Sunday, Dec 4, 2022 - Order of Worship at 9 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2022

The Order of Worship at 9:00 am

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.

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.

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.

WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Standing

CONFESSION

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be God’s name forever. Amen. Beloved, now is the time to wake from sleep. Let us confront our sins, and confess them to the one who is merciful and just.

Kneeling or seated God of new beginnings, we confess that we have not welcomed your holy reign. We have strayed from your paths. We prepare for war instead of peace. We dishonor one another and your creation. Purify us with your refining fire and set us again on your way of love, that we may bear fruit worthy of repentance, and welcome your coming among us. Amen.

People of God, a new thing is growing in our midst, a tender branch, a living sign. By water and the Spirit you are joined to this wonder.

You have put on ☩ Christ, and your sins have been washed away. Rejoice in the way of the Lord. | Amen.

Standing BLESSING AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Advent prayer

Praise to you, O God, who gives us courage to start again. You fasten righteousness around your waist and baptize with the Holy Spirit’s fire. Two candles are lit.

Bless us as we mirror your mighty fire in these simple flames, and teach us to mirror your justice in the paths we prepare. We ask that peace abound, until none hurt or destroy over all the earth.

O people of promise, come, Let justice roll down like an ever-flowing stream. Amen.

Sung

O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer; O Sun of justice, now draw near.

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadow put to flight. Refrain

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. | And also with you.

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you 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.

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON

Standing

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 3:1 12

Just before Jesus begins his public ministry, John the Baptist appears, calling people to mend their ways and speaking of a powerful one who is to come.

The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ”

Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax

is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.

Seated

Mark H.

As we prepare for the fullness of Christ’s presence, let us pray for a world that yearns for new hope.

God, you renew the church in every age. We give thanks for hymn writers and theologians (especially John of Damascus, whom we commemorate today). Inspire teachers, writers, and musicians to delight and instruct your people.

God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

You give us a vision of creation in harmony, when hurting and destruction will be no more. Teach us to be stewards of the earth and companions to its creatures. Restore to balance and wholeness what human greed has harmed.

God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

You defend the cause of all who are poor and oppressed. Raise up leaders who will govern with equity and serve the common good. Guide judges, lawmakers, and public officials to protect the rights of those who cannot advocate for themselves.

God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

You deliver those in need from suffering and fear. Come to the aid of any who are exploited or abused, especially children, elders, and victims of human trafficking. Provide safety and help to our neighbors without shelter, refugees, and those fleeing violence.

God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

You urge your people to welcome one another as you have welcomed us. Nurture ministries of hospitality and care in this and every congregation. We pray for people who are homebound, hospitalized, or separated from loved ones (especially).

God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

You embrace all who have died trusting in your promises, and we give thanks for their faithful witness. Sustain us in hope until we are united with them in the joy of your eternal presence.

God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

God of our longing, you know our deepest needs. By your Spirit, gather our prayers and join them with the prayers of all your children. In Jesus’ name we pray. 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.

Please let us know you worshiped with us today by using the I’m Worshiping link as you would the attendance pad at church.

Seated MISSION MOMENT: Installation of Newly Elected Council Members

GATHERING OF GIFTS

Please use the Help and Give links to support the ministry of Redeemer. MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio

Standing OFFERING PRAYER

Eternal God, you make the desert bloom and send springs of water to thirsty ground. Receive these simple gifts of bread, wine, and money, and make us messengers of your mercy and love for all in need of your healing and justice. We ask this through 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.

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.

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.

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

Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, who has come to save you.

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

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

God the eternal Word, who dwells with us in Jesus, and who holds us in the grace of the Holy Spirit, ☩ bless you now and forever. | Amen.

HYMN Somebody’s Knockin’ at your Door

SENDING

Go in peace. Christ is near. | Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio

Join us following worship at 10 am for the Children’s Christmas Program | Stars! Angels! Shepherds! Kings! 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.

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Nov 27: In person: 218, Livestream: 182, Facebook 35

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Third Sunday of Advent

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING December 11th following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2023 Proposed Budget.

Please also join us following the 9:00 AM and 11:00AM Worship Services today for a Listening Post to discuss the 2023 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 update email from Redeemer.

The 2023 proposed budget vote is on December 11th , 2022. The vote will be held live following the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Worship services with an additional Zoom-only meeting at 10:30 AM.

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 Sunday, December 11.

