All Saints Sunday – November 5, 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
Prélude élégaique, Op. 47, no. 1 In paradisum
Joseph Jongen (1873-1953) Daniel Lesur (1908-2002)
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS On this day we commemorate all who have died in faith but especially those members of Redeemer who have entered the Church Triumphant since last November. You may also submit the names of your loved ones you’d like remembered through our online prayer portal. We feel the bitterness of loss, but we give thanks for the lives of all of God’s saints as we affirm the promise of resurrection and our ultimately being reconciled and reunited with those we love through our Lord Jesus Christ! GATHERING The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection. Standing HYMN 422
For All the Saints
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 Cynthia Reese-McKersie, 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.
Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, 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. WORD God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
THE FIRST READING Revelation 7:9-17 Jeff Guthrie, lector The book of Revelation is written to seven churches in western Asia Minor during a time of great oppression. Today’s reading is a response to the question asked in 6:17: “Who is able to stand?” The writer gives the faithful the assurance of God’s protection and a vision of victory. After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING 1 John 3:1-3 A saint is one who has been set apart by God for God’s purposes. God, out of divine love, set us apart to be the children of God. Our holy hope is that we shall see God as God really is. See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 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 Matthew 5:1-12 In the Beatitudes, Jesus provides a unique description of those who are blessed with God’s favor. His teaching is surprising and shocking to those who seek wealth, fame, and control over others.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 426
Pastor Jonathan Trapp Sing with All the Saints in Glory
Seated AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM NEW MEMBERS Dear friends, we give thanks for the gift of baptism and for these people, one with us in the body of Christ, whom we welcome as new members into the life and ministry of this congregation. The people affirming their faith are introduced.
APOSTLES’ CREED With the whole church, let us confess our faith. 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. Address and Questions Siblings in Christ, do you intend to continue in the covenant of your baptism among God’s people in this place? I do, and I ask God to help and guide me. People of God, do you promise to support and pray for these new members in their life in Christ? We do, and we ask God to help and guide us. Welcome Let us welcome these siblings in Christ to this community of faith. We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world. 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
Let us turn our hearts to God, our breath and life, as we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. A brief silence. Holy God, encourage and uphold your church around the world. Lead bishops, deacons, pastors, and all members of your church in lives worthy of you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Righteous God, accompany our nation and others preparing for elections. Protect voters, election officials, poll workers, and journalists. Guide leaders around the world in showing care for all through fair and wise decisions, Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Nurturing God, relieve those carrying heavy burdens. We pray for those in difficult home situations, for foster children, and for all who are in jails or prison. Strengthen those burdened by chronic pain, grief, or other illness, especially… Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Welcoming God, accompany those in new and unfamiliar places who need an invitation to community. We pray especially for any who have been forced to relocate due to violence. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Eternal God, you unite all the faithful in your heavenly feast. We remember your saints gathered in your eternal presence, especially all who have died in the past year, especially… Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. We offer our spoken prayers and those held in our hearts trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. 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.
Lord, In All Love The Redeemer Choir
Arranged by John Ferguson
Lord, in all love, my heart sincere | Begs you, most kind and good keep near | me with your joyful blessings. | I neither care for earth nor sky, | If you are mine and stay close by | the world’s not worth possessing. | When my heart breaks, worn thin with grief, | You shall be there, my sure relief, | My comfort and my future good, | who have
redeemed me with your blood. | Lord Jesus Christ, my Lord and God deliver me, | From sin and shame forever free. | Lord Jesus Christ, my Lord and God! When I face death | Be there to soothe my anxious breath! Then send your angels where I lie: | To raise me up and I'll defy Death and the grave, in God's name! | Take me to live in joy with you, | My soul and body bright and new, my face no longer tear-stained! | I have been saved, the sacrifice | Of Jesus opened paradise, | I do believe through Jesus' blood | I shall know love, I shall see God. | Lord Jesus Christ! With all the saints in earth and heaven, | I'll praise your name: Amen! Amen! Please remain seated and join in singing when invited:
Martin Schalling Translation by Madeleine Marshall
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
OFFERING PRAYER God of all goodness, generations have turned to you, gathered around your table and shared your abundant blessings. Number us among them that, as we gather these gifts from your abundance, and give thanks for your rich blessings, we may feast upon your very self and care for all that you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Servant. | 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. By the witness of your saints you show us the hope of our calling and strengthen us to run the race set before us, that we may delight in your mercy and rejoice with them in glory. And so, with all the saints, with the choirs of angels and all 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 There is a place for you at the banquet. Come and feast at Jesus’ table. 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 628
Jerusalem, My Happy Home
HYMN
Heaven Opened to Isaiah
Standing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
Let us pray. | Lord Jesus, in this simple meal you have set a banquet. Sustain us on the journey, strengthen us to care for the least of your beloved children, and give us glad and generous hearts as we meet you on the way. Amen
LITANY OF REMEMBRANCE
Let us commend our departed sisters and brothers to the mercy of God, our maker and redeemer.
