WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTSGATHERING
PRELUDE Partita on “Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier” J.G. Walther (1684-1748)
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 4, 2022 The Order of Worship at 11:00 am
We continue to monitor the latest information regarding the spread of COVID-19 in our community. At this time, the wearing of face coverings onsite is optional and left to personal preference. Knowing that individuals and families have varying needs at this time, the balcony is reserved as a mask required area. Please use the links available on the viewing page to let us know that you are worshiping with us, to submit any prayer requests, to let us know if you need help or are available to help a neighbor, and to continue giving financially to support the ongoing ministries of Redeemer. As always, we pray that worship at Redeemer is a blessing for you, even as your participation blesses us, whether we gathering in the name of Christ in person or online. As you are comfortable, we encourage you to sing the hymns and to sing or speak the congregational portions of the liturgy in bold type. This bulletin contains content protected by copyright and is provided only for you to participate in worship. Please delete or destroy any physical or digital copy of the material following the service.
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen
Standing HYMN 660 Lift High the Cross
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
CONFESSION
Kneeling or seated
Most merciful God, | we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
KYRIE In peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Standing
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.
we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
GREETING
HYMN OF PRAISE
THE SECOND READING Philemon 1 21
PRAYER OF THE DAY
While Paul was in prison, he was aided by Onesimus, a man who had run away from Philemon, a slaveowner and a Christian friend of Paul. Paul told Onesimus
See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON THE FIRST READING Deuteronomy 30:15-20
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Direct us, O Lord God, in all our doings with your continual help, that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name; and finally, by your mercy, bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen. Please use the Prayer Request link here or on the webpage to submit your requests. WORD God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.
Moses speaks to the Israelites, who are about to enter the land promised to their ancestors. In this passage, he lays out the stark choice before them: choose life by loving and obeying the Lord; or choose death by following other gods.
So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and co worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. For this reason, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do your duty, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.
Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful both to you and to me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced.
to return to Philemon and encouraged Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a Christian brother.
Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Seated SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson
THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 14:25 33
The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Now large crowds were traveling with [Jesus;] and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.”
Jesus speaks frankly about the costs of discipleship. Those who follow him should know from the outset that completing the course of discipleship will finally mean renouncing all other allegiances.
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
CREED
Standing HYMN 667 Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said
APOSTLES’
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the Idead.believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Gathered and resting in the Holy Spirit, gracious God, we offer these and all our prayers to you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
We pray for the church around the world and for the mission of the gospel. Refresh the hearts of your people, deepen our understanding of every good thing we share, and strengthen our partnerships in the faith. We pray especially for our core spiritual partner organizations: Lutheran Community Food Ministry, Grace House Campus Ministry, Lutheran Towers Senior Living, and Goshen Valley Foster Care. God of grace, | hear our prayer.
For all in need: for those who suffer from disease, who struggle with homelessness or food insecurity, for those trapped in exploitative employment, and for all in this community who need your care (especially). God of grace, | hear our prayer.
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
For the well being of the earth and all who labor to protect and heal its creatures, its trees and forests, its land that will yield fruit this season, and its streams and other bodies of water.
As scattered grains of wheat are gathered together into one bread, so let us gather our prayers for the church, those in need, and all of God’s good creation.
For this community of faith: for all our labors begun, continued, and ended in you that they glorify your holy name. Bless your people with the strength to live into their many vocations for the sake of the world. God of grace, | hear our prayer. We give thanks for the saints who now rest from their labors (especially Peter Claver, priest and missionary). Give us faith, like them, to love you with all our hearts, and by your mercy, bring us to everlasting life. God of grace, | hear our prayer.
For the nations and those in authority: for the elected leaders of our towns, states, and country, and for international organizations. Raise up citizens who make decisions in the best interest of their neighbors. God of grace, | hear our prayer.
God of grace, | hear our prayer.
Standing PEACE
As of old St. Andrew heard it | By the Galilean lake, | Turned from home and toil and kindred, | Leaving all for his dear sake.
Jesus calls us from the worship | Of the vain world’s golden store, | From each idol that would keep us | Saying, “Christian, love me more.”
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
Please use the Help and Redeemer.org/give links to support the ministry of Redeemer.
In our joys and in our sorrows, | Days of toil and hours of ease, | Still he calls, in cares and pleasures, | “Christian, love me more than these.”
THANKSGIVING
Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult | Of our life’s wild, restless sea, |Day by day his clear voice sounding, | Saying, “Christian, follow me.”
