Housing / Rectory Detail (annually): Negotiable/There is a rectory available however we are open to a rector having their own home and Redeemer paying a cash stipend. Value approximately: 48000

Our worship services are designed to deepen and center our faith. Some have noted Redeemer’s distinct liturgical style as being “formal but not stuffy,” as it adheres closely to the BCP language and welcomes diversity of personal expression. While Episcopalian tradition anchors our theology, we embrace an easiness with variability in worship styles. Redeemer worship celebrates our human talents in a communal expression of joy for Christ’s love, sacrifice and resurrection. Music is one of our most treasured gifts. A powerful component of Redeemer’s worship for many years, beautiful, inspiring music is a part of our liturgical life. While some have voiced a desire for more varied styles of music, our community has grown to expect superb quality from the choir’s voices to the exquisite organ. Many loved Redeemer’s Taizé services and were disappointed they were dropped. Many value Morning Prayer and other types of services that complement regular Sunday Holy Communion services. We are starting to plan an intergenerational family service that we hope will help the children stay engaged and be engaging for all.

At Redeemer, we love the opportunity to absorb the lessons in scripture from expert guides, and to share our own reflections in a relaxed, judgment-free environment, especially over a simple supper. This past spring, we hosted a series of educational discussions on the parables and miracles of Jesus (both of which built from Amy-Jill Levine’s engaging videos). These sessions felt like a demonstration of love and connected us with our community and our faith. But, they became truly fulfilling–as most Redeemer gatherings do—because of a blessed balance between intellectual and spiritual depth, along with human warmth and sharing. Discussing the parables and miracle stories, we got to know each other better by sharing personal experiences, while gaining spiritual insights from the perspective of others. The congregation at Redeemer embraces learning, and we appreciate when leaders bring us challenging ideas to explore in our own way. We always grow as a community through fellowship. 

Like any family, Redeemer deals with conflict. We have grappled with this in the past several years due to a perceived lack of compatibility with our former rector. This inner conflict led to dissatisfaction and sadness among the congregation. These issues were exacerbated by waning membership, the pandemic, as well as a major flood in our parish hall. Being a loving group of people, and a small church, it is harder and more delicate to confront sensitive situations. However, after some uncoordinated efforts we were able to come together through dialogue and to recognize that changes needed to be made. We have learned the importance of addressing problems proactively, and that transparency and honesty are the only pathways forward. We have benefited from outside experts to facilitate a slow and deliberate process of dealing with our hurts and forging a fresh start. This conflict has helped us grow in a loving way and has strengthened our ability to face any conflicts in our future.

1. A joyful, compassionate and empathetic spirit who engages and inspires us 
2. Strong leadership to manage people and systems with integrity and skill
3. A dynamic preacher with imaginative vision and theological depth
4. Community builder, people person who can encourage growth, connect us with each other and attract those from outside our walls

The Rev. Dr, Robert Phillips

(202) 537-6531

rphillips@edow.org