Sunday, April 23, 2023 - Order of worship at 9 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Third Sunday of Easter – April 23, 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.

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.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who creates us, redeems us, and calls us by name. | Amen.

Let us acknowledge before God and one another our need for repentance and God’s mercy. Kneeling or seated

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you and your beloved children. We have turned our faces away from your glory when it did not appear as we expected. We have rejected your word when it made us confront ourselves. We have failed to show hospitality to those you called us to welcome. Accept our repentance for the things we have done and the things we have left undone. For the sake of Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us and lead us, that we may bathe in the glory of your Son born among us, and reflect your love for all creation. Amen.

Rejoice in this good news: In ☩ Christ Jesus, your sins are forgiven. You are descendants of the Most High, adopted into the household of Christ, and inheritors of eternal life. Live as freed and forgiven children of God. | Amen.

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

O God, your Son makes himself known to all his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in his redeeming work, 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.

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON

Standing

THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 24:13-35

The colorful story of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus answers the question of how Jesus is to be recognized among us. Here, he is revealed through the scriptures and in the breaking of bread.

Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.

3Now on that same day [when Jesus had appeared to Mary Magdalene,] two [disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he

was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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

Seated

SERMON

Standing

HYMN 531 The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing

Verse 1

The trumpets sound the angels sing

The feast is ready to begin

The gates of heav'n are open wide

And Jesus welcomes you inside

Verse 2

Tables are laden with good things

O taste the peace and joy He brings

He'll fill you up with love divine

He'll turn your water into wine

Chorus

Sing with thankfulness

Songs of pure delight

Come and revel in

Heaven's love and light

Take your place at the

Pastor Ron Bonner

Table of the King

The feast is ready to begin

The feast is ready to begin

Verse 3

The hungry heart He satisfies

Offers the poor His paradise

Now hear all heaven and earth applaud

The amazing goodness of the Lord

Bridge

Jesus (Jesus)

We thank You (we thank You)

For Your love (for Your love)

For Your joy (for Your joy)

Jesus (Jesus)

We thank You (we thank You)

For the good things (for the good things)

You give to us (You give to us)

Kneeling or seated

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Each portion of the prayers concludes: Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen United in the hope and joy of the resurrection, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.

CCLI Song # 190672 Graham Kendrick © 1989 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2888121

Ever-present God, you make yourself known in the breaking of the bread and in the bonds of community. Reveal yourself to us in the faces of all we meet. Strengthened by your body and blood, let us boldly live out your good news. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

As we know you in the breaking of the bread, we know you in the grains of the field and the flowing waters. Care for the earth you lovingly create. Strengthen those who safeguard threatened land and water. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

You are the authority to whom we dedicate our lives like Toyohiko Kagawa, whom we commemorate today. Help us keep the needs of those most vulnerable at the forefront of our community. Move us to care for any who are disregarded or oppressed. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Mothering God, you feed and comfort those who hunger. Open the hearts of those who horde resources and lead them to share your abundance. We pray for anyone hungering for your comforting presence this day especially... Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

You pour out your love on those who are oppressed. Support and comfort anyone who is marginalized by gender or sexuality and those whose stories are not believed. Form this community to listen faithfully and speak honestly in our ministry together. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

We remember with thanksgiving all your beloved saints especially... As you have raised them to eternal life, abide with us in your promise of resurrection. 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.

Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS

MUSIC

by Redeemer Jazz Trio

Standing

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.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

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 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. | 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 674 Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ

SENDING

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

POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz

Trio

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for April 16: In person 242: Livestream: 136

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday of Easter

Today we welcome the following people into membership at Redeemer: Roberta “Bobbi” Onsrud comes to Redeemer from Our Saviors Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin, joining her parents, Sheila and Tracy Zentner, who became members of our church last year. Her family lives in Douglasville.

Cheyenne Elliott and Travis Meguire come to Redeemer from Dallas, Texas and are moving to the Lindbergh neighborhood in Atlanta

Rick Farris and Beth Robison come to Redeemer from Methodist and Catholic traditions, respectively, and live in Midtown. They are looking forward to their wedding at Redeemer this fall!

