Sunday, April 16, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Second Sunday of Easter – April 16, 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.

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.

PRELUDE Variations on “O filii et filiae” (Hymn 386) Wilbur Held (1914-2015)

WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING

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

Standing HYMN 382 Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

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

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Kneeling or seated

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

For Christ is risen. | Christ is risen indeed.

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

Cynthia Reese-McKersie, 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.

Almighty and eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt, may we, who have not seen, have faith in you and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, 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.

WORD

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

Seated

CHILDREN’S SERMON

THE FIRST READING Acts 2:14a, 22-32

Mary Brown, Lector

After the Holy Spirit comes to the apostles on Pentecost, Peter preaches the gospel to the gathered crowd. He tells them that Jesus, who obediently went to his death according to God’s plan, was raised from the dead by God. Finally, he appeals to scripture, quoting Psalm 16:8-11, to show that Jesus is the Messiah: though crucified, the risen Jesus is now enthroned.

14aPeter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed [the crowd], 22“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know—23this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. 25For

David says concerning him,

‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;

26therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope.

27For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption.

28You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

29“Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,

‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.’

32This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.”

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

THE SECOND READING

1 Peter 1:3-9

This epistle was written to encourage Christians experiencing hardships and suffering because of their faith in Christ. The letter opens by blessing God for the living hope we have through Christ’s resurrection even amid difficult circumstances and surroundings.

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL John 20:19-31

The risen Jesus appears to his disciples, offering them a benediction, a commission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. But one of their number is missing, and his unbelief prompts another visit from the Lord.

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

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

Seated

SERMON

Standing

Pastor Christoph Burger

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria – Church District of Augsburg and Swabia

HYMN 390 The Risen Christ

APOSTLES’ 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

United in the hope and joy of the resurrection, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

God of rebirth, the good news of your resurrection brings refreshment to a weary world. Following the women at the tomb, empower us to boldly share your radical love through our words and our work. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

As you breathed your Spirit into the disciples, breathe your spirit of healing upon all creation. Nourish the earth with sufficient rains. Strengthen us to counter the effects of pollution and destruction. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

You prepared the disciples for their ministry by calming their fears and granting them your peace. Equip our communities’ leaders (especially). Give them a spirit of peace and hearts that burn for justice, that their leadership reflects your love. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

You come among us in unexpected ways. Send us to those who hide in fear or question your love. Be a healing presence for any isolated by addiction, incarceration, mental illness, chronic pain, sickness, or grief (especially). Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

As you met the disciples on the road to Emmaus, show us your presence along our journeys. Bless our doubts and questions. Provide trusting and safe relationships for all ages, to nurture our connection to you and one another. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Here other intercessions may be offered. Resurrecting God, you bring us to new life every day. Thank you for blessing us with companions on our faith journey, especially those who now rest in your love (especially). Strengthen us with the eternal peace of your promises. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Rejoicing in the victory of Christ’s resurrection, we lift our prayers and praise to you, almighty and eternal God; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. 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 Now the Green Blade Rises

French Carol The Redeemer Choir Arranged by Simon Lindley

Now the green blade rises from the buried grain, | Wheat that in the dark earth many years has lain; | Love lives again, that with the dead has been: | Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green. In the grave they laid Him, Love Whom we had slain, | Thinking that He’d never wake to life again, | Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen: | Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green. Forth he came at Easter, like the risen grain, | He that for three days in the grave had lain; | Quick from the dead my risen Lord is seen: | Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green. When our hearts are saddened, grieving or in pain, | Thy touch can call us back to life again; | Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been: | Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green.

John M. C. Crum

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN 367

OFFERING PRAYER

Generous God, in this meal you offer your very self. We give thanks for these gifts of the earth. In the breaking of this bread reveal to us the Risen One.

In the pouring of this wine pour us out in service to the world; through Christ our Lord. | 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, for the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, the true Paschal Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin; who in dying has destroyed death, and in rising has brought us to eternal life. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Thanks and praise fill our hearts, Almighty God, for you are the Lord of creation and new creation, of covenant and new covenant. You brought your people out of slavery to freedom in the Promised Land, and you brought your Son from the depth of death to the glory of resurrection life.

Joy and gladness are our song, redeeming God, for in your conquest of death we see the destiny of every hope in you. Come among us in the power of your Holy Spirit, that your children may be blessed with power and grace, and that this bread and cup may become for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ; Who on the night in which he was betrayed, 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.

Great is the mystery of faith.

