Welcome to Redeemer Bethesda

The stained glass window behind Redeemer's Altar

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Worship

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
let the whole earth tremble before him.

-Psalm 96:9 (BCP)

Worship is at the center of our congregational life. We gather as a community of faith to praise God, to hear and reflect on God's Word, to be fed in the Sacrament, and to go forth in mission to the world. Our worship not only expresses who we are, it makes us who we are.

Praying shapes believing. Christian formation at Redeemer begins when parents bring their children to church; even the youngest among us participate in worship. Children and youth gather as part of the worshipping community at the beginning of the 10:30 a.m. service for the opening hymn and prayers. They go to Church School during the Liturgy of the Word, except during all-parish services, when young people are among the lay readers. Children and youth rejoin the service at the Peace. The experience of being welcome and included at the communion rail is part of a child's religious formation. Children of all ages, including baptized infants, receive communion with their parents' consent.

Prayerbook and Hymnal

Worship on Sundays

The Holy Eucharist is celebrated at the 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services. The early service is more quiet and reflective than the larger, later service, yet is often graced by the presence of young families with infants and toddlers, whose presence is warmly welcomed. The congregation gathers around the altar for communion. The 10:30 service is a choral Eucharist, supported by the Adult and Youth Choirs. Youth and adult members of the congregation serve on the Altar Guild, as lay readers, chalice bearers, ushers, greeters, acolytes, torch bearers, and crucifers. You may volunteer for any of these roles as part of your stewardship pledge, or by contacting the church office. Training for each of these roles is provided.

The Processional

Weekly Services

Morning Prayer and Breakfast - Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.: Within the context of the service of Morning Prayer, intercessory prayer is offered for parishioners, family members and friends on whose behalf prayers have been requested. The service is followed by a light breakfast in the Parish Hall.

The Holy Eucharist - Wednesdays at 12:00 noon: An informal Eucharistic service using The Book of Common Prayer, Rite Two, and materials from Enriching our Worship. The homily includes dialogue about the lectionary readings, among the celebrant and congregation. The congregation gathers around the altar for communion.

Monthly Services

Taizé Service- First Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. (Will begin again in September): Worship with candlelight, icons, Taize chant and centering prayer.

Contemplative Eucharist with Healing Rite - Third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m.: An intimate Eucharistic service which includes periods of silence and openness to the Spirit, often a Taizé chant, and the opportunity to receive prayers for healing with laying on of hands.

Taize Service

Sermons

Updated: July 23, 2008