Sunday, Oct 29, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA

Reformation Sunday – October 29, 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

Chorale prelude on “Ein feste Burg” Organ A Mighty Fortress The Redeemer Ringers

Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) arr. John A. Behnke

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS Today on this Reformation Sunday, we are using a Chorale Service of Holy Communion, modeled after Martin Luther’s tradition of the German Mass, in which he replaced parts of the liturgy with hymns. Everything we sing today is also found in our red worship book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship. The Kyrie (“Lord, have mercy”) is a simple plainsong. The hymn of praise, All Glory Be to God on High, is one of the classic settings of the Gloria in excelsis Deo, and dates back to Luther’s time.

The Gospel acclamation, Now to the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray, dates back to the 13th century, and Luther added stanzas to it. It has appeared in Lutheran hymnals since 1524, and used in various places in the service, including between the epistle and gospel readings. Our offertory response is a stanza of the hymn, O Lord, We Praise You. This is another pre-existing text from the mass that Luther adapted. We as Lutherans are fortunate to have such a rich treasure of texts and tunes.

GATHERING The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.

Standing HYMN 504

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

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 Seraphim choir, cantor

HYMN OF PRAISE

Text st. 1 © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Text sts. 2-4 © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress Used by permission onelicense.net #A-725004

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

Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests.

Seated ANTHEM

WORD God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.

Psalm 46 Seraphim Choir

Mark Patterson

CHILDREN’S SERMON THE FIRST READING Jeremiah 31:31-34 Jonne Walter, lector The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect the people to live upright lives. To know the Lord means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the Lord will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets.

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. THE SECOND READING Romans 3:19-28 Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and other Reformation leaders.

No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ.

Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the

sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.

Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Please sing stanza 1 before the Gospel and stanza 4 following the Gospel

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.”

After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.

Seated SERMON

Pastor Mark H. Larson

Standing HYMN 651

Oh, Praise the Gracious Power

Text and music from New Hymns for the Lectionary, © 1984 Oxford University Press, Inc. used by permission onelicense.net #A-725004

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.

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.

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.

MEAL Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

ANTHEM

Built On The Rock The Redeemer Choir

Arranged by S. Drummond Wolff

Built on the Rock the Church doth stand, | Even when steeples are falling; | Crumbled have spires in every land, | Bells still are chiming and calling, | Calling the young and old to rest, | But above all the soul distressed, | Longing for rest everlasting.

We are God's house of living stones, | Builded for His habitation; | He through baptismal grace us owns | Heirs of His wondrous salvation. | Were we but two His name to tell, | Yet He would deign with us to dwell, | With all His grace and His favor.

Here stands the font before our eyes | Telling how God did receive us; | The altar recalls Christ's sacrifice | And what His table doth give us; | Here sounds the Word that doth proclaim | Christ yesterday, today, the same, | Yea, and for aye our Redeemer.

Nicolai F.S. Grundtvig Translated by Carl Döving, altered

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

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 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:

Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress used by permission onelicense.net #A-725004

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 517

Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word

HYMN 729

The Church of Christ, in Every Age

Text © 1971 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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 665

Rise, Shine, You People!

Text and music © 1974 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress Used by permission onelicense.net #A-725004

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

A Mighty Fortress Redeemer Brass Ensemble and Organ

Vaclav Nelhybel

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

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 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 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 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. Register at this link or scan the QR code.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION *Today, In Honor of Reformation: Reform your Prayer Life!

Led by Pastor Mark | 10 am | 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.

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.

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 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, November 2 Thursday 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, November 3 Fifth Grade Lock-In

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