Sunday, September 17, 2023 - Order of worship at 9 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer atlanta, ga

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 17, 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.

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.

Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

O Lord God, merciful judge, you are the inexhaustible fountain of forgiveness. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts that love and adore you, that we may delight in doing your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON

Standing

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 18:21-35

When Peter asks about the limits of forgiveness, Jesus responds with a parable that suggests human forgiveness should mirror the unlimited mercy of God.

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

Peter came and said to [Jesus], “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.4When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly

Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

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

Seated

SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson

Standing HYMN 801 Change My Heart O God

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.

We pray for the church. Bless the missions and ministries of diverse congregations, that they uplift the good news of salvation in ways that can be understood. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

We pray for creation. Send rain to lands experiencing drought and healing to rivers clogged with pollution. Enrich the soil for trees and plants. Protect the crops needed to feed those who hunger. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

We pray for all who govern. Encourage those in positions of power to lead with empathy, practice forgiveness, and care for those who struggle. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

We pray for our neighbors who face illness of any kind. For those strained financially; for all living with chronic pain, mental illness, the disease of addiction, or otherwise afraid or in harm’s way. Protect all who cry out for mercy especially… Merciful God, receive our prayer.

We pray for this congregation. Open our hearts to practice intentional invitation. Help us to forgive each other, practice patience, and choose welcome over judgment. Move us to care for those in our community seeking refuge and safety. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

We give thanks for the saints who died in faith. Show us how to live faithfully, creatively, and lovingly in your church and world like Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen, whom we commemorate today. 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.

Janet Preston

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 836 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

SENDING

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

POSTLUDE by

Redeemer Jazz Trio

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 9/10: In person: 256, Livestream 136

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Seventeenth 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 Today, 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 and a list of Master Planning Management Team members that are available to answer any ongoing questions. You may also email questions to masterplanning@redeemer.org

COMMUNITY

As part of our Let the Vineyards be Fruitful campaign this fall, we are organizing a series of small group gatherings during September and October. We have so many new and returning members, we want to take some time to reconnect and strengthen our community as we continue to rebuild after COVID. The goal is simply to get together, get to know some new folks, and share our stories and dreams for Redeemer. Some of these gatherings will be over a meal, others in a restaurant or even in a park. Each gathering should last about 90 minutes. Sign-up sheets are available in the Atrium for those gatherings that have been scheduled (more are coming). Also, please look for a link for the signups in future email updates from the church. Help us plant the seeds for a great harvest this fall!

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 Parents Gathering will meet next Sunday, September 24 from 10:0010:45 in the Library. Please contact Karen Cramer if you have any questions.

High School Youth Group-Ponce City Market

Sunday, September 24 | RSVP due by Sunday, September 17

Our High School Youth will head 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 can attend by Sunday, September 17 for planning purposes. *We will get lunch somewhere nearby if we do not have enough interest for Ponce City Market.

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.

Synod Youth Events and Summer Opportunities Meeting

We will have our Synod Youth Events and Summer Opportunities Meeting on Sunday, October 1. Three opportunities to attend: at 10:45 AM, after 11 AM or via Zoom later that day. Come hear all about our Synod Youth Events (ALL GA, AFFIRM, and more)

and also hear about our Summer Opportunities for Middle School and High School

Youth (VBS volunteering, ELCA Youth Gathering, and Redeemer Week/Kairos Camp at Lutheridge). This meeting is for both parents and youth to attend.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY Sunday

School

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.

SAVE THE DATE!

Cello and Organ Concert

Sunday, October 1 | 2:00 pm

The Redeemer Concert Series continues with the London-based Svyati Duo. Since forming Svyati Duo in 2009 under the patronage of Sir John Taverner, Rebecca Hepplewhite and Julian Collings have gained international critical acclaim for their concert performances and recordings. Their concert engagements take them throughout Europe, Asia and the USA. Rebecca and Julian maintain a diverse and exciting repertoire, from Baroque sonatas through to romantic and contemporary works. They are passionately committed to contemporary music and have commissioned many new works from leading composers. The concert is free, but donations to the “Friends of Music” will

be accepted. Invite a friend and join us as we celebrate the gift that music is to our community.

“PipeScreams” Concert - Friday, October 27 at 7:00 pm. All ages are invited to this free family-friendly concert of spooky music performed by organists Sarah Hawbecker and Chase Petersen. Costumes are encouraged! You can attend as part of Redeemer’s “Monster Mash” event or independently. The organ console will be out, and you will see and hear the organ differently than on a Sunday morning. Whether you’ve attended a hundred organ concerts, or this is your first one, it will be a howling good time!

Calendar for September 17 – September 23, 2023

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

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Event Time Location

Worship

Confirmation Large Group

High School Faith Formation

J.O.Y. Choir

Children’s Sunday School

Rejoicing Spirits

Confirmation Small Group

Listening Post

Be Still and Journey GIFT Class

Pr. Jonathan Class