Christmas Eve 2016

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

BE T H E S D A , MA R Y L A N D

WELCOME

Welcome to The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. We are so glad you are here to worship with us this holy night. If you are visiting, we invite you to sign the guest register in the narthex or to fill out a visitor card, found in the pews. Place the visitor card in the offering plate or give it to an usher or member of the clergy after the liturgy.

We invite you to return to Redeemer and worship with us again soon. Our regular schedule of services is: Sunday

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 9:15 a.m. Adult Forum 9:15 a.m. Bible Study 10:15 a.m. Nursery Care 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist and Church School

Monday

7:30 p.m. Taizé Service & Healing Rite (first Monday)

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 12:00 noon Holy Eucharist For more information about the mission and ministry of this parish, please visit our website: redeemerbethesda.org.

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Saturday, December 24, 2016

PRELUDE beginning at 10.00 p.m.

ORGAN VOLUNTARY: In dulci jubilo Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

CAROL: Sussex Carol, sung by the choir

On Christmas night all Christians sing to hear the news the angels bring; news of great joy, news of great mirth: news of our merciful King's birth. Then why should men on earth be so sad since our Redeemer made us glad, when from our sin He set us free, all for to gain our liberty? When sin departs before His grace then life and health come in its place. Angels and men with joy may sing all for to see the newborn King. All out of darkness we have light, which made the angels sing this night: ‘Glory to God and peace to men, now and for evermore. Amen’

Words: English traditional carol Music: arranged by David Willcocks (1919-2015)

All join in singing (remain seated)

HYMN 78: O little town of Bethlehem Forest Green

CAROL: Lullay, Lord Jesus, sung by the choir

Lullay, Lord Jesus, dear babe in the manger. Mother is guarding thee safe from all danger. Lullay, oh lullay, the angels watch o’er thee, mother and angels for ever adore thee. Closed are thy weary eyes, now softly sleeping. Born of God’s love and secure in God’s keeping. Lullay, oh lullay, the angels watch o’er thee, mother and angels for ever adore thee.

Words: George Thalben-Ball (1896-1987) Music: Polish carol, arranged, George Thalben-Ball

ORGAN VOLUNTARY: Go, tell it on the mountain Timothy Albrecht CAROL: Away in a manger, sung by the choir

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky and stay by my cradle til morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.

Words: anon. Music: W. J. Kirkpatrick, arranged David Willcocks

All join in singing (remain seated)

HYMN 112 In the bleak midwinter Cranham

ORGAN VOLUNTARY: Desseins Eternels Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)

CAROL: O magnum mysterium, sung by the choir

O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio! Beata Virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Jesum Christum. Alleluia!

O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Alleluia!

Words: Responsorial chant from the Matins of Christmas Music: Tomas Luis da Victoria

The Entrance Rite

All are invited to stand as the church bell rings. Then the choir sings:

INTROIT: Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming as seers of old hath sung. It came, a blossom bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night.

Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind, with Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind. To show God’s love aright, she bore to us a Savior, when half spent was the night.

Words: German 15th century; translated Theodore Baker (1851-1934) Music: Es ist ein Ros, harm. Michael Praetorius (1571-1621)

Please turn to the next page for the Hymn in Procession

HYMN IN PROCESSION 83: O come, all ye faithful Adeste fideles

THE OPENING ACCLAMATION

Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this hap - py mor - ning;

1 2 3 4 5 6

Je - sus, to thee___ be_____ glo - ry given;

Word of the Fa - ther, now in flesh ap - pear - ing;

All join in singing

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS William Mathias (1934-1992)

THE SALUTATION & COLLECT OF THE DAY

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

All sit for

THE FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:2-7

A reading from the Book of Isaiah.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

The choir sings

PSALM 96 Cantate Domino Chant: Edward Bairstow (1874-1946)

1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.

2 Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations and his wonders among all peoples.

4 For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; he is more to be feared than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

7 Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; ascribe to the LORD honor and power.

8 Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; bring offerings and come into his courts.

9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth stand in awe of him.

10 Tell it out among the nations: “The LORD is King!” he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

12 Then shall the trees of the wood shout for joy before the LORD when he comes, when he comes to judge the earth.

13 He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth.

THE SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14

A reading from the Letter to Titus.

