

Parish Mission Statement We are called as a loving community of faith to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action, and to welcome all people who seek a deeper knowledge of God. We will achieve our mission by: striving to create a vibrant, focused, and growing Church which embodies Christian values and beliefs; implementing programs and services that are meaningful in our daily lives (faith in action); building a safe environment that encourages us to reach out to our community, to people of other faiths and beliefs, and to people who differ from us in important ways.

The Holy Eucharist is celebrated each Sunday at 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Please visit the parish website to learn more about opportunities for

worship, Christian formation, and outreach.

Documents

The Redeemer Spirit...The Redeemer Spirit September 2013 A monthly publication of The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, Maryland Dear Redeemer Parish, We have been through