Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 10, 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 Psalm Prelude
Craig Phillips (born 1961)
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 522
As We Gather at Your Table
Text © 1989 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #A725004
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 Lord God, enliven and preserve your church with your perpetual mercy. Without your help, we mortals will fail; remove far from us everything that is harmful, and lead us toward all that gives life and salvation, 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 Ezekiel 33:7-11
Dorothy Beasley, lector
God appointed Ezekiel as a sentinel for the house of Israel. Ezekiel must faithfully convey God’s warnings to the people. Remarkably, God—who is about to attack Jerusalem—gives a warning with the hope that repentance will make the attack unnecessary.
So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
Now you, mortal, say to the house of Israel, Thus you have said: “Our transgressions and our sins weigh upon us, and we waste away because of them; how then can we live?” Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
PSALM 119:33-40
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep your teaching; I shall keep it with all my heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for that is my desire.
Incline my heart to your decrees and not to unjust gain. R
Turn my eyes from beholding falsehood; give me life in your way.
Fulfill your promise to your servant, which is for those who fear you.
Turn away the reproach that I dread, because your judgments are good.
Behold, I long for your commandments; by your righteousness enliven me. R
THE SECOND READING Romans 13:8-14
The obligation of Christians is to love one another and so fulfill the heart and goal of the law. Clothes make the person as we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and live today in light of the future God has in store for us.
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus offers practical advice to his disciples on how individuals—and the church as a whole— should go about restoring relationships when one member has sinned against another.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said to the disciples:] “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to
listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON Pastor Jonathan Trapp
Standing HYMN 615 In All Our Grief
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: 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.
Hold us accountable, O God. Show your church where repentance is needed and lead us in paths of intentional compassion and listening. Help us extend hands of reconciliation and care, especially in relationships with other Christians and people of other faiths. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Inspire us to lead with honor, O God. Guide judges and legislators, police, and government officials to create and uphold just laws. Move us to treat all people with dignity and guide our conversations with one another. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Help us comfort those who suffer, O God. Reassure any who are harmed by the wicked acts of others. Bring peace to all who are vulnerable, frightened, despairing, grieving or sick (especially). Guard their waking and their sleeping. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Be our hope, O God. We remember with thanksgiving your disciples who died in faith (especially). May their trust in your promise be our protection and our hope. 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
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Seated
GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM Ubi
Caritas Bob Hurd The Redeemer ChoirUbi caritas est vera: Deus ibi est. Where there is true charity, God is present.
The love of Christ joins us together. Let us rejoice in him, and in our love and care for all now love God in return.
In true communion let us gather. May all divisions cease and in their place be Christ the Lord, our risen Prince of Peace.
For those in need make us your mercy, for those oppressed, your might. Make us, your Church, a holy sign of justice and new life.
May we one day behold your glory and see you face to face, rejoicing with the saints of God to sing eternal praise.
Standing OFFERTORY HYMNOFFERING 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.
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:
Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress and music © 2004 Augsburg Fortress
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 welcome to the feast. Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link
HYMN 656 Blest Be the Tie that BindsHYMN 603
God, When Human Bonds are Broken
Text © 1989 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #A725004
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
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
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 836 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
SENDING
LAST
WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 9/3: In person: 171, Livestream 146 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.
MASTER PLANNING
Thank you Redeemer! We gathered together with over 100 members on August 6th to share and discuss two conceptual design options. The August 6th presentation reviews the process and illustrates the two design options from different street views and floor levels. This is our collective vision for Redeemer and we want all voices heard.
We continue to look forward to congregational input at a Temple Talk and Listening Post on Sunday, September 17th as we share the culmination of our hopes and dreams for Redeemer. With your input, we will create a final report of the Facilities Master Plan for Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Click here to view the Conceptual Design.
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 TODAY 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 TODAY 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 TODAY 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.
High School Youth Group-Ponce City Market
Sunday, September 24 | RSVP due by Sunday, September 17
Our High School Youth will be heading to the ROOF at Ponce City Market on Sunday, September 24. Cost is $25 which includes: admission & unlimited access to mini golf, all boardwalk games, Heege Tower ride, and the 3-story slide. Please let Hillary know if you are able to attend by Sunday, September 17 for planning purposes.
Middle School and High School Youth Group, Sunday, October 22 at Six Flags
Our Middle School and High School Youth will be heading to Six Flags on Sunday, October 22. Please fill out this interest form & signup by Sunday, September 24. Since Six Flags is a big
public place, we will go over all guidelines before we leave and when we get there. All youth attending must follow these guidelines. Please email Hillary to get signed up.
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY
Sunday School Our first day in classrooms will be 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. 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.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
God’s Voice in Music, Harmony, and Tonality
Led by Ed Scherlacher
Sundays | 10 am | Room 121
Explore the spiritual connection between music and divine communication.
“We Make the Road by Walking” by Brian McLaren
Study led by Pastor Jonathan
Sundays 10 am | Reception Room
Opportunity each week to look at a scripture reading and, using reflection, present an introduction/re-orientation to the Christian Faith.
Be Still and Journey
Led by Past Cornwell
Sundays 10 am | gather at 9:30 | Room 119
Currently reading “The Heart of Christianity” by Marcus Borg
GIFT class
Led by Joe Lukas
Sundays | 10 am | Room 211
Reading and discussion on Brian McLaren's Faith After Doubt.
Book Study with Pastor Jonathan
Tuesdays | 5 PM
Study of A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
“Being Mortal, Medicine and What Matters in the End”
4:30 PM | Rudisill & Zoom
Mondays 9/11, 9/18, 9/2
Led by Ed Scherlacher
This study focuses on total wellness rather than only safety and survival when confronted with age or terminal illness complications.
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 September 10 – September 9, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, September 10, 2023 Event
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
Chase Peterson .................................................................................................... Organ Scholar
Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security