Sunday Dec 3, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

First Sunday of Advent – December 3, 2023 The Order of Worship at 11:00 am 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. 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. 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.

PRELUDE

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme

J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection. Standing HYMN 259

Fling Wide the Door

CONFESSION 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. 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. Kneeling or seated 2

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 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. 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. Standing GREETING 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. BLESSING AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Advent prayer Praise to you, O God, our salvation who is near. You hold us in our waiting and keep us awake to the world. You show up in our lives at unexpected times. The first candle is lit. Bless us as we light this candle to keep vigil for your arrival. We trust that even though we do not know the day or the hour, you hurry to gather all people to your peace. O people of hope come, 3

Let us keep awake for the Lord is near. Amen Sung O come, O Key of David, come, and open wide our heav'nly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | 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.

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON

THE FIRST READING Isaiah 64:1-9 Charissa Schultz, lector This lament comes from a people who have had their hopes shattered. The visions of a rebuilt Jerusalem and a renewed people of God, spoken of in Isaiah 40–55, have not been realized. Instead, the people experience ruin, conflict, and famine. This lament calls God to account—to be the God who has brought deliverance in the past. O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence— as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. 4

We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. THE SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 As the Christians in Corinth await the advent of Jesus, Paul reminds them how the Lord has already enriched them through spiritual gifts and will continue to strengthen them until the coming day of the Lord. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL Mark 13:24-37 Jesus encourages his followers to look forward to the day when he returns in power and glory to end all suffering. 5

Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said:] “In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 436

Pastor Mark H. Larson Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying

APOSTLES’ CREED 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 dead. I 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. Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Each portion of the prayers concludes: Merciful God, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen With hope and expectation, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who await God’s day of restoration. A brief silence. Reenergize your faithful people to live with hope and compassion. Center us on your promise to come among us and make all things new. Merciful God, receive our prayer. All creation signals your presence, O God: the vastness of the cosmos, the turn of the seasons, and living things that both rest and flourish. Rekindle our commitment to care for the earth. Merciful God, receive our prayer. Let the nations tremble at your holy presence, that justice and liberation prevail in all corners of the earth. Restore peace to nations in conflict, teach righteousness to corrupt leaders and systems, and bring stability to areas facing uncertain futures. Merciful God, receive our prayer. Enrich the spirits of all who feel hopeless, fearful, or despairing. Stay close to those who await healing or relief (especially). Deliver all in any need. Merciful God, receive our prayer. Grant the newly elected Redeemer Council Members a spirit of joy and a spirit of bold trust, that joining with the work of this congregation, you may stir up each of us to a life of fruitful service. Merciful God, receive our prayer. 8

You have gathered your faithful people from every time and place, calling them into one fellowship of saints. Bless the witness of those who dwell in your eternal presence (especially Francis Xavier, whom we commemorate today). Merciful God, receive our prayer. Listen to these and all our prayers, O God of hosts, and restore us with your great and everlasting mercy. Amen. Standing PEACE 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. THANKSGIVING Seated MISSION MOMENT: Installation of Newly Elected Council Members GATHERING OF GIFTS Please use the Help and Redeemer.org/give links to support the ministry of Redeemer. ANTHEM

The King Shall Come The Redeemer Choir

A. Davisson, Kentucky Harmony Arranged by David N. Johnson

John Brownlie

OFFERING PRAYER God our provider, by your merciful hand abundance springs up from the earth. Receive and bless these gifts of your own bounty. Let them be a sign of your steadfast love and faithfulness for all people, through Jesus Christ our Savior. | Amen GREAT THANKSGIVING 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. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. 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:

We praise you, living and loving God, that you have sent your Son to this world. Christ is your Wisdom, sweetly ordering all creation, our Lawgiver, burning with justice, the Branch from Jesse’s tree, sprouting flowers from old roots, the Key of David, opening our prison doors. 10

And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us. We praise you, serving and saving God, that you send your Son also to this table, who on the night before he died took bread, and gave thanks, 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. And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us. We beg you, mighty and merciful God: send us the Spirit of your Son. Dwell in this food and in all who share it, that the earth may rejoice in your presence. In Christ, the dawn from on high, enlighten your people, reign as Sovereign to unite all, and live among us, Emmanuel, our deepest desire now and forever. And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us. Even so, come, Lord Jesus, with your Father and your Spirit, to the church, and receive our praises, now and forever. Amen. Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray… LORD’S PRAYER 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 In this meal, righteousness and peace meet together. Come, take your place at the table. Seated All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are invited to receive Holy Communion 11

Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link

HYMN 245

Creator of the Stars of Night

HYMN 241

O Lord, How Shall I Meet You

Standing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen Let us pray. | Faithful God, in this meal you have remembered your mercy, bringing heaven to earth in the body and blood of Christ. As we wait for the day when all your promises will be fulfilled, sustain us and strengthen us by this holy mystery. Guide us toward your promised future, coming to birth in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING The God of peace bless you, the love of Christ sustain you in hope, and the anointing of the Spirit ☩ remain upon you now and forever. | Amen. HYMN 435 13

Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending

SENDING Go in peace. Keep awake. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE 14

Toccata on 'Veni Emmanuel'

Andrew Carter (born 1939)

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 11/26 In person:184, Livestream 466, FB 44 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Second Sunday of Advent Please join us today for a reception in honor of Pr. Jenny following the 11 AM service. While she will be with us leading worship on Christmas Eve, today was the most appropriate time to recognize her given the holiday schedule.

