Sunday, Nov 19, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost – November 19, 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

We Gather Together Fantasia on Forest Green Carillon Ringers

arr. Joel Raney arr. Lloyd Larson

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 695

As Saints of Old

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 Sheila Brock, 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.

Righteous God, our merciful master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming, 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

THE FIRST READING Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 David Miller, lector Zephaniah (like the prophet Amos in last week’s first reading) presents the day of the Lord as one of judgment and wrath. Descriptions of the last day in the New Testament include details taken from Old Testament accounts of the day of the Lord. Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is at hand; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, he has consecrated his guests. At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the people who rest complacently on their dregs, those who say in their hearts, “The Lord will not do good, nor will he do harm.” Their wealth shall be plundered, and their houses laid waste. Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them. The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter, the warrior cries aloud there. That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements.

I will bring such distress upon people that they shall walk like the blind; because they have sinned against the Lord, their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath; in the fire of his passion the whole earth shall be consumed; for a full, a terrible end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. THE SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Though we do not know and cannot calculate the day of Christ’s return, we live faithfully in the here and now as we anticipate the day when we will be given eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus tells a parable about his second coming, indicating that it is not sufficient merely to maintain things as they are. Those who await his return should make good use of the gifts that God has provided them. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said to the disciples:] “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ” After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.

Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 678

Pastor Mark H. Larson God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

Seated 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: Hear us, O God, | Your mercy is great. 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. Gracious God, you equip the church to serve. Turn us from fear and self-serving ways, that we use our talents to glorify you and serve our neighbor. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. You have been our dwelling place from one generation to another. Direct all people in wise stewardship of all the earth’s resources. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. You call us to honesty and integrity. Instill these values in the hearts of all nations and their leaders. Free any who are oppressed, expose all corruption, and bring redemption to victims of injustice. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. You teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Bring healing and reveal your love to all who are in need. We pray for (names offered). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. You form us by your Word. We pray for the faith formation ministries of our church. Shape us by your loving Word and show us how to encourage one another. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Gracious God, you are faithful in all generations. For the promise of life and rest of those who have died in faith (especially) we give you thanks. 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 MISSION MOMENT

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

Oscar dela Cruz Lutheran Towers Resident

GATHERING OF GIFTS ANTHEM Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

This Little Light of Mine The Redeemer Choir

Arranged by John W. Work

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 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. 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 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 815

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

HYMN 687

Come to Us, Creative Spirit

Text © 1979 Stainer & Bell Ltd. and the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (UK), (admin. in USA and Canada by Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188). For other territories © Stainer & Bell Ltd., 23 Gruneisen Road, London N3 1DZ, UK www.stainer.co.uk. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Music © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. www.onelicense.net#A725004

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 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 688

Lord of Light

SENDING Beloved of God, go in peace to love and serve the Lord. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

Épilogue, Op. 50

Rachel Laurin (1961-2023)

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 11/12 In person:253, Livestream 646 Facebook 36

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Christ the King Today we celebrate Lutheran Towers 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. 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. Thank you to our Nomination Committee for their leadership through the 2023 election process and to those willing to be nominated: your fellow members indeed value your gifts. Congratulations to the following Redeemer members on their election to our Congregation Council beginning in 2024: Jeff Elkins, Anne Ridenhour, Janet Preston, Terry Longstreth, and Pat Cornwell. They will be installed Sunday, December 3. We thank God for blessing Redeemer with these committed leaders and ask for your prayers and support for them as they work on your behalf. Official Notice of CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: December 10th following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services. The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2024 Proposed Budget and approval of recommended changes to the ELCR Constitution. Please also join us following the 9:00 AM and 11:00AM Worship Services on Sunday, Nov. 19th, 26th, or Dec. 3rd for Listening Posts to discuss the 2024 Proposed Budget. Members of the Church Council, the Finance Team and the Church Staff will be on hand to review the document and answer questions. You can attend in person in Rudisill Hall or feel free to join the conversation online via Zoom. The link can be found in your Saturday Nov 18th update email from Redeemer. 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. 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 Angel Tree for the Girls of Wellspring Living Sims Atrium through December 10 Redeemer members will have the opportunity to shop for the girls of Wellspring Living – children (ages 12 – 17) who have been sexually trafficked and who are on a path a of restoration. On each ornament is a suggested gift card. Gift cards in any amount will be used for the girls’ school and craft supplies, meals, clothing, special outings, or for stocking the boutique where the girls can “shop” for special items as rewards for scholastic achievement. Write the value on your gift cards and place them in the box by the tree. Questions? Contact Amy Carpenter

