HYMN OF PRAISE
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PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Lord God, your lovingkindness always goes before us and follows after us. Summon us into your light, and direct our steps in the ways of goodness that come through the cross of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | 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 9:1-4 Deborah Heller, lector
The northern tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali experienced the gloom of defeat by Assyrian military forces, but they are assured that their condition will be reversed when God makes a light-filled appearance. The joy they will experience will resemble celebrations of great harvests, because God will deliver them from everything that diminishes or oppresses them.
There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time [the Lord] brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
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For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
PSALM 27:1, 4-9
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
One thing I ask of the LORD; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life; to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek God in the temple.
For in the day of trouble God will give me shelter, hide me in the hidden places of the sanctuary, and raise me high up- on a rock.
Even now my head is lifted up above my enemies who surround me. Therefore I will offer sacrifice in the sanctuary, sacrifices of rejoicing; I will sing and make music to the LORD R
Hear my voice, O LORD, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me.
My heart speaks your message— “Seek my face.”
Your face, O LORD, I will seek.
Hide not your face from me, turn not away from your servant in anger. Cast me not away you have been my helper; forsake me not, O God of my salvation. R
THE SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Paul calls on the Corinthians to end their dissensions and share the unified outlook of the gospel. Discord arises when we forget that we belong not to human leaders or institutions but to Christ. Indeed, the unifying word of the cross of Christ is the center of the gospel and the power of God’s salvation.
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Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Matthew 4:12-23
Jesus begins his public ministry shortly after John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod. He proclaims the nearness of God’s reign and calls four fishermen to be his first disciples.
The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
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the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Text © 2001 Susan Palo Cherwien, admin. Augsburg Fortress Music © 2006 Augsburg Fortress
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Seated SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson Standing HYMN 306 Come, Beloved of the Maker
APOSTLE’S 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
Called together to follow Jesus, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence. Make your church one in purpose, proclaiming the message of the cross. Help us to work together across differences. Energize ecumenical partnerships, including the World Council of Churches and Lutheran World Federation (other ecumenical ministries in which the congregation takes part may be named). Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
We rejoice at the bounty of your creation. Fill the land and sea with your abundance. Bless harvests in the southern hemisphere and fallow fields in the northern hemisphere. Equip farmers to till and keep the earth sustainably. Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
In Christ your reign comes near and calls all to repentance. Break the rod of the oppressor in every nation. Dispel the shadow of death in places of war and persecution. Grant us leaders who lift the yokes that burden those in need. Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
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Be a stronghold for those in trouble and a rock for all who are afraid. Rouse communities to care for neighbors who need shelter, are facing maltreatment, or are isolated and lonely. Especially we pray for . . . .
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
Sustain the ministries of this congregation and all churches in this community (neighboring congregations may be named). Nurture each congregation’s unique witness to your presence; foster mutual respect; inspire our cooperation in loving our neighbors.
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
We praise you for the faithful who have gone ahead of us, both famous and unknown. Help us to leave our nets and follow, and bring us with them to the fullness of your promise of eternal life.
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
We bring to you our needs and hopes, O God, trusting your wisdom and power revealed in Christ crucified. 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.
THANKSGIVING
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
Please use the Help and Redeemer.org/give links to support the ministry of Redeemer.
ANTHEM I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Kathleen Thomerson The Redeemer Choir Arranged by Paul Manz
I want to walk as a child of the light. | I want to follow Jesus. | God sent the stars to give light to the world. | The star of my life is Jesus.
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In him there is no darkness at all. | The night and the day are both alike. | The Lamb is the light of the city of God. | Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God. | I want to look at Jesus. | Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path, | and show me the way to the Father.
I’m looking for the coming of Christ. | I want to be with Jesus. | When we have run with patience the race, | We shall know the joy of Jesus.
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
OFFERING PRAYER
Liberating God, you break the bonds of injustice and let the oppressed go free. Receive these offerings in thanksgiving for all your works of merciful power, and shape us as people of your justice and freedom. You we magnify and adore, through Jesus our Savior, | Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
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Text © Joel W. Lundeen, admin. Augsburg Fortress
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. By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory. 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:
O God most mighty, O God most merciful, hear us as we praise, call us to your meal, grant us your life.
When the earth was formless and empty, you created order and beauty. When Abraham and Sarah were barren, you delivered them a child; when the Israelites were enslaved, you led them to freedom; Ruth faced starvation, David fought Goliath, and the psalmists cried out for healing with all your people we implore you to save us, and we praise you for granting us life.
