Sunday, August 20, 2023 - Order of worship at 1 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – August 20, 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.

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.

PRELUDE Fantasy on "Prospect"

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING

Aaron David Miller (born 1972)

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

Standing

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

Mark Helsel, 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.

God of all peoples, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you. Teach us as disciples of your Son to love the world with compassion and constancy, that your name may be known throughout the earth, through 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 56:1, 6-8 Gayle Morgan, lector

The prophet calls upon Israel to do justice in view of God’s imminent intervention to save. Righteousness and obedience define who belongs to the Israelite community—not race, nationality, or any other category.

Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed.

And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Thus says the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered.

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

PSALM 67

Congregation will sing refrain.

1May God be merciful to us and bless us; may the light of God’s face shine upon us.

2Let your way be known upon earth, your saving health among all nations.

3Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations on earth. R

5Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

6The earth has brought forth its increase; God, our own God, has blessed us.

7May God give us blessing, and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe. R

THE SECOND READING Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 God has not rejected Israel. Rather, the call and gifts of God are irrevocable so that, while all have been disobedient, God has mercy upon all.

[Paul writes:] I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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.

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.

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.

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

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. Seated

GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM My Faith Looks Up to Thee Robert

Buckley Farlee The Redeemer Choir

My faith looks up to Thee, | Thou Lamb of Calvary, | Savior divine! | Now hear me while I pray, | take all my guilt away; | O let me from this day | be wholly Thine.

May Thy rich grace impart | strength to my fainting heart, | my zeal inspire; | as Thou hast died for me, | O may my love to Thee | pure, warm, and changeless be, | a living fire.

While life’s dark maze I tread, | and griefs around me spread, | be Thou my guide; | bid darkness turn to day, | wipe sorrow’s tears away, | nor let me ever stray | from Thee aside.

When ends life's transient dream, | when death’s cold, sullen stream | shall o'er me roll, | blest Savior, then in love, | fear and distrust remove; | O bear me safe above, | a ransomed soul.

Ray Palmer

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

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.

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

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 878

Soli Deo Gloria

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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 on 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

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 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,

20, 2023

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