Fifth Sunday after Epiphany– February 5, 2023
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.
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.
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.
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, with endless mercy you receive the prayers of all who call upon you. By your Spirit show us the things we ought to do, and give us the grace and power to do them, through 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.
Seated CHILDREN’S
SERMON Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 5:13-20
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, doing good works and keeping God’s commandments.
The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing
HYMN 673 God, Whose Almighty Word
Pastor Jonathan Trapp
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Called together to follow Jesus, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
Call your people to seek your wisdom in difficult conversations and action. Give the church everywhere courage to repent for the ways we have tolerated and practiced injustices of systemic racism and church sanctioned colonialism.
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
Inspire our wonder at creation, from the light of dawn to the beauty of the dark night. Bring healing to lands and communities experiencing natural disasters.
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
Instruct the powerful in your ways. Provide upright leadership in business and industry, that workers are not oppressed. Loosen the bonds of injustice in our midst. Grant peace to endless quarrels, put an end to
hunger, and shelter all who flee abuse in their homes or violence in their communities.
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
Renew caretakers with your compassion. Give healing to all who are in pain, recovering, and sick. Satisfy those afflicted in any way (especially).
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
Shape our congregation to be salt for the earth. Give us delight in your commandments, that we are generous with those in need. Make us steadfast in our trust in you, ready with tangible mercy and compassion for our neighbors.
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
The cross and resurrection bring redemption from sin and death. We praise you for the Martyrs of Japan and the saints who have joined you…. Keep them in our remembrance and bring us with them into the kingdom of heaven.
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.
Seated
GATHERING OF GIFTS
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 677 This Little Light of Mine
SENDING
Go in peace. Follow the way of Jesus. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for January 29: In person: 271, Livestream: 196, Facebook 32
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Georgia Human Trafficking Advocacy Day at the Capitol to speak out against Child Sex Trafficking: Tuesday, February 21.
On Tuesday, February 21, please join Redeeming Grace, Street Grace and many others as we urge lawmakers to protect our children, reduce demand and restore the lives of victims. We need your voice! Register with Street Grace here or access https://www.classy.org/event/advocacy-day/e384514 and input promo code ADVOCACY.
We have a tradition of gathering at Redeemer at 8:00 a.m. and riding MARTA to the Gold Dome. A Press Conference at 9:00 a.m. at Central Presbyterian Church will start the morning. Please let Redeeming Grace know if you plan to join us at Redeemer at 8:00 a.m. on February 21. Contact amy.carpenter@comcast.net. For the past 12 years, Redeemer’s response to Human Trafficking 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. This is the final day to 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! 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 in-person 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 TODAY from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in the Reception Room. Come gather with other High School and College Parents for their monthly fellowship.
Middle School Parents Gathering will meet TODAY from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in the Library.
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
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 bluecollar 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!
Lent 2023
Congregational book study during Lent is, Entering the Passion of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine.
This Lenten season we explore what the Passion of Christ means from the perspective of risks. Dr. Levine engages us to explore the Six Risks Jesus took to provide and secure our Salvation. And raises the question, are we willing to take similar risks to serve God fully?
If you want to lead a weekly small group discussion, please contact Pastor Ron, rbonner@redeemer.org
Lenten Small Group Sign-Ups begin TODAY.
Calendar for February 5 – February 11, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday,