a monthly publication of the episcopal church of the ......we have been reading monsoon by robert...

THE REDEEMER SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 2017

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

FROM THE HEARTH

Choices. We make lots of choices everyday. When I was in college, I had to choose a major. I chose one a month for a while! We choose to pay attention and we choose to ignore. We go to a supermarket and choose what to eat. Or, if we’re lucky, we go to a restaurant and choose what to eat and someone else cooks it for us! There are consequences to our choices. If we choose to exercise, our bodies can get healthi-er. If we choose to eat junk food, our bodies won’t function the way they should. That old adage that “we are what we eat” is truer than we’d like to believe. Summertime gives us a chance to relax, take a break, take a vacation - to choose to do something that gives us life. Au-tumn brings us back to busy routines and more choices. What we do with our time and our money are important choices as we begin our fall adventures. Just as we are what we eat, much can be revealed about us in our choices about how we use our time and treasure. Our faith and the deepening of it can’t be accomplished if we don’t invest our time to make it happen. Christians need each other. We need each other more than a couple hours a week! There are many ways to address this need: Join the team that tutors at Oakview Elementary School. Or, sign up

for a foyer group and get to know each other over dinner. Work in the District? Catch lunch at a food truck on K street on Tuesdays after sharing bread and wine with home-less brothers and sisters at Franklin Park. Our formation necessitates a knowledge of scripture. If you haven’t done Education for Ministry, please consider it. If that won’t fit into your life right now, that’s okay. There is an opportunity beginning September 27th for adult for-mation. Wednesday evenings are being dedicated to Chris-tian formation in addition to the Sunday Adult Forum. The first four sessions are biblically centered and will be a part of the curriculum for youth who wish to be confirmed next spring. We’ll enjoy a potluck supper on the 27th and launch this new initiative. I hope to see you there. And, I hope to see you in church each week. It makes me happy to look out on pews full of happy parishioners and their guests. Welcome home!

Blessings,

Amma Cricket+

Looking Ahead: September 10—Homecoming Sunday “Holy Crepes” Youth Pool Party Washington Cornetts & Sackbutts September 6—Parents Meeting September 17—first of the Forum Season September 20—Youth Event September 24—Book Group meets September 24—Bethesda Cares Dinner October 8—Organ Anniversary Evensong

Church of the Redeemer Social Media Please connect with Redeemer and the rector through these social media platforms: Facebook: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, Maryland Facebook: Cricket Park Twitter: @VicarVirtual Linked In: Cricket Park Instagram: parkcricket Events are posted on Facebook only. Please respond to these invitations so that we have accurate information about who will be attending. Thanks!

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The Redeemer Spirit September 2017

PARISH LIFE

The Book Group

We have been reading Monsoon by Robert Kaplan. This book is a history of countries surrounding the Indian ocean mainly in the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa. It is a scholarly book, and requires hard work and concentration to fully absorb what the author says. Therefore, one can just concen-trate on a couple of chapters on a country of one's choice. Discussion of this book will take place on Sep-tember 24th at the home of Susan Grigsby.

The book selected after that, "The Forty Rules of Love" by Elif Shafak is a wise and joyous page turner that I hope many will read. It is a lyrical, imaginative novel by the most widely read female writer in Turkey and un-folds in two parallel narratives. In the 13th century, the Sufi poet Rumi encounters his spiritual mentor, a wan-dering dervish known as Shams of Tabriz and is trans-formed from a successful but unhappy cleric into a com-mitted mystic and advocate of love. In present day Mas-sachusetts, an unhappy American housewife, inspired by Rumi's message of love, finds the courage to undertake her own transformation. Blending East and West, past and present, the author provides a compelling dramatic and exuberant account of how love works in this world. And don't we all need love, tolerance and peace.

For more information, contact Huda Kraske at [email protected] or by calling 301 656 2087. All are welcome.

From the Senior Warden "O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges and universities, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discov-ery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord." I've been using that prayer (page 824 in the always-handy Book of Common Prayer) as our kids go back to school. The onset of The Middle School Years seems to focus one's prayer life. But I think it also works nicely for our Redeemer com-munity, and our desire to learn and grow together in faith. During Cricket's recent sermon on Mark 8 ("Who do you say that I am") she asked us to reflect on who Jesus is to us. We shared out lots of interesting responses -- all of them different, and all of them right and true. Jesus as God. Jesus as best friend. Jesus as resurrected savior. And Jesus as teacher -- cajoler, corrector, guider, inspir-er. When we learn from one another in embodied communi-ty, at Sunday School or adult forum or EFM choir rehearsal, we are living out our call to pursue God's eternal truth. We can order lots of books from Amazon and read them alone; we can watch a YouTube video of a choir singing an anthem, but sitting next to our fellow parishioner, hearing her story -- that's where we find the wisdom worth pursuing. That's disci-pleship. Peace be upon you, and upon your backpacks, whichever school you attend. See you in church.