Goshen Valley Gift Drive Help us create a Merry Christmas for the girls and boys living under Goshen Valley’s care. From November 12- December 10, you can donate items two ways: • donate gifts using the Amazon list, which will ship items directly to Goshen Valley • donate household items using tags on the giving tree in Sims Atrium and bring the items to church with you. This drive is hosted by the Children and Family Ministries Team. Speak to Dn. Mary with questions. Thank you for your generosity! Inspiritus Angel Tree The weather is turning cold and purchasing a coat for every person in a family is a large expense. We are trying to gather coats for every client who has arrived this year. If you are able to donate even one coat, it would make a huge impact on a family of 9 or 11 who are looking at needing hundreds of dollars in warm clothing. Tags with names, gender, age and size can be found on our Hope Tree. If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase the winter coats needed. Christmas Program- You’re Invited! Our Children's Christmas Program is back! This year it will be held on Sunday, December 3rd at 10 am in the sanctuary. After the program, there is brunch in the Sims Atrium for the whole congregation and Advent activities for kids and their families. Please plan to attend the program and support our kids as they tell this ancient and beautiful story in their own way. YOUTH Kringles Help support our youth to attend the ELCA Youth 2024 in New Orleans. This opportunity only comes every 3 years, have not been able to attend since 2018 due to COVID. Thanks for our youth!

Gathering and we supporting

Middle School Parents Gathering, Sunday Nov 26, 10:00 am – 10:45 am Library This is a great opportunity to catch up and get support from other Middle School Parents. Please contact Karen Cramer if you have any questions. 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. CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY Children’s Christmas Program Stars! Angels! Shepherds! Kings! (and Queens!) We preparing again for our children’s Christmas Program this year with our favorite songs and costumes! This is a meaningful way for our kids to make the good news of this ancient and beautiful story fresh each year. Rehearsals will be during Sunday School on Nov 5, 12, and 26, with a required Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, December 2: 9:30-11:00 am. The performance will be on Sunday, December 3: 10 am (9:30 'call time' for performers). Ages 2- 5th grade are welcome. To register, fill out the

Sunday School form. If you have already registered for Sunday School, no additional registration is needed. KEYSTONE Keystone Ministry Listening Session Monday Nov. 20th 10-11:30 Rudisill Hall We want to hear from YOU! Join us for a conversation to hear from senior members of Redeemer and Lutheran Towers residents as we continue to build up full lives of faith with older adults next year. Register Today: Keystone Christmas Celebration Thursday Dec. 7th 11:30-2 pm Sanctuary and Sims Atrium Celebrate Christmas with one another with a brief worship service with communion and a message from Pastor Jenny McLellan followed by a catered lunch. Register here or call the church 404-874-8664. Let us know if you need transportation. 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 will resume Nov. 29 Wednesdays | 4 PM | Reception | Study of Exodus Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark will resume Nov. 29 Wednesdays | 6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom Reading the Gospel of John Through Palestinian Eyes Christians from diverse cultural, religious, and political contexts have been studying the Gospel of John for almost two thousand years. Rev Yohanna Katanacho invites us to encounter the text anew, this time from the perspective of a twenty-first century Palestinian Christian. Challenging the claim that Christ belongs to a particular denomination, nation, or race, Katanacho presents the Gospel of John as introducing a new world order defined not by race or nationality, but by suffering and love. Thursday afternoon Bible Study

Thursdays | 3 – 4:00 PM | Reception Room/ Zoom will resume Nov. 30 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. Special Adult forum on December 10 Guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon "Crisis in the Middle East" | 10 am | Rudisill Hall Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon will share about the work of Churches for Middle East Peace. SAVE THE DATE! Blue Christmas on December 3rd "Service of Lament, Hope, and Healing" | 4 pm | Sanctuary In a season of great cheer, drop the pretense and come before God as you are: raw, lonely, sad, angry, whatever you're feeling come. Come and draw near to God and the hope we have in Jesus. December 10th Bethlehem Village and Live Nativity (BVLN) Redeemer Greens Please come and join us as a volunteer or supporter. Please playing a part in this outreach gift to Atlanta on December 10th Dec 17th). Visit the Bethlehem Village Table starting on Sunday, 12th, in the Sims Atrium for information and to volunteer in any Questions anytime: contact Don Noland (dfnoland@gmail.com), Janet Preston (janethaury@gmail.com), or Terry Longstreth (terrylongstreth@mindspring.com)

on The consider (rain date November capacity.

Sunday, December 10, 11:00 am Advent Lessons and Carols This seasonal service of scriptures and carols will be presented by Redeemer’s children and adult choirs. The lessons and music will reinforce the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. The service will not have a sermon, but will include scripture, music, and communion.

Calendar for November 19 – November 25, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, November 19, 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 Budget Listening Post 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Pr. Jonathan Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Conference Room God’s Voice in Music 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 Budget Listening Post 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Monday, November 20 Keystone Listening Session 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, November 21 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom LCFM Thanksgiving 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Zittrouer Hall Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Council Meeting 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Rudisill/Zoom Wednesday, November 22 Wednesday at Redeemer will resume Nov. 29 Thursday, November 23 Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 24 Church Office Closed Saturday, November 25 -