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  2944 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208  ·   (513) 321-6700  ·         Give

The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
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The Ministry of Listening

Think of a time when you really felt cared for. Chances are someone focused on what you had to say, was attentive to your needs, and listened to how you felt instead of telling you how you should feel or what you should do.

Listening is one of the most powerful ministry tools at your disposal. It demonstrates that you care about the other person. In Stephen Ministry, a great deal of time is spent in teaching and practicing listening skills because of its importance as a care-giving tool. You too can become a more caring listener by understanding and applying these six listening concepts from Stephen Ministry training:

  1. Listening is active. It takes energy and commitment to listen really well. Focus your attention on what the other person has to say instead of thinking of what you'll say next. Look at them while you listen, and nod along from time to time so the person knows you're tuned in.
  2. Listening takes patience. Often you need to build trust before someone will open up to you. Constant, patient listening is a key.
  3. Listening involves more than just words. Pay attention not only to what is said, but to what is not said - or to what is said with a smile or a sigh. Pay attention to body language, too. Does it agree with or contradict a person's spoken words?
  4. Good listeners aren't completely silent. They restate key thoughts or ideas to be sure they understood correctly or ask focused questions to encourage the person to reach a little deeper.
  5. Listening happens over time. One conversation might build upon an earlier one. As you listen over several conversations, are there any recurring themes or patterns in what the person has said? Are there any contradictions from what was said earlier? These are signs that there may be more to explore underneath.
  6. Listening is confidential. A great way to build that trust and to show the person you really care for them is to maintain confidentiality and not to share with others what was told to you in private conversation.

Jesus was the model of a good listener. Much of his ministry was listening to people. By listening to what people had to say he demonstrated how much he really cared about them. Remember the stories of the woman at the well, Nicodemus, or the disciples on the road to Emmaus. All were times when Jesus showed his care and concern by first listening to people and then giving them what they needed.

We all want Church of the Redeemer to be a caring place where members and guests truly feel people care about who they are and how they feel. Just as our Stephen Ministers use good listening skills to communicate how much they care, so can you. Follow and practice these listening principles and make a concentrated effort toward becoming a better listener. Listening is a great gift we can give to one another, and one we can all use in order to make Church of the Redeemer an even more caring place.

Share this page: The Ministry of Listening
Stephen Ministry For Stephen Ministers and Leaders Receptivity to Care Recorded Training Resources Stephen Ministry Training Stephen Minister Job Description Spiritual Gifts of a Stephen Minister The Ministry of Listening The Importance of Confidentiality in Stephen Ministry

Sermons

  • Aug 7 | The Rev. Joyce Keeshin
    Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be
  • Jul 31 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rich Toward God
  • Jul 24 | The Rev. Joyce Keeshin
    Unexpectedly in Prayer
  • Jul 10 | The Rev. Joyce Keeshin
    Who is the Good Samaritan?
  • Jul 3 | The Rev. Melanie W. J. Slane
    God like Math

Rector's Blog

  • Aug 4 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog, A Tale of Two Churches
  • Jul 29 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog, Will The Church Survive?
  • Jul 22 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog Throwback Series, Angry and Beautiful
  • Jul 15 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog Throwback Series, A Need for Hope
  • Jul 8 | The Rev. Philip DeVaul
    Rector's Blog Throwback Series: Hoping for Peace

© 2022 The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
2944 Erie Ave. · Cincinnati, OH 45208
(513) 321-6700
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The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
2944 Erie Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45208

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(513) 321-6700

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Welcome Children Service Times Membership Contact Us

Welcome to Church of the Redeemer! We invite and welcome ALL to join us in worship and community. In addition to worship, we have a vibrant music community, a fun and welcoming community for children and youth, plus offerings for everyone from young adults to seniors, covering many varied interests.

The Rev. Philip DeVaul, Rector

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We love children, and children love Church of the Redeemer!

Children are at the heart of life at Church of the Redeemer. Children learn about the word of God through our Children's Christian Education programs; they are involved in worship services, they play music in our services, and they form lifelong friendships with each other through their experiences.

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On Sundays we have an 8:00 am Holy Eucharist, Rite I service, a 9:00 am Holy Eucharist, Rite II service (which is also livestreamed), an 11:00 am Banquet Eucharist service and a 5:00 pm Celtic Eucharist service.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we offer Morning Prayer on our Online Worship Podcast.

On Wednesdays, we offer Holy Eucharist, Rite II at 6:00 pm in the Chapel.

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The community of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer welcomes you! We are glad that you have chosen to explore your faith here and hope that this document can answer some of the questions you may have about Church of the Redeemer. We seek to be an open, inviting community. Our invitation to you is to join us as we grow in faith and reach out in love to others. At Church of the Redeemer we are always seeking to know Jesus and grow in love. We hope that in whatever ministries you undertake will strengthen your relationship with him through your ministry and fellowship here.

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PARKING: Parking is on the street. Please pay attention to the signs indicating proper parking zones. Handicapped parking is available in the front on Erie, in the back parking lot, and on the south side of Raymar.

ACCESSIBLE REDEEMER: The front entrance has a ramp and there is an elevator inside the back door and to the left. Accessible restrooms are located in the Lobby inside the front entrance.


CONTACT US
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Thank you for supporting the mission and ministry of Church of the Redeemer!

To give a one time gift, click the button below. To make a financial commitment for 2022, use the Commitment 2022 tab above.

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Flowers in our holy worship spaces are a beautiful gift to God and those who attend services at Church of the Redeemer as well as those being honored or remembered. A contribution to the Flower Fund is a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one for special life events such as birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, confirmations, thanksgivings, or in memory of a loved one.

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The Church of the Redeemer is blessed to have received special gifts from parishioners who wanted Redeemer to have permanent savings to care for our facilities and to supplement our pledge income.

Such permanent savings are often called an “endowment.” The endowed funds are permanently set aside by donors or by the Vestry. Some of our donors have specified uses for their endowment gifts. A limited portion of the funds is distributed each year to supplement our general budget. All funds are invested with professional advice.

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What about your connection to Redeemer changes the way you live in this world? Your financial commitment is a response to the work that God is doing with you here. It is a practical way to ensure that others are able to experience the relationships of holy connection and communion that are shaping your life.

For 2022, we ask that you make your commitment through regular scheduled electronic giving, if possible. Whether it be weekly or annually, giving electronically is a safe and sustainable way to ensure your continued financial support.

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