Ian Hamilton is excited to join both the Lutheran faith and Redeemer. He lives in the Virginia Highland neighborhood in Atlanta.

Clayton "Clayte" Sheppard comes to Redeemer from Grace Episcopal Church in Sandersville, GA., joining his wife, Doreena Muchmore Sheppard. They live in Midtown.

Susan Sussman came from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and attended Lutheran Church of the Servant, and she lives in Midtown and lives in Midtown.

Introduce yourself and extend a warm welcome at the new member reception following the 11 am service.

Rejoicing Spirits Today!

Join us in Rudisill Hall from 10-10:30 today to worship and rejoice together! Rejoicing Spirits is a worship service for people of all abilities. It’s a space where those with a variety of abilities are affirmed as participants and leaders, and where everyone comes away with a better appreciation of each other’s gifts and contributions. RS is meant to add to your worship experience, and can be combined with other worship services you are attending today. This month, we will join the disciples on the road to Emmaus and find out how Jesus shows up when we walk alongside each other.

Fourth Grade Faith Stepping Stone

Today in our 11:00 service, the 4th graders will be reciting the 10 Commandments and receiving a blessing. They have been studying the commandments and learning how our faith guides our choices for the past few weeks.

Fifth Grade Faith Stepping Stone Blessing

Sunday, April 30th our fifth graders will receive a blessing at the 11:00 service. The Faith Stepping Stone program is one of the ways our faith community keeps the promises we make to children in baptism. These fifth graders have been growing, learning, worshiping, and contributing their gifts to this and other faith communities since they were baptized, and this is our chance to acknowledge and celebrate their growth and maturity. They started their 5th grade Faith Stepping Stone last fall with a lock in where they learned about Spiritual Gifts, and now we will bless them and send them off to the next phase of faith formation: confirmation instruction which they will start in the fall.

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.

Midtown Assistance Center (MAC)

Thank you to all of you who supported the MAC coat drive in Dec. and January. It was a huge success. May is coming soon and that is when we focus on MAC with the annual food drive and 5K.

The Midtown Race for MAC 5K returns to Piedmont Park on May 13, 2023! By joining Redeemer – Team Katy, you will be supporting the Midtown Assistance Center’s mission to prevent homelessness and hunger in our community. Whether you're a serious runner or just looking for a fun day out with your family and furry friends, the Midtown Race for MAC 5K is a great way to get active and support a worthy cause! If you have questions feel free to contact Richard Mauney, richardemauney@gmail.com or 404-7753359. Thank you for you continued support.

https://www.active.com/atlanta-ga/running/distance-running-races/9th-annual-midtownrace-for-mac-5k-run-walk-2023?int=72-4-A4

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 4/23-5/7, the chalice used was painted by Lars Peterson. This is Lars’ interpretation: “Communion means fellowship, and a time for everyone to get together. No matter how great the divides between us, we can always sit down, and share a simple meal together. It is a reminder that there is good in everyone.”

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

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 in-person.

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.

Save the date-our Confirmation Service will be on Sunday, May 14 during the 11 AM service with a reception after.

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 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/

KEYSTONE SENIOR MINISTRY

Pitts Theological Library Guided Exhibition Tour

Friday, April 28th | 11 am-1 pm

Meet at Redeemer at 10:30 am to carpool to Emory's campus. The free Sacred Arts Exhibition tour will be followed by lunch at the Cox Hall Food Court. Participants will

buy their own lunch (about $10-15). Register at the following link: https://form.jotform.com/230807952121047 or sign up at the Welcome Desk.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Sundays through May 21 | 10 am |Reception

Join Don Noland and Pr Jonathan for a six-week study of a proposed new social statement for the ELCA. 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

Sunday | 10 am | Room 121

"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 | Reception

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

Pastor Jonathan Book Study

Tuesdays | 5 PM

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

Wednesday | 6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom

Pastor's Class

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.