Blessings,

Michael Mershon, Senior Warden

The Redeemer Parish Directory is available for download. To get a copy send a request to Cricket at: [email protected]

The directory is not available to vendors or the public.

Kukula Glastris June 7, 1958—August 29, 2017

Rest in Peace

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PARISH LIFE

Fall Liturgics Beginning September 10th, we return to the Book of Common Prayer 1979 for our liturgies. These will con-tinue through December 3rd, when we welcome Ad-vent and a new church year. At both services, we’ll be praying the Collect of Purity and the Nicene Creed. Prayers of the People will be Form V. We’ll use Eucha-ristic Prayer A. John Harbeson is back to his scheduling role for Sun-day morning ministers. We would love to add your name to the usher, crucifer, or acolyte list. Youth and adults are welcome. Let John or Amma Cricket know of your interest.

Kick-off P.R.A.Y. Event Pool Party Sunday, September 10 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Host by the Evans Family from St. Dunstan's 6609 Pyle Avenue, Bethesda MD 20817 Come, bring friends, and take one last Splash of summer! All 5th through 12th graders are invited. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and an food item to share (details on the registration link). We'll talk about the calendar for the year, ask for input of places to go and things to do, and just have fun! To register for the event - please go to this link. P.R.A.Y. Calendar Dates for 2017-1028 October 22 November 19 December 17- Caroling at Oasis January 15 (Monday) - MLK Day of Service February 11 March 11 April 13-14 (Fri-Sat) - Live Now Serve Now - Overnight at the Cathedral and Day of Service with other EDOW youth May 20 Possible Short-term Mission week - June 17-24 (dates are somewhat flexible) Each event will be 2 hours long plus travel time. Come to the Kick-off Pool Party in September to help fill-in our events for each month. Redeemer Youth Nights Every third Wednesday, beginning September 20, we will hold a evening Youth Group activity following the youth choir re-hearsal. This time will include dinner together and a program. These evenings are open to all youth (5th-12th graders) of the parish and their friends. The program will include games, community building, worship and faith formation. 5:45 p.m. Dinner 6:15-7:00 p.m. Program Save the dates of September 20, October 18, November 15, and December 20!

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PARISH LIFE

FOYER DINNERS Foyer Dinners will be starting again this fall. There will be a few changes to make scheduling more flex-ible. Groups can decide to meet any evening that is convenient for them. As in the past, you can meet at the home of a group member or in a restaurant. This year, groups will also have the option to hold their dinner at the church due to the addition of the stove/oven. Another change this year, is the frequency of the dinners. Last year, some of the groups met multiple times and others only once or twice due to the availability of the members. Octo-ber will be the start month, as in the past, but this year you can continue to meet through the entire year.

Once again, Foyer Dinners are a great way to meet and get to know members of the congrega-tion, especially if you are a new member. If you have any questions about the Foyer Dinners or would be willing to speak to the congregation about your previous experience as a member of a Foyer Dinner group, please see Brooke Anthony after church on Sundays. The sign-up sheet will be available beginning in September.

EDOW Regional Assembly A regional assembly is an annual meeting of each of the eight geographic regions of the diocese. The meeting is a time for governance, learning and fellowship. Offices open for nomination or election include Diocesan Council, the governing board of the diocese; Standing Committee, which serves as an advisory board to the bishop and must approve decisions relating to property; and alternate depu-ties to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. More information about elections will be available closer to the events. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Cooney.

Southern Montgomery County Thursday, November 16, 7 to 9 p.m. St. John's Norwood in Chevy Chase

Wardens and convention delegates should attend. Others are invited and welcome.

Seeing the Face of God in Each Other This workshop provides an opportunity for people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds to honestly ex-plore the history of institutionalized discrimination in our society. The training satisfies canonical requirements for anti-racism training and certificates verifying training will be issued at the conclusion of the two-day training. Participants must attend both days of the workshop (September 22, 12:30 - 8 p.m. and September 23, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.) in order to receive credit. Cathedral com-munity members, please contact Michelle Dibblee at [email protected] for separate registration infor-mation. Email [email protected] with any ques-tions.

