The Ancient Way
By the Right Rev'd. Dr. Johnathan G. Smith
The following is an excerpt from Bishop Jonathan's forthcoming book.
Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.
Hi there!
My name is Bishop Jonathan.
I am passionate about Jesus and sharing his good news of compassion, justice, and love.
I’ve noticed over the years so many people in our community are longing for deeper meaning and answers to challenging questions. Some want to know the Bible but don’t know where to turn. Others have been hurt and burned by churches, wondering if there is a safe place to go, learn, and grow. Most of us have been there. I’ve been there. If that’s you, then you are welcome here.
We believe our first priorities are to love as God loved us and to share that love with the world.
How to find us?
We are located on a large campus, it can be kind of tricky to find us. Here is the best way.
We meet in Community’s chapel, the small building facing 17-92 with a cross on top. It is in front of the church campus and sits just to the right of the larger steeple.
The easiest way to find us, is to park along Piney Ridge Road. Then walk along the sidewalk to the front of the campus and follow Redeemer’s signs.
If parking is full, you can park in the back of the campus or on the north side. If you get lost, no problem. There are plenty of people on campus who can point you in the right direction. We have a-frame signs outside pointing to where you should go.
What to expect
- A warm and welcomingly group of people who are sincerely glad to see you
- A “Worship Guide” (bulletin) will be on the Welcome Table to help you follow along with the service.
- A reverent but casual environment designed to help you engage in worship.
- Fellowship time before church with light snacks and beverages.
Welcome Table
When you walk into the chapel, you will see the welcome table. There you will find our Worship Guides, Bibles (if you need one), and an offering plate for tithes and gifts.
We print out all the readings in our Worship Guide. If you would like a Bible, then by all means take one. We want everyone to have a copy of Holy Scripture.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate in worship?
Each Sunday, we publish our “Common Prayer.” This booklet is a guide to our worship. It contains the liturgy we use at Redeemer. Liturgy means “the work of the people” and forms the cornerstone of our worship experience. For a sample of our service, click here. You are welcome to participate in the congregational readings or merely listen to the words. The choice is yours.
What about childcare?
We LOVE kids, particularly when they attend our service. We believe families should worship together, meaning children are invited to stay with their parents. Occassionaly, however, parents need a break. So we have good news! Through our partnership with Community, you can take your child under the age of 5 to the nursery. They’re super! And they will love your kids well!
What is your Anglican affiliation?
Redeemer is the founding member of Reach North America, a Missionary Society under Communio Christiana. We are part of a global movement of Christians whose faith is grounded in God’s unique and authoritative self-revelation in the Bible. We are also in communion with the Continuing Evangelical Episcopal Communion.
May I participate in Holy Communion?
Yes! All baptized Christians in generally good standing with a church, are welcome to receive communion. If you do not have a local church or have never been baptized, then we invite you to listen to the introduction to communion and determine whether or not you should participate. If you have any other questions, then feel free to ask our Rector.
How do I give to Redeemer?
Thank you for your generosity. If you would like to give to Redeemer, then there are several safe ways for you to do so. Before or after the service, you may drop your offering into the plate at our welcome table. You may also elect to use our convenient online giving platform.
What do you believe about human sexuality?
At Redeemer, we believe a faithful reading of the Bible leads to the conclusion that God created gender and sexuality, finds its fullest expression in marriage between a man and a woman, and that binary gender (male and female) is the original intent of the God of the Bible.
At the same time, we recognize that not every person “fits” into this description but we believe that God loves every person.
We also condemn all forms of injustice and hatred believing it to be antithetical to the Gospel witness of the Church and an insidious form of evil in the human heart.
If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask Pastor Jonathan.