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You came to our world in Jesus our friend. He was born among the poor, he lived under oppression, he wept over the city. Full of compassion, he granted the people your life.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus 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.
Come, Breath of creation, enliven our bones. Come, living Water, replenish the earth. Come, holy Fire, make us lights in the world. Like a tree rich with fruit, nourish us with your bounty. From your throne, teach us justice. In your arms, give us peace.
Mighty God, mothering God, grant us your life, the life of the Father to the Son, the life of the Spirit of our risen Savior, life in you, 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
Come and taste the joy of God!
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
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HYMN 584 The Son of God, Our Christ
Text © 1957, ren. 1985 The Hymn Society, admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Music © 1941 Historic Church of the Ascension, Atlantic City, NJ, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission onelicense.net #A725004
HYMN 798 Will You Come and Follow Me
Text © 1987 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.1358. All rights reserved. Used by permission onelicense.net #A725004
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Standing
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
Let us pray. | Holy One, we thank you for the healing that springs forth abundantly from this table. Renew our strength to do justice, love kindness, and journey humbly with you. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The God who faithfully brings forth justice and breaks the oppressor’s rod ☩ bless, strengthen, and uphold you, today and always. | Amen.
HYMN 511 Thy Strong Word
Text and arr. © 1969 Concordia Publishing House Used by permission onelicense.net #A725004
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SENDING
Go in peace. Follow the way of Jesus. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Allegro assai vivace from Sonata I Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Thomas Jonas by Milena Jonas and his children.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for January 15: In person: 194, Livestream: 161, Facebook 31
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Third Sunday after Epiphany
Congratulations to our 2023 Executive Committee elected by the Congregation Council on January 17. They are Richard Spady, President; Lew Engle, VicePresident; Creston Harold, Secretary; Michael Adamson, member-at-large, Wren Carlson, member-at-large
COMMUNITY
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. For the past 12 years, Redeemer’s response has been a focus on anti-child sex trafficking in Georgia through our small group Redeeming Grace and its involvement with Wellspring Living’s transformational care of child sex trafficking victims. Please visit the display in Sims Atrium. Learn how children are vulnerable and are recruited. Get to know four survivors. For those worshipping on-line, click here for their stories. Learn what you can do! We need you to talk to your legislators and help us change laws and protect children and women. Click here to register for the Policy Training via Zoom on January 26 prior to Advocacy Day at the Georgia Capitol on February 21, 2023 or access https://www.classy.org/event/2023-policy-training/e457437. For questions, please contact amy.carpenter@comcast.net.
YOUTH
On Sunday, January 8, we started using the chalices made by our 8th graders at 9 AM worship. Each 8th-grade Confirmation student had to answer the question, "What does Communion mean to you?" From January 8-22, the chalice used was painted by Reese Dumont. This is Reese's interpretation: "To me, communion is a way for everyone to come together and share the love of God. Ever since I remember, I have done communion with my family."
Save the date-our Middle School Parents will be meeting on Sunday, January 29 for their oncea-month gathering from 10:00am-10:45am in the Library. Come catch up with other parents!
High School Youth Snowtubing & Lock-In
Our High School Youth will be doing a Snowtubing & Lock-In from Saturday, February 11, to Sunday, February 12. Snowtubing tickets are $30 per person. Snowtubing will happen at Lake Lanier's Snow Island, which includes: snowtubing, ice skating, carnival rides, and yummy
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goodies! We will meet at Redeemer at 1 PM (or 2 PM) to head to snowtubing. We will return to Redeemer between 7-8 PM for our lock-in. If you can't make it to the snowtubing part, join us after for lock-in fun! Friends are welcome to attend too. Interest is due by January 29 for snowtubing.
All Georgia Youth Gathering 2023
Let's support one of our synod youth events as youth (grades 6-12) from all over the Southeastern Synod, especially those from Georgia will be attending. Registration has to be done as a group, so please let Hillary know if your youth (or youths) are able to attend. This event will be held February 24-26, 2023 at Camp Grace in Roberta, GA with the theme of "What is AGAPE?" (What is Love?).