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Homecoming Sunday – September 10th Labor Day is past, school is in session, and it’s time to begin the program year at Redeemer. To celebrate the return of the choirs, Sunday School, Adult Forums, and half of the congregation (!), there will be a food truck at Redeemer for coffee hour. Holy Crepes food truck will be serving sweet and savory crepes from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A portion of the food sales will be donated back to Redeemer. Weath-er permitting, we’ll do coffee hour outside as well. Invite a friend to church too!

Image

As human beings and Christians, our life of

faith and relationship has its source in divine

Love, who eternally delights in each one of us

as an image and likeness of God unlike any

other.

-Br. Jonathan Maury

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OUTREACH

Summer Water Ministry

When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat...

Water Ministry is a longstanding ministry of St. Columba’s Church in Tenleytown. Four days a week the church is open to homeless men and women to come in from 11 to 1 PM to have lunch, take a shower and wash clothes. For several decades, it has operated from fall through spring but shut down for the sum-mer. This year following the Episcopal Diocese’s sug-gestion that churches to work together to leverage their resources to better provide services to the needy, St. Columba’s, St. Dunstan’s and Church of the Redeem-er worked together to staff the Waster Ministry over the summer months. Redeemer doesn’t have the space, the showers, laundry facilities, and the easy ac-cess to the Metro, but in partnership with our neigh-boring churches we were able to provide the volunteer numbers to staff the effort that allowed the services to be available to the homeless at St. Columba’s in Ten-leytown. The three churches together were able to sign up 4-5 people, four days a week all summer to run the pro-

gram. There were challenges with integrating new vol-unteers into an ongoing program but people caught on fast to how to manage the shower lines, and make the lunches. Several of our Redeemer volunteers signed up for a block of time or recurring service e.g. Tuesdays in July and August. This repeat effort enabled volunteers to get to know the guests who come regularly as well as the volunteers who work on a regular basis. It is a very satisfying experience to make a meal and then to sit down and enjoy it with the guests and volunteers you have come to know over the months. Volunteers who signed up as substitutes to fill in on short notice provided as essential service as well. I hope the Redeemer volunteers enjoyed the experience as I did. We are grateful to Lou Garo, Ben Ivins, Goody Nelson, Meredith Griggs, Catherine Sands, who gave of their time and talents. An email will be coming shortly to all who expressed interest in the Wa-ter Ministry summer program to encourage you to vol-unteer over the winter as well. As in the summer you can volunteer on a regular basis or fill in as needed. If you are not on the list and would like to explore this volunteer opportunity call Karen Stewart at 301-310-1014.

Karen Stewart

Backpack Ministry

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A LITTLE PLATO FOR YOU!

By Laura Rose In “The Allegory of the Cave” Plato de-scribes a group of people who are so isolat-ed that they see nothing of the outside world. They are chained head and foot fac-ing a cave wall, able to see nothing but shadows produced from artifacts being passed in front of flames from the center of the cave. Any sounds produced are pre-sumed to echo so that, from the perspective of the captives, it seems as though the shadows themselves are producing the sounds. That is their reality. Imagine one of the captives being dragged away from the cave for the first time. It would likely cause physical pain for the captive to be moved, and, I would add, scare them. The fire in the center of the cave would be so bright, it would hurt him to look at it. Imagine the effect the sun would have when he first stepped outside. How long would his eyes need to adjust before he could even see any of the strange things outside the cave? (Would he even want to open his eyes?) Would those dragging him around understand why he couldn’t see anything, why he couldn’t look? Upon being told that this is the world, this is reality, not the cave, how long would he need to process that? Having been exposed to and accepting the reality of the world, imagine the former captive returning to the cave. How long would it take his eyes to adjust back to the dimness and see the subtle shadows he once knew? Perhaps the others would think that seeing the light ruined his eyes. Would they not resist any-one who tried to rescue them? Would they believe anything he had to say about what was outside? The myth goes on, read it when you have a chance. I, as I believe we all are, am struggling with truth―finding, recognizing, knowing, telling and sharing it. I’m extremely frus-trated―enraged at times―with people in charge and friends and family who deny provable facts and are comfortable with

ideas that shut out reality and oppress their fellow man. Plato writes of the captives in the cave, “They are like us.” I need to remember this when I’m confronted with what I con-sider backwards thinking (e.g. promoting coal power over re-newable energy). None of us emerged from the womb wise or intelligent. Some of us were simply born into a better situation that promoted education and wisdom. I need to check my anger when engaging with people on issues like sustainable agriculture, energy and growth over the exhaus-tion of land and resources. This is where the power of story comes in. If I were with someone in physical pain (as the man in the story), would I act impatient with them? If they were confused, would I respond with anger? If they were scared, would I mock them? There are many caves in this world where people are being raised. The cave may be one of religion; mental illness; political agenda; personal or family fame, prestige or power; or sheer limitations, whether they be physical or opportunistic. When I was in college studying to become a music missionary, we were taught that when you arrive at your mission, you see that every-one has food, clothing and shelter. Then you start ministering to the soul (or the mind). We need to see that all have access to and understanding of basic facts and reliable news sources be-fore we look down on anyone who isn’t in the know. The words to Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love come to mind. (Stanzas 3 and 5):