Jesus calls us! In your mercy, | Savior, make us hear your call, | Give our hearts to your obedience, | Serve and love you best of all.
The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for you. Please let us know you worshiped with us today by using the I’m Worshiping link as you would the attendance pad at church.
ANTHEM Jesus Calls Us David Hurd
William H. Jude (1852 1922)
The Redeemer Choir
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
OFFERING
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Lift up your hearts! | We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
GREAT THANKSGIVING
PRAYER God of abundance: you have set before us a plentiful harvest. As we feast on your goodness, strengthen us to labor in your field, and equip us to bear fruit for the good of all, in the name of Jesus. | Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, now and forever.
In Christ’s presence there is fullness of joy. Come to the banquet. Seated All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are invited to receive Holy Communion Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude Link
Amen. Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray… LORD’S PRAYER
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory.
HYMN 583 Take My Life, That I May Be
Let us pray. | Life-giving God, through this meal you have bandaged our wounds and fed us with your mercy. Now send us forth to live for others, both friend and stranger, that all may come to know your love. This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen
HYMN 806 O God, My Faithful God
Standing
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
BLESSING
SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. The God of peace, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you, comfort you, and show you the path of life this day and always. Amen.
HYMN 802 Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for August 28: In person: 220, Livestream: 201, Facebook: 40
Featured Events YOUTH
While our Ministry Teams have already been invited to take part, everyone in the congregation is encouraged to attend any of the gatherings that interest them. These two-hour gatherings will be in person and online, and the insights and results will be posted on a special page on our website.
SENDING Go in peace. Love your neighbor. | Thanks be to God.
Upcoming Subject Area Gatherings: Education, Wednesday September 7, 6:30 PM, Reception/Zoom Community Outreach, Sunday, September 11, 1 PM, Rudisill/Zoom Financial Development, Wednesday, September 14, 6:30 PM, Reception Room/Zoom Member Care, Thursday, September 22, 6:00 PM, Rudisill Hall/Zoom Please Click Here to sign up for any gathering if you have not already expressed interest.
On Sunday, September 11, our Middle School and High School Youth will head to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to work the afternoon shift (1:30 pm-4:30 pm). Volunteers must be 12 years and up. Volunteering is a great opportunity, and you can earn service hours! Please get in touch with Hillary if you can help, and she will send you the volunteer information. Please RSVP before September 4.
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER 14th Sunday after Pentecost Master Planning Update
Our ministry teams and staff have been busy meeting with our Master Planning consultants completing an analysis of the current use of our facilities. Now that the analysis work is done, it is time to begin the creative, imaginative part of our planning. In the next few months, our consultants will lead us through discerning how we can best develop our campus to enhance our ministries, strengthen our financial future, and enlarge our impact in this community and region.
Paean Craig Phillips (born 1961)
POSTLUDE
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Due By September 11. Please fill out this link by Sunday, September 11. Sign up now-spots go quick! Please stay tuned for updates!
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Our Redeemer Youth and families will be heading to the Braves game on Sunday, October 2. The game is at 1:35 pm vs the Mets. Come hang with other Redeemer youth and their families for the last Braves game of the season! Please email Hillary to get the link to sign up and reserve your tickets by September 2. Sunday, September 11 High School Parents and College Parents monthly meeting, 10 AM in the library. Confirmation Youth and Parents Meeting at 9:45 AM in Fireside High School Sunday School at 9:45 AM in the Youth Lounge. Join Redeemer High School Youth for our 2023 Ski Retreat!
Our Confirmation students are invited to attend our Fall Confirmation Retreat from Friday, September 23 to Sunday, September 25. Our theme is "The Sacraments." We'll live out that theme through worship, team-building activities, fellowship time, and more! You won't want to miss this fun and faith-filled weekend! Please get in touch with Hillary to get signed up by Sunday, September 18.
Our High School Youth Camping Trip is from Friday, September 23 to Sunday, September 25 at Lake Hartwell State Park. This will be a fun and faith filled time with lots of fellowship in Pleasestore.
Middle School Youth Mission Trip and High School Youth Mission Trip Interest
WORSHIP Rejoicing Spirits Next Sunday: God’s Treasures
Young Adults Lunch Together Next Sunday Meet in Sims Atrium near the red doors after the 11:00 service on Sunday, September 11 to walk to lunch somewhere in the neighborhood. This is a casual time to catch up with each other and get to know other young adults at Redeemer. Come join us!
RSVP by Sunday, September 18, for planning purposes to Nikki Chunn.