YOUNG ADULTS
TOP GOLF, TUESDAY, January 24th, 6 pm
The RYA (Redeemer Young Adult) Group will go to Top Golf (1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318) on Tuesday, January 24th. For those who don't know, Top Golf is Half Price on Tuesdays, making it Very Affordable. Cost is based on the rental of the bay, and each Bay can serve six people. We can easily split into multiple groups; it should be an awesome time! You don't need to know how to golf to have a Good time! This is a great time to get out and fellowship among peers as we take out our aggression on some golf balls. Remember, friends and family are always welcome! If you need help with transportation or cost, please don't let that stop you from joining us. For cost concerns, please speak to Deacon Mary or Pastor Jenny.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Camp Sunday Next Week!
Join us in the Fireside Room from 10-10:45 for a special edition of Sing and Play led by our friends from Lutheranch! The Dad Band will have some favorite camp songs for us, we’ll learn how camp can help us grow in faith, and there will be a very special visitor in the parking lot! You don’t want to miss it.
Family Retreat Registration is Open
Join us at Lutheranch in Tallapoosa, GA for a weekend of fun, friends, and growing in faith. Whether you are long-time members or new to Redeemer, it's a great way to get to know the people you see on Sundays in a whole new way and spend some quality time together as a family. Watch for our theme to be announced in January!
CLICK HERE to Register and find more details about the schedule and cost.
MUSIC
Organ Anniversary Concert
Friday, January 27 | 7:30 PM
The Redeemer Concert series presents the annual celebration of Redeemer’s 73-rank Létourneau pipe organ. This year’s concert will feature the church’s Organ Scholars, past and present. We welcome back Andy Jacob, and Martha Barth, who each earned their master’s degree and have full-time church positions in the Twin Cities, and Sam Long, who is working on his master’s degree nearby at Mercer University in Macon. Current Organ Scholar Kira Garvie and Redeemer’s Organist Sarah Hawbecker will round out the program. The varied works on the
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program will span centuries, from Buxtehude and Bach to Herbert Howells and George Shearing. The Friends of Music will host a reception in Sims Atrium following the concert.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Animate Class - Led by Whitney Ludvigsen, Dana Norden, and David Barnes Sundays through February 19, 2023
Learn from preeminent scholars and theologians about how our faith animates our actions in the world.
Mary’s Voice in John’s Gospel - Led by Edward Scherlacher Sundays through April 2, 2023
Participants will gain a richer understanding of the fourth gospel - while restoring the voice of the one called “Blessed among women.”
Be Still and Journey – Led by Pat Cornwell
Sundays
A women's group that shares their lives of faith and discusses books and articles.
Pastor's Class – Led by Pastor Mark Larson Wednesdays through February 15, 2023 Study of, Freeing Jesus, by Diana Butler Bass How does Jesus appear to you?
Pastor Jonathan Trapp Class Tuesdays through January 31, 2023
Study of Nice Racism, by Robin DiAngelo DiAngelo explains how spiritual white progressives seeking community by co-opting Indigenous and other groups’ rituals create separation, not connection. She challenges the ideology of individualism and explains why it is OK to generalize about white people, and she demonstrates how white people who experience other oppressions still benefit from systemic racism. Writing candidly about her own missteps and struggles, she models a path forward, encouraging white readers to continually face their complicity and embrace courage, lifelong commitment, and accountability.
Calendar for January 22 – January 28, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Event Time
Worship
Be Still and Journey
Confirmation Large Group
High School SS Animate Class
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Location
In-person/ Livestream
Room 119 Fireside Room Youth Lounge Room 211 & Zoom
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Children’s Sunday School
Mary’s Voice in John’s Gospel
Confirmation Small Groups High School Youth Lunch
Monday, January 23
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM 12:30 PM
Various Classrooms
Room 121/Zoom Various Rooms Off Site
Quilters
Carillon Ringers Rehearsal 9:30 AM -12:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday, January 24
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study YA Top Golf
Wednesday, January 25
Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday night dinner
Pastor’s Class Seraphim Cherubim Worship Redeemer Ringers
Thursday, January 26
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 4:45 PM – 6:15 PM 6:00 PM – 6:45 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
Fireside Room Hinely Music Hall
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Off Site
Reception/Zoom
Sims Atrium
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 204 Room 203 Sanctuary Room 202
Zoom Zoom Zoom Friday, January 27 Organ Anniversary Concert 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Sanctuary
Lectionary Study Liberation Thoughts II Tolkien Group
Senior Pastor, ext. 201
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Pastor for Community Engagement, ext. 203
Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233
Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224
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5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM -7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM 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
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The Rev. Dr. Ronald Bonner
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The Rev. Jonathan Trapp
The Rev. Jenny McLellan