For Mercy has a human heart, Pity, a human face, and Love, the human form divine. and Peace, the human dress. And all must love the human form, in heathen, Turk or Jew; where Mercy, Love, and Pity dwell, there God is dwelling too.

Next month I’ll share with you how I am managing to crawl out of the cave where I was raised.

Redeemer Volunteers at Silver Spring School For the second year, thirteen Redeemer volunteers donated their time to thirty-eight third, fourth and fifth grad-ers at Oak View School in Silver Spring. Children come from homes where Spanish is the primary language. Alt-hough most of the children read with efficiency, reading with comprehension is where tutors are helpful in ad-vancing student to read at grade level. Instilling the joy of reading, building confidence and self esteem is the tu-tor’s job. The reward is immeasurable. Tutors are building a better world, child by child. Success of the Program is evident. We have been invited to return for our third year.

Jane Dealy [email protected]

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MUSIC AT REDEEMER MUSIC AT REDEEMER 2017-2018 SERIES DETAILS ARE NOW ONLINE Go to redeemerbethesda.org/music for more information

MUSIC AT REDEEMER 2017-2018 ABOUT TO BEGIN Plan on being here the afternoon of Homecoming Sunday for a really won-derful concert performed by the Washington Cornett and Sackbutt Ensem-ble. Playing music by composers of the 16th and 17th century, including King Henry VII of England, the ensemble will take us on a Grand Tour of the Courts of Europe. We will hear the sounds that inspired courtiers four hundred years ago, played by some of the most accomplished musicians in the Washington area. Chris Betts will be part of the ensemble for this con-cert, playing a part of the Redeemer organ that has been retuned specifical-ly for this occasion. The concert is at 5.00pm on Sunday, September 10. THE PERFECT TIME TO DONATE TO THE FRIENDS OF MUSIC AT REDEEMER Donations to the Friends of Music are very gratefully received at any time of year, but with our new season about to begin this is an excellent time. You’ll be helping to ensure that our church offers wonderful music to our own congregation, but also to the wider community. Checks can be made payable to the church, with ‘Friends of Music’ in the memo line, or you can donate online through our website www.redeemerbethesda.org/stewardship-giving/online-payments SPECIAL THANKS FOR MICHAEL HART Special thanks for Michael Hart who, during the summer, donated and installed a beautiful set of chimes for our organ. If you haven’t heard them yet, you’re in for a treat. The hours of work spent by Michael on this project are indicative of all the time he gives to keeping our beautiful DiGennaro Hart organ in constantly improving condition. CELEBRATE THE REDEEMER ORGAN ON OCTOBER 8 If you contributed toward the cost of the organ here at Redeemer, you made a wonderful investment. Our Di-Gennaro Hart pipe organ is one of the best organs

in our area and has already served our church and community very well in its first ten years of life. We are celebrating that ten year anniversary by invited nationally renowned organist and choir director Bruce Neswick to lead our choirs in an Evensong and play mini recital (25 minutes) follow-ing the service. We will have extra special music that evening, so mark your calendars for Sunday, October 8 at 5:00 p.m.

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MUSIC AT REDEEMER

WASHINGTON CORNETTS AND SACKBUTTS KICK OFF 2017-2018 MUSIC AT REDEEMER SERIES On Sunday, September 10, at 5.00pm, Music at Redeemer is hosting a performance by the highly acclaimed Washington Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble. Cornetts are a late Renaissance and early Baroque precursor of the modern trumpet, and sackbuts are a precursor of the modern trombone. This ensemble, comprising some of the finest musicians in the Washing-ton, DC area, is considered one of the premiere ensembles of its kind in North America, and it is a real treat to have them performing here at Redeemer. The 60-minute program, entitled a ‘Grand Tour’ of European Courts, will feature music by prominent composers of the last 16th and 17th centuries, including the great Giovanni Gabrieli, who wrote music for the exemplary basilica of S. Marco in Venice, and was one of the pioneers of the ‘polychoral’ style. Because of the generosity of our Friends of Music at Redeemer, we are able to offer free admission to this concert, alt-hough a free-will offering will be collected in support of the church budget, and there will be a reception following, when you can meet the members of this elite early brass ensemble. Invite your friends and family to come and enjoy an hour of the very best music in our beautiful Redeemer sanctuary. More information is available at earlybrassdc.org and redeemerbesthesda.org