Join us for Worship! There’s nothing better than worshiping together joyfully and getting to know our neighbors who join us for Rejoicing Spirits! Our next service will be on Sunday, September 11 at 3:30 pm. Come to make a joyful noise and share your gifts with this special worship community. Worship is hybrid and you can join either on Zoom or in person in Rudisill Hall.
YOUNG ADULTS
February 17-20, 2023 at Lutherock Please check your schedules and let us know if you are interested in joining us for fellowship, faith, skiing, and snow tubing. Please let Hillary know if you’re interested by Sunday, October 2 in putting this on your calendar, so we can reserve the correct accommodation site at Lutherock (these spots go fast!).
We are very excited about opening Sunday School in in-person classrooms again for the first time since 2019. A Zoom classroom option will also be offered. We kicked things off with Sing and Play on August 28, and our first day in classrooms will be September 11. You can register at this link, or speak to Deacon Mary with any questions. Sunday School is for ages 2- 5th grade.
Interested in volunteering with Sunday School? Speak to Deacon Mary about volunteer opportunities.
• Be Still & Journey Our women’s group continues on and will, as always, read thought provoking and important books that help us incorporate our faith into our daily lives.
Two Year Old Faith Stepping Stone Next Sunday
Lutheran Campus Ministries at Georgia Tech & Redeemer Celebrating 65 Years of Ministry Together September 18, 2022 | 12:15 pm | Rudisill Hall
Children who have turned two by August 1 and their parents are invited to a Faith Stepping Stone event called Welcome to Sunday School from 10-10:45. We will talk about what Sunday School is and each child will receive a Spark Bible and a blessing for their year of learning ahead.
FORMATION
• Gift Class Led by Joe Lukas
Sunday School Classrooms Next Week!
ELCA Southeastern Synod | Guardian Angel Training Saturday, September 17, 2022 | 9:30 am- 1:30 pm | St. John’s Lutheran Church Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation, and Opportunities
• Coffee with the Pastor
Fan of Georgia Tech? Love campus ministry? Just hungry? Join the team at Grace House for lunch. Hear the ways they serve college students today. Consider partnering with their important work. RSVP at gracepeople.org/redeemerADULTFAITH
• Mindfulness, Prayer, and Meditation
Ever had any questions for the pastor who was preaching that day? This is your opportunity to ask them! Join the preaching pastor in Sims Atrium for coffee and conversation following the 11am service.
• Conversations on Christian Responsibility
Join Ed Scherlacher for study in spiritual practices that can help draw us together and see how God is working in our lives.
Beginning Sunday, September 11
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Free registration at https://se-reg.brtapp.com/gatraining
Thursday, September 8 Liberation Thoughts II Out of Hand Theatre Event Tolkien Group 6:00 PM 7:30 PM 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM ZoomSimsZoomAtrium/Rudisill
Tuesday, September 6 Morning Bible Study Pr Jonathan book study 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom
4:00 PM 5:00 PM 4:45 PM – 6:15 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM
Wednesday, September 7 Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday night
Monday, September 5 Labor Day ChurchClosedoffice
Sunday, September 4, 2022 | Event Time Location Worship 9 am (Jazz) and 11:00 am In person/ Livestream
HinelyRoomRoomSanctuaryReception/ZoomRoomRoomRudisillSimsReception/ZoomAtriumHall204203211202Hall
Pastor’sdinnerClassSeraphimCherubim SAG – Education RedeemerWorshipmtgJO.Y.RingersChoirrehearsal
Calendar for September 4 – September 10, 2022
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
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Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232 Kofi Broadnax Property Administrator, ext. 210
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STAFF Bob Boyd
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Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224
Michael Clarke
The Rev. Mark H. Larson
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Pastor for Community Engagement, ext. 203
Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233
LCFM Chef, mclarke@redeemer.org
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David Hansen Adult Choral Director, ext. 236
The Rev. Dr. Ronald Bonner
Alexa Brooks Receptionist, ext. 200 Seth Brown
The Rev. Jonathan Trapp
The Rev. Jenny McLellan
Hillary Nelson Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org
Stacey Williams Head of Security
Robin Durdin Office Administration Director, ext. 204 Kate Elkins Preschool Director, ext. 252 Kira Garvie Organ Scholar, kgarvie@redeemer.org
Jennifer Isaacson Financial Information Director, ext. 237
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Sarah Hawbecker Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206 Deacon Mary Houck Children & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227
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731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 www.redeemer.org 404.874.8664 | Emergency Line: 404.874.9759
Senior Pastor, ext. 201
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Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218