Sunday March 5, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Second Sunday in Lent – March 5, 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.

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.

PRELUDE Prelude on “Kingsfold” Mary Beth Bennett

Today is “Woman Composer Sunday,” an international event on the Sunday closest to International Women’s Day on March 8. It is a day to celebrate organ and choral music written by women. Dr. Mary Beth Bennett is a nationally recognized performer, composer and improviser living in historic Richmond, Virginia where she serves on the adjunct music faculty of the University of Richmond and is Organist of Second Baptist Church. She has received commissions in multiple genres from the American Guild of Organists, National Association of Pastoral Musicians, Association of Anglican Musicians, The Paul VI Institute for the Arts, Millennia Consort and various churches, chamber ensembles and private parties. In 2018, she won the AGO/ECS Publishing Award in Choral Composition.

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 321 Eternal Lord of Love, Behold Your Church

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

Text © Thomas H. Cain. Used by permission of estate. Onelicense.net #A725004

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.

The Hymn of Praise is omitted during the penitential season of Lent.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

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. Seated

CHILDREN’S SERMON

THE FIRST READING Genesis 12:1-4a Bill Gay, lector

God’s call of Abram and Sarai has a clear purpose that through them all the families of the earth would gain a blessing. As they set out on their journey, they are accompanied by promises of land, nation, and a great reputation.

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

PSALM 121

1I lift up my eyes | to the hills; from where is my | help to come?

2My help comes | from the LORD, the maker of heav- | en and earth.

3The LORD will not let your | foot be moved nor will the one who watches over you | fall asleep.

4Behold, the keep- | er of Israel will neither slum- | ber nor sleep; R

5the LORD watches | over you; the LORD is your shade at | your right hand;

6the sun will not strike | you by day, nor the | moon by night.

7The LORD will preserve you | from all evil and will | keep your life.

8The LORD will watch over your going out and your | coming in, from this time forth for- | evermore. R

THE SECOND READING Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

In the person and example of Abraham we discover that a right relationship with God does not involve earning a reward from God but entails trusting God’s promises. Abraham is the forebear and model for both Jews and Gentiles, because we too trust that ours is a God who gives life to the dead.

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Sung by the Choir

The Son of Man must be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. Repeat Acclamation

THE HOLY GOSPEL John 3:4-17

A curious Pharisee visits Jesus by night to learn from the teacher his friends reject. Jesus speaks to him about life in the Spirit and the kingdom of God.

Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.

Seated SERMON

Pastor Jonathan Trapp Standing

HYMN 323 God Loved the World

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

Each portion of the prayers concludes: Merciful God, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: 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.

THANKSGIVING

Seated

GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM God So Loved the World John Stainer

The Redeemer Choir

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:14-17

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

OFFERING PRAYER

At the conclusion of the prayer: 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...we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

O God, Creator of our wilderness world... now and forever. | Amen.

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray…

LORD’S PRAYER

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Come and receive Jesus, our strength in the wilderness. 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 735 Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth

Text © 1991 Jean Janzen, admin. Augsburg Fortress Music © 1995 Augsburg Fortress onelicense.net #A725004

HYMN 451 We Are Baptized in Christ Jesus

Text and music © 1985 John Ylvisaker used by permission onelicense.net #A725004

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

Let us pray. | Embodied God, at your table, we have tasted the goodness of Jesus. With the eyes of our hearts open to your promise, empower us to hear the needs of our neighbors and touch the world with your love. Amen.

SENDING

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING

HYMN 831 The God of Abraham Praise

SENDING

Go in peace. Serve in love. | Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Toccata on “Kingsfold”

Mary Beth Bennett

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for February 26: In person:237, Livestream: 228, Facebook 36 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Third Sunday in Lent

Today - Q&A with author, Amy-Jill Levine

10:00 AM | via Zoom in Rudisill Hall

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING | March 26, 2023

Meeting sessions to be held live following each Sunday worship service and also via Zoom at 10am

This meeting will serve as the Annual Meeting of the congregation. The purpose will be to vote on the approval of the 2022 Annual Report.

Motion: The congregation of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer approves the 2022 Annual Report.

Annual Reports will be emailed Friday, March 10 with hardcopies available March 19 Council Members will be available Sunday, March 12, 19, & 26 following worship services in the Sims Atrium to discuss the annual report and 2023 council goals. Please also feel free to reach out directly to any Council members with questions.

COMMUNITY

New Member Class today | 10-10:45 am | Reception room

Take the next step in your faith by joining Redeemer's faith community. Through this 6-week class, you will get to know the people, ministries, and mission of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer as we get to know you and help you find where you belong.

VBS Needs You!

June 5-9 here at Redeemer our kids will gather for Changemakers Lab, an interactive Vacation Bible School where children learn that everyone can make a difference in the world! WE NEED YOUR HELP this year as we return to a more ‘normal’ version of this powerful faith formation program. Whether you can help now or during the actual event, whether you want to be on stage or behind the scenes or just want to help us shop for supplies, everyone has something they can offer to make VBS a success! Please speak to Deacon Mary if you have questions, or fill out this form if you are ready to sign up. Ages 6th-grade to adult are eligible to volunteer.