The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

All stand and join in singing

HYMN AT THE SEQUENCE 96: Angels we have heard on high Gloria

THE HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-20

Gospeller The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Gospeller The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

All sit for

THE SERMON The Rev’d Cricket Park

All stand and say

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

All kneel or remain standing for

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Intercessor In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

For all people in their daily life and work; People For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

Intercessor For this community, the nation, and the world; People For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

Intercessor For the just and proper use of your creation; People For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

Intercessor For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; People For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

Intercessor For the peace and unity of the Church of God; People For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

Intercessor For Michael our Presiding Bishop, and Mariann our Bishop; and for all bishops and other ministers; People For all who serve God in God’s Church.

Intercessor For the special needs and concerns of this congregation. Silence - The People may add their own petitions

Intercessor Hear us, Lord; People For your mercy is great.

Intercessor We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. Silence - The People may add their own thanksgivings

Intercessor We will exalt you, O God our King; People And praise your Name for ever and ever.

Intercessor We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. Silence - The People may add their own petitions

Intercessor Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; People Who put their trust in you.

Priest Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. People Amen.

All stand for

THE PEACE

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.

All may greet one another in the name of the Lord. At the conclusion of the exchange of peace, all sit for

THE WELCOME

The Liturgy of the Eucharist THE OFFERTORY

As the offering is taken, and bread and wine brought forward, the choir sings

CAROL: Nativity Carol

Born in a stable so bare, born so long ago; born 'neath light of star, he who loved us so. Far away, silent he lay, born today, your homage pay, for Christ is born for aye, born on Christmas Day. Cradled by mother so fair, tender her lullaby; over her son so dear angel hosts fill the sky. Wise men from distant far land, shepherds from starry hills, worship this babe so rare, hearts with his warmth he fills. Love in that stable was born into our hearts to flow. Innocent dreaming babe, make me thy love to know.

Words: Traditional English Carol Music: John Rutter (b. 1946)

HYMN AT THE PRESENTATION 100: Joy to the world! the Lord is come Antioch

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (EUCHARISTIC PRAYER B)

The Celebrant and People sing

The Celebrant continues

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

All join in singing

SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS QUI VENIT Mathias

All kneel or remain standing. The Celebrant continues

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

All say together

We remember his death, We proclaim his resurrection, We await his coming in glory;

The Celebrant continues

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever . . .

THE LORD’S PRAYER

The Celebrant introduces the Lord’s Prayer, saying

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those as who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread. Then all join in singing

FRACTION ANTHEM Gerald Near (b. 1942)

All who seek a deeper relationship with God in Jesus Christ are welcome to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion during this liturgy. Gluten-free wafers are available. The second chalice bearers have grape juice.

Please make your need known at the altar rail. If the reception of Holy Communion is not part of your tradition,

you are invited to come forward to receive a blessing. Simply cross your arms over your chest to indicate to the priest your desire to receive a blessing.

THE COMMUNION All join in singing

HYMN 89 It came upon the midnight clear Carol

The Choir sings

CAROL: The Infant King

Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now reclining, Sing lullaby! Hush, do not wake the Infant King. Angels are watching, stars are shining over the place where he is lying: Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now asleeping, Sing lullaby! Hush, do not wake the Infant King. Soon will come sorrow with the morning, soon will come bitter grief and weeping: Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now adozing, Sing lullaby! Hush, do not wake the Infant King. Soon comes the cross, the nails, the piercing, then in the grave at last reposing: Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby! Lullaby is the babe awaking? Sing lullaby! Hush, do not stir the Infant King. Dreaming of Easter, gladsome, morning, Conquering death, its bondage breaking: Sing lullaby!

Words: Sabine Baring-Gould Music: David Willcocks

The liturgy continues with the lighting of candles. Please turn to the next page for the hymn, Silent Night

HYMN 111: Silent night, holy night Stille Nacht

All are invited to raise candles for the final verse

All kneel or stand and say

THE POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant says

THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING

May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you, that your lives may be a light to the world; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

HYMN IN PROCESSION 87: Hark! the herald angels sing Mendelssohn

THE DISMISSAL ORGAN VOLUNTARY: Final, from Symphony No. 1 Louis Vierne (1870-1937)

Sunday, 15 January, at 5:00 p.m.

