Sunday, July 9, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost – July 9, 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 Fantasy on “Slane” for flute and organ

Libby Larsen Mindy Tanzola, flute (born 1950)

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING

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

HYMN 557

Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun

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.

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

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.

You are great, O God, and greatly to be praised. You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Grant that we may believe in you, call upon you, know you, and serve you, through 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 Zechariah 9:9-12

Erica Fletcher, lector

The coming messianic king will inaugurate an era of disarmament and prosperity. Because of God’s covenant with Israel, the people are designated as “prisoners of hope.”

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war-horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.

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

PSALM 145:8-14

8The LORD is gracious and full | of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in | steadfast love.

9LORD, you are | good to all, and your compassion is over | all your works. R

10All your works shall praise | you, O LORD, and your faithful | ones shall bless you.

11They shall tell of the glory | of your kingdom and speak | of your power,

12that all people may know | of your power and the glorious splendor | of your kingdom.

13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your dominion endures through- | out all ages. You, LORD, are faithful in all your words, and loving in | all your works.

14The Lord upholds all | those who fall and lifts up those who | are bowed down. R

THE SECOND READING Romans 7:15-25a

Life captive to sin is a catch-22 existence in which we know good but do not do it and do things we know to be wrong. Through Jesus Christ, God has set us free from such a futile existence.

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? aThanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Jesus chides people who find fault with both his ministry and that of John the Baptist. He thanks God that wisdom and intelligence are not needed to receive what God has to offer.

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

[Jesus spoke to the crowd saying:] “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

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

Seated

Pastor Jenny McLellan

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.

Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS

THANKSGIVING

ANTHEM Come to Me

Pam Amy-Cupp, soloist

The Redeemer Choir

Dan Forrest

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

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, 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

HYMN 765 Lord of All Hopefulness

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 802 Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus

HOLY BAPTISM following the service.

We celebrate today with Charlotte Maier Annis and Scott Annis as they bring their daughter, Zinnia Claire Annis for the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Her sponsors are Robin Maier Jonas and Cheryl Maier Jackson. We pray that God will bless this family and strengthen them in a life of faith.

For those joining on Livestream click here for the bulletin, for those in person turn to Page 227 in the ELW hymnal.

The Altar flowers are given today to the glory of God and in loving memory of Emily Anne Payne by her parents, Serena and Robert, and her daughter, Grace.

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for July 2: In person: 157, Livestream: 145 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Seven Middle School Youth and two Adult Leaders are on their Mission Trip in Bayou La Batre, AL. Please keep them in your prayers as they serve and work with the Bayou La Batre community: Lars, Matthew, Charli, Britta, Merritt, Grant, Micah, Mr. Derek, and Ms. Hillary. We look forward to sharing our experiences and stories with you all!

Master Planning Update: Please visit our website's Master Planning page under the "Latest" tab OR Click here to view the current update in our Master Planning process. We look forward to additional congregational input at a Combined Subject Area Group presentation on Sunday, August 6th!"

COMMUNITY

Today the Wellness ministry will have a table in the Sims atrium for people to take an online survey to discern if they need further psychological care. Screening for depression, Anxiety and other mental illnesses.

Wellness Summer Series – Will resume on July 12

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 Tai Chi.

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

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

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.

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

Choral Concert: Thursday, August 3 at 7:30 pm – Akademiska Kören (The Stockholm Academic Choir)

The Redeemer Concert series 2023-24 season begins early with this special choral concert. The ensemble, formed in 1931, performs regularly at the Royal Academy of Music and the Concert Hall of Stockholm and have toured Europe, North America, and Mexico. The choir has recorded for radio, film, and television. The AK has had several prominent conductors over the years, and is currently led by Håkan Sund. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear them in Atlanta! Donations to “Friends of Music” will be accepted at the door. A reception will follow the concert.

Organ Concert Friday, September 8, 7:30 pm. SAVE THE DATE!

Celebrated performer Richard Elliott, Principal Tabernacle Organist at Temple Square, is a former assistant organist at the famous Wanamaker organ in Philadelphia. He performs around the country and has recorded on numerous labels. This rare Atlanta concert will benefit the Raymond Martin Organ Fund at Redeemer for the preservation of the church’s 59-stop Létourneau pipe organ. Tickets are $30 ($35 at the door) and are on sale now via the QR code or at this Link.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Pastor Jonathan Book Study

Tuesdays | 5 PM

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.

July 16 “The Wanted 18” A poignant film about Nation-Building by the people, not the politicians. “The incredible, thrilling real-life adventure of 18 bovine fugitives that led hundreds of Israeli troops on a wild-goose chase.”-Martin Tsai, Los Angeles Times

August 6 “ ‘Til Kingdom Come”

Calendar for July 9 – July 16, 2023

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

Sunday, July 9, 2023

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Trapp .......................................... Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233

The Rev. Jenny McLellan ......................................... Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224

STAFF

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