Christmas Program- You’re Invited! Our Children's Christmas Program is back! This year it will be held today at10 am in the sanctuary. After the program, there is brunch in the Sims Atrium for the whole congregation and Advent activities for kids and their families. Please plan to attend the program and support our kids as they tell this ancient and beautiful story in their own way. Blue Christmas today "Service of Lament, Hope, and Healing" | 4 pm | Sanctuary In a season of great cheer, drop the pretense and come before God as you are: raw, lonely, sad, angry, whatever you're feeling come. Come and draw near to God and the hope we have in Jesus. It’s time to pre-order poinsettias in honor/memory of family or friends to visually enhance our Christmas worship. In addition, professional brass quartet and timpani will be here at 8:00 and 11 pm on Christmas Eve, so you are also encouraged to make donations to the special musician’s fund which will also be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletin in honor/memory of family or friends along with the flowers. To order online click HERE or you can use an envelope that is available in the pew racks. Please drop envelopes at the Welcome desk in the Sims atrium. All donations are due by Friday, December 15. Official Notice of CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: December 10th following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services. The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2024 Proposed Budget and approval of recommended changes to the ELCR Constitution. Please also join us following the 9:00 AM and 11:00AM Worship Services today for Listening Posts to discuss the 2024 Proposed Budget. Members of the Church Council, the Finance Team and the Church Staff will be on hand to review the document and answer questions. You can attend in person in Rudisill Hall or feel free to join the conversation online via Zoom. The link can be found in your Saturday Dec. 2 update email from Redeemer. Recommended Constitutional Changes. The Congregational Council, at the recommendation of the Constitution and CR Committee has passed a resolution to propose changes to the ELCR Constitution. These changes include new language and clarifications to ensure Redeemer’s constitutional language is consistent with changes passed by the ELCA in 2022 to the “model” constitution for ELCA congregations. In addition, the Congregation Council is recommending 15

changes to clarify the comprehensiveness of the annual budget. The full recommended changes can be seen in this document. If the congregation by majority vote passes the recommended changes, then a vote to ratify the changes will take place at the Annual Congregation meeting in March 2024. COMMUNITY Angel Tree for the Girls of Wellspring Living Sims Atrium through December 10 Redeemer members will have the opportunity to shop for the girls of Wellspring Living – children (ages 12 – 17) who have been sexually trafficked and who are on a path a of restoration. On each ornament is a suggested gift card. Gift cards in any amount will be used for the girls’ school and craft supplies, meals, clothing, special outings, or for stocking the boutique where the girls can “shop” for special items as rewards for scholastic achievement. Write the value on your gift cards and place them in the box by the tree. Questions? Contact Amy Carpenter Goshen Valley Gift Drive Help us create a Merry Christmas for the girls and boys living under Goshen Valley’s care. From November 12- December 10, you can donate items two ways: • donate gifts using the Amazon list, which will ship items directly to Goshen Valley • donate household items using tags on the giving tree in Sims Atrium and bring the items to church with you. This drive is hosted by the Children and Family Ministries Team. Speak to Dn. Mary with questions. Inspiritus Angel Tree The weather is turning cold and purchasing a coat for every person in a family is a large expense. We are trying to gather coats for every client who has arrived this year. If you are able to donate even one coat, it would make a huge impact on a family of 9 or 11 who are looking at needing hundreds of dollars in warm clothing. Tags with names, gender, age and size can be found on our Hope Tree. If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase the winter coats needed. MAC Coat Drive Sims Atrium beginning Dec. 3 through Dec. 31 Donate your gently used Men’s, Women’s, and Children's outwear. Please help keep others warm this winter. The weather is turning cold with some nights in the low 40s already. Please keep those in mind that might not have the clothing they need to keep warm. Journey to Bethlehem As we prepare our hearts and minds for the recognition of Christ Jesus and his birth this Advent season, we encourage all of you to join the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA in a 25-mile journey to Bethlehem. Scan the qr code for more information and to sign-up. YOUTH 16

