Sunday Dec 17, 2023 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Third Sunday of Advent – December 17, 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 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

The Promised Coming People, Look East Carillon Ringers Jenny Broad, flute

Sandra Eithun Barry Rose

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 248

People, Look East

CONFESSION 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.

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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.

BLESSING AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Advent prayer Praise to you, O God, who holds our joy and sorrow.

You bring water to parched ground and life out of death.

Three candles are lit.

Bless us as this light grows, and send sorrow and sighing to flee away.

Give us strength and patience, trusting that you are true to your promises.

Transform the lives of all who suffer 2

with your wonders near at hand.

O people ransomed of the Lord, come Let our hearts be refreshed and restored Amen.

Sung O come, O King of nations, come, O Cornerstone that binds in one: refresh the hearts that long for you; restore the broken, make us new. Refrain PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you.

Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; 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 here or 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 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Karin Mayo, lector Though the people had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, they continued to face hardship and oppression. In the language of the jubilee year described in Leviticus 25, the prophet, moved by the spirit of God, announces deliverance for those who are oppressed and comfort for those who mourn.

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

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They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.

They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. THE SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Paul concludes his letter to the Thessalonians by encouraging them to live lives of continual joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. The closing blessing is grounded in the hope of Christ’s coming.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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THE HOLY GOSPEL John 1:6-8, 19-28 John’s gospel describes Jesus as the “light of the world.” John the Baptist is presented as a witness to Jesus, one who directs attention away from himself to Christ, the true light.

Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ” as the prophet Isaiah said.

Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

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

Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 261

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Pastor Jonathan Trapp As the Dark Awaits the Dawn

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: Merciful God, | receive our prayer.

At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen

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With hope and expectation, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who await God’s day of restoration.

A brief silence.

Fill our mouths with laughter and our tongues with shouts of joy as we bear witness to the great things you have done. Give your church a spirit of gladness as we gather and as we are sent.

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Let the trees of the field sing your praise. Protect forests, orchards, rainforests, and all wooded areas from disease and deforestation. Stoke our gratitude for their gifts of oxygen, food, shade, and shelter. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

You love justice and look with compassion on those who are oppressed, brokenhearted, and incarcerated. Grant wisdom and compassion to those who work for public safety and all who work within prisons, jails, and courts, that mercy may increase and violence wither away.

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Give us strength to pray for our world without ceasing. Provide for all without adequate housing, food, employment, or access to health care. Empower us as allies and advocates for all who are in need, especially...

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Open our hearts to those who serve as truth-tellers in our church and in our society. Bless leaders in church and society in their task of proclamation. Amplify voices of peacemakers, advocates, and especially those whose voices are ignored or marginalized. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

With gratitude we rejoice in the saints, especially… who witnessed to your life in all circumstances, and in whom your Spirit was not quenched, even in death. Through them, teach us always to hold fast to what is good. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Listen to these and all our prayers, O God of hosts, and restore us with your great and everlasting mercy.

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.

THANKSGIVING Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS Please use the Help and Redeemer.org/give links to support the ministry of Redeemer.

ANTHEM 7

O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide

Gesangbuch, Augsburg, 1666

The Redeemer Choir

Arranged by William Miller

O Savior, rend the heavens wide; | Come down, come down with mighty stride; | Unlock the gates, the doors break down; | Unbar the way to heaven’s crown.

O Morning Star, O radiant Sun, | When will our hearts behold your dawn? | O Sun, arise; without your light | We grope in gloom and dark of night.

Sin’s dreadful doom upon us lies; | Grim death looms fierce before our eyes. | Oh, come, lead us with mighty hand, | From exile to our promised land.

O Dayspring, dew from heaven send, | as gentle dew, O Son, descend. | Drop down, you clouds, and torrents bring, | to Jacob’s line rain down a King.

There shall we all our praises bring | Ever to you, our Savior King; | There shall we laud you and adore | Forever and forevermore.