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Sunday, 10 September, at 5:00 p.m. WASHINGTON CORNETT AND SACK-

BUTT ENSEMBLE

One of the premiere early music ensem-bles in North America takes us on a grand tour of the European courts, with music by Giovanni Gabrieli and other masters of the 16th and 17th centuries. Free-will of-fering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 8 October, at 5:00 p.m. PIPE ORGAN 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Special guest organist and choral director, Bruce Neswick, leads Redeemer choirs in a festal evensong in celebration of our Di-Gennaro Hart pipe organ, and presents a brief organ recital following the service. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 22 October, at 5:00 p.m. THE INSCAPE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Redeemer’s Ensemble-in-Residence, di-rected by Richard Scerbo, presents the first of three concerts in the 2017-2018 season, with music by Paul Hindemith and his contemporaries. Free-will offering. Recep-tion to follow.

Sunday, 5 November, at 5:00 p.m. GABRIEL FAURÉ’S REQUIEM

Redeemer’s choir sings Fauré’s timeless setting of the Requiem Mass as part of the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed, when we give thanks for loved ones who have gone before us. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 3 December, at 5:00 p.m. AN ADVENT SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS

Modeled after the famed services held each year at King’s College, Cambridge, this beautiful liturgy leads us through the sto-ries of God’s promise of redemption with scripture and music sung by Redeemer’s choirs. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 24 December, at 10:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE CAROLS AND FESTAL EUCHARIST

Celebrate the birth of Christ at this festal liturgy with special music by Redeemer choirs and an extended, thirty-minute candle-lit prelude of seasonal organ music, choral anthems, and congregational carols.

Saturday, 6 January, at 5:00 p.m. CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

Using the traditional liturgy of Evensong, Redeemer’s choir leads us with the Magi to the stable in Bethlehem, as we travel to wor-ship the Christ child. With music by Benja-min Britten, David Hogan and David Will-cocks. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 28 January, at 5:00 p.m. THE INSCAPE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

In its second of three concerts in the 2017-2018 Redeemer’s Ensemble-in-Residence presents music by Max Reger written for organ and for chamber orchestra. Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 18 February at 5:00 p.m. CHORAL EVENSONG FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT Redeemer’s Adult and Youth Choirs sing music by Herbert Howells, Herbert Murrill and Henry Purcell. This service for Lent also include the Great Litany. All proceeds from the offering benefit Episcopal Relief & Development. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 11 March, at 5:00 p.m. CARMINA: GLORIES OF THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE

Carmina chamber choir and accompanying viol consort present a program of music from the first golden age of English choral music, with works by William Byrd, John Dowland, John Sheppard, and Robert White. Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Thursday, 29 March, at 7:30 p.m. CHORAL EUCHARIST FOR MAUNDY THURSDAY

This traditional for Maundy Thursday, the first of the Triduum Sacrum (the Three Sacred Days), includes the Washing of Feet, the Stripping of the Altar and music by Maurice Duruflé and Peter Aston, sung by Redeemer’s choirs.

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

At 12 noon we gather around the Stations of Cross to meditate on the Passion of Christ, interspersed with beautiful sacred music. At 7.30 p.m. the traditional liturgy of Good Friday leads us towards redemption through the Cross.

Saturday, 31 March, at 8:30 p.m. THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER

Beginning at the columbarium, the liturgy includes the Lighting of the Paschal Candle, the Exsultet, the Prophecies, the First Eucha-rist of Easter, and special music sung by Re-deemer’s choirs.

Sunday, 1 April, at 10:30 a.m. FESTAL EUCHARIST OF THE RESURRECTION

Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ at this festal liturgy, including music sung by Re-deemer’s choirs with brass ensemble. Follow-ing the liturgy, join us for traditional hot cross buns and an Easter egg hunt on the lawn.

Sunday, 15 April, at 5:00 p.m. PIANIST SAM POST IN CONCERT

Washington pianist Sam Post plays selec-tions from Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier and traces their influence through to his own compositions, from fugues to rag-time. Free-will offering. Reception to fol-low.

Sunday, 6 May, at 5:00 p.m. THE INSCAPE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

In its final concert of the 2017-2018 sea-son, Redeemer’s Ensemble-in-Residence takes advantage of the perfect acoustics of our sanctuary, presenting Mahler’s strik-ingly beautiful Das Lied von der Erde in its chamber version. Free-will offering. Recep-tion to follow.

Sunday, 3 June, at 5:00 p.m. FESTAL CHORAL EVENSONG

Redeemer’s Adult and Youth choirs lead us in this beautiful liturgy, using the form that has been practiced in the England and around the world for more than five hundred years. With favorite Anglican music by Brewer and Sumsion. Reception to follow. Special thanks for the Friends of Music at Redeemer for making all of these wonderful events possible.

ANNOUNCING THE 2017-2018 MUSIC AT REDEEMER SERIES

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Dear friends in Christ,

I've been thinking about social media lately. Last week, my Forward Today was about my eclipse experience. One aspect I

did not write about was the social media side of it. Nearly everyone who posted, at least until the traffic problems, was writ-

ing about how delighted they were. Awe and wonder were the words of the day. What I realized as I watched all this is that

we were united in something wonderful online. Instead of the usual partisan rancor, social media allowed us to share a

common experience.

This week, we've seen awful images of devastation coming out of Houston and South Texas. Harvey has left thousands

without homes, and recovery will take years. There is no way to sugar coat that or to pretend there is a silver lining. I do

hope you will consider making a gift to Episcopal Relief & Develop-

ment in support of their work.

Without ignoring very real suffering, I also want to acknowledge

something else. In the wake of this disaster, social media have al-

lowed us to see humanity at its best. People have been generous with

one another. People have offered care and shared their need for

care. People have offered their prayers and their willingness to roll

up their sleeves and work.

And the church has been at its best. Clergy have been amazing pas-

tors on Facebook. Churches have offered online prayers when in-person services

weren't possible. Members have taken care of each other. Churches have rallied to

open their buildings up to shelter strangers. It's just what the church should be doing.

After sharing something similar to this on my own Facebook wall, a commenter wrote, "Not sure why it takes a disaster to

show our best side, but so proud of so many kind people." Yes. Let's not wait until the next disaster to be kind to one an-

other. And as long as people in Houston are suffering, let us continue to give, to work, and to pray.

While I do think we need to speak boldly to challenge oppression and injustice, I also think we need to offer kindness and

compassion. How can social media allow us to reveal our best selves, whether that's prophet or pastor? How can we be our

best selves online?

Yours faithfully,

Scott Gunn

Executive Director

Photo by Texas National Guard, via Flickr /

Creative Commons

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Adult Formation Offerings & Confirmation/Youth Schedule Below is the schedule for September. Please join us for these Chris an educa on opportuni es. Wednesday evening programs begin at 6:00 p.m. with a potluck dinner. Dinner coordinators will be determined at the first mee ng on September 13th. Regular youth ac vity is for youth of all ages and will be with Deacon Sue von Rautenkranz.

Date Day Time Adult Formation Topic Confirmation Schedule

Sept 13 Wed 6:00 pm Initial meeting of parents and confirmands

Sept 17 Sun 9:15 am “Faith & Politics” – Michael Mershon

Sept 20 Wed 6:00 pm No class - Vestry Regular Youth Group activity

Sept 24 Sun 9:15 am “Faith & Work” – Cricket Park

Sept 27 Wed 7 pm How Episcopalians Read the Bible, part I

Confirmands join the adult group.

A word from The Most Reverend Michael Curry Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church Long ago the prophet Malachi taught that we are all children of God by virtue of our crea on by the same God. “Have we not all one father? Has not one God created us?” he asked (2:10). Jesus taught the same thing when he told a story about a Good Samari-tan. We are indeed all the children of God. And if we are all God’s children, then we are all brothers and sisters. As you know, our brothers and sisters in Texas now need our help. Our support of Episcopal Relief & Development is a tangible, prac cal, effec ve and reliable way to do that, not just in the short term, but for the long haul. Thank you for whatever you can do for together we are the human family of God. Episcopal Relief & Development invites you to join us in prayer and support for communi es affected by Hurricane Harvey. Episco-pal Relief & Development is working with dioceses in the hurricane’s path to best support responses and address needs as more informa on becomes available. Local churches and partners are assessing damage, confirming the safety of members and others in their communi es and using available facili es and resources to respond to immediate concerns. Your contribu on to the Hurri-cane Harvey Response Fund helps Episcopal Relief & Development support Church and other local partners as they provide cri cal emergency assistance. To help care for those affected by this crisis, please fill out the coupon below and mail it in with your check or credit card informa on. You can also contribute online at episcopalrelief.org/hurricane-harveyresponse. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. With your partnership, we are healing a hur ng world.

