The Redeemer

Learning at Redeemer: Redeemer Explorers

Learning at Redeemer: Redeemer Explorers

At the Redeemer, we know that asking deeper questions and exploring issues of faith help us grow both as individuals and as a community.

Watching and Waiting in Advent with Julian of Norwich

Please join us on the four Mondays of Advent. We’ll reflect together on passages from the writings of Julian of Norwich, the medieval English mystic who was the first woman to author a book in English – an account of her visions during a near-death experience in May 1373. Julian writes of a God in whom there is no wrath. Who is both Mother and Father. And who, in spite of all that is broken in the world, will somehow make all things well – a message that is urgently relevant in our own deeply troubled present day.

We’ll meet on December 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 7 PM downstairs in the Board Room. Our session facilitators will be Susan Graham Walker, Sharon Kirby, Susan Haig, and Paul Pynkoski. Please register so we can have some idea of how many people to expect.

Imagining the Life of Julian of Norwich

Julian of Norwich is a beloved figure of feminist spirituality. She wrote the first book in English that we know was authored by a woman: an account of visions she received during a near-death experience.
But what was her life really like, in the middle of a complex, prosperous medieval city? Medieval studies scholar and member of Redeemer David Townsend will talk about his recently published novel, The Ram in the Thicket, which he wrote to explore that question. Sharon Kirby will read selections from the book. Copies of the book will be available after the talk. In the main worship space on Wednesday, December 10 at 7 PM

Sunday Explorations

Our smorgasbord of informal 45-minute explorations where we listen, learn, discuss, contribute, and get to know each other better returns on Sunday, September 14 at 9:30 AM in the board room.

There’ll be conversation on selected topics, group reflections on one of the day’s Scripture readings, talks by community members who’ve recently published a book, and more.

November 9 

Reflecting on Today’s Gospel Reading – Join in on Sunday, November 9, for a group reflection on today’s gospel reading, Luke 20.27-38. This session is led by Paul Pynkoski.

November 16

Reflecting on Today’s Epistle Reading – Join in on Sunday, November 16, for a group reflection on today’s very challenging Epistle reading, 2 Thessalonians 3.6-13. This session is led by Richard Van Delft.

Beginning November 23, Sunday Explorations will go on Advent/Christmas break until January 11, but look for events in December to be announced shortly.

Encampment as Community and Toronto’s Underhousing Crisis

On Wednesday, September 24, The Rev’d Maggie Helwig of St. Stephen’s in the Fields, and author of the acclaimed recent book Encampment (Coach House Press), reflected on experiences of love, solidarity, hope, mutual support, and the enlivening presence of the Holy Spirit in and around her congregation and the tent community it hosted, before its forced removal by the City of Toronto.

The event was the first in an occasional series on the theme of “Building More Compassionate Communities. You can watch the presentation and Q&A at the YouTube Livestream.

Violence, Polarization, and Hope for a Better Future

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024 Jon Allen, former Canadian Ambassador to Israel and Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, offered a talk on Violence, Polarization, and Hope for a Better Future. The live stream of the event is available through our YouTube channel.

About Redeemer Explorers

Our congregation offers a rare and rich diversity of learning opportunities. These include the initiatives of committees and ministry areas like Creation Matters and the Indigenous Solidarity Working Group (ISWG), as well as offerings from outside the parish, such as the courses led by Sylvia Keesmaat and Brian Walsh through Bible Remixed.

Redeemer Explorers aims to complement these offerings with opportunities for small-group discussion and reflection, experiential learning events like labyrinth walks, and occasional one-time programs on specific topics.