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Saint Bernard once noted that "Life is given that we may learn how to love; time is given that we may find God." In two short phrases he captured the fundamental trust that informs all that the Christian church is and does. Love is more than an emotion. It is a calling and a skill, the first and finest goal of our lives, to be given and accepted, nurtured, developed, and put in action. It is to be continually learned: in worship, through education and formation, in fellowship, and in the practice of compassion and empathy shared in community. Love is never mastered nor are its possibilities exhausted. It is always opening before us. And in the same manner, time is more than a measure of chronology. Time is a gift that frames the beauty of the world, and the church honors time by consciously making space for it. Our worship is the keeping of the Sabbath, when we pause to reflect, to deepen our appreciation, to offer thanks, to give voice to joy, and to extend our hands in peace to one another. Our campus is an expression of the fullness of time: the grounds remind us both of the generations that have preceded our own and the promise that is our abiding hope. Our programs give witness that we have time enough to give our own time as a gift to others. The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey, stated that "There are people who make God near. That is the most marvelous thing that one human being can do to another." This is the grace we mean to embody at Church of the Redeemer in all our interactions, programs, and efforts. We are pleased that you are visiting, and would be glad to be of assistance to you. Let us know if you have any questions or if would like to join in any of our ministries. The Rev. Peter T Vanderveen, Rector
Scenes from the September 13, 2009
Click on the photo for a gallery of
pictures from the festivities.
Opportunities for Community Service Acolytes assist clergy in leading worship. coordinates our parish response to the AIDS crisis in Malawi.Altar Guild prepares and maintains the altar for worship.Chalice bearers assist clergy in the distribution of the sacramental elements. include the Bryn Mawr Boychoir, our resident training choir for boys in grades 2-4, and a touring choir for boys in grades 5 through voice change; the Bryn Mawr Girlchoir, a resident training choir for girls in grades 3-5, and a touring choir for girls in middle and high school; the Redeemer Choir and Chancel Choir for older teens and adults.Christmas Bazaar fosters fellowship and serves as an annual fund-raising event for outreach.Education For Ministry offers a four-year course of theological study for lay people. Church School teachers and leaders nurture the spiritual formation of children and youth. Eucharistic Visitors distribute consecrated elements to the home- and hospital-bound.Flower Guild arranges flowers for worship, memorials, funerals and weddings.Gathering of Men meets weekly for fellowship and discussion.Greeters welcome worshipers at all services. Interfaith Hospitality Network allows the parish to offer its facilities to transitional homeless families for their residential use. Lay-led Bible study groups meet regularly to learn together.Outreach develops and coordinates the support of various agencies and programs not connected with the parish. Parish Action Council meets quarterly as a whole parish to review progress on the main fronts of our community life. Pastoral Care allows trained care-givers to serve those who are ill and/or homebound.Readers read scripture at all worship services.Standing committees of the Vestry help conduct the business of the Vestry, the elected governing body of the parish. operates a sales outlet for donated items, with proceeds funding outreach activities.Ushers distribute worship materials, present the sacramental gifts, and provide assistance during worship services.
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