ORGANIST WESTON JENNINGS IN CONCERT

Currently a student at the Yale School of Music, Weston Jennings has been organ scholar at Chelmsford and Canterbury Cathedrals in England,

and at the Royal Festival Hall in London. He is quickly establishing himself as a talented and engaging international performer. Free-will

offering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 19 February, at 5:00 p.m.

THE AMERICAN BOYCHOIR IN CONCERT

Sustaining the one-thousand-year-old boychoir tradition with a distinctly American voice, the country’s most widely touring and performing

choral ensemble returns to Redeemer, bringing its unique blend of musical sophistication, spirited presentation and ensemble virtuosity. Free-

will offering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 19 March at 5:00 p.m.

This concert is on a different date that previously publicized

THE DISTRICT EIGHT IN CONCERT Acclaimed by The Washington Post for its "consistently beautiful performances”, the District Eight presents a program exploring the rich

repertoire of works for Lent and Holy Week, expanding its numbers to include Alessandro Scarlatti’s exquisite Stabat Mater. Free-will offering.

Reception to follow.

Sunday, 2 April, at 5:00 p.m.

INSCAPE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT

In its second concert of the season, Inscape performs a program of reflection and tenebrosity featuring the haunting sounds George Crumb’s 11

Echoes of Autumn. Steven Stucky’s Partita-Pastorale after JSB opens the program as a quiet reflection on J. S. Bach’s Partita No. 1 for Keyboard.

Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Thursday, 13 April, at 7:30 p.m.

CHORAL EUCHARIST FOR MAUNDY THURSDAY

This traditional liturgy for Maundy Thursday, the first of the Triduum Sacrum (Three Sacred Days), includes the Washing of Feet, the Stripping of

the Altar, and music by Thomas Tallis and Maurice Duruflé sung by Redeemer’s choirs.

Friday, 14 April, at 12:00 noon and 7:30 p.m.

THE SOLEMN LITURGIES OF GOOD FRIDAY

At 12:00 noon beautiful music enriches our worship as we gather around the Stations of Cross to meditate on the Passion of Christ. At the

traditional liturgy of Good Friday at 7:30 p.m. we gather again, contemplating redemption through the Cross.

Saturday, 15 April, at 8:30 p.m.

THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER

Beginning in complete darkness on the church lawn, the liturgy includes the Lighting of the Paschal Candle, the Exsultet, the Prophecies, the

First Eucharist of Easter, and music sung by Redeemer’s choirs, including works by Palestrina and Bairstow.

Sunday, 16 April, at 10:30 a.m.

FESTAL EUCHARIST OF THE RESURRECTION

Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, with music sung by Redeemer’s choirs and brass ensemble, including works by Samuel Scheidt and

William Walton. Following the liturgy, join us for traditional hot cross buns and an Easter egg hunt on the lawn.

Sunday, 7 May, at 5:00 p.m.

THE SHEPHERD TRIO IN CONCERT

A relative newcomer to the DC area chamber music scene, The Shepherd Trio formed to explore the beauty and diversity of music written for

the unique combination of soprano, clarinet and piano, performing standard works written for the group, and pursuing new and exciting

arrangements. Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 21 May, at 5:00 p.m.

INSCAPE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT

In its last concert of the season, Inscape performs the suite from Igor Stravinsky’s masterful septet, L'Histoire du Soldat, recounting the story of

a soldier who trades his fiddle to the devil in return for economic gain. The program also includes two new works commissioned by Inscape.

Free-will offering. Reception to follow.

Sunday, 4 June, at 5:00 p.m.

EVENSONG FOR THE FEAST OF PENTECOST

Redeemer’s Adult and Youth choirs lead us in this beautiful liturgy, using a form that has been practiced in England and around the world for

more than five hundred years, and including some of the favorite music of the Anglican choral tradition by Herbert Sumsion and Hubert Parry.

Reception to follow.

