Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – July 30, 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.
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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.
Beloved and sovereign God, through the death and resurrection of your Son you bring us into your kingdom of justice and mercy. By your Spirit, give us your wisdom, that we may treasure the life that comes from Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Throughout Matthew’s gospel, Jesus and his disciples proclaim the good news that “the kingdom of heaven is near!” Here, Jesus offers several brief parables that explore the implications of this announcement for people’s lives.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will
come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON
Standing HYMN 793 Be Thou My Vision
Pastor Jonathan Trapp
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
Confident that God receives our joys and concerns, let us offer our prayers for the church, those in need, and all of creation.
A brief silence.
Almighty God, we pray for the church and all servants of the gospel. Equip ministers to proclaim that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Gracious God, we pray for the well-being of creation. Give relief to crops, oceans, and ecosystems suffering from extreme heat. Send advocates for sustainable practices. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Compassionate God, we pray for the nations. Instill in all who govern the ability to discern between good and evil, free those who are oppressed, and protect those facing danger. Promote peace across the world and in our towns and neighborhoods. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Merciful God, we pray for all in any need. Protect those fleeing from war, shelter any who are in poverty, clothe the naked, soothe all who grieve, and heal the sick (especially name/s). Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Holy God, we pray for this congregation, both those gathered today and those absent from our assembly. Grant safety to travelers and refreshment and safety for children attending summer camps or community programs. Give direction to any experiencing life transitions. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Eternal God, we give thanks for your saints who now rest from their labors. Inspire us by their witness to treasure the gospel, and continually nourish us with your grace. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, in the name of the one who reconciled all creation to himself, Jesus Christ our Savior. 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 TrioStanding 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
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 867
In Thee is Gladness
SENDING
Go in peace. Share the harvest. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 7/ 23: In person: 202, Livestream: 127 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Flower Donations
We appreciate Carol Maxwell for creating the lovely silk arrangement that can be found in the Sims Atrium on the hospitality table. Please sign up at the Welcome desk if you want to donate flowers. After the 11 am service, altar flowers ($250), Sims Atrium ($75), and Narthex ($25) arrangements can be taken or gifted to Lutheran Towers residents for their enjoyment.
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.
Thank you to everyone in the congregation who supported our youth on their mission trips! July 9 - 14 was the date of our Middle School Mission Trip to Bayou La Batre, AL and June 11 – 17 was the date of our High School Mission Trip to Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Our Middle School Youth will share their faith stories during worship services on Sunday, August 6, and our High School Youth will share their faith stories during worship services on Sunday, August 13. Please join us for a Thank You Reception following each service to celebrate Redeemer's generosity!
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!
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 | 5:00 – 8:00 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 – Sign-up to VOLUNTEER by scanning the QR code!!
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.
In addition to the concert at Redeemer, the Akademiska Kören is the guest chorus participating in the national convention of the American Union of Swedish Singers, August 2-5 in Atlanta. The convention is sponsored by Vasa Drängar, Atlanta's Swedish men's choir. The last event of the convention will be the Festival of Swedish Singing on August 5th that includes all of the Swedish choruses from across the United States and the Akademiska Kören.
Tickets to the Festival of Swedish Singing may be purchased through Eventbrite using the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-unforgettable-evening-of-scandinavian-song-andmusic-tickets-541237153897
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 – Will not meet August 2
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. August 6 “ ‘Til Kingdom Come”
Calendar for July 30 – July 29, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Friday, August 4
Saturday, August 5