Faith Formation Classes

Redeemer Forum is held on many Sunday mornings between the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. masses (from about 10:10-10:40 a.m.), typically in Goewey Hall. These classes acquaint Christians with the sources, personalities, and themes of Holy Scripture, the teaching and activity of Jesus, and the history of the community in which He lived, ministered, died, and was resurrected. Contact Father David Svihel for more information.

Tell Me More is held on many Sunday mornings between the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. masses (from 10:10-10:40 a.m.), typically in Gillespie Hall. These classes give adults an opportunity to learn more about the sermon from that day’s preacher. Contact Father David Svihel for more information.

Wednesday night classes for adults are taught by Redeemer clergy throughout the year. Classes are typically held at 6:30 p.m. in Goewey Hall and last for about an hour. The courses focus on a variety of subjects and aim to build up parishioners in their faith and knowledge of Jesus and His church. Contact Father David Svihel for more information.

For Women

The Grace Gang Women’s Bible Study is led by Rector Father Charleston Wilson. It meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at noon in Goewey Hall. Contact Father Charleston Wilson for more information.

Women’s Bible Study meetings are held on many Tuesday mornings and evenings throughout the year. These studies focus on specific topics or books of the Bible. The Kings and Prophets Women’s Bible Study resumes a new semester on Tuesday, January 9, at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ladies can choose to attend either the morning or evening sessions. Contact Father David Svihel or call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach Amy Buck for more information.

Ladies’ Bible Study gatherings are held on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in Goewey Hall. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach Kalista Svihel or Annie Maxwell for more information.

The Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study offers in-depth courses throughout the year. It meets on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:45 a.m. via Zoom. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Jane Thompson for more information.

The Women’s Spanish Prayer Group (Hijas de Getsemani) meets on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in Gillespie Hall and at 7 p.m. on the other Monday nights via Zoom. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Lourdes Pozas for more information.

Daughters of the King take a lifetime vow to live by the Rule of the Order, requiring a spiritual discipline of daily prayer, service, and evangelism. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Deacon Jo Hedin for more information.

For Men

The Businessmen’s Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. via Zoom. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Ed Weber or parishioner Russ Ryan for more information.

The Saturday Morning Men’s Prayer Group meets on Saturdays at 8 a.m. in Room 220 and via Zoom. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Ed Weber or parishioner Ron Rayevich for more information.

Fellowship & Social Groups

Women of Redeemer hosts events for female parishioners throughout the year that provide an opportunity for faith formation and fellowship. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Jody Maxwell or parishioner Janet Trefry, or email Director of Children’s Christian Formation Jacki Boedecker for more information.

Men of Redeemer encourages men, through relationships, to seek Christ-centered living. Every year, Men of Redeemer hosts Men’s Steak Night with an inspiring speaker and a steak dinner. Men of Redeemer also organizes an annual golf tournament for men and women and other special events throughout the year. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Craig Burness for more information.

Gathering Adults To Redeemer Singles (GATORS) is Redeemer’s ministry for singles that promotes Christian fellowship by offering a variety of social events and spiritual growth opportunities. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 for more information.

Widows’/Widowers’ Might hosts events for those who have lost a spouse. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 for more information.

The Books and Beyond Men’s Book Club meets on specific Wednesdays throughout the year from 6-8 p.m. in Room 220. This group of men gathers to discuss a wide variety of books. Click here to view the 2023-2024 schedule. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner John Pryor for more information.

The Coffee Talk Women’s Book Group offers an opportunity for women to gather monthly in the morning to discuss a literary selection. Click here to view the 2024-2025 schedule. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Gussie Haeffner or parishioner Caroline Ryan for more information.

The Night Shift Women’s Book Club gathers on the first Monday evening of the month to discuss the selected book. Click here to view the 2024 schedule. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner MaryPage Hill for more information.

The Needlepoint Guild glorifies God and beautifies the church with needlepoint kneelers, antependia, and rugs through the fellowship of a dedicated group of stitchers. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Patty Sullivan or parishioner Joy Busler for more information.

Faith Fitness is a gentle exercise class led by instructor Terry Stocker on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon-12:35 p.m. in Gillespie Hall or on the veranda. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Terry Stocker for more information.

First Fridays on Palm: On the first Friday evening of each month from October through April, Redeemer participates in First Fridays on Palm Avenue. The parish welcomes visitors and parishioners for wine and snacks on the Palm Avenue Terrace from 5:30-7 p.m. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Susie Shugg for more information.

Opportunities for Adults to Give Back

The Altar Guild prepares the church for services and is responsible for all vessels, vestments, linens, candles, and flowers. Volunteer opportunities are available on different Altar Guild committees. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner and Altar Guild Directress Donna Dennis for more information.

Daily Office Readers pray the Daily Office (Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer), which includes readings and prayers for parishioners who are ill, seeking comfort, traveling, and serving in the armed forces. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Traci Reed or email Executive Assistant to the Clergy and Pastoral Care Coordinator Angela Ward for more information.

Redeemer Audiovisual Ministry Board Operators (RAMBOs) assist with sound during services. RAMBOs sit in a booth in the balcony and control microphone levels for priests and readers. Most RAMBOs serve once or twice a month. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Scott Ferguson for more information.

Ushers greet worshipers, distribute service bulletins, and help people with special requests and needs. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Greg Hodge for more information.

The Church of the Redeemer Gift & Book Shop on Redeemer’s campus sells books, jewelry, homeware, holiday decorations, gifts, and more to parishioners and the public. Volunteers run the gift shop, which is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Sales support the Rector’s Discretionary Fund, used to help parishioners and others in need. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner and Gift & Book Shop Co-Manager Deb Kern or parishioner and Gift & Book Shop Co-Manager Susie Shugg for more information.

The Episcopal Thrift House in downtown Sarasota (1503 Second St.) sells gently used clothing, jewelry, furniture, household items, and books to the public. Redeemer parishioners and community members provide donations and volunteer at the shop. Proceeds fund grants for nonprofits. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner and Episcopal Thrift House Manager Diane Miles for more information.

The Redeemer Mail Crew gathers each month in Gillespie Hall to prepare Redeemer’s monthly newsletter, In the Beginning, for mailing. The work includes applying mailing address labels and stickers to the newsletters. The group also meets ahead of Easter and Christmas to prepare cards for mailing to parishioners and friends. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Ronelle Ashby for more information.

Day 4 Hope is an annual summer outreach project held at Redeemer that prepares students at Alta Vista Elementary School for the new school year ahead. Various planning and day-of volunteer opportunities are available. Contact Father David Svihel for more information.

Bell-Ringers help raise money for The Salvation Army by ringing a bell outside of Publix from Thanksgiving to Christmas to encourage donations for the Red Kettle Campaign, which supports local people in need. Call the parish office at 941-955-4263 to reach parishioner Sharon Coleman for more information.

At Feed My Sheep each summer, the parish comes together to prepare meals for the hungry. Parishioners gather in Gillespie Hall on specific Sunday mornings between the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. masses (from about 10:10-10:40 a.m.) to assemble and pack sandwiches that are delivered to The Salvation Army for lunch. Contact Director of Children’s Christian Formation Jacki Boedecker for more information.