Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
Image Title: Shepherds Visit
Redeemer is blessed by your presence among us today, even as we are all blessed and transformed by the presence of Emmanuel, God with us. May Christ’s presence give you guidance and hope for the new year and always.
Please consult an usher if you want to make use of professional childcare during this worship service.
Please let us know you worshiped with us today by signing the attendance register as it is passed down your row.
We hope you will return to Redeemer often and consider us as your church home and family! You can also find helpful information about Redeemer’s ministries through our website at www.redeemer.org.
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Sunday Worship Times: 9:00 a.m. (jazz service) and 11:00 a.m. (traditional) Sunday, December 25, 2022 and January 1, 2023 only one service at 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Ron Bonner
Pastor Jenny McLellan Deacon Mary Houck
Sarah Hawbecker, Organist Kira Garvie, Organist
The Redeemer Ringers Pam Amy-Cupp, Director
The Seraphim Choir Sarah Hawbecker, Director
The Cherubim Choir Linda Floyd, Director
(Please
O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant! Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him Born the king of angels: Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
The first Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all you nations, rise; Join the triumph of the skies; With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”
One: Welcome, friends! Merry Christmas! The baby is born in Bethlehem. If you are ready to worship together, shout, “Amen!”
All: Amen!
One: Angels are singing, the shepherds are rejoicing, because the baby is born in Bethlehem. If you are ready to sing for joy, stomp your feet!
All: (Stomp your feet!)
One: Mary and Joseph are happy and blessed. The baby is born in Bethlehem. If you are ready to hear good news, clap your hands!
All: (Clap your hands!)
One: God has sent Jesus to live among us all. If you are ready to worship together, shout, “Amen!”
All: Amen!
God, today we celebrate the birth of your Son, Jesus. He was born into the world as a human being just like us. Thank you for this amazing gift of Jesus. We choose to spend this time in worship because Jesus knows what it is like to be a person. That is great news worth celebrating! Amen. | Amen
Verse 1 before story
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn king. Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.
(Please be seated. Children are invited to come forward and participate in the story.)
THE CHRISTMAS STORY Pastor Jenny McLellan
1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king; let ev'ry heart prepare him room and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.
2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 No more let sin and sorrow grow nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.
4 He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
When we gather, God is with us. And when God is with us, peace dwells among us. Speak a word of peace to your neighbor, to your family members, to a stranger. May the peace of Christ be with you. | And also with you.
Pastor Ron Bonner(Please be seated)
The Cherubim and Seraphim Choirs
(Please stand) OFFERTORY
What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet, what can I give him? Give my heart.
God of grace, we give these gifts and offerings with joy because of the greatest gift we received on the first Christmas. And as we go about giving gifts to one another during this season, we remember none is greater than Jesus and the love you showed when you sent him to us. Amen.
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.
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
Love has come: God’s love for all people. Come and eat, for Christ invites you.
(Please be seated)
All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are invited to receive Holy Communion.
There will be three stations for distribution, two on the main floor in front, one at the altar. All stations will have gluten free and regular bread, also at each station will be prefilled cups with red wine or white grape juice. After consuming the
elements, please return to your seats by the side aisle, returning the used cups to the receptacles placed there. If moving is a challenge, please let the ushers know and we will bring communion to you at your seat. Most importantly, this is Christ’s table, and it is Christ who welcomes you to the feast.
As you return to your seats after Communion, please pick up either a glow stick or LED candle to use during the singing of Silent Night.
1 Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; the stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
2 The cattle are lowing; the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
1 Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the child is Lord of all.
Swiftly winging, angels singing, bells are ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the child is Lord of all! Christ the child is Lord of all!
1. O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!
2 Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the child was born for you! Christ the child was born for you!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary, And, gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wond’ring love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the king, And peace to all the earth!
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
Let us pray. | God our loving parent, thank you for sending Jesus to be born into a human family. Jesus, our friend and brother, thank you for caring for the poor, setting captives free, and showing us how to love one another. Holy Spirit, thank you for being with us at all times and in all places, comforting our hearts. Amen.
1. Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
2. Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from your holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth.
People of God, image-bearers of Christ, you have heard the good news preached, sung, and celebrated. Go forth into the world knowing Jesus has walked the paths before us. God knows our joys, concerns, suffering, and pain. You are not alone. Amen. | Amen.
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere; go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. Refrain
Down in a lonely manger the humble Christ was born; and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Refrain
Christ is born! Go tell it on the mountain and everywhere. | Thanks be to God.
Parts of this service come from ‘Now in Flesh Appearing’ Advent Worship Liturgy Set published by Illustrated Ministry. Used by permission. ©2022 Illustrated Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved. illustratedministry.com
Our trees are decorated with Chrismons (combining the words CHRISt and MONogram). Each Chrismon depicts a symbol of Christ described in Scripture. We invite you to come to the chancel and take a closer look. The poinsettias as well as tonight’s special musicians have been presented to the glory of God in memory or in honor of loved ones by members and friends of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer whose names are listed on the following pages. Members of the congregation may pick up a poinsettia after the 11:00 p.m. service tonight if they so desire.
