Eighth Sunday after Pentecost – July 23, 2023
The Order of Worship at 9:00 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.
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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS Standing HYMN 679 For the Fruit of All Creation
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
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.
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Text © 1970 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.www.onelicense.net
Standing
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Faithful God, most merciful judge, you care for your children with firmness and compassion. By your Spirit nurture us who live in your kingdom, that we may be rooted in the way of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Jesus tells a parable about the coexistence of good and evil in this world. God’s judgment will remove all evildoers and causes of sin, but not until the end of human history.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”
Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Pastor Mark H. Larson
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SERMON
Seated
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.
Seated
GATHERING OF GIFTS
MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio
4 Standing HYMN 693 Come, Ye Thankful People
Come
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.
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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 invited to receive Holy Communion. 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.
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 631 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
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SENDING
Go in peace. Share the harvest. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
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LAST
WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for July 16: In person: 224, Livestream: 130
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Join us on SUNDAY, AUGUST 6th at 12:30PM in Rudisill Hall OR ZOOM for a Master Planning presentation. Whether you are part of a Subject Area Group (SAG) or not, your input is important to us. All of us together, have given Redeemer the vision, focus and commitment to thrive and grow. We need the voices of everyone in our congregation to shape the next 100 years. We are excited to share what we have been working on during this process as we endeavor to be great stewards of our resources! Light refreshments will be served. Click HERE to view the most recent Master Planning Update.
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
Please join the Diversity and Justice Ministry of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. On August 12th we are going to the Birmingham National Civil Rights Museum. The museum is located across the street from the 16th Avenue Baptist Church, which was the site where 4 young girls were killed in a malicious attack and the Kelly Ingram Park.
The cost is $85.00 that includes bus transportation to and from Birmingham, admission to the museum, a light lunch, and refreshments. If you are able to attend, please contact Pastor Bonner at rbonner@redeemer.org or 4047189711 for more information.
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.
Youth Activity: TreeTop Quest (Save the Date)! Our Middle School Youth and High School Youth will head to TreeTop Quest in Dunwoody, GA on Saturday, August 19. Cost: $40 per person. If your youth can attend, please let Hillary know by Saturday, August 12. We can figure out carpooling too. A great opportunity for our youth as we zip into a new school year!
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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 in 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
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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. August 6 “ ‘Til Kingdom Come”
Keystone Senior Spiritual Retreat THIS Saturday
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.
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Calendar for July 23 – July 29, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/
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Event Time Location Worship 9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir In-person/ Livestream
July 24 - -Tuesday, July 25 Morning Bible Study Pr Jonathan Book Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Wednesday, July 26 Pastor Jenny Book Study 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM Zoom Thursday, July 27 Keystone Bible Study Lectionary Study Liberation Thoughts Tolkien Group 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Reception Room Zoom Zoom Zoom Friday, July 28 - -Saturday, July 29 Keystone Faith Formation Retreat 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Various Rooms
for Zoom Links Sunday, July 23, 2023
Monday,
12 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
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
STAFF