Master Planning Update

We Heard You! Thank you for sharing your dreams for Redeemer’s future with us. We heard you and are excited to share the Visioning Summary Report produced by our consultants Lord Aeck Sargent with you. This summary is the culmination of our original nine Subject Area Group (SAG) Visioning Sessions and the additional gatherings that were added to reach even more of our congregation. Multiple communication modes were used to make these sessions accessible to a wide range of members, offering meetings on weekdays and weekends, both in-person and online. We believe this summary is a comprehensive overview of the many ideas brought forth during this visioning phase.

Three major themes emerged from our SAG sessions: Centrality of Worship, A Deep Passion for Service, and A Desire to Build Stronger Relationships. These themes show remarkable connectivity to the goals of our Strategic Plan. Now we are applying these goals to our facilities. We are thankful to so many that helped make this part of the Campus Master Planning process a success-our Management Team, Support Team, Council, Staff, Consultants and YOU! Your ideas and participation have motivated us to continue living out our vision that “Through Redeemer, the world will see Jesus.” We hope you enjoy reading these results and see your ideas represented as we take faithful steps together to boldly imagine Redeemer’s next century.

We will be in Sims Atrium following both worship services this Sunday, December 4th to answer any questions you may have about this summary.

God’s Peace, Janet Preston & Jay Puckhaber, Co-Chairs Campus Master Planning Management Team

Angel Tree for the Girls of Wellspring Living

For the 11th year, 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 of restoration. Please take an ornament from the Angel Tree in Sims Atrium and return a gift card in the box provided. Please see the emailed Weekly Updates for the on-line gift option. Questions? Contact amy.carpenter@comcast.net.

Goshen Valley Gift Drive

Help us create a Merry Christmas for the girls and boys living under Goshen Valley’s care. From November 13- December 11, 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

Once again, Redeemer members will have the opportunity to provide gifts for new arrivals through Inspiritus and their outreach ministry. These gifts either through Amazon gift cards, or direct requests will be for children and adults.

On the back of each ornament will be a suggested gift card. Gift cards in any amount will be used for these families as they resettle here in the Atlanta area Write the value on your gift cards and place them in the box by the tree.

The Amazon wish list will be provided on Sunday for your ease of use. From the Inspiritus family, thank you, Redeemer.

YOUTH

The Kringles are here to pick up! Come pick them up on Sunday, December 4 to December 18 from before 9 AM to after 11 AM. Thanks for supporting our Summer 2023 Middle School and High School Mission Trips. We will have a few extra limited quantity Kringles purchase that will be available to purchase. It will be based on a first-come basis. You can use the QR code to donate!

Youth Holiday Event @ Lutheran Towers

Mark your calendars as we will be heading to Lutheran Towers on Sunday, December 11 from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm to do a holiday party with the residents. We will be doing:

• Christmas carols and sing along

• Cookie decorating contest

• Christmas card writing and decorating

• And more!

If your youth or youth and family are interested in being a part of this event, please contact Paul Isaacson.

High School Parents meet for their monthly gathering on Sunday, December 4 from 10:00 am-10:45 am in the Library.

Middle School Parents will meet for their monthly gathering on Sunday, December 11 from 10:00 am-10:45 am in the Library.

Our Post-High School and College Youth will be getting lunch together on Sunday, December 18 after 11 AM service. We will head to Melton's in Decatur. Give Hillary a heads up if you plan on attending!

YOUNG ADULTS

Young Adult Small Group

Our fall series continues with the book Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan, led by group member Robert Boyd. We meet from 10-10:45 in Katy’s Corner (corner of the upstairs hallway near the front elevator with comfy chairs). Reading in advance is not required. Join any week!

Young Adult Christmas Party

Saturday, December 10 at 7 pm | Alexis Myrick's Home

Alexis has generously volunteered to make a generous amount of lefse for us! If you don't know what lefse is, you will be glad you came to find out. The rest of the food will be potluck. RSVP at this link, where you can also indicate what dish you will bring. We will have a white elephant gift exchange with items up to $15. Come relax and enjoy some good food and holiday cheer with us!

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Advent Celebration-Today!

On December 4th, after the Christmas Program, please plan on staying for brunch in the Sims atrium and activities to help your family prepare for a meaningful Advent season. We will have cookie decorating, a service project for Christopher’s Haven, advent wreath making, and more! No RSVP required.

Family Christmas Eve Service

At 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve we are excited to return to our in-person Family Christmas Eve service! We love to have our kids help out and lead this special service for their friends, families, and our visitors. Please fill out this short form to express interest if you would like to help. Deacon Mary will then work with you to find the right role for your child.

