Third Sunday after Epiphany – January 22, 2023
The Order of Worship at 9:00 am
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.
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.
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
CONFESSION
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who makes all things new, whose mercy endures forever. | Amen. Trusting in God’s mercy, let us confess our sin.
Kneeling or seated
Holy One, source of our renewal, we confess that we are wrapped up in sin, and cannot free ourselves. We have not practiced your righteousness. Our hearts have turned away from you. For the sake of the world you so love, forgive us, that we may be reconciled to one another for the glory of your holy name. Amen. Thus says our God: “The former things have come to pass and new things I now declare.” God’s mercy makes us new. We are forgiven in the name of ☩ Christ our Savior. | Amen
Standing 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.
Please use the Prayer Request link here or on the webpage to submit your requests.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing
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 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 and music © 1979 Cesáreo Gabaráin, OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights reserved. Used by permission.onelicense.net #A725004
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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 866 We are Marching in the Light of God
Tr. and arr. © 1984 Utryck, admin. Walton Music Corp. onelicense.net #A725004
SENDING
Go in peace. Follow the way of Jesus. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
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, Vice-President; 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 once-a-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 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.