Sunday, March 12 |10:00am | Conference room

Stephen Ministry Information Session

Learn what Stephen Ministry is all about and consider becoming a Stephen Minister through the training being offered at Redeemer beginning in April. You could be the one who provides distinctly Christian spiritual and emotional care to someone who is hurting or in crisis.

YOUTH

8th Grade Chalice Usage

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, "What does Communion mean to you?"

From 2/19-3/5, the chalice used was painted by Natalie Tanzola. This is Natalie's interpretation: "For me, communion is a time to remember Jesus and come together as a community. The different colors on my chalice represent the body and blood of Christ."

Fundraising, Pick Up Your Envelope!

This Summer, Redeemers High School Youth will embark on a mission trip to Puerto Rico with the YouthWorks Organization! Please visit the Youth table in Sims Atrium before and following Sunday worship service until April 9. Donations can also be made via the offering plate, online, or by leaving in Jennifer Isaacson's office or Hillary Nelson's mailbox. Please include a memo note designating for the "Puerto Rico Youth Trip." Thank you for your support!

Our Fundraiser will focus on who is attending and why they are attending this Mission Trip. Finley Love: "I am excited to go to Puerto Rico because I look forward to helping others. I feel excited to go for the first time. I can't wait to help others in Puerto Rico. I hope God is there to help others when they need help." Claire Quinn: "I want to go to Puerto Rico because I love helping others. I feel like God put us in the world to help people all over the world and I want to serve out His people. Additionally, the Hispanic community is one I particularly love to give back to since I am also Hispanic."

Our Middle School Youth will have their Middle School Youth Group on Sunday, March 19, after the 11 AM service. We will be doing a Scavenger Hunt at Redeemer. Lunch provided. Please let Hillary know if you can attend.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Vacation Bible School Registration is Open!

Join us June 5-9 here at Redeemer for Changemakers Lab, an interactive Vacation Bible School where children learn that everyone can make a difference in the world! VBS is 9-12:30 each day, including time for participants to eat lunch. We are excited to offer Before (8-9 am) and after (12:30-6 pm) care options again this year for families who need a full day of child care. Find more details and register at this link, or speak to Deacon Mary. Parents, we will need your help! We will work with you to find a role that fits your interests and availability. To register a youth (6th grade and up) or adult as a volunteer, please use this form.

Lords’ Supper Retreat

Ages PreK and up and their parents. Whether your child has been waiting for their first communion or already started receiving, we encourage them to grow their understanding of this ancient and holy practice. Not sure if this is the right year for your child to participate? We're happy to help you decide! Saturday, March 18: 9:30-11:30 in person OR 1-3 pm on Zoom.

Sunday, March 19: Blessing in Worship at either service. You can contact Deacon Mary with questions, or go directly to the registration form at this link

MUSIC

Sarah Hawbecker will present an organ recital TODAY at 3:15 pm at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road. She will perform organ works by Pierre Du Mage, Johannes Brahms, Mary Beth Bennett, and J. S. Bach. The public is cordially invited to this free 35-minute concert which precedes Evensong at 4:00.

Bach Birthday Bash - Friday, March 17, 7:30 pm

Please join us for our annual concert celebrating the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. This year’s program will feature Pam Amy-Cupp, mezzo-soprano; Nicolas Deuson, guitar; Christine Drescher-Jones, harp; Kira Garvie, organ and piano; Sarah Hawbecker, organ and piano; Rob Tanzola, soprano saxophone; and The Carillon Ringers. There is free parking, and a dessert reception will follow the concert.

Music and Arts Camp – “Carnival of the Animals” – June 12-16

Registration is now open. Rising kindergarteners through 6th graders will experience music, art, and drama all based on this year’s animal theme! The camp is from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, with free before and after-care. Tuition for the week is $165 and includes all activities, snacks, and a T-shirt. Sibling discounts apply, and financial need-based scholarships are available. All are welcome, so tell your friends and neighbors. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Sarah Hawbecker at 404-874-8664, ext. 206 or shawbecker@redeemer.org. Follow the camp and share our posts on Facebook atfacebook.com/RedeemerMusicCamp/

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Mary’s Voice in John’s Gospel - Led by Edward Scherlacher

Be Still and Journey, Sundays – Led by Pat Cornwell

Pastor Jonathan Book Study

Tuesdays

Study of 'The Warmth of Other Suns' by Isabel Wilkerson.

Sundays | 10 am | Rudisill Hall

Come hear about the Bishop’s pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine attended by fourteen Redeemer members.

March 26: Movie Screening and Discussion: The Present

April 23: From Tiberias to Bethlehem

April 30: From Jerusalem to Petra

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?

Wednesday night Pastor’s Class

Join Pr. Mark for a Lenten Book Study on Entering the Passion of Jesus

6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom

Midweek Lenten worship

Places of the Passion | Each Wednesday, 7 PM | In-person and Online

Calendar for March 5 – March 11, 2023

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