Enclosed is my gi to the Hurricane Harvey Fund to assist those who are in need.

o $50 o $100 o $250 o $500 o $1,000 o $2,500 o $5,000 o Other $______

Please make checks payable to Episcopal Relief & Development. Mail to P.O. Box 7058 Merrifield VA 22116-7058. Name Address Account number Expira on date City, State, Zip Name on card Your email address Signature Name of your church City All gi s are tax-deduc ble.

FOR CREDIT CARD DONATIONS Please charge my gi to my: o VISA o MasterCard o Amex o Discover

Name on card: E-mail:

Address City/St/Zip

Account number Expira on date

Signature:

Signature Name of your church City All gi s are tax-deduc ble.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION

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Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Vestry Meeting Minutes

August 16, 2017 Present: Rev. Cricket Park; Michael Hart; Karen Fitzgerald; David Brown; Steve Gibson; Shannon Hoogerheide; Mi-chael Mershon; Eric Devereaux; Brooke Anthony; Catherine Sands; Karen Stewart David Brown opened the meeting with prayer.

The July 2017 minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s report Pledge income remains ahead of budget year-to-date and total expenses continues to be below budget. Many expenses will be realized in the last quarter of the year.

The Treasurer’s report was approved. Junior Warden’s report Karen Stewart presented two proposals covering repairs to the Rectory ($2600) and the church ($1310.56). Insurance should cover the Rectory interior, minus the deductible.

It was approved for the Vestry to proceed with re-pairs to the rectory interior, the church exterior and the church roof. This should cost approximately $5000 which is covered under Maintenance Expenses in the budget.

Rector’s report Conversations with Cricket and Steve Gibson and Bob Yates regarding Sunday School and Adult Formation contin-ue to take place. Cricket has shared curriculum information that is available through VTS with the Sunday School teach-ers. Ladies lunch at Praline and Spirituality Uncorked continue to take place. Attendance varied at each event, but they have been well received. Special thanks to the wonderful staff, volunteers, vestry members, David Schlafer and Sue von Rautenkranz for cov-ering while the rector was on vacation. “Holy Crepes” will be at Homecoming Sunday, September 10. It is being held as a fundraiser and will be advertised in neighborhood list serves. Attendance at Holy Eucharist on Sundays continued its rise during this summer. Respectfully submitted,

Catherine D. Sands, Recording Secretary

VESTRY MINUTES

September is our month to provide dinner for Bethesda Cares! See the sign-up sheet to indi-cate what you will provide this month. We feed the hungry and homeless in our community .

Unity Walk is September 10th

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FINANCES

Redeemer Men’s Third Friday Luncheon Group Beginning a while ago, a group of mostly retired men began gathering for a fellowship lunch on the third Friday of the month. The group discusses whatever is on their collective minds and catches up on how they are all doing. Being older and retired, sometimes the discussion centers on health, other times on household management, sometimes investment phi-losophies, national politics, the economy, and, of course, life in the parish. Monthly attendance has varied from as few as 4 to as many as 11. We usually gather in the bar at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo at 11:30. But we have ventured to other locations, including the home of Ben Ivins. A reminder email with the location and time is sent to all interested persons early in the week we are meeting. If you would like to know more about the group, or be put on the email list, contact Denny Shaw ([email protected]) or Bob Dresser ([email protected]).

Treasurer's Report Redeemer's 2017 opera ng results through the end of July are set forth in the adjoining table. Total income remains ahead of budget year-to-date, and total expense con nues to be below budget. Net income is $46,982 above budget as of July 31. If you have any ques ons about Redeem-er's finances, please feel free to contact me.

Stephen L. Gibson Treasurer

Redeemer Women’s Thursday Luncheon Group’ The Women’s Luncheon Group is “eating in” this month! Please plan to join your colleagues on Thursday, September 28, at noon in the Redeemer Parish Hall. RSVP to Cricket, who will be your host and cook for the day.

Spirituality Uncorked We’ve had a couple of lovely evenings talking about the Beati-tudes and the different traditions of western Christianity. In September we’ll meet again on Friday the 15th at 7:00 pm. This time we’ll gather at Mehwah in Friendship Heights. Plan to join us then and RSVP on the sign up board closer to the time of the event.

