Sunday, July 30, 2023 - Order of Worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – July 30, 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.

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PRELUDE Pastorale from Sonata I, Op. 42 Alexandre Guilmant (1837-1911)

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 434

Jesus Shall Reign

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

Sheila Brock, 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.

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

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 I Kings 3:5-12

Carol Bloomquist, lector

Because Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or the defeat of his enemies, God gave him what he asked for: wisdom to govern the people well.

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.”

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

PSALM 119:129-136

129Your de- | crees are wonderful; therefore I obey them with | all my heart.

130When your word is opened | it gives light; it gives understanding | to the simple.

131I open my | mouth and pant because I long for | your commandments.

132Turn to me and be gra- | cious to me, as you always do to those who | love your name. R

133Order my footsteps | in your word; let no iniquity have dominion | over me.

134Rescue me from those | who oppress me, and I will keep | your commandments.

135Let your face shine up- | on your servant and teach | me your statutes.

136My eyes shed | streams of tears, because people do not | keep your teaching. R

THE SECOND READING Romans 8:26-39

These words celebrate the depth of God’s actions for us. Through Christ’s death for us and the activity of the Spirit praying for us, we are fused to God’s love poured out in Jesus Christ. Nothing, not even death itself, is able to separate us from such incredible divine love.

The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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 775 Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Pastor Jonathan Trapp

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: 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

MEAL

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

Seated

GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM Followers of the Lamb Shaker text and tune (1847) The Redeemer Choir Arranged by Philip R. Dietterich

O brethren ain’t you happy, ye followers of the Lamb…

O sisters ain’t you happy, ye followers of the Lamb… Sing on, dance on, followers of Emmanuel…

O I’m glad I am a Christian, ye followers of the Lamb…

O I mean to be obedient, ye followers of the Lamb…

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 867

In Thee is Gladness

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-and-music-tickets541237153897

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 | Rudisill Hall/ 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 – August 5, 2023

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

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Tuesday, August 1

Wednesday, August 2

Jenny

Thursday, August 3 Keystone Bible Study

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

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