Christ the King Sunday – November 26, 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 855
1
Crown Him with many Crowns
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, in whose image we are made, who claims us and calls us beloved.| Amen. Let us bow before God in humility, confessing our sin. Kneeling or seated Holy One, we confess that we are not awake for you. We are not faithful in using your gifts. We forget the least of our siblings. We do not see your beautiful image in one another. We are infected by sin that divides your beloved 2
community. Open our hearts to your coming, open our eyes to see you in our neighbor, open our hands to serve your creation. Amen. Beloved, we are God’s children, and Jesus, our Beloved, opens the door to us. Through ☩ Jesus you are forgiven, by Jesus you are welcome, in Jesus you are called to rejoice! Let us live in the promises prepared for us from the foundation of the world.| Amen. Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you. O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made, 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 Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus compares himself to a king who moves among his subjects to see how he is treated: what is done for the least of those who belong to his family is truly done for him. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said to the disciples:] “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and 3
his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 502
Pastor Jenny McLellan The King of Love My Shepherd is
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Each portion of the prayers concludes: Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. 4
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, from Christ we receive our call to feed, clothe, and welcome. Direct your church to respond to this call with faithfulness and generous love. We pray for the work of ELCA World Hunger, for the Lutheran Community Food Ministry, and for all people who serve and attend to the needs of others. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. In Christ, the rock of our salvation, we are brought into union with all of creation. With mountains, seas, dry lands, and animals of the field, we seek your guidance and protection. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. In Christ we know merciful judgment. Guide rulers of every nation in ways of humble leadership and wise decision-making. Fill judges, prosecutors, agents of law enforcement, and prison staff with empathy and wisdom. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. In Christ we feel the depth of your love and care toward us. Nourish all who hunger, connect any who are isolated, and surround all who experience rejection or abuse. We pray for those who suffer (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. In Christ we wait with hopeful expectation for the day when your vision of creation is fulfilled. Walk with all those who urgently wait for violence to end and systems of oppression to be overturned. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Holy God, in Christ we are welcomed home. We praise you for the faithful witness of those who have served you and extended your welcome and love to us (especially). Unite us with them as one body of Christ. 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. Seated 5
GATHERING OF GIFTS MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio Standing 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. 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; 6
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 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. | 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 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. 7
HYMN 634
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!
SENDING Beloved of God, go in peace to love and serve the Lord. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER First Sunday of Advent 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. 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 8
to join the conversation online via Zoom. The link can be found in your Saturday Nov 25th 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. 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. 9
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 -Thanks for supporting our youth to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering 2024 in New Orleans! Our Kringles will be ready to be distributed on Sunday, December 3-December 17. We may have some extras, but those will be on a first come-first serve basis. Feel free to use the QR code to continue to donate. 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. MS Parents Gathering will meet today from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in the Library. Please contact Karen Cramer if you have any questions. 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. Final rehearsal during Sunday School today, 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 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. 10
“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 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 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
11
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) on The Redeemer Greens Please come and join us as a volunteer or supporter. Please consider playing a part in this outreach gift to Atlanta on December 10th (rain date Dec 17th). Visit the Bethlehem Village Table starting on Sunday, November 12th, in the Sims Atrium for information and to volunteer in any capacity. Questions anytime: contact Don Noland (dfnoland@gmail.com), Janet Preston (janethaury@gmail.com), or Terry Longstreth (terrylongstreth@mindspring.com) 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.
12
Calendar for November 26 – December 2, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, November 26, 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 Budget Listening Post 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Children’s Sing & Play 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Reception Room Pr. Jonathan Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Conference Room God’s Voice in Music 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 MS Parents Gathering 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Library Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Budget Listening Post 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Monday, November 27 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, November 28 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 29 Early Birds Bible Study 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Zoom Wednesday Night Dinner 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Sims Atrium Pastor’s Study 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Rudisill Hall Seraphim Choir 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Room 204 Worship 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Sanctuary Redeemer Ringers 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Room 202 Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Hinely Music Hall Thursday, November 30 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, December 1 Saturday, December 2 Christmas Program Rehearsal 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Various Rooms 13
14