May 7, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer atlanta, GA USA

Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 7, 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 Cantibile

WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Emily Li Canticle for a New Day

The Carillon Ringers

Derek K. Hakes

GATHERING

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

Standing

HYMN 389 Christ is Alive! Let Christians Sing

LAMENTING GUN VIOLENCE

God, giver of life, you intend for humans to live together in peace. In this time of grief over gun violence, we pray for your presence among us. That, trusting in your mighty and gentle healing, we may live in hope, we pray: make us instruments of your peace.

God of resurrection, we remember before you those who have died in Midtown this week, as well as all victims of violence in the rest of our nation. We commend them to your eternal love. Grant healing and wholeness to the survivors who are wounded or traumatized, and restore all whose spirits are maimed by such violence. That we may serve as your arms of care to those in distress, we pray: make us instruments of your peace.

God of righteousness, you have laid on our elected leaders the responsibility to protect our land. Strengthen their devotion to our common life, and guide legislators to enact policies that address our plague of gun violence. That our government may support our search for domestic harmony, we pray: make us instruments of your peace.

God of compassion, we give you thanks for first responders, for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and all who offer compassionate aid in situations of tragedy. Keep them safe from harm, and give them courage and sound judgment as they act. That we may join in support of those who risk their lives for others, we pray: make us instruments of your peace.

God of forgiveness, we ask your mercy on the perpetrators of these crimes. With your grace, transform those who from malice or illness inflict violence on others. Console their families. Believing in your power to make all things new, we pray: make us instruments of your peace.

God of the promise in word and sacrament, we pray for the church. Give us a voice, your voice, to plead for a society marked by justice and sustained by cooperation among diverse peoples. Train us to resist the lure of brute force. That by your Spirit we may become words and signs of your mercy, we pray: make us instruments of your peace.

God of true might and redemptive mercy, receive our prayers, and grant us to become your instruments of peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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 God, your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Give us grace to love one another, to follow in the way of his commandments, and to share his risen life with all the world, for he 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 7:55-60

David Miller, Lector

Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve tables so that the apostles could be free to serve the word (Acts 6:1-6). Stephen does more than distribute food, however. For his preaching of God’s word, he becomes the first martyr of the faith.

55Filled with the Holy Spirit, [Stephen] gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56“Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then he knelt down

and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

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

THE SECOND READING

1 Peter 2:2-10

Christ is the cornerstone of God’s saving work and the foundation of our lives. We are God’s chosen, holy people who continuously celebrate and declare the mercy of God we experience through Jesus Christ.

2Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

4Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in scripture:

“See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

7To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,”

8and “A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

10Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

On the night that he is to be arrested, Jesus shares final words with his disciples. As the one through whom God is known, he promises to go before them and act on their behalf.

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

[Jesus said to the disciples:] 1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

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

Seated

2023 GRADUATE RECOGNITION

Graduates will come forward to receive a blessing.

HIGH SCHOOL: Ellie Broad, Will Franetovich, Emma Gleason, Lindsey Iverson, Jordan Lukas, Erik McKeithen, Liam Puckhaber, Anna Rafferty, Aino Robertson, Violet Waterhouse, Bren Weterrings

COLLEGE: Sarah Grace Barr, Brandon Lambert, Madison Tiegreen

DOCTORATE: Pastor Jonathan Trapp

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 life, strengthen your church to proclaim your gospel throughout our lives. We give you thanks for sunday school teachers, confirmation mentors, and all students who are preparing for their next transition. Give us courage to proclaim your good news in word and deed. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Creating God, you show your steadfast love through the diversity of creation. Protect the earth’s diverse habitats from the forces of pollution, erosion, extinction, and global warming. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Mighty God, your Spirit guides us into all truth. Give wisdom to world and local leaders and organizations to lead with integrity and wisdom. Stir up the legislators of our nation to end gun violence. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Loving God, you make your home among us. Abide with refugees, those experiencing homelessness, those fleeing war and poverty especially in Sudan, and all who question if there is a home in your heart. We pray for all who are sick especially…. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Compassionate God, dwell with all people who are living with a mental health disease. We place before you the illnesses of major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar and anxiety disorders, eating and post-traumatic stress disorders, and alcoholism and drug addiction. Be near to those who live with these conditions and their loved ones. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Renewing God, you gather the saints at your heavenly banquet. We give you thanks for the care shown us by those who have gone before us especially…. Grant confidence and comfort for all awaiting the place you have prepared. 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

GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM The Chief Cornerstone

Bradley Ellingboe The Redeemer Choir

The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. | The guards outside the tomb could not contain his might. | Christ broke the seal of death and rose into the light.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. | The devil and his lies, the world, the flesh and sin, | Cannot defeat Christ nor hedge his victory. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. | As he was raised from stone we also will be raised | to join the heavenly host before the throne of grace.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. | So sing, angelic choirs, O hosts of heaven sing! | Break forth, O earth, in song and praise your Lord and King! | The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

Gracia Grindal

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN 367

Adoring praises now we bring and with the heav'nly blessed sing: "Christ has triumphed! Alleluia!" Be to the Father, and our Lord, to Spirit blest, most holy God, all the glory, never ending! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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:

Text: Paul Z. Strodach, 1876-1947, alt. Text © 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin. Augsburg Fortress

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

816

Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life

HYMN 378

Awake, My Heart, with Gladness

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 619 I Know that My Redeemer Lives (Stanzas 1-4, 7-8)

SENDING

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

POSTLUDE Now the Green Blade Riseth arr. Kevin McChesney The Carillon Ringers

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

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for April 30: In person 261: Livestream: 176

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Sixth Sunday of Easter

Grace Houses End of Year Celebration

Sunday, May 7 at 1pm | 182 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Come and celebrate the transformation God has done through Lutheran Campus Ministry at Georgia Tech's Grace House this past school year! RSVP at gracepeople.org/celebrate or give us a call at 404.500.6233

COMMUNITY

Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Memorial Service for Liz Bair | 1 PM Click here for her obituary.

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 404-775-3359. Thank you for you continued support.

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

Upriver Fest: Local Music and 5k @ The Mill on Etowah

Benefitting Goshen Valley | May 13 @ 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

This festival kicks off with a 5k run/walk at 4pm. Then stick around for an amazing set list of local artists. Enjoy food, drinks, local vendors, a kids corner, and more all while you hear tunes from our local Cherokee County musicians!

YOUTH

Thank you all so much for donating and helping us raise funds for our High School Mission Trip to Arecibo, Puerto Rico. We reached our Fundraiser goal!! Our High School Mission Trip will be June 11-17. Please stay tuned for updates on our experience. You can still donate at this time. 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 Sunday, May 7

End-of-Year Youth Party | Today | 12:30 – 2:30 PM

We'll have food, games, and lots of fun! Take a break from studying and hang out!

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 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

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

Lutheran Catechism for Young Adults | May 7, 14, 21 | 10 am | Room 211

Dig deep into Luther's Small Catechism, unpack the liturgy and worship with the Evangelical Lutheran Book of Worship, and discuss matters of our faith practice with Pastor Jenny on Sunday mornings in May. This discussion group is for any young adults (ages 18-39) who are new to the Lutheran faith or need a refresher since confirmation!

Pastor Jonathan Book Study

Tuesdays | 5 PM

Study of Killers of the Dream by Lillian Smith

Calendar for May 7 – May 13, 2023

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

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. Dr. 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