Sunday Dec 17, 2023 - Order of worship at 9 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Third Sunday of Advent – December 17, 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 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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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS Standing HYMN 248

People Look East

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who opens the heavens and draws near to us with salvation. | Amen.

God is patient and merciful, desiring all to come to repentance. Trusting this promise of grace, let us confess our sin.

Kneeling or seated Everlasting God, you love justice and you hate wrongdoing. We confess the fear, greed, and self-centeredness that make us reluctant to work against oppression.

We are complicit in systems of exploitation. We choose comfort over courage.

We are careless with creation’s bounty. Look upon us with mercy. Turn our hearts again to you. Make us glad to do your will and to walk in your ways for the sake of our waiting world. Amen.

Hear these words of assurance: God clothes you with garments of salvation and covers you with robes of righteousness. In the tender compassion of ☩ Jesus Christ, 1

your sins are forgiven. God’s covenant is eternal, and God’s blessing rests upon us all. | Amen.

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 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.

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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.

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing 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 253

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Pastor Jonathan Trapp He Came Down

Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Each portion of the prayers concludes: Merciful God, | receive our prayer.

At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen 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.

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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.

GATHERING OF GIFTS MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio Standing 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 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 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.

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.

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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 Standing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen Let us pray. | Generous God, in bread and cup you have revealed your glory for all people to see together. Nourished by this meal, send us out to proclaim your good news of liberation and release, brought to birth in Jesus Christ our Savior.

Amen.

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 244 6

Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers

SENDING Go in peace. Keep awake. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 12/10 In person:269, Livestream 1394, 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

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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.

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.

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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 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.

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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. 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

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CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE 10:00 AM Choir and Organ | Advent 4 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.

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