For more information about Music at Redeemer events,

visit redeemerbethesda.org

■ CLE RGY & STA F F

The Rev’d Cricket Park Rector The Rev’d Dr. David J. Schlafer Assisting Priest Christopher Betts Director of Music

■ CO N TAC T IN FOR M AT I O N

6201 Dunrobbin Drive at MacArthur Boulevard Bethesda, Maryland 20816 301-229-3770 ▪ office@redeemerbethesda.org music@redeemerbethesda.org www.redeemerbethesda.org

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS Christmas Flowers have been given to the glory of God by

Danny Huntington Helen Zitomer

In thanksgiving for health and home by William and Molly LeBlanc my husband Sverrir by Christina Tomasson

In memory of Loa Tomasson, Josephine & Keith Cornelius,

and Brian Deely by Christina Tomasson Lee & Karl Shipman by Anna Shipman June Allan & Ernest M. Spokes by Patricia Snowden Peggy Park, Byron Boyer, James Park, and other family and

friends by Cricket & Steve Park

The Church Office will be closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

There will be no services on Wednesday, December 28

There will be one service only on the morning on Sunday, January 1, at 10:00 a.m.

Amma Cricket will be in town and should be contacted in case of emergencies.

January 8 - The Baptism of Our Lord This particular Sunday is one that the prayer book rubrics say is appropriate for baptisms. If you, or someone in your family, is con-sidering baptism and would like to be baptized on January 8, please contact Amma Cricket before January 3.

P.R.A.Y. Service Project Scheduled! Service project on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16). We’ll join other youth groups at Washington Hebrew Congregation to do food preparation, warm clothes packing, and other tasks. Stay tuned for more details.

Confirmation/Newcomer Classes Scheduled Bishop Mariann Budde scheduled the Spring Confirmation Ser-vice for May 13 (Saturday) at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral. If you wish to be confirmed (make an adult commitment to the baptismal vows made for you at baptism), received (officially become an Epis-copalian from a church in communion with ours), or reaffirm your baptismal vows, please plan to come to the following classes here at Redeemer: January 7 (The Nicene Creed) February 4 (Episcopal History) March 4 (Sacramental Life/Book of Common Prayer) April 1 (Living in Christian Community) All meetings are on Saturdays and will start at 11:30 a.m. Each class should last about 90 minutes. If you are new to the Episcopal Church, high school age and above, or would like a refresher, these classes are for you. You must attend these four classes to be pre-sented for confirmation. Please schedule accordingly. If you have questions, please see Amma Cricket.

Redeemer Book Club is reading Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill by Sonia Purnell. This is an acute and sympathetic biography that brings Clementine Churchill out of the shade into which her illus-trious and domineering husband had cast her and shows how key she was to his success. Purnell makes us ask how Clementine en-

dured life with Winston and provides the answers. The meet-ing to discuss the book will take place on January 8, 2017 at 3 pm at the house of Sally and Ron Pugsley, 8108 Hamilton Spring Road, Bethesda, Md. 20817. All are welcome. For questions, please contact Huda Kraske at hqkraske@aol.com.

Contemplative Mondays Make a Shift In January, we are shifting Contemplative Mondays by one week because January 2 is a holiday. The schedule of Mondays is: 1st is Taize on Jan 9, 2nd is Christian Contemplative Group on Jan 16, 3rd is Centering Prayer on Jan 23, and 4th is Wel-coming Prayer on Jan 30. All are at 7:30pm in the church, and all are welcome.

Upcoming Music at Redeemer events:

Sunday, January 15 at 5:00 p.m. Organist Weston Jennings in Concert Currently a student at the Yale School of Music, Weston Jen-nings has been organ scholar at Chelmsford and Canterbury Cathedrals in England, and at the Royal Festival Hall in Lon-don. He is quickly establishing himself as a talented and engag-ing international performer. His concert at Redeemer will fea-ture a lively and imaginative program of music by some of the great composers and highly renowned concert organists of all time. Admission is free. Free-will offering. Reception following.

Sunday, 19 February at 5:00 p.m. The American Boychoir in Concert Sustaining the one-thousand-year-old boychoir tradition with a distinctly American style, America’s most widely touring and performing choral ensemble returns to Redeemer with its unique blend of musical sophistication, spirited presentation and ensem-

ble virtuosity. Admission is free. Free-will offering. Reception following.

Sunday, 19, March at 5:00 p.m. Acclaimed by The Washington Post for its “fine singers who blend and balance” and its “consistently beautiful performances”, the Dis-trict Eight presents a program exploring the rich repertoire of music for Lent and Holy Week, expanding its numbers to in-clude Alessandro Scarlatti’s exquisite Stabat Mater. Admission is free. Free-will offering. Reception following. Please note this concert is on different date than previously published.

Special thanks to the Friends of Music at Redeemer for mak-ing these special musical events possible.