For the life of Bob Peppel For the life of Jean Thompson For the life of Bob Kettel For the life of Allen Tess For the life of Rick Baker For the life of Liz Bair For the life of Hazel Lang For the life of Sharon Pike For the life of Jilda Kettel For the life of Becky Jones For the life of Ivar Iverson For the life of Peggy Belcher For the life of Shirley Eifert For the life of Bootsie Grant For the life of Bob Gibeling For the life of Nancy Klotz For the life of Michael Thornton
We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord. We thank you, Lord.
November 5, 2022 December 28, 2022 January 16, 2023 January 29, 2023 February 3, 2023 April 10, 2023 May 11, 2023 May 18, 2023 May 20, 2023 June 6, 2023 June 26, 2023 July 7, 2023 August 11, 2023 August 20, 2023 September 2, 2023 September 13, 2023 October 9, 2023
When invited, you may speak aloud the name of loved ones you have lost. For all the saints of God, whom we name aloud before you. | We thank you, Lord. Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servants. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, sheep of your own fold, lambs of your own flock, sinners of your own redeeming. Receive them into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. | Amen. SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING May the God of all creation, in whose image we are made, who claims us and calls us beloved, who strengthens us for service, give you reason to rejoice and be glad! The blessing of God, Sovereign, ☩ Savior, and Spirit, be with you today and always. | Amen. HYMN 414
Holy God, We Praise Your Name
SENDING Beloved of God, go in peace to love and serve the Lord. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE
Fantasy and Variation of “Grosser Gott”
Carl Sattler (1874-1938)
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 10/29 In person:281, Livestream 156, FB 36 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER 24th Sunday after Pentecost 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.
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 Today at 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. You can support suicide prevention by DONATING to the Redeemer team. YOUTH Kringles return today, 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. Youth Christmas Party will be Sunday, December 3. Enjoy some pre-hangout time before lunch followed by games and lots of fun as we celebrate the holiday season together! Please RSVP by Sunday, November 26 for planning purposes. 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 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! Harvest Home Concert Saturday, Nov 18 | 7 pm The Harvest Home Concert is Redeemer’s musical celebration of Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday, a celebration that crosses all barriers. The diverse music of the concert is designed to appeal to a broad audience, including those who might not attend a church service. As a gift to the community, the concert is presented free of charge. This 17th concert will be streamed live at Redeemer.org and HarvestHomeConcert.org during and can be viewed after the concert. A dessert reception will follow the concert. Join us Sunday, November 19th as we celebrate Lutheran Towers again this year. Connected via a bridge over Juniper St., Lutheran Towers has provided not just a roof over our 200+ seniors'
heads but a warm and nurturing environment that fosters a sense of belonging and well-being for over fifty years. As we reflect on the past year and what we want to accomplish in the future, there is still much work to be done. Our seniors rely on your generosity for many daily services. Your donations have directly impacted our residents through ten different food programs including the first-ever free grocery store in our building, social and recreational activities, and transportation to help our residents access vital services and maintain their independence. 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 November 5 – November 10, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, November 5, 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 HS and beyond parents 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 103 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 Mental Health Screening 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Sims Atrium Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms New Member Welcome 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sanctuary & Sims Atrium MS Youth Group 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Youth Lounge Suicide Prevention Walk 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Piedmont Park Monday, November 6 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, November 7 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 8 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 Worship 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Redeemer Ringers 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Thursday, November 9 Thursday 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, November 10 Saturday, November 11 HS Youth Lock In German Church St. Martin’s 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Event
Room 204 Sanctuary Room 202 Hinely Music Hall Rudisill/Zoom Zoom Zoom
Fireside/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. Jonathan Trapp .......................................... Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233 The Rev. Jenny McLellan......................................... Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224