Sunday, Sept 24, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 24, 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.

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PRELUDE

The Humbling from Te Deum

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING

David Hurd (born 1950)

The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.

Standing

HYMN 695

As Saints of Old

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

Text © 1961, Ren. 1989 by The Hymn Society (admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188). All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense #A725004

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, 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.

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

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

Karin Mayo, lector

Jonah 3:10—4: 11

After Jonah’s short sermon in 3:4, the Ninevites all repented and God decided to spare the city. Jonah objected to this and became even more angry when God ordered a worm to destroy a plant that was providing shade. The book ends with a question that challenges any who are not ready to forgive: You, Jonah, are all worked up about a bush, but shouldn’t I be concerned about a hundred and twenty thousand Ninevites?

When God saw what [the people of Ninevah] did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to

anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” And the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city.

The Lord God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”

But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?” And he said, “Yes, angry enough to die.” Then the Lord said, “You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labor and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?”

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

PSALM 145:1-8

1I will exalt you, my | God and king, and bless your name forev- | er and ever.

2Every day | will I bless you and praise your name forev- | er and ever.

3Great is the LORD and greatly | to be praised! There is no end | to your greatness.

4One generation shall praise your works | to another and shall de- | clare your power. R

5I will speak of the glorious splendor | of your majesty and all your | marvelous works.

6They shall tell of the might of your | wondrous acts, and I will re- | count your greatness.

7They shall publish the remembrance of | your great goodness; they shall sing joyfully | of your righteousness.

8

The LORD is gracious and full | of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in | steadfast love. R

THE SECOND READING Philippians 1:21-30

Paul writes to the Philippians from prison. Though he is uncertain about the outcome of his imprisonment, he is committed to the ministry of the gospel and calls on the Philippians to live lives that reflect and enhance the gospel mission.

For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well—since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

Standing

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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.

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.

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, prosecutors, 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.

MEAL

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

Seated

GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM For the Mountains Shall Depart from Elijah Felix Mendelssohn

The Men of the Redeemer Choir

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but Thy kindness shall not depart from me; neither shall the covenant of Thy peace be removed.

Isaiah 54:10

Standing 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

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:

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 724 All Who Love and Serve Your City

Text © 1969 Stainer & Bell Ltd., (admin. in USA and Canada by Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188). For other territories © Stainer & Bell Ltd., 23 Gruneisen Road, London N3 1DZ, UK www.stainer.co.uk. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #A725004

HYMN 685 Take My Life, That I May Be

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 688 Lord of Light

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 AM10:45 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 Zoom Links

Sunday, September 24, 2023

High School Faith Formation

J.O.Y.

Pr. Jonathan Class God’s

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, cpeterson@redeemer.org

Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security