Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday – April 2, 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.
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.
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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Standing ACCLAMATION (Repeated three times)
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. | Hosanna in the highest.
PROCESSIONAL GOSPEL
Jesus enters Jerusalem
The Holy Gospel according…| Glory to you, O Lord.
Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread
their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
The gospel of the Lord. | Praise to you, O Christ.
BLESSING OF PALMS
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Let us pray. We praise you, O God, for redeeming the world through our Savior Jesus Christ. Today he entered the holy city in triumph and was proclaimed messiah and king by those who spread garments and branches along his way. Bless these branches and those who carry them. Grant us grace to follow our Lord in the way of the cross, so that, joined to his death and resurrection, we enter into life with you; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.
PROCESSION
Let us go forth in peace, | in the name of Christ. Amen.
HYMN 344 All Glory, Laud, and HonorBlessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. | Hosanna in the highest.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
As we now enter into the contemplation of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and meditate on the salvation of the world through his sufferings, death, burial, and resurrection, let us pray.
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests.
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 27:11-54
In fulfillment of scripture and obedience to God’s will, Jesus goes to the cross so that a new covenant in his blood may bring forgiveness of sins. Even the soldiers who crucify him recognize him to be the Son of God.
Please read together the boldfaced portions as marked: L (Left side of congregation)
R (Right side of congregation) U (IN UNISON)
Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him,
L: “Are you the King of the Jews?”
Jesus said,
R: “You say so.”
But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him,
L: “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?”
But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the
crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, L: “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, R: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.”
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, L: “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?”
And they said, R: “Barabbas.”
Pilate said to them, L: “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
All of them said, R: “Let him be crucified!”
Then he asked, L: “Why, what evil has he done?”
But they shouted all the more, U: “LET HIM BE CRUCIFIED!”
So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, L: “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”
Then the people as a whole answered, U: “HIS BLOOD BE ON US AND ON OUR CHILDREN!”
So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, R: “Hail, King of the Jews!”
They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross.
And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying,
L: “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying,
R: “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’”
The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, L: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, R: “This man is calling for Elijah.”
At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, L: “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”
Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, U: “TRULY THIS MAN WAS GOD’S SON!”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Pastor Jenny McLellan
Kneeling or seated
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Each portion of the prayers concludes: Merciful God, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
Sustained by God’s abundant mercy, let us pray for the church, the world, and all of creation.
A brief silence.
Save your church, O God. Enable us to boldly confess in every time and place that Jesus Christ is Lord. With the humility of a servant, equip congregations, synods, and other ministry settings to proclaim your extravagant love for all. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Save your creation, O God. Every living being you have made has purpose. Give us renewed appreciation of farm animals who labor in the fields, service animals who accompany their human companions, and beloved pets who live alongside us.
Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Save the peoples of the earth, O God. Restore dignity to those who are scorned and persecuted for their religious beliefs or political activism, and deliver them from the hand of their enemies. Bring peace to places where conflict runs deep (especially). Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Save those who cry to you in any need, O God. Watch over all who are incarcerated or awaiting trial, and stand with those who are unjustly accused. Be present with those feeling isolated, lonely, or fearful (especially). Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Save us in your love, O God. Guide the work of church musicians, pastors, choirs, readers, deacons, technicians, acolytes, and all who assist in worship. Sustain them in their leadership as they accompany congregations through this Holy Week. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered. Save us at the last, O God. We give you thanks for your saints of old who embodied your servant love. As you came to their aid, so deliver us in times of trial, that every knee would bend in praise to you. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
We lift our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your steadfast love and your promise to renew your whole creation; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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
God of good gifts, receive these and all our offerings as we present them in faithful service for the sake of your gospel. Prepare our hearts to receive you in this meal as you pour out your very presence through Christ Jesus, the wellspring of eternal life. | 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.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
O God, Creator of our wilderness world, O God, Savior of the lost,
O God, Comforter of the sick and suffering, we give you thanks for your everlasting might; we glorify you for your covenant of mercy.
For forty days you cleansed the earth with the waters of the flood. For forty days you illumined Moses with the words of your law. For forty years you fed your people with manna from heaven.
You became truly human in Jesus our brother. For forty days, with fasting and prayer, he renounced the power of the devil. On the night before he died he 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.
Transform us, O God, with your lively Spirit. Make this food into manna for our journey, the body and blood of your Son. Teach us your words of wisdom and justice. Renew the whole earth with baptismal grace. At the last, lead all your pilgrim people through our wilderness to your Easter garden.