Our Kringles are ready for pick-up beginning, today until Sunday, December 17. Thanks for supporting our youth to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering 2024 that will be held in New Orleans. Link to support: https://form.jotform.com/232924365927061. Our High School and Beyond Parents will meet TODAY from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in Room 103. Our Middle School Parents will be meeting on Sunday, December 10. These will be our last parents gathering groups meeting until the New Year! Our Youth Christmas Party will happen TODAY! KEYSTONE Today is last day to Register: Keystone Christmas Celebration Thursday Dec. 7th 11:30-2 pm Sanctuary and Sims Atrium Celebrate Christmas with one another with a brief worship service with communion and a message from Pastor Jenny McLellan followed by a catered lunch. Register here or call the church 404-874-8664. Let us know if you need transportation. ADULT FAITH FORMATION God’s Voice in Music, Harmony, and Tonality Led by Ed Scherlacher | Sundays | 10 am | Room 121 Explore the spiritual connection between music and divine communication. “We Make the Road by Walking” by Brian McLaren Study led by Pastor Jonathan | Sundays 10 am | Reception Room Opportunity each week to look at a scripture reading and, using reflection, present an introduction/re-orientation to the Christian Faith. Be Still and Journey Led by Pat Cornwell | Sundays 10 am | gather at 9:30 | Room 119 Currently reading “The Heart of Christianity” by Marcus Borg Book Study with Pastor Jonathan Tuesdays | 5 PM Study of A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn Early Bird Bible Study led by David Ott Wednesdays | 4 PM | Reception | Study of Exodus Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark Wednesdays | 6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom Reading the Gospel of John Through Palestinian Eyes Christians from diverse cultural, religious, and political contexts have been studying the Gospel of John for almost two thousand years. Rev Yohanna Katanacho invites us to encounter the text anew, this time from the perspective of a twenty-first century Palestinian Christian. Challenging the claim that Christ belongs to a particular denomination, nation, or race, Katanacho presents the 17

Gospel of John as introducing a new world order defined not by race or nationality, but by suffering and love. Thursday afternoon Bible Study Thursdays | 3 – 4:00 PM | Reception Room/ Zoom Dig deep into the Gospel of Matthew, chapter by chapter, as we explore theological and contextual themes. Sweet treats and coffee will be provided. Bibles will be available, or you can bring your own preferred Bible. Special Adult forum on December 10 Guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon "Crisis in the Middle East" | 10 am | Rudisill Hall Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon will share about the work of Churches for Middle East Peace. SAVE THE DATE! December 10th Bethlehem Village and Live Nativity (BVLN) on The Redeemer Greens Please come and join us as a volunteer or supporter. Please consider playing a part in this outreach gift to Atlanta on December 10th (rain date Dec 17th). Visit the Bethlehem Village Table starting on Sunday, November 12th, in the Sims Atrium for information and to volunteer in any capacity. Questions anytime: contact Don Noland (dfnoland@gmail.com), Janet Preston (janethaury@gmail.com), or Terry Longstreth (terrylongstreth@mindspring.com) Sunday, December 10, 11:00 am Advent Lessons and Carols This seasonal service of scriptures and carols will be presented by Redeemer’s children and adult choirs. The lessons and music will reinforce the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. The service will not have a sermon, but will include scripture, music, and communion. Saint Lucia Celebration Sunday December 10, 6:00 pm Nordic Lodge 708 and Scandinavian Festival Inc. invites you to their annual “Sankta Lucia” celebration at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Free admission! For more information: https://vasalodge708.org/ Calendar for December 3 – December 9, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, December 3, 2023 Event Time Location Worship 9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM In-person/ Livestream Organ & Choir J.O.Y. Choir 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Room 211 Be Still and Journey 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM Room 119 Confirmation Lrg Group 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM Fireside 18

HS Faith Formation Budget Listening Post Children’s Sunday School Pr. Jonathan Class God’s Voice in Music HS & Beyond Parents Confirmation Small Groups Budget Listening Post Streets Alive Blue Christmas Service Monday, December 4 Carillon Ringers Tuesday, December 5 Morning Bible Study Pr. Jonathan Book Study Wednesday, December 6 Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday Night Dinner Pastor’s Study Seraphim Choir Worship Redeemer Ringers Redeemer Choir Rehearsal Thursday, December 7 Thursday Bible Study Liberation Thoughts Tolkien Group

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Youth Lounge Rudisill Hall/Zoom Various Rooms Conference Room Room 121 Room 103 Various Rooms Rudisill Hall/Zoom

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Hinely Music Hall

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Zoom Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall Room 204 Sanctuary Room 202 Hinely Music Hall

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Rudisill/Zoom Zoom Zoom

Sanctuary

CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE 10:00 AM Choir and Organ | Advent 4 12:00 pm German Church Atlanta Service Traditional worship in the German language with Holy Communion. 3:00 pm Family and Children’s Service A Christmas message with lessons and carols for children with Holy Communion. *6:00 pm Jazz Service Worship begins with the prelude featuring the Redeemer Jazz Trio with Holy Communion. *8:00 and *11:00 pm Christmas Services The celebration begins with a musical prelude of instrumental and choir music. Services include traditional carols with Holy Communion. *Prelude begins 30 minutes prior to service.