Reformation Sunday – October 29, 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 504
1
A Mighty Fortress
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be God, the one who forms us, ☩ Jesus who bears the cross, the Spirit who makes our joy complete. | Amen. 2
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. Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL John 8:31-36 Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” 3
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Standing HYMN Thy Word is a Lamp Unto my Feet Refrain: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, Still You’re right there beside me, And nothing will I fear as long as You are near: Please be near me to the end. Refrain I will not forget Your love for me and yet My heart forever is wandering. Jesus, be my guide and hold me to Your side, And I will love You to the end. Refrain CCLI Song # 14301 © 1984 Meadowgreen Music Company | Curb Word Music For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2888121
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. God our parent, you call us your children and have made us siblings through your son Jesus. Heal the church’s many divisions, bring understanding and peace where there has been contention and strife, and unite us in one body through the love of Christ. God of grace, | hear our prayer. God our creator, your hands have crafted life that animates all creation. Bring relief to areas harmed by wildfires, floods, storms, and human carelessness (especially). Renew the face of the earth. God of grace, | hear our prayer. 4
God our ruler, the nations rage and the kingdoms shake, but your word stands fast forever. Let your justice and peace roll down like waters wherever there is strife, injustice, war, or religious conflict (especially Israel and Palestine and Ukraine and Russia). God of grace, | hear our prayer. God our champion, you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Draw near to all who suffer (especially). Be their blessed rest and comfort. God of grace, | hear our prayer. God our reformer, you make all things new. Free us from complacency, open us to unexpected ways, and kindle zeal in us for your future. God of grace, | hear our prayer. God our savior, you made yourself known in the lives of all who have died in the hope of your grace. We give you thanks for the lives of (names of those who have died) and for the witness of reformers like Martin Luther whose example has brought us closer to you. 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. Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio Standing OFFERING PRAYER Gracious God, in your great love you richly provide for our needs. Accept and bless these pledges offered for Christ’s mission and ministry through Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Bless those who have offered them to you in thanksgiving for all the ways in which you bless us and our community of faith. Give us courage, insight and grace to use these gifts to nourish your people and to proclaim the reconciling work of God in Christ, through Jesus Christ, who sets a table for all. | Amen 5
GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Lift up your hearts! | We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | It is right to give our thanks and praise. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Honor and glory be to you, Lord God of all the ages; we give you thanks for the joy of your creation, and praise for your liberating love. Searching and yearning God, you enter the wilderness and sweep the dark corners of our world because you hate nothing that you have made and long to draw us back to your heart. In Christ Jesus, you came into the world to save sinners, to welcome them, and to eat with them. You spread a table in our sight and invite us to join you in glory. In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. After supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Now send down your Holy Spirit, that your people who have strayed like lost sheep may dwell in the paths of righteousness and that these gifts of bread and wine may be for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ; Find those who are lost; reach any who have strayed; pursue all who seem determined to wander further and further from your fold. Heal your earth; where the fruitful land is waste and void, where the mountains are quaking, and the birds of the air have fled, bring hope, transformation, and deliverance. Redeem your creation in the power of your Spirit, and draw all thing through the free gift of your Son into the glory of your presence, now and forever. Amen. Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray… 6
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. HYMN 860
7
I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
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 10/22 In person:189, Livestream 123, Facebook 52 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER All Saints Sunday 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 8
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 display table.. You can also support suicide prevention by DONATING to the Redeemer team. YOUTH Kringles will return NEXT Sunday, November 5. Help support our youth to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering 2024 in New Orleans. This opportunity only comes every 3 years, and we have not been able to attend since 2018 due to COVID. Thanks for supporting our youth! High School Parents and Beyond will meet next Sunday, November 5 in Room 103. We will catch up and talk about the ELCA Youth Gathering. If you have any questions, please contact Carol McCloksey. Middle School Youth Group will meet 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. Register at this link or scan the QR code. CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY ADULT FAITH FORMATION *Today, In Honor of Reformation: Reform your Prayer Life! Led by Pastor Mark | 10 am | Rudisill Hall 9
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. 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 Pat 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. Thursday afternoon 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. 10
SAVE THE DATE! December 10th Bethlehem Village and Live Nativity (BVLN) on The Redeemer Greens Please come and join us as a volunteer or supporter. Please email Sally Rosser for Streets Alive or Don Noland for the BVLN event.
Calendar for October 29 – November 4, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, October 29, 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 Listening Post 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Library 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 Reform Your Prayer Life 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Rudisill Hall Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Listening Post 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Library Monday, October 30 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, October 31 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Wednesday, November 1 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 CFM Team Meeting 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Room 121/Zoom 11
Worship Redeemer Ringers Redeemer Choir Rehearsal Thursday, November 2 Thursday Bible Study Liberation Thoughts Tolkien Group Friday, November 3 Fifth Grade Lock-In Saturday, November 4
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sanctuary Room 202 Hinely Music Hall
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Rudisill/Zoom Zoom Zoom
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. 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
12