Standing
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost – July 16, 2023
The Order of Worship at 9:00 am
Blessed be the holy Trinity,☩ one God, who greets us in this and every season, whose word never fails, whose promise is sure. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of our neighbors.
Kneeling or seated
Righteous God, we confess that we have sinned. We have failed to be honest. We have lacked the courage to speak. We have spoken falsely. In the name of Jesus, forgive us and grant us your mercy.
God is a cup of cold water when we thirst. God offers boundless grace when we fail. Claim the gift of God’s mercy: you are freed and forgiven in the name of ☩ Jesus Christ. | Amen.
Standing
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your word. By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy, live according to it, and grow in faith and hope and love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen
Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
In Matthew’s gospel, both Jesus and his disciples “sow the seed” of God’s word by proclaiming the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near.” Now, in a memorable parable, Jesus explains why this good news produces different results in those who hear.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!”
“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Standing
HYMN 550
On What Has Now Been Sown
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.
Seated
GATHERING OF GIFTS
MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio
Standing
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.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
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
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.
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 547
Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
SENDING
Go in peace. Share the harvest. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz TrioLAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for July 9: In person: 217, Livestream: 162 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
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
Lutheran Community Food Ministry (LCFM) needs you! We’re in search of volunteers to pick up and help with the sorting of food from our partner agencies Tuesday and Thursday (occasionally Sunday) mornings at 8AM as well as sorting donated food that is delivered to us the 1st Thursday of the month. More details to come! Please contact Stephanie at: stephanie.hart1987@icloud.com to get on the volunteer list.
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.
SAVE THE DATE
Stephen Ministry hosts Guest Speaker from Inspiritus—August 5, 9 am on Zoom
Michelle Angalet, Inspiritus' COO and ELCA deacon will join Stephen Ministers for this open continuing education opportunity to share how compassionate Christian care can extend beyond Redeemer through Inspiritus.
Groovin’ Down @ Midtown | August 10 | 4:00 – 7:00 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
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.
Today - 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”
Register for Senior Spiritual Retreat: Becoming Community in Christ: How has God led you to become who you are? July 29, 9:30 am-3:00 pm at Redeemer. Led by spiritual director, Rev. Craig Storlie and Pastor Jenny McLellan. Cost is $25 and lunch will be provided. Register here by July 16th to secure your spot or sign up in the Sims Atrium.
Calendar for July 16 – July 22, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Saturday, July 22 - -