Sunday, Dec 11, 2022 - Order of worship at 9 AM- Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA

Third Sunday of Advent – December 11, 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

HYMN 242 Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn

Text and music © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.onelicense.net #A725004

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 holds our joy and sorrow. You bring water to parched ground and life out of death.

Three candles are lit.

Bless us as this light grows, and send sorrow and sighing to flee away. Give us strength and patience, trusting that you are true to your promises. Transform the lives of all who suffer with your wonders near at hand.

O people ransomed of the Lord, come Let our hearts be refreshed and restored Amen.

Sung

O come, O King of nations, come, O Cornerstone that binds in one: refresh the hearts that long for you; restore the broken, make us new. Refrain

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; 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 11:2-11

John the Baptist expects the Messiah to bring God’s judgment upon the earth (Matt. 3:11-12). From a prison cell, he wonders whether Jesus is the one who will do this. Jesus’ response indicates that God’s reign is indeed being fulfilled already through healing and restoration.

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

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

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

Pastor Mark H. Larson

Kneeling or seated PRAYERS

OF INTERCESSION

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

Gracious God, we rejoice in the gifts of your Spirit. Equip the global church to magnify your love and peace in every land. We pray for the work of the Lutheran World Federation and ELCA Global Mission. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

Abundant God, we rejoice in your creation. Revive lands we have squandered and depleted. Make gardens flourish in cities and neighborhoods. Cleanse polluted air and water so living things may breathe, drink, and praise you.

God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

Righteous God, we rejoice in your justice. End racism and oppression. Deliver all who are unjustly imprisoned or persecuted. Reconcile nations and peoples in conflict. Help us pray for our enemies. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

Healing God, we rejoice in your compassion. Comfort any in distress because of worry, illness, or loss. We especially pray for…

Strengthen and protect health care workers, rescue teams, crisis counselors, and all who risk themselves to keep others safe. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

Abiding God, we rejoice in your company. Give us calm and patient hearts as we gather with family and friends. Keep us mindful of those for whom this season is not happy. Console the grieving and surround them with loving support. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

Faithful God, we rejoice with Mary, Mother of our Lord, and with all the saints, that your mercy endures for all generations. Look with favor on those who have died and lead us to joyfully sing of your everlasting promises. We especially pray for… 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.

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 253 He Came Down Seated CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

SENDING

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

POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for December 4: In person: 213, Livestream: 221, Facebook 38 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday of Advent

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Today following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services

The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2023 Proposed Budget.

The 2023 proposed budget vote is today. 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.

Final Sunday 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 TODAY.

Sunday, December 11

Live

Bethlehem

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.

Get ready!

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.

Angel Tree for the Girls of Wellspring Living

For the 11th year, Redeemer members have had 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. Today is the final day to place your gift cards in the box provided beside the Angel Tree in Sims Atrium. Thank you! 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 Service Project & Holiday Drop-in Event @ Lutheran Towers

Today our youth will head over to Lutheran Towers from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm for a holiday drop-in event with the residents!

Middle School Parents will meet for their monthly gathering today from 10:00 am10:45 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!

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

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.

Blue Christmas: A Service of Night Prayer for the Winter Solstice December 21st at 7 pm

God appears in flesh by way of deep darkness through human birth on the longest night of the year. God’s love for us goes deep and does not fade or change with the seasons. For many, the lack of daylight intensifies other suffering: depression, stress, loneliness, and grief. What an opportunity, then, to share that the message of Christmas is specifically sent for those in pain and suffering. It is not that “all is merry and bright.” Rather, it is the abiding truth that God seeks to be with us, even when we are “blue.” Seek God’s abiding truth and presence in Jesus at the Blue Christmas service of the word. Come for prayer, healing, rest, and renewal. Invite your friends who are struggling this season to join us in person or online: https://www.redeemer.org/worship/worship-online/

For Christmas Eve we respectfully request that Redeemer members use the 3rd Street parking deck to leave room in the main lots for our guests who may not be aware of the availability of the parking deck.

11:00 am German Church Atlanta Service

Traditional worship in the German language with Holy Communion. 1:00 pm Worship with Organ, Brass, and Bells Worship includes traditional carols with Holy Communion. 3:00 pm Family 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 Worship with Choir, Organ, and Brass

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.

Sunday, December 25—Worship service at 10 am only Sunday, January 1, 2023-Worship service at 10 am only

Calendar for December 4 – December 10, 2022

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

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Event Time

Location Worship

Confirmation Large Group

High School SS

Children’s Sunday School Middle School Parents Advent Book Study Prayer, Mindfulness YA Small Group

Confirmation Small Groups

Live Nativity

Youth Service Project & Holiday Event St. Lucia Celebration

Monday, December 12

9 am (Jazz) and 11:00 am

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

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 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

In-person/ Livestream Fireside

Youth Lounge Library Reception Room Room 121 Katy’s Corner Various Rooms Lutheran Towers Sanctuary

Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall

Tuesday, December 13

Morning Bible Study Executive Committee 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday, December 14

Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday night dinner Pastor’s Class Seraphim Cherubim Worship Redeemer Ringers

Thursday, December 15

Keystone Christmas Celebration

Lectionary Study Liberation Thoughts II Tolkien Group

Friday, December 16

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

11:30 AM – 2:00 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

Sanctuary Zoom Zoom Zoom

731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 www.redeemer.org | 404.874.8664 | Emergency Line: 404.874.9759

The Rev. Mark H. Larson

Senior Pastor, ext. 201

The Rev. Dr. Ronald Bonner Pastor for Community Engagement, ext. 203

The Rev. Jonathan Trapp

The Rev. Jenny McLellan

STAFF

Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233

Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224

Bob Boyd Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232 Kofi Broadnax

Property Administrator, ext. 210 Alexa Brooks

Receptionist, ext. 200 Seth Brown

Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218 Michael Clarke LCFM Chef, mclarke@redeemer.org Robin Durdin Office Administration Director, ext. 204 Kate Elkins Preschool Director, ext. 252 Kira Garvie................................................................................ Organ Scholar, kgarvie@redeemer.org

David Hansen......................................................................................... Adult Choral Director, ext. 236

Sarah Hawbecker ........................................................ Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206 Deacon Mary Houck Children & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227

Jennifer Isaacson ..................................................................... Financial Information Director, ext. 237 Hillary Nelson

Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Stacey Williams

Head of Security