Sun, August 27, 2023 - Order of Worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – August 27, 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

Cello Suite no. 1, Op. 72

Benjamin Britten

Canto primo: Sostenuto e largamente (1913-1976)

Fuga: Andante moderato

Jonathan Fuller, cello

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 645

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

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.

O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, 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 51:1-6

David Ott, lector

Just as God had called Abraham and Sarah and given them many descendants, so now God offers comfort to Zion. God’s deliverance will come soon and will never end.

Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many. For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.

Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation; for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice for a light to the peoples. I will bring near my deliverance swiftly, my salvation has gone out and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope.

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my salvation will be forever, and my deliverance will never be ended.

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

PSALM 138

Congregation will sing refrain.

1I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing your praise.

2I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your name, because of your steadfast love and faithfulness; for you have glorified your name and your word above all things.

3When I called, you answered me; you increased my strength within me.

4All the rulers of the earth will praise you, O LORD, when they have heard the words of your mouth. R

5They will sing of the ways of the LORD, that great is the glory of the LORD.

6The LORD is high, yet cares for the lowly, perceiving the haughty from afar.

7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me.

8You will make good your purpose for me;

O LORD, your steadfast love endures forever; do not abandon the works of your hands. R

THE SECOND READING Romans 12:1-8

In response to God’s merciful activity, we are to worship by living holistic, God-pleasing lives. Our values and viewpoints are not molded by the time in which we live but are transformed by the Spirit’s renewing work. God’s grace empowers different forms of service among Christians, but all forms of ministry function to build up the body of Christ.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching;

the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

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

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 16:13-20

At a climactic point in Jesus’ ministry, God reveals to Peter that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus responds with the promise of a church that will overcome the very gates of Hades.

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

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

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

Seated

SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson

Standing HYMN 652 Built on a Rock

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.

God of Sarah and Abraham, inspire your church to pursue righteousness in its ministry. Equip us to share your compassion that unites us as one family of faith. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Remind us that from the beginning of creation, you knit together a world meant for harmony. Protect and restore the wasted places to joy and gladness. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Stir the leaders of nations and towns, militaries and courts, to respond to your teachings. Let your call for justice reach all people and bring deliverance where there is oppression. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Show your steadfast love and faithfulness to those in despair. Increase their strength, care for all who feel low, keep safe any in the midst of trouble, and protect vulnerable people from harm. We pray especially for… Marie, Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Encourage those who offer their gifts and talents in service to your church. Energize this congregation’s rostered and lay leaders, musicians, teachers, greeters, and administrators so they may be transformed in sharing your grace. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

God of all the saints, death is overcome in Christ’s resurrection. We rejoice with the faithful departed, especially Paul, Teddy. Sustain us in hope until we come at last to our heavenly 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 Tu est Petrus

Robert Pearsall Redeemer Choir

Sung in Latin

You are Peter, and upon this Rock I will build my Church.

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

HYMN

Here on Jesus Christ I Will Stand

HYMN 820 O Savior, Precious Savior

Text © 2007 East African Annual Conference, admin. General Board of Global Ministries, GBGMusik English adapt. and arr. © 2007 Greg Scheer, admin. General Board of Global Ministries, GBGMusik

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 654

The Church’s One Foundation

SENDING

Go in peace. Share the harvest. | Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Tu es petra Henri Mulet (1878-1967)

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and celebration of our 44th wedding anniversary by Penny and John Scarpucci.

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 8/20: In person: 234, Livestream 142

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Our Middle School and High School Youth are invited to come join us TODAY 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

CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY

Sunday School Starts TODAY!!

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

On the 13th, 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

Early Bird Bible Study led by David Ott

Wednesdays | 4 PM | Reception

Study of Exodus

Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark

Wednesdays | 6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom

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.

Keystone Ministry Bible Study

Thursdays | 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.

Calendar for August 27 – September 2, 2023

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

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Wednesday, August 30

Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday Night Dinner Cherubim Choir Pastor’s Study

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

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