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

German spiritual song, Köln, 1623 Translated by Martin L. Seltz Text © 1965 Мartin L. Seltz. Used by permission.

OFFERING PRAYER God our provider, by your merciful hand abundance springs up from the earth. Receive and bless these gifts of your own bounty. Let them be a sign of your steadfast love and faithfulness for all people, through Jesus Christ our Savior. | Amen GREAT THANKSGIVING

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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. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. 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:

We praise you, living and loving God, that you have sent your Son to this world. Christ is your Wisdom, sweetly ordering all creation, our Lawgiver, burning with justice, the Branch from Jesse’s tree, sprouting flowers from old roots, the Key of David, opening our prison doors.

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And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.

We praise you, serving and saving God, that you send your Son also to this table, who on the night before he died 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.

Again, 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.

And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.

We beg you, mighty and merciful God: send us the Spirit of your Son. Dwell in this food and in all who share it, that the earth may rejoice in your presence. In Christ, the dawn from on high, enlighten your people, reign as Sovereign to unite all, and live among us, Emmanuel, our deepest desire now and forever.

And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus, with your Father and your Spirit, to the church, and receive our praises, 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 In this meal, righteousness and peace meet together. Come, take your place at the 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

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HYMN 243

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Lost in the Night

HYMN 266

All Earth is Hopeful

Standing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen Let us pray. | Faithful God, in this meal you have remembered your mercy, bringing heaven to earth in the body and blood of Christ.

As we wait for the day when all your promises will be fulfilled, sustain us and strengthen us by this holy mystery.

Guide us toward your promised future, coming to birth in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING The God of peace bless you, the love of Christ sustain you in hope, and the anointing of the Spirit ☩ remain upon you now and forever. | Amen.

HYMN 239 12

Hark, the Glad Sound!

SENDING Go in peace. Keep awake. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

Christmas Bell Suite Angel Medley O Little Town of Bethlehem Go, Tell It on the Mountain The Carillon Ringers

arr. John A. Behnke arr. Terry Osman Lanning/McChesney arr. Andrew Duncan

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

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 12/10 In person:269, Livestream 651, FB 75 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday of Advent OFFICIAL RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING | December 10, 2023 Sessions following 9am and 11am Worship Services and a Zoom-only session at 10:30am On December 10, 2023, the Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer held its scheduled Special Congregation meeting. The agenda contained two items—one to modify the ELCR Constitution and the second to approve the 2024 Annual Budget.

Both motions were approved unanimously by the congregation.

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COMMUNITY TODAY Rain or Shine! Bethlehem Village and Live Nativity (BVLN) on The Redeemer Green Please come and join us at this outreach gift to Atlanta TODAY. Questions anytime: contact Don Noland (dfnoland@gmail.com), Janet Preston (janethaury@gmail.com), or Terry Longstreth (terrylongstreth@mindspring.com) Elevate your tree with meaning! Luther Rose ornaments for sale at the Live Nativity table in the Sims Atrium & on the Redeemer Green during “A Midtown Christmas”. Support LCFM with a suggested $20 donation or more. Spread cheer & make a difference this season!

Angel Tree for the Girls of Wellspring Living Angel Tree for the Girls of Wellspring Living Update! Thank you, Redeemer members and friends! As of last Sunday, you have donated $1,700 in gift cards for the girls of Wellspring Living – children (ages 12 – 17)!! These gift cards 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. Questions? Contact Amy Carpenter.

MAC Coat Drive Sims Atrium through Dec. 31 Donate your gently used Men’s, Women’s, and Children's outwear. Please help keep others warm this winter. The weather is turning cold with some nights in the low 40s already. Please keep those in mind that might not have the clothing they need to keep warm.

YOUTH Last Sunday to pick up for Kringles! Thanks for supporting our youth to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering 2024 that will be held in New Orleans. Link to support: https://form.jotform.com/232924365927061.

