Seventh Sunday of Easter – May 21, 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.
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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 383 Christ is Risen! Shout Hosanna!
Kneeling or seated LITANY OF NAMING
On this Mental Health Sunday, we join in this Litany of Naming.
As a congregation we are glad to lift up our voices and our spirits to break the silence that often happens when we are confronted with mental illness.
As a faith community, we name the gifts and the often unnamed experiences which come to those who live with a mental illness such as major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, substance use, addiction, historic and generational trauma, racial trauma, grief and eating disorder. We name:
The Hope which upholds our spirit through honest sharing;
The Pain when people turn away because of fear;
The Courage to speak in a safe place the way that Jesus spoke truth with love;
The Strength from being with others who listen compassionately;
The Isolation that comes when no one knows what to say;
The Realization that mental illnesses and brain disorders can be managed;
The Exhaustion that comes with living with a mental illness as well as for those who are caregivers;
The Welcome of mental health as part of our church’s ministry and outreach;
The Wisdom that comes when we become educated about mental health;
The Spirituality that comes when we walk alongside those who show both resilience and vulnerability in their lives affected by mental illness;
We receive these gifts that we have named, those which are welcomed and those that are challenges. We come before you, our God, knowing we are not alone and that You will show us a way to be and live. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen. (Rev. Alan Johnson)
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
Sheila Brock, 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.
O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, 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 1:6-14
Mary Brown, lector
Today’s reading is part of the introduction to the narrative of the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost. These verses tell of the risen Lord’s conversation with his disciples on the eve of his ascension, in which he promises that they will receive the power of the Holy Spirit.
6When [the apostles] had come together, they asked [Jesus], “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, “Men of
Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
Our faith in Christ does not make us immune from the scorn of others. Nevertheless, we are to resist the designs of evil when we experience disparagement from others because we trust God’s grace will strengthen and guide us.
12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL John 17:1-11
On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prays to his heavenly Father, asking that those who continue his work in this world will live in unity.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
After Jesus had spoken these words [to his disciples], he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.
“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing
HYMN 579 Lord, You Give the Great Commission
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Standing
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
Each portion of the prayers concludes: Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
Standing PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for you.
THANKSGIVING
Seated
MISSION MOMENT Peg Wyse
GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song Peter Cutts
The Redeemer Choir Arranged by John Ferguson
Like the murmur of the dove's song, | like the challenge of her flight, | like the vigor of the wind's rush, | like the new flame's eager might: | Come, Holy Spirit, come.
To the members of Christ's Body, | to the branches of the Vine, | to the Church in faith assembled, | to her midst as gift and sign: | Come, Holy Spirit, come.
With the healing of division, | with the ceaseless voice of prayer, | with the power of love and witness, | with the peace beyond compare: | Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Carl P. Daw, Jr.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!
Text: Paul Z. Strodach, 1876-1947, alt. Text © 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, admin. Augsburg Fortress
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.
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 482 I Come with Joy
Text © 1971, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission onelicense.net #A725004
HYMN 463 Lord, Who the Night You Were Betrayed
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
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 392 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
SENDING
Go in peace. Serve the Risen One. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for May 14: In person: 254, Livestream: 145
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Day of Pentecost
Organ Modernization Campaign
Our wonderful pipe Organ needs updating and modernizing. We are actively working with the organ manufacturer, Létourneau, on this process. The Organ Restoration Team, formed by the Church Council, has been meeting for over a month planning the Kickoff and several fundraising events. The KICKOFF is scheduled for TODAY! The Team is holding two Listening Events following the 9:00AM and 11:00AM Services as listed below:
Listening Post # 1 – 10:15AM – 11:00AM – Reception Room/Zoom
Listening Post # 2 – 12:15PM – 1:00PM – Rudisill Hall/Zoom
The Listening Events will include information regarding the organ modernization and information on upcoming events.
Rejoicing Spirits
COMMUNITY
Will not meet this month. This will allow everyone to focus fully on the Confirmation and HS celebrations, and the organ restoration kickoff. We look forward to rejoicing with you again soon!
MAC Food Drive
First a big thank you to all who supported the MAC 5K last Saturday. Redeemer tied with All Saints for most participants with 16 people who signed up for the race. The MAC Food Drive for Redeemer is well underway. May is when the need really increases since families with school getting out. Children are not receiving free meals at school and that can put increased burdens on already tight budgets. There are two bins on opposite sides of the Sims Atrium where food can be dropped off and then taken to MAC. There will be flyers in the Sims Atrium beside the bins. Redeemer has always been very generous in their giving to our neighbors in need and the need is even greater due to the increasing cost of living. If you have any questions about the food drive. Please feel free to contact Richard Mauney at 404-775-3359 or richardemauney@gmail.com. Any support you can provide to MAC would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Calling All Letter writers!
Do you like sending mail? We are gathering a team to send cards and letters to Redeemer kids while they attend Lutheran camps this summer. Please contact Deacon Mary to sign up. We will give you the details you need to write messages of support and encouragement. You will turn in mail to Deacon Mary and she will make sure it gets to the right camper at the right time. Help us fulfill the promises we made as a congregation to these kids in baptism that we would surround them with the love and support of their faith 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
Middle School Parents Gathering will meet today.
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.
Mail at Camp
Has your camper signed up for a Novus Way camp this summer? We’d love to send them some mail! Please give us the details using this brief form, and we’ll make sure they feel the love and support of their faith community while they experience all camp has to offer.
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 | Room 119
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
Pastor Jonathan Book Study
Tuesdays | 5 PM
Study of Killers of the Dream by Lillian Smith
Calendar for May 21 – May 27, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, May 21, 2023
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