Church of the Redeemer Profit and Loss State-ment Jan-July 2017

Jan-July Budget

Jan - July Actual

YTD Over (Under) Budget

Annual Budget

INCOME 2017 Pledge 295,098 306,065 10,967 432,000 2017 Over Pledge 4,083 2,674 (1,409) 7,000 2017 Non Pledge 7,000 6,751 (249) 12,000 Prior Year Pledge 5,715 5,715 Loose Plate Offering 2,917 2,371 (546) 5,000 Special Offerings 2,917 5,668 2,751 5,000

Event & Activity In- 24,667 20,465 (4,202) 28,000 Facilities Use 11,667 12,190 523 20,000 Other Income 15 1,758 1,743 25

Total Income 348,363 363,657 15,294 509,025 EXPENSE

Administration Ex- 22,925 21,820 (1,105) 39,300 Diocesan Giving 19,833 19,833 (0) 34,000 Discretionary Account 875 750 (125) 1,500 Maintenance Expense 41,125 33,823 (7,302) 70,500 Outreach Giving 3,500 0 (3,500) 6,000 Personnel Expense 156,857 143,734 (13,123) 268,898 Program Expense 25,794 19,262 (6,532) 42,075 Property Expense 27,272 27,272 0 46,752

Total Expense 298,181 266,494 (31,687) 509,025

Net Operating Gain 50,181 97,163 46,982 0

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ON-LINE PLEDGING AND DONATIONS

Pledge payments: Payments can be made on a pledge (one-time/monthly/weekly) using a checking/savings account or with a credit/debit card. Participants can create a profile, set up recurring payments and make one-time donations. Donors may also choose to cover the service fee if they wish to do so. A receipt for each and every payment will go to the donor and to the Parish Office. For donations of stock, please contact the Parish Office.

For the 2017 Fall Pledge Campaign, you may complete an electronic pledge card, send it to the office, and then continue on to set up payment. Printed pledge cards are available in the Narthex and in the Parish Hall. Donations: Donations can be made using the on-line service for parish programs, such as Altar Flowers, Friends of Music at Redeemer, Memorials, and other ad hoc donations. These will all be one-time payments.

Payment Information: Payment information is secure. Access is only possible by the donor, Vanco and the Parish Office through specially set up passwords and access codes.

PARISH LIFE

We wish a happy birthday to those born in September:

Tim Nickerson, Jane Dealy, Anne Southard, Sean Boland, Mary Slaby, David Lawrenz, Judy James, Ian Lear-Nickum, Jim Winkler, John Harbeson, Charles Raisch, Michael Hart, Ben Betts, Mary Helen Carlson, Kente Usui, Tomi Beightol, Graeme Browning, Helen Zitomer, Bruce McWilliams,

Charles Court, Aaron Packard-Winkler, Leah Ninde, Anna Seckel, Lily Young

And Happy Anniversary to: Joe Daley & Deborah Babcock-Daley, Hal & Marlene Palmer, Paich & Jeffrey McInturff, David Hotes & Anne de Fontenay, Adam & Rebecca Tucker

PARISH CLERGY & STAFF The Rev’d Cricket Park, Rector [email protected]

The Rev’d Dr. David Schlafer, Assisting Priest [email protected]

Christopher M. Betts, Director of Music [email protected] Margaret Church Bookkeeper

Parish Office [email protected] VESTRY & OFFICERS Michael Mershon, Senior Warden 301-229-1606 ▪ [email protected]

Karen Stewart, Junior Warden 301-652-8470 ▪ [email protected]

Clark Evans Downs 301-656-4193 ▪ [email protected]

Susan Fitzgerald 301-229-3430 ▪ [email protected]

Michael Hart 301-613-1400 ▪ [email protected]

Shannon Hoogerheide 774-279-4002 ▪ [email protected]

Erik Devereux 301-325-7449 ▪ [email protected]

Brooke Anthony 301-787-0363 ▪ [email protected]

David Brown 301-365-7419 ▪ [email protected]

Steve Gibson, Treasurer 301-229-1168 ▪ [email protected]

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

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 Tuesday — Friday,

9:00 am — 4:00 pm

Welcome Welcome to The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Bethesda, Maryland, a vibrant, growing parish community of “inquiring and discerning hearts”, where all – the doubter, the seeker, and the believer – are welcome to join us in living and wrestling with the often difficult questions of faith. Here we value an Anglican spirituality – one that is open to the mystery of the Holy and which celebrates the dignity of human nature and the beauty of all creation.

New emails at Redeemer. Cricket: [email protected] Chris Betts: [email protected] The office: [email protected] Bookkeeper: [email protected] Please start using these and adjust your contact lists! The old Verizon accounts no longer work.

EMAIL

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