High School and Beyond Parents will be meeting on Sunday, January 7 for their monthly gathering. Middle School Parents will meet on Sunday, December 17 (if needed) and then again on Sunday, January 21.

Our Middle School and High School Youth will be heading to Sky Zone Atlanta on Sunday, January 7. We can get lunch before and head to jump at 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM. Estimated cost: $25 (does not include food or socks). Let Hillary know if your youth(s) can attend.

CHILDREN & FAMILY Family Christmas Eve Service At 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve we will hold our annual Family Christmas Eve service! We love to have our kids help out and lead this special service for their friends, families, and our visitors. Please fill out this short form to express interest if you would like to help. You can also scan the QR code. Deacon 14

Mary will then work with you to find the right role for your child (you can also work as a team if your child needs help with the role).

Coming up in Sunday School • Sunday, December 17 from 10:00-10:45 am we will have Sing and Play in collaboration with Rejoicing Spirits in Rudisill Hall. There will be a craft and lots of your favorite Christmas songs!

• December 24 and 31, there is no Sunday School due to the holidays. Have a Happy New Year, and we can’t wait to see you again for Sing and Play on January 7!

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.

Book Study with Pastor Jonathan Tuesdays | 5 PM Join Pr Jonathan as the class begins a new book on December12th, 'Jesus and John Wayne' by Kristin Kobes Du Mez. Dr Du Mez's book is a sweeping, revisionist history of the last seventyfive years of white evangelicalism, revealing how evangelicals have worked to replace the Jesus of the Gospels with an idol of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism. While reading is encouraged, it is not required! If you have any questions, please reach out to Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org.

Early Bird Bible Study led by David Ott will return January 3, 2024 Wednesdays | 4 PM | Reception | Book of Leviticus Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark – will return January 3, 2024 Wednesdays | 6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom Thursday afternoon Bible Study will resume January 11, 2024 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.

Friday, January 19, 7:30 PM ORGAN ANNIVERSARY CONCERT The Redeemer Concert series presents Nicole Keller in a free concert as we celebrate Redeemer’s 73-rank Létourneau pipe organ. Ms. Keller is in demand as a concert artist, adjudicator, and clinician. She has concertized in the States and abroad in venues such as St. Patrick Cathedral, New York; Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Paris; Dom St. Stephan, Passau; St. 15

Patrick Cathedral, Armagh, Northern Ireland; and The Kazakh National University for the Arts, Astana, Kazakhstan. She is on faculty of the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at the University of Michigan and is also Visiting Instructor of Organ at the Interlochen Arts Academy. The Friends of Music will host a reception in Sims Atrium following the concert.

Calendar for December 17 – December 23, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, December 17, 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 Confirmation Lrg Group 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM Fireside HS Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Youth Lounge Children’s SS/Rejoicing 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Rudisill Hall Pr. Jonathan Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Conference Room God’s Voice in Music 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms A Midtown Christmas 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Redeemer Green Monday, December 18 Tuesday, December 19 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Council Meeting 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Rudisill/Zoom Wednesday, December 20 Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Hinely Music Hall Thursday, December 21 Thursday Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Rudisill/Zoom Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE 10:00 AM Choir and Organ | Advent 4

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1:00 pm German Church Atlanta Service Traditional worship in the German language with Holy Communion.

3:00 pm Family and Children’s Service A Christmas message with lessons and carols for children with Holy Communion. *6:00 pm Jazz Service Worship begins with the prelude featuring the Redeemer Jazz Trio with Holy Communion. *8:00 and *11:00 pm Christmas Services The celebration begins with a musical prelude of instrumental and choir music. Services include traditional carols with Holy Communion. *Prelude begins 30 minutes prior to service.

The week following Christmas the Church Office will be closed Monday and Tuesday with Holiday hours of 10 am – 12 noon beginning Wednesday through Friday.

Sunday, December 31, 2023 we will have one service at 10 am led by the Jazz Trio.

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

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