Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 18, 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.
If you are worshipping online, please use the links available on the viewing page to let us know that you are worshiping, 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
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Standing HYMN 246 Hark a Thrilling Voice is Sounding
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.
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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 lives with us, sharing our flesh and bones. As Mary waited and Joseph dreamed, so we wait and dream for you.
Four candles are lit.
Bless us and let your face shine upon us, more radiant than these candles, and more dear than all else we seek.
Restore us when we fail to refuse the evil and choose the good, and banish all our fears.
We pray in the name of Emmanuel, your promised child and our Savior.
O people called, gathered and enlightened,
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Let us follow in the ways of wisdom and compassion. Amen.
Sung
O come, O Wisdom from on high, embracing all things far and nigh: in strength and beauty come and stay; teach us your will and guide our way. Refrain
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises, 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.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew’s story of Jesus’ birth focuses on the role of Joseph, who adopts the divinely-begotten child into the family of David and obediently gives him the name Jesus, which means “God saves.”
The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place
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to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Text © 1989 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permissiononelicense.net #A725004
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Seated SERMON
Pastor Jonathan Trapp
Standing HYMN 250 Blest Be the God of Israel
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.
God our shepherd, guide our bishops, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders with your spirit of wisdom. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.
God our source, awaken us to your call to repair and care for your creation. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.
God our vision, raise up leaders in every nation who dream of freedom and justice for all people. We pray for the work of international organizations that promote peace and human rights.
God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.
God our helper, come to the aid of all who cry out to you. Shelter migrants, refugees, and those fleeing war and famine. Bring relief to individuals and families experiencing hunger, homelessness, or impoverishment.
God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.
God our Emmanuel, you are with us in our life together. We give you thanks for gathering us in worship and we remember those who cannot be present. Comfort any who are isolated or lonely, heal the sick, and mercifully tend to all in need (especially).
God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.
God our hope, you bring life out of death, and you promise to be our God forever. Shine upon the faithful who now rest in the fulfillment of your promise (especially Katharina Von Bora Luther).
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.
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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 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:
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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.
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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 259
Fling Wide the Door
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Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress Arr. © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Used by permission onelicense.net #A725004
Go in peace. Christ is near. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for December 11: In person: 258, Livestream: 223, Facebook 46
NEXT WEEK
AT
REDEEMER Christmas Day
Christmas Eve Greeters Needed
You can help make Redeemer a warm and welcoming place on Christmas Eve by being a greeting ambassador before worship. We are still looking for volunteers for the following services:
• 6 pm 3 greeters still needed
• 8 pm 2 greeters still needed
• 11 pm 3 greeters still needed
Volunteers are asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to the service and warmly greet and welcome worshipers with a friendly greeting and display some enthusiastic holiday cheer! If you haven't served as a greeter before, John Garrigan will show you the ropes.
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Please contact John at johnmgarrigan@gmail.com or call him at 404-840-7852 and let him know what service you would like to support. Many thanks for helping Redeemer be a warm and welcoming place on Christmas Eve!
TODAY – Sunday, December 18
COMMUNITY
MAC (Midtown Assistance Center) Coat Drive | Now through Jan. 15
“He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” Luke 3:11 We at Redeemer practice the second part of this verse every week with the wonderful food ministry. We also practice it with the food drive we do at the beginning of summer for Midtown Assistance Center (MAC), This is very much appreciated! Now is our opportunity to do the first part of that verse. We are finally able to do an in person coat drive again and MAC is in need of coats. In the past they have only needed men's coats. This year they can use men's, women's and childrens. They have other organizations they can give the coats to if they receive more than they need. They can also use caps, gloves and scarves. We will be collecting these coats between December 11th and January 1st. There will be collection bins in the atrium labeled with signs for MAC. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Richard Mauney at richardemauney@gmail.com.
We are truly blessed at Redeemer and if you have a second coat (or any of these other items) you would like to share, they would be greatly appreciated. May we take this Christman season to be thankful, think about others in our community who are not as blessed and show God's love to them by sharing from our abundance.
Thank you, Redeemer!! You contributed $2,015 in gift cards for the girls of Wellspring Living! At least five people contributed generously on-line. Thank you for making Christmas and the New Year a little brighter! Redeeming Grace
Goshen Valley Gift Drive - THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for participating in our drive to make Christmas Merry for the kids at Goshen Valley. Whether you purchased items from the Amazon list or brought household items to church, it will make a difference to both foster kids and their host families this holiday season.
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YOUTH
Last day to Pickup Kringles!
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. You can use the QR code to donate!
Our Post-High School and College Youth will be getting lunch together today 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
This is our last week discussing 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 Katie’s Corner (corner of the upstairs hallway near the front elevator with comfy chairs). Reading in advance is not required. Join us!
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Children’s
Sunday School: Holiday Break
Because Christmas and New Year’s fall on Sundays this year, we have a longer-thannormal holiday break this year. There is no Sunday school on Dec. 18, Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. We look forward to resuming on January 8th with a Sing and Play day in the Fireside room! Sunday School registration is always open, we welcome new students for our Spring semester.
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.
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CONGREGATIONAL CARE
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
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Calendar for December 18 – December 23, 2022
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Event Time Location Worship
Confirmation Large Group High School SS Advent Book Study Prayer, Mindfulness YA Small Group Confirmation Small Groups
College Youth Lunch Youth Acolyte practice Brass Rehearsal
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 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM 12:30 PM- 1:00 PM 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
In-person/ Livestream Fireside Youth Lounge Reception Room Room 121 Katy’s Corner Various Rooms Sanctuary
Monday, December 19 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, December 20 Morning Bible Study Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council Meeting
Wednesday, December 21
Early Birds Bible Study Pastor’s Class Blue Christmas Service
Thursday, December 22
Lectionary Study Liberation Thoughts II Tolkien Group
Friday, December 23 -
Saturday, December 24
Christmas Eve
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM -7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Zoom
Reception/Zoom Rudisill Hall Sanctuary
Zoom Zoom Zoom
See announcement above -
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THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
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 ............................................................... Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233
The Rev. Jenny McLellan Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224
STAFF
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
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