Sunday, October 1, 2023 - Order of worship at 9 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – October 1, 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.

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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Standing

HYMN 531 The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing

The trumpets sound the angels sing

The feast is ready to begin

The gates of heav'n are open wide

And Jesus welcomes you inside

Refrain

Sing with thankfulness

Songs of pure delight

Come and revel in

Heaven's love and light

Take your place at the Table of the King

The feast is ready to begin

The feast is ready to begin

Tables are laden with good things

O taste the peace and joy He brings

He'll fill you up with love divine

He'll turn your water into wine Refrain

The hungry heart He satisfies

Offers the poor His paradise

Now hear all heaven and earth applaud

The amazing goodness of the Lord Refrain

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be God, the one who forms us, ☩ Jesus who bears the cross, the Spirit who makes our joy complete. | Amen.

Let us bow before God in humility, confessing our sin.

Kneeling or seated

Steadfast and faithful God, you have revealed the ways of justice, yet we fail to follow you. We are overwhelmed by the world’s violence and suffering. We are afraid to risk what we have for the sake of others. For the harm we have caused, known and unknown, forgive us. For the unjust demands we place on others and your creation, forgive us. For the ways we turn away from you and our neighbor, forgive us. Lead us back to you and set us on the right path; in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Beloved in Christ, God’s justice stretches beyond all understanding. God’s compassion is beyond compare. In Jesus, God is always making a new way for us. In ☩ Christ, you are already and always forgiven. | Amen.

Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

God of love, giver of life, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them, keep us from those things that harm us, and guide us in the way of salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen

Seated

CHILDREN’S SERMON

Standing

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 21:23-32

After driving the moneychangers out of the temple (21:12), Jesus begins teaching there. His authority is questioned by the religious leaders, who are supposed to be in charge of the temple.

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

When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 2esus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do

these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

“What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ He answered, ‘I will not’; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.”

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

Seated SERMON

Pastor Mark H. Larson Standing HYMN 806

O God, My Faithful 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

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.

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 9/24: In person: 189, Livestream 129

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Cello and Organ Concert

TODAY | 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.

The Council Nominating Committee would like to thank those of you who submitted names for consideration and to those of you who expressed an interest in serving Redeemer. This year’s Council nominees are: Pat Cornwell, Jeff Elkins, Terry Longstreth, Whitney Ludvigsen, Joel May, Karin Mayo, John Pearson, David Pendered, Janet Preston, and Anne Ridenhour. Ballots will be sent via Simply Voting on October 22 (due November 12 by 12:30 PM) and hardcopies (due November 10 by 5:00 PM). Contact Robin Durdin, rdurdin@redeemer.org or 404.874.8664 x204 if you need assistance.

Wellness Table Sunday, October 1st 10-12:30 pm

Did you know pregnancy and Infant loss affects 1 in 4 women?

The majority of women who experience a miscarriage blame themselves or feel guilt for losing a pregnancy. An additional factor that makes grief from pregnancy loss complicated is that there will usually be no funeral or other rituals of mourning, and the loss may remain unacknowledged by the family and friends. Talking about pregnancy loss and infant loss gives women support. If you know someone who has struggled, or if you want to learn how to support someone who has experienced loss, talk with our Wellness Team. Stop by the Redeemer Wellness table today at 10 am for conversation and more information.

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!

Redeemer and Inspiritus

The refugee family from Syria that Redeemer is co-sponsoring through Inspiritus has arrived!

We welcome a Muslim family of 10. Housing is a real challenge, and we have yet to find an apartment to accommodate them. Please hold them in your prayers—more Information to follow. We have several Redeemer members on the Refugee Committee. Pastor Jeff Linman and his wife Patti are our co-chairs, and Dorothy Beasley, James Belcher, Virginia Swezy, Sharon Hermann, and Paul Hermann are on the core committee. We will update you on future opportunities to offer support and welcome.

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: 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.

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

High School Parents and Beyond Gathering will meet today from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in Room 103. Please contact Carol McCloskey if you have any questions.

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.

YOUNG ADULTS

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.

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!

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

Early Bird Bible Study led by David Ott

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!

“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 October 1 – October 7, 2023

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

Sunday, October 1, 2023 Event