Sunday, August 6, 2023 - Order of Worship at 9 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – August 6, 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 Meditation Cecile Chaminade

Alan Boda, violin arr. Charles Callahan

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING

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

Standing

HYMN 689

Praise and Thanksgiving

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

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.

Glorious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover creation with abundance. Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with

this food fill all the starving world; 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 Isaiah 55: 1-5 Colin Walker, lector

God invites Israel to a great feast at which both food and drink are free. God also promises to make an everlasting covenant with all peoples, with promises that previously had been limited to Israel. As David was a witness to the nations, these nations shall now acknowledge the ways in which God has glorified Israel.

Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.

Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.

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

THE SECOND READING Romans 9:1-5

This begins a new section in Paul’s letter in which he will deal with the place of Israel in God’s saving plan. He opens by highlighting how Israel’s heritage and legacy include being God’s children, having God’s covenants, being given God’s law, participating in worship of God, and receiving divine promises.

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 14: 13-21

After John the Baptist is murdered, Jesus desires a time of solitude. Still, his compassion for others will not allow him to dismiss those who need him, and he is moved to perform one of his greatest miracles.

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

Now when Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist], he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

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

Seated

SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson

Standing HYMN Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken

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.

You gather your church together by the Holy Spirit. Inspire all the baptized to proclaim your abundant love throughout the world. Guide us in the mission of the gospel through word and deed.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

You cherish your creation, from the smallest microbe to the largest mountain. Protect fragile ecosystems, send favorable weather, supply food and water to nourish creatures, and raise us up to care for all you have created.

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

You desire peace and justice in the world. Instill within all political leaders your desire, support the work of international peace organizations, and provide relief for those in war-torn areas especially:

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

You comfort those who are hurting. Accompany those who are alone, heal those who are sick, provide for all who hunger or thirst, console the bereaved, bring joy to the sorrowful, and attend to all who call on you especially:

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

You place us within communities for mutual support and love. Reveal yourself to us in worship, fellowship, and ministry with our neighbors. Provide for feeding ministries and food banks in our area, that we share your abundance with all who hunger.

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

You have placed before us examples of faithful living who have witnessed to your promises throughout time and space. Rouse us by their lives of service and dedication to be your hands and feet in this world.

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

MISSION MOMENT

Our Middle School Youth went to Bayou La Batre, AL for their Mission Trip on July 9-14 with YouthWorks and learned about the theme of “You Are Here”. We participated in multiple service projects (serving at the Feeding the Gulf Coast Food Bank, a variety of yard work and painting work projects, helping out at the local library, and helping out at a local convalescence and activities in the Bayou La Batre community.

Mission School Mission Trip Attendees:

Merritt Carlson

Charli Fletcher

Matthew Isaacson

Britta Kraby

Grant Merkel

GATHERING OF GIFTS

Lars Peterson

Micah Thomas

Derek Peterson (Adult Leader)

Hillary Nelson (Adult Leader)

ANTHEM Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ Arr. by Bradley Ellingboe

The

Redeemer Choir

Let us talents and tongues employ, | reaching out with a shout of joy: | bread is broken, the wine is poured, | Christ is spoken and seen and heard. Jesus lives again, earth can breathe again, pass the word around: loaves abound!

Christ is able to make us one, | at the table he sets the tone, | teaching people to live to bless, | love in word and in deed express.

Jesus calls us in, sends us out | bearing fruit in a world of doubt, | gives us love to tell, bread to share; | God (Immanuel) ev’rywhere!

Fred Kaan

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

HYMN Come to the Water of Life

HYMN 515

Break Now the Bread of Life

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 Lord Bless You and Keep You John Rutter

The Redeemer Choir

The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you: the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Numbers 6:24-26

HYMN 542

O Living Bread from Heaven

Whether you

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 today, 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.

YOUTH

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!

Our High School Parents and Beyond will meet on Sunday, August 6 from 10:00-10:45 AM in Room 103. A great opportunity to get together and catch up with parents after summertime! If you have any questions, please contact Carol McCloskey.

SAVE THE DATE

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!!

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.

August 6 “ ‘Til Kingdom Come” Investigating the political alliance between American evangelicals and Israel’s right-wing and their influence on US foreign policy.

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

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