Christopher’s Haven Service Opportunity

Christopher's Haven is a non-profit that provides housing for children with cancer and their families while they are in treatment at the Proton Therapy Center just down the

street from Redeemer. We are developing a partnership so that Redeemer families can support them, starting in your own kitchen! Find more information on how to provide a meal or a sweet treat on the form. CLICK HERE to see the Sign Up form.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Keystone Senior Christmas Celebration Thursday December 15 12 2 pm

Celebrate the Christmas season by praising God, singing carols, and dinning with friends at Redeemer. Worship with communion begins at 12 pm in the sanctuary and will be followed by a festive and formal lunch. Please register so we can plan your lunch. Register by clicking HERE by December 8th.

VOLUNTEER: We are looking for volunteers of all ages to help host this Christmas celebration for Redeemer’s seniors. You can help in the following ways:

• Call and invite seniors to attend

• Provide transportation

• Set up and decorate the Sims atrium

• Serve lunch

• Clean up dishes after lunch

• Worship and eat together with Keystone Seniors

• Donate to Keystone Ministry

If you are able to volunteer for Keystone Senior Christmas Celebration, please sign up through the registration here or email Pastor Jenny jmclellan@redeemer.org.

COMMUNITY

Christmas Program- You’re Invited!

Our Children's Christmas Program is back! This year it will be held on Sunday, December 4th at 10 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.

Advent Lessons and Carols

The 11:00 am service on Sunday, December 11th will be a service of Lessons and Carols led by Redeemer’s children and adult choirs. Forming the structure for the service are the “O Antiphons,” ancient sung refrains which eventually became the beloved Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” There will not be a sermon, but there will be Holy Communion. Join us in this beautiful service in which we hear hope proclaimed through scripture and music.

Live Nativity@ Bethlehem Village

Sunday, December 11 | 1-4 PM

Get ready! LiveNativity@BethlehemVillage will again be our gift to our Midtown friends and neighbors. The people of Redeemer will again re enact what life might

have been like in Bethlehem the day after Jesus was lowly, yet heavenly born in their midst. Presented on Redeemer Green, Costumed Redeemer artisans, musicians, shepherds, angels, Pharisees, Wise Men, Roman soldiers, census-takers and townspeople will tell this story to our neighbors through their everyday village activities.

Please consider volunteering a specific skill or role, or just to lend a hand to share your joy with our neighbors. For more information contact Don Noland dfnoland@gmail.com or Janet Preston janethaury@gmail.com

Music at the Live Nativity – Come make a joyful noise!

As part of the Live Nativity this year, we will include the Redeemer Brass playing carols and other music of the season, along with some specific times for singing carols, as well. If you are interested in singing, the times are 1:30-2:15 p.m., 3:00-3:30, and 3:304:00. Come for one or all of the times! Song sheets will be available, and costumes are not needed.

Calendar for December 4 – December 10, 2022

Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Event Time Location

Worship

Confirmation Large Group High School SS Children’s Christmas Program

Budget Information Session

Family Advent Celebration HS and College Parents Advent Book Study Prayer, Mindfulness YA Small Group

Confirmation Small Groups

Advent Celebration Coffee with Pastor

Budget Information Session

Youth Christmas Party

Monday, December 5

Carillon Ringers

9 am (Jazz) and 11:00 am 9:430 AM – 10:00 AM

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

10:30 AM – 11:30 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

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

12:30 PM

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

12:30 PM 3:00 PM

In-person/ Livestream Fireside

Youth Lounge

Sanctuary Rudisill Hall Sims Atrium Library

Reception Room Conference Room

Katy’s Corner Various Rooms Sims Atrium Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall

7:00 PM 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall

Tuesday, December 6

Morning Bible Study

Pr Jonathan book study

Wednesday, December 7

Early Birds Bible Study

Wednesday night dinner

Pastor’s Class Seraphim Cherubim Worship Redeemer Ringers

Thursday, December 8

Lectionary Study

Liberation Thoughts II Tolkien Group

Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10

GA Justice Event New Council Training Lessons & Carols Rehearsal Live Nativity Setup Young Adult Christmas Party

7:30 AM 9:30 AM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM

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 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM

5:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM -7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom

Reception/Zoom

Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall Room 204 Room 203 Sanctuary Room 202

Zoom Zoom Zoom

8:00 AM – 3:30 PM 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sims Atrium Rudisill/Zoom Sanctuary Zittrouer Myrick House

Senior Pastor, ext. 201 The Rev. Dr. Ronald Bonner

The Rev. Jonathan Trapp

Pastor for Community Engagement, ext. 203

Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233

The Rev. Jenny McLellan Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224