Sunday, Jan 29, 2023 - Order of Worship at 11am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany – January 29, 2023

The Order of Worship at 11:00 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.

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING

The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.

Standing HYMN 710 Let Streams of Living Justice

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen.

Kneeling or seated

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God.

Most merciful God, | we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen.

Standing GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.

KYRIE

Mark Helsel, cantor

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.

HYMN OF PRAISE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

Holy God, you confound the world’s wisdom in giving your kingdom to the lowly and the pure in heart. Give us such a hunger and thirst for justice, and perseverance in striving for peace, that in our words and deeds the world may see the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.

A pastor will come through the congregation to receive prayer request cards. If you are worshiping online, please use the Prayer Request button underneath the live feed.

WORD

God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.

THE FIRST READING

David Miller, lector

Micah 6:1-8

With the mountains and the foundations of the earth as the jury, God brings a lawsuit against Israel. God has “wearied” Israel with a long history of saving acts. God does not want or expect lavish sacrifices to attempt to earn divine favor. Rather God empowers the people to do justice, to love loyalty to God, and to walk shrewdly in God’s service.

Hear what the Lord says:

Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice.

Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel.

“O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”

“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

THE SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

According to the world’s standards of power and might, the message of the cross seems stupid and offensive. Yet this word reveals the paradoxical way God has chosen to work power and salvation through weakness, rejection, and suffering. Hence the message of the cross becomes true wisdom and power for believers.

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. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For

Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount by naming those who are blessed in the reign of God.

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

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

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

Seated

SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson

Standing HYMN 719 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life

Seated

BLESSING OF THE STEPHEN MINISTERS

Standing 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.

Cultivate humility in your church. In gatherings of every size, teach us to boast only in the cross. Shape your church to be people of kindness, generosity, and justice.

Merciful God, | receive our prayer.

The foundations of the earth bear witness to your faithfulness; the mountains and hills echo with your holiness. When we mistreat your creation, show us the error of our ways. Inspire us with reverent awe to honor all you have made.

Merciful God, | receive our prayer.

You make foolish the wisdom of the world. Raise up honorable leaders who seek justice, love mercy, and pursue peace. Frustrate plans that are corrupt, wicked, and self-seeking. Prosper the work of peacemakers (local and international reconciliation efforts may be named).

Merciful God, | receive our prayer.

Bless all whom the world rejects. Accompany those who are regarded as foolish, weak, low, and despised; reveal your power and presence at work where it is least expected. Give your life, strength, and wisdom to all in need (especially). Merciful God, | receive our prayer.

As with your people Israel, remind this congregation of your saving acts. Remind us how your faithfulness brought us through difficulties and sustained us despite our weaknesses. Establish the cross as the center of our life together. Merciful God, | receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Praise to you for your blessed saints in every time and place (especially). Trusting you accompanied them in poverty, persecution, and in every trial, we trust you abide with your people always.

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

ANTHEM The Beatitudes Philip J. Stopford

The Redeemer Choir

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. Blessed are

those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs in the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you, and persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5: 3-12

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.

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.

Text © Joel W. Lundeen, admin. Augsburg Fortress

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.

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

HYMN 717 Let Justice Flow like Streams

HYMN 714 O God of Mercy, God of Light

Standing

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen

Text © 1984 Jane Parker Huber, admin. Westminster John Knox Press

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 551 The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve

HOLY BAPTISM following the service.

We celebrate today with Katherine and Pratik Sau as they bring their son, Connor Roberts Sau for the sacrament of Holy Baptism. His sponsors are Ryan and Lainey McLellan. We pray that God will bless this family and strengthen them in a life of faith.

For those joining on Livestream click here for the bulletin, for those in person turn to Page 227 in the ELW hymnal.

The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of my wife La Verne by Ron Nienow.

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for January 22: In person: 220, Livestream: 187, Facebook 17

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 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. For questions, please contact amy.carpenter@comcast.net

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.