Poinsettias and Special Music are given in Memory of: Given by: Myrtis Carrol Cathy & Steve Vogel My parents, Mary Catherine and Norman Pendered, and Aunt Helen and Uncle Louie Van Gorder David Pendered Pastor Robert F. Sims ............................................................................ Diana Hodnett Leona Fehn Ray & Colin Walker Beth .......................................................................................................................... Jim Dr. Robert L. Carlson
Betty Carlson Jim Daley
Derek, Jenny, Fiona, and Lars Peterson Our parents Brenda & Dewey Ingham Herman & Edna Schultz
Stephanie, Charissa, and Tiffany My husband, John Liz Bair Our fathers: John C. Bair and Andrew J. Currie
Buffy & Bob Currie C.E. & Blanche Barker and D.E. & Callie Burr
Anne & Pete Burr Belle Noland and Treva Poinsett
Don & Cindy Noland Vernon & Dorothy White and Betty Bell
Mike & Carol Bell Our parents
Pastor Darrel & Mary Peterson Bob .................................................................................................... The Chunn family Pastor Ficken ..................................................................................... The Chunn family Grandmother and our great-grandparents .....................Savannah, Tanner, and Cooper Mary & Fred Dressel, Jr. and June & Richard Gnann, Jr. ..................... Dressel family Al & Sally Miller
Arnie & Beth Ludvigsen Our parents ................................................................ Dr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Westbrook Jack Strouss
Bob Gibeling Naomi & Bob Gibeling, Sr. ..................................................................... Bob Gibeling
My dad (Pastor Sims).................................................................................. Scottie Dye
Our parents Allen & Julia Gary Louise Werner ................................................................................. Allen & Julia Gary Diane Taylor Julia & Ursula Peyton .................................................................................................................. Gayle John Leven Suzanne & Charles Bridgers LaVerne, Mark and Scott ...........................................................................Ron Nienow Ada Kane Ed Kuehn
Our parents and grandparents .......................................................... The Zenoni family My parents, Naomi and Lonnie Alderman Penny Scarpucci Our mothers: “Mimi” Arlis Anderson and “Nana” Betsy Dillon .................................. Hallie, Patrick, and Addie Beth Dillon
Anna Margaret & Harry Baxter ............................................... Amy & Walt Carpenter Peter & Viola Henningsen and Paul & Eileen Vernor Joan & Jim Vernor My parents, Sam & June Brown and my sister, Sylvia Brown Franklin ....................... Mary Brown
John Dilg .................................................................................................... Len Studley Madeline, Herbert, and Bertha Studley Len Studley Jerry, Margaret, and Renate ............................................................... Jeanne P. Merritt Joe Troutman David Besherse & Len Studley Bud Besherse, and Viola Anderton .............................. David Besherse & Len Studley
John & Irmgard Bishop
Pat & Susan Shannon William Chardavoyne ................................................................. Patricia Chardavoyne Mother, Nana, and Aunt Marie John Garrigan My grandparents: Charles & Evelyn Reasor, Sr. and Charles & Mabel Marks, Jr. ....... Dan Marks
John & Thelma Slater ............................................................................ Niall W. Slater Pat Delbrook Tom & Julie Delbrook Ned Hawbecker ..................................................... Sarah Hawbecker & William Fuller Robert & Betty Hamburg and Clinton & Barbara Bastin Lisa & Herb Bastin Emily Payne .............................................................................. Barry & Gail Spurlock
Anna Caldwell, our beloved Mom and Grammy Janet and Tony Preston, Reed and Mary Clara Haury, and Susannah and William Gaskins
Don Eifert, our beloved Dad and Papaw Janet and Tony Preston, Reed and Mary Clara Haury, and Susannah and William Gaskins
Pastor Sims
Hallie Dillon
...............................................................................................
Our parents and other loved ones ...........................................
Sharon & Paul Hermann My mother, Arlene Herbert ...................................................................... Marie Petway Loving memory of Marie Hall ...................................................... David L. Hall, M.D. Paul Herbert, Jon Petway, Betty Ginn, Terry Miller, and Carole Johnson ................................................................................................................. Marie Petway
Poinsettias and Special Music are given in Honor of:
Given by:
Redeemer’s Altar Guild Cathy & Steve Vogel
Our parents: David and Ida Coopersmith, Bob and Hazel Boyd ................................... Bob and Elizabeth Boyd
Suzanne Sims ......................................................................................... Diana Hodnett Liz Bair Diana Hodnett
My family who are friends and my friends who are family .................. William Bolick Darrel & Mary Peterson and Ruth Daley Derek, Jenny, Fiona, and Lars Peterson
My children and grandchildren ............................................................................... Liz Bair Dan, Henry, and Shirley Marks John Garrigan
My parents, Henry & Shirley Marks ...................................................................Dan Marks
Our mothers: Liz Bair and Jeanette Currie; our siblings and our children ................................................................................................................ Buffy & Bob Currie
Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren Anne & Pete Burr Special Musicians ..................................................................................... Colin Cooperider Our family Tom & Julie Delbrook Steve Bell................................................................................................. Mike & Carol Bell
Our family and friends Kevin & Nikki Chunn With gratitude for all of our family, especially Violet ......................................................... Dr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Westbrook
Suzanne Sims .............................................................................................. Scottie Dye
Our daughter, Caroline Bridgers Suzanne & Charles Bridgers Our parents: Sandy & Caroline Bridgers and Barbara Leven ........................................ Suzanne & Charles Bridgers
“The Grands”: Bob, Lillie, and Bo ...................................................................... Gayle The music ministry Pat Cornwell Peg, Amy, and Linda – gratefully ...................................................... Jeanne P. Merritt Nicholas, Wesley, Greg, James, Emery, Colin, Lydia, and Elyse ....................................................................................................
Pat & Susan Shannon
In honor of Emily and Grace with love Mimi & Papa Florence Jane, John and Beverly Nienhiser ....................................... Carol McCloskey Our family Cheryl, Caroline and Lindsey Iverson Staff and Ministers of Redeemer ................................................. Ann & Rob Blatecky Heather, John, and Max Susan To the glory of God.............................................................................. Jacquelyne Carr
Thank you for joining us in service today.
If you would like additional information about Redeemer’s exciting programs please visit www.Redeemer.org or contact a member of the redeemer staff, as listed below. We look forward to hearing from you.
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER 404-874-8664
731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 www.redeemer.org 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
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