Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost – October 15, 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.
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS Standing HYMN
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Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
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 2
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. Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus tells a parable indicating that the blessings of God’s kingdom are available to all, but the invitation is not to be taken lightly. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests. 3
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 491
Kneeling or seated 4
Pastor Ronald Bonner Come Let Us Eat
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Each portion of the prayers concludes: God of grace, | hear our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen Trusting in the transformative power of God’s loving Spirit, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need. For the church of Jesus Christ in this and every land, that all followers of Christ share the mind of Christ and strive to live together in peace, staying firm in the Lord. God of grace, hear our prayer. For green pastures and still waters and all the beauty of the natural world, that creation flourishes and humankind lives in right relationship with all you have made. God of grace, hear our prayer. For the nations of the world and all who hold positions of authority, that they govern in accordance with God’s vision of justice, providing shelter and refuge to all in need, striving toward the goal of peace and prosperity for all. God of grace, hear our prayer. For all experiencing valleys of illness and grief, that they be healed and comforted and find rest in the presence of the Good Shepherd who walks beside them. We pray especially for . . . .. God of grace, hear our prayer. For this community of believers, that wherever there is conflict or discord, the love of Christ may keep us united and make us mindful of all that is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, and excellent. We give you thanks as we offer our hopes and dreams for the future of this community. God of grace, hear our prayer. In thanksgiving for the beloved saints who now rest in your mercy especially Teresa of Avila, teacher, renewer of the church, that their faithful witness guides your church until the day we join them at your heavenly feast. God of grace, hear our prayer. Gracious God, into your hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your unending love and amazing grace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. Standing PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. 5
Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for you. Seated MISSION MOMENT 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. 6
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 7
THANKSGIVING AT THE CONCLUSION OF A CALL 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
I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy
SENDING Go in peace. God is at work in you. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio The Sims Atrium flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of our mother, Nancy Klotz on what would have been her 90th birthday. LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 10/8: In person: 163, Livestream NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost 8
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. 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! Lutheran Campus Ministries at Georgia Tech & Redeemer Celebrating 65 Years of Ministry Together Let's celebrate what Jesus has done and look towards what's next! 12:15pm October 22, 2023 | Rudisill Hall | RSVP at ATLLutheran.org/redeemer 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. October 15th Atlanta’s Pride Parade on Peachtree in front of Redeemer noon-4 pm October 22nd and November 12th Atlanta’s Streets Alive on Peachtree in front of Redeemer 1-5pm December 10th Bethlehem Village and Live Nativity (BVLN) on The Redeemer Greens Please come and join us as a volunteer or supporter. Please email Pastor Bonner if you want to volunteer for the Gay Pride Parade. Please email Sally Rosser for Streets Alive or Don Noland for the BVLN event. YOUTH 9
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. Please fill out this interest form. Please email Hillary to get signed up. Our Middle School Parents will be meeting on Sunday, October 15 from 10:00 AM10:45 AM in the Library. Please contact Karen Cramer with any questions. ELCA Youth Gathering Signup going on till before 11/1! Our current 8th and 12th graders can sign up to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering in July 2024 that will be held in New Orleans with theme of “Created to Be”. This event occurs every 3 years with over 30,000 youth from all over the ELCA. This is a great opportunity to attend and experience! Please contact Hillary for more information and to get signed up. 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 27 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. 10
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 Will Not Meet 10/17 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 The Spirituality of the Psalms Throughout the generations, people of faith turn the Psalms as a helpful resource for conversation with God about the most important things in life. Come join Pastor Mark as we explore how the Psalms draw our entire life under the rule of God. 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. The ADLA Book club | Saturday at 10am This month we will view a documentary on the 1915 film “Birth of a Nation” by E.W. Griffin. The film that we will view is called “Birth of a Movement” that analyzes the film and social impact. There will be a Zoom link for those who can’t attend in person. Join Zoom Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81675514727 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 11
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 15 – October 21, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, October 15, 2023 Event Time Location Worship 9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM In-person/ Livestream Organ & Choir J.O.Y. Choir 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Room 211 Be Still and Journey 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM Room 119 Confirmation Lrg Group 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM Rudisill HS Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Youth Lounge Sing & Play 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Fireside GIFT Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 211 Pr. Jonathan Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Conference Room God’s Voice in Music 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 Middle School Parents 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Library New Members 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Reception Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Pr. Ron Celebration 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Sims Atrium Pride Parade 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Peachtree Street Monday, October 16 Quilters 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Fireside Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, October 17 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Labyrinth Walk 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Rudisill Council Meeting 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Rudisill/Zoom Wednesday, October 18 Early Birds Bible Study 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Zoom Wednesday Night Dinner 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Sims Atrium Pastor’s Study 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Rudisill Hall Seraphim Choir 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Room 204 Worship 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Sanctuary Redeemer Ringers 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Room 202 Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Hinely Music Hall Thursday, October 19 12
Keystone Movie Matinee Keystone Bible Study Liberation Thoughts Tolkien Group Friday, October 20 Saturday, October 21 ADLA Book club
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Reception Room Rudisill/Zoom Zoom Zoom
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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
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