Sunday, Oct 22, 2023 - Order of worship at 11am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost – October 22, 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. 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. PRELUDE

Finlandia

Jean Sibelius

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection. Standing HYMN 757 All My Hope in God is Founded 1 All my hope on God is founded 3 Great thy goodness, e'er enduring; who will all my trust renew, deep thy wisdom, passing thought; who through change and chance will splendor, light, and life attend thee, guide me, only good and only true. beauty springing out of naught. Evermore from thy store God unknown, God alone, newborn worlds rise and adore. call my heart to be thine own. 2

Mortal pride and earthly glory, sword and crown betray our trust; what with care and toil we fashion, tow'r and temple, fall to dust. But thy pow'r, hour by hour, is my temple and my tow'r.

Still from earth to God eternal sacrifice of praise be done, high above all praises praising for the gift of God's own Son. Christ doth call one and all: ye who follow shall not fall.

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 JOY Choir, 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. 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 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/3rd grade blessing

THE FIRST READING Isaiah 45:1-7 Carol Bloomquist, lector The prophet announces that Cyrus the Persian emperor is the one the Lord has anointed to end Israel’s exile. The Lord makes this choice so that the whole world will recognize this Lord as the only God. Persia had a god of light and a god of darkness; the Lord claims sovereignty over both light and darkness. Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him and strip kings of their robes, to open doors before him— and the gates shall not be closed:

I will go before you and level the mountains, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I surname you, though you do not know me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no god. I arm you, though you do not know me, so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe; I the Lord do all these things. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. ANTHEM

I Will Joyfully Sing The J.O.Y. Choir

Mary McDonald

THE SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Most likely this letter is the first written by Paul. Paul gives pastoral encouragement and reassurances to new Christians living in an antagonistic environment. Their commitment of faith, love, and hope makes them a model for other new Christian communities. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how

you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Pastor Jenny McLellan Commonwealth is God’s Commandment

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: 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. Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for you. MEAL Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS ANTHEM

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

O Worship the Lord The Redeemer Choir

George J. Elvey

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Let the whole earth stand in awe of Him. O sing unto God, sing praises to His name, and rejoice before Him. from Psalm 96

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

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 690 We Raise Our Hands to You, O God 1 We raise our hands to you, O Lord, and let our lives bring forth such fruit like empty vessels. that heals our neighbor's grief and pain. Oh, come to us and give us life from springs where living waters flow. 4 As summer follows springtime's rain, grace follows sorrow, 2 What good and blessing you bestow and grief and joy shall bear much fruit, are freely given. though hidden from our human eyes. Your pow'r will make the weakest strong and barren branches start to bud. 5 Through grace your new creation lies in hands held open. 3 Oh, make our barren trees to grow, O Giver of all goodness, come, our hands to blossom, dwell with us in our earthly home. Text: Svein Ellingsen, b. 1929; tr. Hedwig T. Durnbaugh, b. 1929 English text © Hedwig T. Durnbaugh, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

HYMN 686

We Give Thee but Thine Own

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 678

God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

SENDING Go in peace. God is at work in you. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

“Let the People Respond – ‘Amen!’” from Rubrics

Dan Locklair (born 1949)

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 10/15: In person:226, Livestream 153, FB 30 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost 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 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 15pm

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 non-competitive 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 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 11-Sunday, 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. 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. 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 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 Thursday, October 26 Keystone Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Liberation Thoughts 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Friday, October 27 Monster Mash/Pipe Screams 5:45 PM – 8:00 PM Saturday, October 28

Hinely Music Hall Rudisill/Zoom Zoom Zoom Playground/Sanctuary

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