YOUTH

Souper Bowl of Caring

Redeemer Youth is teaming up with the Lutheran Community Food Ministry to raise funds for the annual Souper Bowl of Caring. This event will happen in the Sims Atrium for the first time inperson since February 2020 on Sunday, February 12. Here is how to participate in this event:

1. Purchase items from LCFM’s Amazon Wish List Items purchased from the Wish List will be shipped directly to Redeemer. You can also purchase and donate new sweatpants in the following sizes: M, L, XL, and XXL.

2. You can bring the new items from the Amazon Wish List and/or the new sweatpants from Sunday, February 5 to 12.

3. Donate money online via Redeemer Giving

4. Donate money in person on Sunday, February 12. Stop by the Youth Table in Sims Atrium or look for the youth carrying buckets around Sims Atrium.

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 1/29-2/12, the chalice used was painted by Luke Kader. This is Luke's interpretation: "My chalice represents the body and blood of Christ, my Savior, and Lord. He died on the cross to save us from our sins. And for this, I will always come to my eternal home with Christ in Heaven."

Our High School Parents and College Parents Gathering will meet on Sunday, February 5 from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in the Reception Room. Come gather with other High School and College Parents for their monthly fellowship.

Our Middle School Parents Gathering will meet on Sunday, January 29, from 10:00 AM10:45 AM in the Reception Room. Come gather with other Middle School Parents! Middle School Parents will also meet on Sunday, February 5 from, 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in the Library.

High School Snowtubing & Lock-In: Interest Due by Sunday. January 29. 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). We will return to Redeemer between 7-8 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.

ALL GEORGIA 2023 | February 24-26, 2023

Theme: "What is AGAPE?" (What is Love?)

We will gather IN PERSON

Location: CAMP GRACE, Roberta, GA

This gathering is for all youth (6th-12th grade) of the Southeastern Synod, especially those from Georgia. Cost is $120 / participant.

REGISTRATION OPENED ON December 1, 2022

Let's support one of our synod youth events. Registration has to be done as a group by 2/15, so please let Hillary know if your youth (or youths) are able to attend.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Camp Sunday

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

Duo Catanza Concert

Sunday, February 12 | 2:00 pm

The Redeemer Concert Series continues its season on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2:00 pm with guitarists

Scott Plato and Matthias Young. Scott is busy as both a teacher and performer, and his book on guitar improvisation is sold worldwide. Matthias is a versatile musician with experience as a tenor soloist, conductor, composer, and classical and rock guitarist. Together, they are Duo Catanza. The concert is free, but donations to the “Friends of Music” will be accepted. Invite a friend and join us as we celebrate the gift that music is to our community.

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 at 6 PM through February 15, 2023

In person and via Zoom

This year our gospel readings come mostly from Matthew. Matthew groups most of Jesus’ teaching into the famous Sermon on the Mount. These three chapters tell us that the kingdom of heaven is not some abstract place with pearly gates and a bunch of angels flapping their wings. The kingdom of heaven occurs when people take the words of Jesus in these chapters to heart and live into them. Please join Pastor Mark as we explore these life-changing teachings.

Pastor Jonathan Book Study

Tuesdays starting February 7

Study of 'The Warmth of Other Suns' by Isabel Wilkerson. Based on interviews with more than a thousand people, and access to new data and official records, The Warmth of Other Suns tells the story of America's Great Migration through the lives of three unique individuals: Ida Mae Gladney, who in 1937 left sharecropping and prejudice in Mississippi for Chicago, where she achieved quiet blue-collar success and, in old age, voted for Barack Obama when he ran for an Illinois Senate seat; sharp and quick-tempered George Starling, who in 1945 fled Florida for Harlem, where he endangered his job fighting for civil rights, saw his family fall, and finally found peace in God; and Robert Foster, who left Louisiana in 1953 to pursue a medical career, the personal physician to Ray Charles as part of a glitteringly successful medical career. We would love to have you join and share your thoughts and insights!

Calendar for January 29 – February 4, 2023

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

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

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