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Hope and glory are our breath, merciful God, for you have rolled away the stone of despair. Come among us and breathe on us your peace. Shape your church to be your risen body; make our scars beautiful like your scars, make our lives life-giving like your life, and make our communion holy with your saints, until you come again in glory and we eat with you in your kingdom, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, 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 know Christ, broken and poured out for you.

Seated

All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are welcome to the feast. Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link

HYMN 646

The Peace of the Lord

HYMN 635

We Walk by Faith

Standing

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

Let us pray. | Gracious God, in you we live and move and have our being. With your word and this meal of grace, you have nourished our life together. Strengthen us to show your love and serve the world in Jesus’ name. Amen

SENDING

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

BLESSING

The God of all, who raised ☩ Jesus from the dead, bless you by the power of the Holy Spirit to live in the new creation. | Amen.

HYMN 384 That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright

SENDING

Go in peace. Serve the Risen One. | Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for April 9: In person: 671, Livestream: 454

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Third Sunday of Easter

Today Young Adult lunch out. Meet by the big red doors following the 11 am worship service.

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

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.

Musicians Needed for Redeemer's Front Porch Summer Band

Redeemer’s Community Engagement ministry voted to organize a band for a summer concert series to bring attention to Redeemer; we are looking for musicians. Sally Rosser and Pastor Bonner are proposing that on select Friday evenings during the summer, the band would play from the front porch of Redeemer. This is an evangelism effort to get people to notice our church and not just hurry by us on their way to work, home, or play. For more details, contact Pastor Bonner at rbonner@redeemer.org.

YOUTH

Thank you all so much for donating and helping us raise funds for our High School Mission Trip to Arecibo, Puerto Rico. As of 4/10, we are $530 away from our goal. 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!

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.”

Middle School Parents Gathering will meet on Sunday, April 16 and Sunday, May 21. High School Parents and College Parents Gathering will meet on Sunday, April 23 and Sunday, May 7

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.

ELCA Youth Gathering Informational Interest Meeting

Sunday, April 30 after 11 AM Service or via Zoom at 6 PM

Join us for an informational interest meeting to discuss about the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, July 16-20, 2024 in New Orleans. This meeting is for current 7th graders to current 11th graders. To find out more information about the ELCA Youth Gathering, you can go here There will also be a Zoom session at 6 PM on Sunday, April 30 for those that can't make it inperson.

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!

End-of-Year Youth Party | Sunday, May 7 | 12:30 – 2:30 PM

We'll have food, games, and lots of fun! Take a break from studying and hang out! Please try to RSVP to Hillary by Sunday, April 30 for food ordering purposes. You can show up the day of, but we want to make sure we have enough food for everyone.

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.

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 am-4:00 pm, with free before and after-care. Tuition for the week is $165 and includes all activities, snacks, and a Tshirt. 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

Pastor Jonathan Book Study

Tuesdays

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

Join Don Noland and Pr Jonathan for a six-week study of a proposed new social statement for the ELCA starting April 16th during our faith formation hour. This is your opportunity to let your voice and input be made to churchwide and to help create the statements that we present to the world.

The ELCA is developing a social statement on government, civic engagement, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The task force now offers a six-session study curriculum for use throughout our congregations. It provides a guide into the issues and invites participant feedback for the task force. For more information, click on this link: https://elca.org/civicsandfaith

Pr Ron and Pr Jonathan will be leading a discussion around recent statements by Bishop Eaton and Bishop Strickland supporting the rights of our Transgender siblings. If you are interested in being part of this discussion, please join us after the 11:00 service on April 16th. You can contact Pr Jonathan for more information at jtrapp@redeemer.org.

Starting April 23 at 10 am "Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts" How are you going to risk yourself: your time, talents, and treasure in service to Jesus, the one who risked it all for us? If you want to serve but don't know where to start, explore your spiritual gifts and identify your talents with Pastor Jenny McLellan and Alisa Norvelle on Sunday, April 23 and April 30 at 10 am.

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

Wednesday night Pastor’s Class

Beginning April 19-6:00 PM Pastor's Class | Rudisill Hall & Zoom

Book Discussion: The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven by Amy-Jill

Levine

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.

Midweek worship

Holden Evening Prayer | Each Wednesday, 7 PM | In-person and Online

Calendar for April 16 – April 22, 2023

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

Sunday, April 16, 2023

MS Youth Parents

Confirmation

Statements Supporting Trans Rights

April 19

April 22

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER 731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 www.redeemer.org | 404.874.8664 | Emergency Line: 404.874.9759

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

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

Larry Lowe ........................................................................................................Security Officer

Hillary Nelson ............................................................ Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org

Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security