Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – October 1, 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 Andante sostenuto from Symphonie gothique Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
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 Sheila Brock, 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.
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
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 Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
Jeff Guthrie, lector
Ezekiel challenges those who think they cannot change because of what their parents were and did, or who think they cannot reverse their own previous behavior. God insistently invites people to turn and live.
The word of the Lord came to me: What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge”? As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine: it is only the person who sins that shall die.
Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is unfair.” Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? When the righteous turn away from their
righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it; for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die. Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die. Yet the house of Israel says, “The way of the Lord is unfair.” O house of Israel, are my ways unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair?
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, all of you according to your ways, says the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise iniquity will be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING Philippians 2:1-13
As part of a call for harmony rather than self-seeking, Paul uses a very early Christian hymn that extols the selflessness of Christ in his obedient death on the cross. Christ’s selfless perspective is to be the essential perspective we share as the foundation for Christian accord.
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but
much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
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
Standing HYMN 806
O God, My Faithful God
Pastor Mark H. Larson
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
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: Let the Vineyards be Fruitful.
GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM Lead, me Lord Samuel S. Wesley The Redeemer Choir
Lead me, Lord, lead me into righteousness, make Thy way plain before my face. For it is Thou, Lord, Thou, Lord, only that makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm 5:8 and 4:9
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 497
Strengthen for Service, Lord
HYMN 776 What God Ordains is Good Indeed
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 818
O Master, Let Me Walk with You
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 TODAY 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). You may also use the QR code to sign up. 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
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. 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 Time Location Worship
High
Faith
J.O.Y. Choir
Middle School Parents
Sunay School
Be Still and Journey
GIFT Class
Pr. Jonathan Class God’s Voice in
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