Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 24, 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.
Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus tells a parable about God’s generosity, challenging the common assumption that God rewards people according to what they have earned or deserve.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said to the disciples:] “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them
their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON
Standing HYMN 770
Pastor Ron BonnerKneeling 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.
God who is gracious and merciful, teach your church to invite and welcome all. Fill us with gratitude for the blessing of community. Challenge your church to choose equity and compassion over judgment. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God who sends the wind and the sun, you know every worm and bush by name. Help us remember that even the humblest parts of creation are precious to you. Show us how best
to care for the earth and its creatures, when recovering from severe weather or when working in peaceful and plentiful gardens. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God who is ready to relent from punishing, impart your compassionate wisdom to legislators, judges, prosectors, members of the military, and law enforcement. Give them courage and endurance to serve their communities in times of uncertainty, stress, or exhaustion. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God who saves, guide us when we are tempted to evil ways. Protect your children from calamity and disaster even when they are our own making. Strengthen all who are incarcerated. Encourage all who are in despair or pain of any kind, especially…
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God who abounds in steadfast love, we give thanks for the saints called to the kingdom of heaven, especially ... United with them in spirit, hold us firm as we labor in this life and look to the life to come. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Look on us with 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 669
Rise
Up O Saints of God
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 9/17: In person: 200, Livestream 139 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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 Sims 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!
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
Visiting Word and Service Intern
D’Etta Broam, who is in seminary and preparing to be a Deacon in the ELCA, will be visiting Redeemer for one week as part of her internship. D’Etta’s internship is spanning events and congregations in the Southeastern Synod as well as the North and South Carolina Synod. At Redeemer this week, she will assist in worship on Sunday the 24th, lead a special Faith Formation workshop (see below), and give the homily for our Wednesday night worship among other things. She is excited to have this learning opportunity at Redeemer; please help us welcome her!
Special Guest Speaker Today
During Faith Formation Hour today, our visiting Intern D’Etta Broam will lead a special, intergenerational workshop on wellness. God cherishes us and intends wants us to be well in mind, body, and spirit. All ages and abilities are welcome! 10-10:45 in Rudisill Hall.
Monster Mash Candy Drive
We are gearing up for Halloween fun again this year! You can help us provide this safe and fun Halloween event for children and their families by donating candy and party favors from now to October 23rd. Please choose only from the Amazon list at this link, which will be shipped directly to the church. See Deacon Mary with questions.
YOUTH
Middle School Parents Gathering will meet today from 10:00-10:45 in the Library. Please contact Karen Cramer if you have any questions.
High School Parents and Beyond Gathering will meet next Sunday, October 1 from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in Room 103. Please contact Carol McCloskey if you have any questions.
High School Youth Group will meet today. We will head to Ponce City Market. Come spend time with all High School Youth!
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
Monster Mash and Pipe Screams
Mark your calendar for Friday, October 28 from 5:45-8 pm for some Halloween fun! We will start with carnival games outside (weather permitting), head into Sims atrium for dinner, then the sanctuary for the Pipe Screams concert. After the concert, we will go back outside for music, popcorn, party games and of course, CANDY! Costumes are encouraged for all ages but not required. Dinner is free, though donations are optional. RSVP is not required. Bring a friend!
YOUNG ADULTS
Young Adult Lunch Together
Meet in the atrium to walk to lunch together at a Midtown restaurant following 11:00 worship service. The church will cover the amount above $20 if desired. We want everyone to come!
Young Adult Retreat
November 17-18, the Redeemer Young Adults will gather at the Holy Trinity House at Lutheranch for fun, fellowship, and to explore faith together. We'll prepare simple meals together, enjoy the beautiful grounds at Lutheranch, and have opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding. The retreat will be begin Friday evening and end Saturday afternoon, so you will still have half your weekend free. More details to come, but you can register any time.
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 24 – October 1, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Event Time Location Worship
High School Faith Formation
J.O.Y. Choir
Middle School Parents
Children’s Sing and Play
Be Still and Journey
GIFT Class
Pr. Jonathan Class
Monday, September 25
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner