Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost – October 22, 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 685
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Take My Life that I May Be
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.
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Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts. Created by you, let us live in your image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 22:15-22 After Jesus begins teaching in the temple, religious leaders try to trap him with questions. First they ask if God’s people should pay taxes to an earthly tyrant like Caesar. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap [Jesus] in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 841
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Pastor Jenny McLellan Lift Every Voice and Sing
Kneeling or seated 4
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. A brief silence. Faithful God, your Spirit animates the church throughout the world and binds believers near and far into the body of Christ. Equip us for the work of faith, and enlarge our hearts for the labor of love. God of grace, hear our prayer. Creating God, the sea roars, the earth rejoices, and the heavens are glad at the wonder of all you have made. Bless the work of ecologists, conservationists and all those who safeguard the riches of creation. God of grace, hear our prayer. Sovereign God, your rule and authority is over the cosmos. As you once worked through the ruler Cyrus for the good of your people, accomplish your purposes through the work of elected leaders and public servants of all nations, especially those now working to end the conflict in Israel and Palestine. Guide them with your wisdom and compassion. God of grace, hear our prayer. Caring God, your arms enfold all who are lonely, oppressed, despairing, sick, and suffering, especially... Pour out your abundant mercy on all whom this world has neglected, abandoned, and forgotten, that they may know your joy. God of grace, hear our prayer. Almighty God, all our life belongs to you. When earthly idols threaten to lead your church astray, remind us that you alone are the source of our eternal hope. Direct the work of church treasurers, councils, and all who manage financial matters. Guide the leadership and members of Redeemer in our current budget process. God of grace, hear our prayer. Everlasting God, the saints of every age have sung your praise and shared your word, especially... We give you thanks for their witness and pray that we may join them as citizens of your unending kingdom. 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.
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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.
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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. 7
HYMN 705
God of Grace and God of Glory
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 10/15: In person: , Livestream NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
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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. Recommended Constitutional Changes. The Congregational Council, at the recommendation of the Constitution and CR Committee has passed a resolution to propose changes to the ELCR Constitution. These changes include new language and clarifications to ensure Redeemer’s constitutional language is consistent with changes passed by the ELCA in 2022 to the “model” constitution for ELCA congregations. In addition, the Congregation Council is recommending changes to clarify the comprehensiveness of the annual budget. The full recommended changes can be seen in this document. The Council and C&CR committee will host listening posts following both services on October 29th (in person and zoom options) to hear comments and questions from the Congregation related to these changes. A special congregation meeting will take place on December 10th, to vote on these changes. If the congregation by majority vote passes the recommended changes, then a vote to ratify the changes will take place at the Annual Congregation meeting in March 2024. 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 | All invited 9
GA Tech Homecoming Reception Lutheran Campus Ministries at Georgia Tech's Grace House Join us for the reception and then watch the Game from Daly Deck. October 28, 2023 2 Hours before Kick-off Grace House (182 5th St NW) RSVP at ATLLutheran.org/homecoming 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 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. Out of the Darkness Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk November 5th 1 pm Piedmont Park The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support in partnership with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The noncompetitive walk route for Atlanta is contained inside Piedmont Park and is an estimated 1.86 miles. All registered walkers will be provided a boxed lunch for a picnic before the walk. Register HERE or at the sign up at the welcome desk. You can also support suicide prevention by DONATING to the Redeemer team. Vigil and Support for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Wednesday, October 25 at 8 pm ZOOM LINK If you or someone you care about has lost a child to stillbirth, miscarriage, SIDS, or any other cause at any point during pregnancy or infancy, please join us for prayer and mutual support on zoom on October 25th. 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. 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 10
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. Kringles will be returning on Sunday, November 5. Middle School Youth Group will be on Sunday, November 5. Hangout/games time before, lunch at 12 PM, and more games after! Let Hillary know if your youth(s) can attend as well as if you can help out with lunch. Youth Winter Service Project will be on Saturday, November 11 from 10-3 (with lunch in between) at Lutheranch. Our HS Youth Lock-In will be Saturday, November 11Sunday, November 12. 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. 11
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 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 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 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!
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Calendar for October 22 – October 28, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, October 22, 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 Fireside HS Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Youth Lounge Children’s Sunday School 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Pr. Jonathan Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Conference Room God’s Voice in Music 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 New Members 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Reception Rejoicing Spirits 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Rudisill Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Grace House Luncheon 12:15 PM – 2:00 PM Rudisill Streets Alive 1:00 PM Peachtree Monday, October 23 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, October 24 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Wednesday, October 25 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 26 Keystone Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Rudisill/Zoom Liberation Thoughts 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Zoom Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom Friday, October 27 Monster Mash/Pipe Screams 5:45 PM – 8:00 PM Playground/Sanctuary Saturday, October 28 13
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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