Sunday, June 18, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Third Sunday after Pentecost – June 18, 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 Andante with variations Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING

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

Standing

HYMN 858

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

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

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

Mark Helsel, 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.

God of compassion, you have opened the way for us and brought us to yourself. Pour your love into our hearts, that, overflowing with joy, we may freely share the blessings of your realm and faithfully proclaim the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | 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 Exodus 19:2-8a

Charissa Schultz, lector

At Sinai God assured Israel, “You shall be my treasured possession,” and commissioned them to serve as mediating priests for the nations. The people commit themselves completely to God’s will.

2[The Israelites] had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain.3Then Moses went up to God; the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: 4You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, 6but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.”

7So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. 8aThe people all answered as one: “Everything that the LORD has spoken we will do.”

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

THE SECOND READING Romans 5:1-8

We are no longer God’s enemies but have peace with God because we were brought into a right relationship with God through Christ’s death.

1Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

6For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. 8But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 9:35—10:8 [9-23]

The mission of Jesus’ followers is to continue the mission of Jesus himself. Here, he instructs his first disciples as to how they might proclaim the gospel through their words and deeds.

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

35Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

10:1Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.

5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. [9Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. 11Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. 12As you enter the house, greet it. 13If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

16“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; 18and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at

that time; 20for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”]

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

Seated

SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson

Standing

HYMN 575 In Christ Called to Baptize

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: God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer. 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

GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM The Lord Now Sends Us Forth Central American hymn

The Redeemer Choir Arranged by Wayne L. Wold

Sung in English and Spanish

The Lord now sends us forth Enviado soy de Dios, with hands to serve and give, mi mano lista está to make of all the earth para construir con él a better place to live. un mundo fraternal.

The angels are not sent Los ángeles no son into our world of pain enviados a cambiar

to do what we were meant un mundo de dolor to do in Jesus' name; por un mundo mejor; that falls to you and me me ha tocado a mí and all who are made free. hacerlo realidad. Help us, O Lord, we pray, Ayúdame, Señor, to do your will today. a hacer tu voluntad. Repitalo

English Translation by Gerhard M. Cartford

English text © 1998 Augsburg Fortress. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

OFFERING PRAYER

God of field and forest, sea and sky, you are the giver of all good things. Sustain us with these gifts of your creation, and multiply your graciousness in us, that the world may be fed with your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.

GREAT THANKSGIVING

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, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory.

In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus 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.

Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory.

Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, 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

All people are called to Christ’s table. Come, eat what is good.

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

Standing

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

Let us pray. | We thank you, generous God, for the refreshment we have received at your banquet table. Send us now to spread your generosity into all the world, through the one who is our dearest treasure, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

SENDING

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

BLESSING

The God who calls across the cosmos and speaks in the smallest seed ☩ bless, keep, and sustain you now and to the end of the age. | Amen.

HYMN 668

O Zion, Haste

SENDING

Go in peace. Share the harvest. | Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Fantay on “Lobe den Herren” Aaron David Miller (born 1972) From

The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of our 64th wedding anniversary by Anne and Pete Burr.

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 5/11: In person: 173, Livestream: 133

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Redeemer Week at Camp

Today, several of our children and youth are setting out for Camp Lutheridge in North Carolina for a week of fun, friends, and growing in faith (plus a few at Lutheranch). They are attending everything from First Camp (1st and 2nd grades) to Confirmation Camp and High School adventures in climbing, hiking, biking and more. Pastor Mark, Deacon Mary, and Carrie Herold are going along to teach Bible Study. Please pray for all of us to have a safe and meaningful week! Watch the Redeemer Facebook page and group for updates throughout the week.

COMMUNITY

Wellness Summer Series

Wednesdays through August 16 | 12 – 12:30 PM | Sims Atrium

Throughout the Summer Redeemer will offer a mid-week lunch break so our community can reconnect body-mind-spirit through Gentle Yoga.

Adults $10 (over 12), $5 adults over 65, kids under 12 free Hosted by Community Engagement and Wellness Ministries

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

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.

