CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER- Morristown, NJ

Inclusivity As We Worship

Both the Episcopal Prayer Book and an Inclusive Language Eucharist are celebrated each Sunday.

All people, regardless of their tradition or age, are invited to receive communion.

No formal church instruction is required to receive communion.

Grape juice is consecrated in consideration of those people who do not wish to receive wine.

One of the three Sunday lessons is taken from either a secular source or from the sacred writings of a tradition other than Christianity.

Collects in the inclusive language service are taken primarily from Janet Morley’s All Desires Known and often end with the wording “through Jesus, our Christ.”

Rather than the Nicene Creed, the inclusive language service often includes a musical setting of the very first Christian creed, “Jesus is Lord,” as a meaningful way of expressing our belief.

The celebrant always receives communion last to model servant leadership and to discount images of hierarchy.

Female imagery and references to God are used in conjunction with male imagery and references.

Lay and ordained people from various religious traditions are invited to preach in the Redeemer pulpit. In addition, members of the parish on a regular basis tell stories that illustrate God’s liberation within their lives. They speak as women, African-Americans, people in recovery, Holocaust survivors, gays and lesbians, and people living with AIDS.

Redeemer intentionally uses the traditional form of The Lord’s Prayer, but begins with the words, “Our Mother, our Father.” People often join hands during this prayer.

Redeemer performs sacramental marriage for both same-sex and opposite sex couples. These events are duly recorded in the official parish registry, which the bishop examines. The vestry resolution regarding same-sex weddings reads as follows:

“We, the vestry of the Church of the Redeemer, support the inherently sacred nature of the covenant and commitment two people make to one another to enter into a life-long relationship, regardless of the gender makeup of the couple. Therefore, we the vestry, recognize the commitment of any two people in a life-long relationship, be they of the same or opposite sex, to be a Sacramental Marriage.” – adopted at May 10, 1999 Vestry Meeting

Leaders and members of Redeemer may come from traditions other than Christian and Episcopalian.

A Worship Committee reviews and revises the contemporary liturgies, ever striving to make them speak more clearly to Redeemer’s mission and vision.

The Blessing of the Animals Service takes place as part of a Sunday morning Eucharist in the Creation season. Animals in attendance at the service each receive a blessing. An Animal Memorial Garden has been created on the parish grounds.

Healing Prayer, including the Laying On of Hands, is available in the side chapel during the Eucharist.

More information: Healing Prayer page