CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28
Jesus teaches his disciples that true purity is a matter of the heart rather than outward religious observances. Almost immediately, this teaching is tested when a woman considered to be a religious outsider approaches him for help.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[[Jesus] called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”]
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON Pastor Ron Bonner
Standing HYMN 588 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
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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.
O God, your Spirit gathers the church. Breathe life into ecumenical and inter-religious endeavors, and support missionaries throughout the globe. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You created the earth and all its inhabitants and declared it good. Clean polluted skies, seas, and soil, provide nourishment to plants and animals, and make us aware of our impact on the environment. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
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You call leaders to bridge differences and practice generosity. Inspire all in authority to protect people in harm’s way and show mercy to those for whom they have responsibility. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You provide for those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Embrace people who have been rejected because of difference, heal trauma caused by racism or prejudice, shield any who are persecuted, console the dying, and heal the sick (especially). Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We give you thanks for those who now rest from their labors, especially Shirley Eifert and Bernard of Clairvaux, whom the church commemorates today. Motivate us by their lives of dedication to the gospel, until that day when we join with them in our eternal home. 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 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.
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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
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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 665 Rise, Shine You People
Text and music © 1974 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress
SENDING
Go in peace. Share the harvest. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Shirley Eifert by her loving family.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 8/13: In person: 246, Livestream 165
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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This Fall is ripe with opportunities at Redeemer to GROW FAITHFULLY and SERVE BOLDLY. Join us today in the Sims Atrium for Fall Kick - Off . Find out more about classes, retreats, and opportunities to serve..
Wednesdays at Redeemer starting August 23!
Dinner served at 5:00 PM
Children and Youth Music Ministries will resume on Wednesday, August 23. We are excited to see our returning students and welcome new people! See the calendar for locations and times.
Beginning August 23, Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark
Wednesdays | 6 PM
Martin Luther had an exceptional prayer life. It is not surprising that many of his students asked for advice on how to improve their own spiritual life. In two works, Little Prayer Book (1522) and A Simple Way to Pray (1535), Luther seeks to reform the theology and practice of prayer in clear and understandable language for all people by encouraging simple, direct prayer to God, who promises to hear the one who prays.
Worship – Let the Vineyard Be Fruitful, Lord | Wednesday, August 23 | 7 pm This fall we will explore ways in which God is growing diverse fruits of love, faithfulness, and many other varieties through the people of Redeemer. Join us in person or via Livestream.
COMMUNITY
Rejoicing Spirits is Back!
Join us in Rudisill Hall from 10:15-10:45 one Sunday each month to worship and rejoice together! Our fall worship dates are: September 17, October 22, November 12, and December 17. Rejoicing Spirits is a worship service for people of all abilities. It’s a space where those with a variety of abilities are affirmed as participants and leaders, and where everyone comes away with a better appreciation of each other’s gifts and contributions. RS is meant to add to your worship experience, and can be combined with other worship services you are attending today.
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, Thursday and some Sunday mornings at 8AM as well as sorting donated food that is delivered to us the 1st Thursday of the month. Driver’s license and ability to lift up to 40-lbs. Please contact Stephanie at: stephanie.hart1987@icloud.com to get on the volunteer list.
YOUTH
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Our Middle School and High School Youth are invited to come join us on Sunday, August 27 from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM as we celebrate the end of summer with some fun and bonding activities. Our High School Youth will be in the Youth Lounge and our Middle School Youth will be in Rudisill Hall. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Middle School Confirmation Retreat
Confirmation students (grades 6-8) are invited to attend our Fall Confirmation Retreat occurring Friday, September 22 to Sunday, September 24 at Lutheranch Retreat Center in Tallapoosa, GA. Our theme will be “Worship Retreat.”. We will do worship, team building activities, fellowship time, and more! Please contact Hillary (hnelson@redeemer.org) for any questions and to get signed up by Sunday, Sept. 10.
Youth Service Project, Saturday, September 16
Our Middle School and High School Youth are heading to FODAC (Friends of Disabled Adults & Children) on Saturday, September 16 from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM. We will head to get lunch after. Contact Hillary (hnelson@redeemer.org) to get signed up by Sunday, September 10.
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY
Sunday School Starts Next Sunday!!
We are very excited about starting our ‘normalest’ year of SS yet since the pandemic! . Sunday school will be in-person, in classrooms this year. We kick things off with Sing and Play on August 27, and our first day in classrooms will be September 10. You can register at this link, scan the code, or speak to Deacon Mary with any questions. Sunday School is for ages 2- 5th grade. Interested in volunteering with Sunday School? Speak to Deacon Mary about volunteer opportunities.
Backpack Blessing Tags
Last Sunday, we welcomed students of all ages along with teachers and other school staff to receive a blessing as they embark on another school year and take a special backpack tag to remind them their Redeemer family is praying for them throughout the year. If you missed it and would like a blessing tag for yourself or a student you know, please feel free to pick one up at the Welcome Desk in Sims Atrium.
SAVE THE DATE
Buy your tickets now!
Organ Concert
Friday, September 8, 7:30 pm.
Celebrated performer Richard Elliott, Principal Tabernacle Organist at Temple Square in Salt Lake City will perform at Redeemer on September 8. This concert will benefit the Raymond Martin Organ Fund at Redeemer for the preservation of our Létourneau pipe organ. Tickets are $30 ($35 at the door.) You can purchase advance tickets at this link or
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at the display in the Sims atrium on Sunday morning. The concert will not be livestreamed, so please attend in person, and enjoy a wonderful evening of music!
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Pastor Jonathan Book Study
Tuesdays | 5 PM
Study of Killers of the Dream by Lillian Smith
Calendar for August 20 – August 26, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Wednesday, August 23
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Cherubim Choir
Pastor’s Study
Seraphim Choir
Thursday, August 24 Keystone
Friday, August 25 - -
Saturday, August 26
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Event Time Location Worship Fall Kick-Off 9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir In-person/ Livestream Sims Atrium
Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall
Morning Bible Study Pr Jonathan Book Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom
Monday, August 21
Tuesday, August 22
Ringers
Choir Rehearsal 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom Sims Atrium Room 203 Rudisill Hall Room 204 Sanctuary Room
Hinely Music Hall
Evening Prayer Redeemer
Redeemer
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Bible Study
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 Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
Lectionary
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11 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 Seth Brown................................................................... Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218 Robin Durdin ............................................................ Office Administration Director, ext. 204 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 Kisha Johnson .................................................................. Interim Preschool Director, ext. 252 Larry Lowe........................................................................................................Security Officer Hillary Nelson ............................................................ Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security