St. Luke Lutheran Church, in partnership with The Atlanta Pride Committee, Honors Stonewall Riots and Celebrates Pride with Drag Queen Worship Service

During this special service, attendees will have the opportunity to witness stunning offerings by some of Atlanta's most gifted drag queen performers, serving as a testament to our church's commitment to standing with the oppressed community and those on the margins. We hope that this celebration of diversity and inclusion will inspire all who attend to embrace the message of love, justice, and equality that lies at the heart of the gospel of Jesus.

Event Details: Drag Me to Church - A Commemoration of the Stonewall Riots

Date: June 25, 2023 | Time: Six o’clock pm

Location: 3264 Northside Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

For more information about this worship service, St. Luke Lutheran, or media request, please contact Pride@stlukelutheran.org.

Hunger Walk 2023 Virtual Celebration

We invite you to join Inspiritus on Thursday, June 22 at 7:30pm for our annual Hunger Walk Virtual Celebration, as we share this year's highlights and celebrate the people who made this incredible work possible! Together, our church and community teams, and individual supporters raised $73,813.91 for Inspiritus and the Atlanta Community Food Bank for Hunger Walk 2023...now that's something to celebrate! RSVP Today!

YOUTH

Come hang in the Youth Lounge all summer! The Youth Lounge will be open all summer for Middle School Youth and High School Youth to hang out in from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM from May 28 to July 30.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

“Refugee Welcome Team Overview / Orientation Training Session | June 25 | Rudisill Hall | 12:30 to 2:00 pm

If you are interested in serving on the Core Team or Support Team OR interested in learning more before deciding to serve, join Pastor Jeff and Patti Linman and Jenny Garcia from Inspiritus. Core Team members provide regular direct support services and have one-on-one interaction with the family. Support Team members provide group or ad-hoc family support activities. Everyone is required to attend a training session before serving. Since Pastor Jeff and Patti are members of Epiphany in Suwanee and were asked by Inspiritus to help coordinate this ministry, this will also be an opportunity for everyone to meet them and for them to meet us. Box lunches will be provided so please RSVP by Friday, June 23 if you plan to attend to Eli Flournoy [eliflournoy69@gmail.com] and Pastor Jeff Linman [jlinman320@gmail.com].

SAVE THE DATE

70’S Music Fest | August 10 | 4:30 – 7:30 PM | Redeemer Green

Families, business people & neighbors are welcome to join us at our block party-style music fest. Grab dinner from one of the onsite food/beer trucks, relax on the grass, or take a chair provided or dance on our 4th street! Balloons, bubbles, and a photo board.

Music by the versatile SPAGHETTI JUNCTION

Rain date August 17

Pastor Jonathan Book Study

Tuesdays | 5 PM

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Study of Killers of the Dream by Lillian Smith

Pastor Jenny Book Study

Wednesdays | 7:30-8:30 pm

Study of: Sacred Pathways: Discover Your Soul's Path to God

We are unified in Christ, yet we are diverse in our devotional disposition. If you have ever been frustrated that you can't pray like Peter or preach like Paul, or sit still in contemplation, perhaps you haven't found the devotional expression that speaks to your soul, or not yet. Join Pastor Jenny on zoom on Wednesday nights this summer to explore nine different sacred pathways to approach God. Zoom Link

Keystone Ministry Bible Study

Thursdays through August 17 | 3 – 4:00 PM | Reception Room/ Zoom

Dig deep into the Gospel of Matthew, chapter by chapter, as we explore theological and contextual themes. Join Bill Pegram and Pastor Jenny McLellan through this summer to study the Gospel of Matthew. Sweet treats and coffee will be provided. Bibles will be available, or you can bring your own preferred Bible.

Bethlehem Film Series

Please join us to watch three films that address the ongoing struggle for human rights in the Middle East. Each showing will take place at 10 AM in Rudisill Hall. As each film is an hour long, you may wish to attend the 9 AM service on these weeks.

First film - June 25 “Seeing Through The Wall” This film follows a group of Jewish Americans who traveled to Israel and Palestine with their Rabbi, seeking to understand what life is like for Palestinians living in the Occupied Territories and in East Jerusalem.

July 16 “The Wanted 18”

August 6 “ ‘Til Kingdom Come”

Calendar for June 18 – June 24, 2023

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

Thursday, June 22

Saturday, June 24 -

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