Sunday, Sept 3, 2023 - Order of worship at 9 am - Lutheran church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 3, 2023

The Order of Worship at 9:00 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.

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Standing

HYMN 680 We Plow the Fields and Scatter

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity,☩ one God, who greets us in this and every season, whose word never fails, whose promise is sure. | Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of our neighbors.

Kneeling or seated

Righteous God, we confess that we have sinned. We have failed to be honest. We have lacked the courage to speak. We have spoken falsely. In the name of Jesus, forgive us and grant us your mercy.

God is a cup of cold water when we thirst. God offers boundless grace when we fail. Claim the gift of God’s mercy: you are freed and forgiven in the name of ☩ Jesus Christ. | Amen.

Music © 1989 Abingdon Press, admin. Music Services, Brentwood, TN

Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. | And also with you.

O God, we thank you for your Son, who chose the path of suffering for the sake of the world. Humble us by his example, point us to the path of obedience, and give us strength to follow your commands, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. |

Amen

Standing

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 16:21-28

After Peter confesses that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (16:16), Jesus reveals the ultimate purpose of his ministry. These words prove hard to accept, even for a disciple whom Jesus has called a “rock.”

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

From that time on, [after Peter confessed that Jesus was the Messiah,] Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

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

Pastor Jenny McLellan

Kneeling or seated

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Each portion of the prayers concludes: Merciful God, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen

Remembering the caring and generous works of God, we pray for the church, creation, and the needs of our neighbors.

A brief silence.

God of life, your words are the joy at the heart of your church. Draw the seeker to you, place messages of hope and healing in the mouths of your witnesses, and open your children to your truth when we stumble. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of steadfast love, renew the earth by your Spirit, that lands and oceans reveal the beauty of your creation. Challenge us to live humbly and peaceably as part of your world. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of patience, lead those who govern to hold fast to what is good. Guide them to show honor to the people in their care. Overcome evil in all nations and grant peace to peoples and places mired in conflict (especially). Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of deliverance, remember all who are suffering, lonely, and in pain. Liberate your people being insulted, persecuted, or in the grasp of the ruthless. Give endurance to workers who persevere on this Labor Day and insure fair wages and safe working environments. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of justice, equip this congregation to boldly follow you in uncertain times and to remain faithful in prayer when facing challenges. Show us how best to love and care for one another and our communities. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of glory, we give thanks for the saints who now dwell with you in splendor (especially). Nurture us in faith until the day we join their heavenly song. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Remember us according to your steadfast love as we offer these and the prayers of our heart, trusting in your compassion made known through Jesus Christ. 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 power, God of plenty, all things belong to you. We bring your gifts to the table, that all might be fed. Form us into the body of your Beloved, Jesus Christ, our Savior. | 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

Honor and glory be to you, Lord God of all the ages; we give you thanks for the joy of your creation, and praise for your liberating love.

Searching and yearning God, you enter the wilderness and sweep the dark corners of our world because you hate nothing that you have made and long to draw us back to your heart. In Christ Jesus, you came into the world to save sinners, to welcome them, and to eat with them. You spread a table in our sight and invite us to join you in glory.

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.

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.

Now send down your Holy Spirit, that your people who have strayed like lost sheep may dwell in the paths of righteousness and that these gifts of bread and wine may be for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ;

Find those who are lost; reach any who have strayed; pursue all who seem determined to wander further and further from your fold.

Heal your earth; where the fruitful land is waste and void, where the mountains are quaking, and the birds of the air have fled, bring hope, transformation, and deliverance.

Redeem your creation in the power of your Spirit, and draw all thing through the free gift of your Son into the glory of your presence, now and forever. Amen.

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

Jesus invites you to this table. Come, eat and live.

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. | Blessed be your name, O God, for we have feasted on your Word, Christ Jesus, the joy and delight of our hearts. Strengthened by this food, send us to gather the world to your banquet, where none are left out and all are satisfied. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

BLESSING

The God of glory, ☩ Jesus Christ, name above all names, and the Spirit who lives in you, bless you now and forever. | Amen.

HYMN Bind Us Together

Chorus

Bind us together Lord

Bind us together with cords

That cannot be broken

Bind us together Lord

Bind us together Lord

Bind us together with love

Verse 1

There is only one God

There is only one King

There is only one body

That is why we can sing

You are the glorious new wine

Verse 2

Made for the glory of God

Purchased by His precious Son

Born with the right to be clean

For Jesus the vict’ry has won

Verse 3

You are the fam’ly of God

You are the promise divine

You are God's chosen desire

CCLI Song # 1228 Bob Gillman © 1977 Thankyou Music For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2888121

SENDING

Go in peace. God is at work in you | Thanks be to God.

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 8/27: In person: 245, Livestream 153

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Congregation Council Nominations

Nominations are open for Congregation Council for the 3-year term starting in 2024. Each voting member may submit up to five nominations via the instructions sent by email or paper mail on September 1, 2023. Before nominating someone, please confirm the member is willing to serve if elected. Nominations are due by 12:30 pm on Sunday, September 17, 2023. Please contact the Nominating Committee with any questions or concerns: Creston Herold (chair), Michael Adamson, Carol Bloomquist, and Wren Carlson.

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.

September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month:

Redeemer and All Saints are hosting a Remembrance Labyrinth Walk to honor and remember friends and family who have died by suicide on Monday, September 18th. Come together out of the isolation and shame suicide inflicts and walk the ancient path to release guilt and receive healing. The liturgy and walk begins at 5:30 pm at All Saints Episcopal Church (634 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308).

If you are in a crisis or know someone who is, call 988

For more information about the event, call (404) 881-0835. For more information about walking the labyrinth, visit https://www.redeemer.org/care/labryinth/

Register TODAY for The "Other" Talk: starting the conversation about aging with adults, families, and caregivers

Redeemer's Aging Symposium on Saturday September 30th from 9:30-2:30 will help you start the conversation with your family and friends. The panel discussion will provide resources and scenarios that will be answered by a panel of experts in various fields who work with elders (medical, legal, spiritual). Whether you are experiencing challenges of aging yourself, or navigating choices with aging parents, family or friends, this symposium is for you. Register here: https://form.jotform.com/232117854059054

YOUTH

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.

High School Parents and Beyond will be meeting at Redeemer on Sunday, September 10 from 10:00 am-10:45 am for their once-a-month gathering in Room 103. Come catch up with other parents! If you have any questions, please contact Carol McCloskey.

Confirmation is an important step in the spiritual journey of our youth. Parents and youth, grades 6-8 should plan to attend the first Confirmation meeting of the new school year happening on Sunday, September 10 from 9:45 AM-10:45 AM in Fireside Room. They'll talk with Pastor Mark and learn about expectations, meet Small Group Leaders, plus learn about Faith5 and have the chance to ask questions.

High School Faith Formation will be meeting starting on Sunday, September 10 from 9:45 AM-10:45 AM in the Youth Lounge. Come meet and catch up with all our High School Youth! We will also play some games, enjoy our Cafe Sunday, and start exploring our Faith Lens curriculum.

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

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. 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 A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn

Early Bird Bible Study led by David Ott

Wednesdays | 4 PM | Reception

Study of Exodus

Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark will resume September 13

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 September 3 – September 9, 2023

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

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Monday, September 4

Wednesday, September 6

Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday Night Dinner Pastor’s