Where God’s rule has penetrated man’s heart and life, so that the divine love and righteousness become the main factor, we speak of a saint….Here I give my only definition: a saint is he who reveals God’s might. Saints are such as show clearly and plainly in their lives and deeds and in their very being that God lives.
INTRODUCTION
Through the service, there will be periods of silence. Silence makes room to breathe deeply, time to still the heart and quiet restless thoughts. Some times of silence will last no longer than a deep breath; some will be more spacious. A bell will be rung to mark the completion of the silent period. Before worship begins, keeping silence invites the community into the unhurried pace of prayer. May this be a place for you to listen and rest in the presence of God, “like a child upon its mother’s breast” (Psalm 131:2).
Nathan Sӧderblom, The Living God
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 are 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.
1 Contemplation with the Saints – September 7, 2022 The Order of Worship at 7:00 pm
God’s word, proclaimed and reflected upon, and the prayer it calls forth from us are the heart of this contemplative service. Every Wednesday we will turn aside from our busy routine day to worship our triune God together, alongside faithful women and men of the past: apostles, martyrs, renewers of the church and society those whom we call saints.
HYMN In God Alone
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please us this prayer request link to submit your prayers or use the prayer card in your pew.
Welcome. We gather this evening in silence. Please prepare your heart, body, and mind for worship. Release the day; receive what God is prepared to give you.
The Holy Spirit gathers us into a community of prayer.
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GATHERING
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
SILENT REFLECTION
PASTORAL RESPONSE Pastor Ron Bonner
Let us pray, Most holy God, whose great name is love, you raised up Mother Teresa to be a towering example of self sacrificing love toward the lowest members of society: Stir your people to follow her example and give themselves to the service of those from whom the world turns away and puts out of mind, and so to make real the love of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, silence, reflection, and song.
If you are worshiping online, you may share your reflection here
PROPERS
3 GREETING The divine love of God, the enduring peace of Jesus Christ, and the abounding joy of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
ON SAINT MOTHER TERESA
COMMENTARYSILENCE
Written by Pastor Tim Brown, Writer and Director of Congregational Stewardship for the ELCA*
1. Because of the suffering in the world have you ever questioned God, as to why there is so much suffering?
SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 25:31-46
2. Have you ever questioned yourself if you could do just a little more to help someone in need?
PRAYER
In Christ Jesus we meet the God who knows our weakness and bears the wounds of the world. Therefore, let us be bold as we pray, trusting that God draws near to those in any kind of need.
4 INVITATION FOR PERSONAL RESPONSE HYMN 430 When Restless Crowds are Thronging
The Holy Spirit prays with us and through us. Following each bidding prayer, you may speak aloud or silently your own prayers before the sung response
LORD’S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
For those who serve the poor and forgotten…prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response For compassion towards all who are suffering in body, spirit, or mind…prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response For a spirit of charity and generosity …prayers may be spoken let us sing, O loving God, you know the needs of all the world. By your Spirit, grant that we, having turned to you in prayer, now might turn to one another in peace, tend and keep what you have made, and love our neighbor with the love of Jesus, in whose name we pray. | Amen
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.
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Sung Response
For the poor of the world…prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response For those in need who are ignored or rejected by society…prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response
Sarah Hawbecker........................................................Organist
Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233
Kofi
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SENDING
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David Hansen ....................................................................................... Adult
Jennifer Isaacson ....................................................................Financial
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May Christ Jesus dwell richly in your hearts through faith as you are being rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus, strengthened by the Spirit, and filled with the enduring peace of God.
LUTHERAN
The Rev. Jonathan Trapp
.................................................................................... Property
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Hillary Nelson ........................................................................ Youth
....................................................................................................... Receptionist,
The Rev. Jenny McLellan
THE
Stacey
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STAFF
Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232 Broadnax Administrator, ext. 210 Brooks ext. 200 Seth Brown Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218 Chef, mclarke@redeemer.org Administration Director, ext. 204 Director, ext. 252 Garvie Scholar, kgarvie@redeemer.org Choral Director, ext. 236 & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206 Mary Houck & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227 Information Director, ext. 237 Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Williams Head of Security
Pastor for Community Engagement, ext. 203
Alexa
Michael Clarke ........................................................................... LCFM
Let us go in peace, sharing a sign of divine peace with one another and all whom we meet this week.
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The Rev. Dr. Ronald Bonner
Kate Elkins ................................................................................................ Preschool
The Rev. Mark H. Larson Senior Pastor, ext. 201
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BLESSING
*Pastor Tim Brown used Philip H. Pfatteicher's New Book of Festivals & Commemorations for historical references. EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 www.redeemer.org | 404.874.8664 | Emergency Line: 404.874.9759
Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224 Bob Boyd
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Kira
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world with Christ, to enter more fully into God’s love for and work in the world. This is our prayer “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Deacon
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Robin Durdin ......................................................................... Office
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