Redeemer Review           The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer                                          A caring community offering opportunities for spiritual growth                                                  by knowing, loving and serving God through each other September, 2004 FROM THE VICAR In honor of all those making their way back to school this month, I thought I’d write a little bit about education, both in general and about some upcoming offerings at Redeemer. As you may know, I serve as Diocesan chair of the Education Department, where we work together “to support the confident and joyful telling of God's story within the Diocese of California, by giving lay and ordained teachers the information, connections, forums and training that equip them to create a vibrant faith formation culture within their congregations.” The word “education” comes from a Latin verb educere meaning to “lead forth” or “lead out.” God educated Abraham out of Haran and made him the father of a people of faith. Six hundred years later, Moses educated the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt and into the wilderness of freedom. Jesus educated the world from sin, disease, and even death. Wisdom, says Jesus, is the one thing you can take with you. Christian education begins by learning this wonderful story. Unlike more linear forms of information, stories contain multiple characters and multiple points of view. The best of them are open to thousands of different interpretations. Just look at all the various ways in which people over the ages have read and interpreted the Bible Stories are the ultimate expression of community, because stories cannot live in solitude. They cry to be told and heard. In the spirit of stories, Redeemer will offer two afterschool programs this fall that weave the world of imaginative literature with the story of our faith. Each program will meet every other Tuesday. Beginning September 29th, “Through the Wardrobe Door” for children in grades one through three will use the Narnia stories of C.S. Lewis as a way of exploring imagination, values and beliefs. Beginning the following week, October 5th, “Wizards and Wonders” will use the Harry Potter novels to help fourth and fifth graders discover the magic that lies at the heart of life. Both programs will include games and crafts as well as learning and will culminate in a beautiful liturgy. Adults, too, will have a chance to engage the questions of their faith. In addition to our weekly Bible study which is currently looking at Buddhist teachings in relation to our own, we will this fall be presenting a curriculum prepared by the California Council of Churches which developed the very popular “Building Bridges” series given at Redeemer during Lent, 2002. This year, the theme is Health Care. Jesus came as one who healed, but today seventeen percent of Californians lack any health insurance. Health care is therefore an important place to engage the story of Christian service to the world. You will see more about this elsewhere in the “Review.” And finally, Dominican University is offering a wonderful, low cost course in World Religions on Wednesday nights beginning September 22. Which is to say, that when your children go back to school, you are invited to join them in your own adventure of learning. Rev. Carol Luther NEW, MAKE A NOTE OF IT:   Redeemer Website is www.redeemermarin.org