To you, O God, Creator, Savior, Comforter, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be our worship and praise, adoration and thanksgiving, 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 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
Standing
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
God, the giver of love, ☩ Christ, the resurrection and the life, and the Holy Spirit of rebirth bless you in this Lenten journey. | Amen.
HYMN
On a Hill Far Away
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Easter Sunday
COMMUNITY
At-Home Pastoral Visit
If you or a loved one would like to receive a pastoral visit with communion at your home or residence, please contact Pastor Jenny McLellan at 404-874-8664 ext. 224 or jmclellan@redeemer.org
Sunday, April 16 Join us as we welcome Bishop Axel Piper and Pastor Christoph Burger from our Companion Synod - The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria
Church District of Augsburg and Swabia. Bishop Piper will preach at the 9 am service, Pastor Christoph will preach at the 11 am service.
Later that evening they will travel to Savannah for a celebration and signing of a 10-year extension agreement as companion synods. To join the celebration and learn more RSVP for dinner by April 3. Click here: https://www.elcases.org/BavariaPartnership
The gathering begins at 5:30 PM
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.
Greetings Redeemer
The band formerly known as Circle of Welcome is getting back together under new leadership. If you are interested in helping a future refugee, then please send Pastor Bonner an email indicating your interest
Volunteers needed to sing in the choir for the 7pm Easter Vigil service on Saturday, April 8th. All are welcome – we will sing two hymns just as the choir (When Israel Was in Egypt’s Land and St. Patrick’s Breastplate), a psalm, and support the Easter Proclamation and congregational hymn singing. We will meet at 5pm that day to rehearse. Please email Kira at kgarvie@redeemer.org if you are interested!
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 4/2-4/16, the chalice used was painted by Emily Johnson. This is Emily’s interpretation: Communion to me means a place where everyone from different backgrounds can celebrate what Jesus did for us after the last supper. It is a place for no hate and for only love and to remember why Jesus died for us so that we can share the love with everyone around us.”
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.
Megan McCloskey: “I want to go to Puerto Rico because I’ve always loved serving others and feel it is our mission to help others when they most need it. Providing aid is important to sharing the love of God.”
Hollyn Kershner: “I am looking forward to going to Puerto Rico because God told me to go and I want to help out the people.”
Post-High School and College Youth Care Packages: On Sunday, April 16, we will make Care Packages for our post-high school, college & higher education students. Please send Hillary your student’s mailing address for a special mailing surprise by Sunday, April 9.
On Sunday, May 7 graduates will receive a blessing during 11:00 worship, followed by a reception in Sims Atrium. We congratulate graduates of all degrees and ages – high school, college, and even doctoral grads! Graduates should contact Hillary (hnelson@redeemer.org) no later than May 3 to be listed in the bulletin. Congratulations graduates!
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! Find more details and register at this link, or speak to Deacon Mary. To register a youth (6th grade and up) or adult as a volunteer, please use this form.
Family Easter Vigil and Celebration
Saturday, April 8 from 10- 12:30, join us for an Easter festival including live animals, face painting, a family photo booth, and more! Then go with us on a journey from the somber atmosphere of Holy Week to the joy of Easter in an Easter Vigil service specially designed for families. After the service, we will head back outside for an egg hunt. The event kicks off at 10:00 am and ends at 12:30 pm. In the case of inclement weather we will move indoors. No RSVP is required; don’t forget to invite a friend!
MUSIC
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 am4:00 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
Pastor Jonathan Book Study
Tuesdays
Study of 'The Warmth of Other Suns' by Isabel Wilkerson.
Be Still and Journey – Led by Pat Cornwell
Sundays
Sundays | 10 am | Rudisill Hall
Come hear about the Bishop’s pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine attended by fourteen Redeemer members.
April 23: From Tiberias to Bethlehem
April 30: From Jerusalem to Petra
Calendar for March 26 – April 9, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Event Time Location Worship Be Still and Journey
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM
Organ & Choir 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
In-person/ Livestream
Room 119
Confirmation Large Group
Youth Parents Lenten Group
Mary’s Voice in John’s Gospel
EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 9
FESTIVAL WORSHIP
7:00, 8:30 & 11:30 AM
CHOIR, ORGAN, AND BRASS
10:00 AM
JAZZ
Breakfast served all morning
Zittrouer Hall
Scrambled eggs, Biscuits with sausage gravy, Fresh cut fruit, Turkey bacon, Pork sausage, Cheddar cheese grits, Coffee, Orange juice, Cranberry juice