Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 17, 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 I Come with Joy Sondra K. Tucker Carillon Ringers
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 452
Awake, O Sleeper, Rise from Death
Text © 1980 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress
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, cantorIn 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, 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
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
Gayle Morgan, lector
Genesis 50:15-21
After Jacob’s death the brothers of Joseph begged for forgiveness for the crime they had done against him. You intended to do me harm, Joseph said, but God used this as an opportunity to do good and save many lives.
Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING Romans 14:1-12
This Christian community has significant struggles with diversity. Here Paul helps us understand that despite different practices in worship and personal piety, we do not judge one another. All Christians belong to the Lord Jesus Christ who died for all of us and will judge each of us.
Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another?
It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
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 605 Forgive Our Sins, As We Forgive
Text © Oxford University Press 1969 onelicense.net A#725004
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.
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 MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Seated
MISSION MOMENT Janet Preston
GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM Thinking of Jesus Bruce Broughton Redeemer Choir Ensemble
I am thinking just now of Jesus, | how on a morning long ago, | he looked at a sinful woman | as she lay in the dust below. | All those who condemned her had vanished, | condemned by their secrets within; | there were none to bring her to judgement, | for he had uncovered their sin.
Ev'ry day I am thinking of Jesus, | more like him I would be, | forgiving as I've been forgiven, | loving as he has lov'd me.
I am thinking just now of Jesus, | of his tender compassion and grace, | of the words that he spoke to the woman | as she gazed at his radiant face. | She saw no condemning or hatred, | no judgement because she had erred; | forgiveness and mercy and promise | were all that she knew in his word.
Again I am thinking of Jesus; | for his Holy Spirit I plead, | for quick understanding and patience | to recognize those who're in need. | When I'm hurt I long to be ready | to pardon and not to accuse, | to love where no love is forthcoming, | the way of forgiveness to choose.
Dorothy O. JoyStanding OFFERTORY HYMN
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
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 482 I Come with Joy
Text © 1971, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
HYMN 466 In the Singing
Text and music © 1996 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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 544 Praise the Lord, Rise Up Rejoicing
Text © Oxford University Press
SENDING
Go in peace. God is at work in you. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Fugue in G Major, BWV 577 (“Jig Fugue”)
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 10:00-10:45 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.
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
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
www.redeemer.org | 404.874.8664 | Emergency Line: 404.874.9759
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 Petersen ......................................................... Organ Scholar, cpetersen@redeemer.org
Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security