Sunday, January 7, 2024 - Order of worship at 9 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

Baptism of Our Lord – January 7, 2024 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. 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 423

Shall We Gather at the River

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation. | Amen. Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism. We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight. Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. | Amen. PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Holy God, creator of light and giver of goodness, your voice moves over the waters. Immerse us in your grace, and transform us by your Spirit, that we may follow after your Son, 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 Mark 1:4-11 Mark’s gospel reports the story of Jesus’ baptism with some irony: the one on whom the Spirit descends is himself the one who will baptize others with the Holy Spirit. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 314

Pastor Mark H. Larson Arise, Your Light has Come

Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION As we celebrate Christ embodied in human form, we pray for God’s blessing on the church, the world, and all of creation. A brief silence. Inspire wisdom and a spirit of proclamation in your church, God of forgiveness. Uplift leaders to share the truth of your word in community. Encourage us to live into the promises of baptism, working for justice and peace in all the world. God of grace, receive our prayer. Renew your creation, God of thunder and mighty waters. Restore the rivers in which your children are baptized. May fields flourish and grow. Summon the stewards and caretakers of the land to cherish your good works. God of grace, receive our prayer. Give strength to your leaders, God who is present in every country and community. Raise up leaders committed to equity and healing. Grant them discernment and compassion as they lead in love. God of grace, receive our prayer. Protect and cherish the most vulnerable among us, God of strength. Accompany those separated from family or hurting from broken relationships. Shelter our unhoused neighbors and any experiencing poverty. Protect those incarcerated in prisons and detention centers. Care for the sick and suffering. We especially pray for: God of grace, receive our prayer. Encourage this congregation, God who calls and sends disciples. Guide us in accompanying, learning from, and serving our neighbors on the margins, following the example of Jesus. God of grace, receive our prayer. Trusting the assurance of the Holy Spirit, we remember all who have died and rest in God’s care. Give hope to those who grieve even as we rest in your eternal promise of resurrection. God of grace, receive our prayer. 4

Knowing the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, we offer these prayers and the silent prayers of our hearts in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 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 Blessed are you, Holy One, for all good things come from you. In bread and cup you open heaven to us. Meet us at this table, that we receive what we seek and follow your Son, Jesus, in whose name we pray. | 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 O God most mighty, O God most merciful, hear us as we praise, call us to your meal, grant us your life. When the earth was formless and empty, you created order and beauty. When Abraham and Sarah were barren, you delivered them a child; when the Israelites were enslaved, you led them to freedom; Ruth faced starvation, David fought Goliath, and the psalmists cried out for healing—with all your people we implore you to save us, and we praise you for granting us life. You came to our world in Jesus our friend. He was born among the poor, he lived under oppression, he wept over the city. Full of compassion, he granted the people your life. 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. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, 5

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. Come, Breath of creation, enliven our bones. Come, living Water, replenish the earth. Come, holy Fire, make us lights in the world. Like a tree rich with fruit, nourish us with your bounty. From your throne, teach us justice. In your arms, give us peace. Mighty God, mothering God, grant us your life, the life of the Father to the Son, the life of the Spirit of our risen Savior, life in you, 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 At Jesus’ table, heaven and earth are joined as one. Come and see. 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. | Giver of every gift, Christ’s body is our food, and we are Christ’s body. Raise us to life by your power for the benefit of all and to your glory, now and forever. Amen. BLESSING God who names you, Christ who claims you, and the Holy Spirit who dwells in you, ☩ bless you and remain with you always. | Amen. HYMN

Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit

SENDING Go in peace. You are God’s beloved. | 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 12/31 In person:83, Vimeo 194 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Second Sunday after Epiphany Thank you for your generosity! On behalf of the Aldabaan family, thank you Redeemer members and friends for your generous support and ongoing prayers since the family's arrival and especially during the holiday season! Redeemer has blessed the family with gift cards, furniture, school supplies, a computer, and gently used household items and clothing. As the family begins its first full year in this country, we will continue to show them hospitality and love. CHILDREN & FAMILY 7

Sing and Play today! Sunday School resumes today with Sing and Play in the Fireside Room. Next week, we return to our normal classrooms. Please see your Sunday School schedule, CFM emails, or contact Deacon Mary with questions. YOUTH High School and Beyond Parents will be meeting on Sunday, January 7 for their monthly gathering. Middle School Parents will meet on Sunday, January 28. 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. ADULT FAITH FORMATION Angels: Then & Now Led by Ed Scherlacher | Sundays | 10 am | Room 121 Learn the history God’s messengers in the old testament, the intertestamental period, the life of Jesus and the church. Discover how they minister to us “now,” and will throughout eternity. Be Still and Journey Led by Pat Cornwell | Sundays | 10 am | Room 119 Studying Ephesians by NT Wright For Everyone Bible Study. In Ephesians, throughout its worship, prayers and instructions for living, Paul can't contain his joy and amazement at the larger story of God's plan to save us in Jesus the Messiah. These eleven studies from Tom Wright will help us see the significance of our role in God's grand narrative, and encourage us to live more fully as people who are lavishly loved by God. Please join us as we intentionally choose to learn and increase our growing faith. “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 Wednesdays | 4 PM | Reception | Book of Leviticus Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark Wednesdays | 6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom 8

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 Guest, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, founder of Dar Al-Kalima University, Bethlehem, Palestine and Co-Founder of Bright Stars of Bethlehem. Monday, January 15, 2024 | 5 - 7 PM Join us for an evening and opportunity to visit with Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb in person for updates on Dar Al-Kalima University and Palestine. 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 January 7 – January 13, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, January 7, 2024 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 Rudisill Hall HS Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Youth Lounge Sing & Play 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Fireside HS Parents & Beyond 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 103 Pr. Jonathan Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Conference Room Angel’s: Then & Now 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 9

Be Still & Journey 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM

Monday, January 8 Carillon Ringers Tuesday, January 9 Morning Bible Study Pr. Jonathan Book Study Wednesday, January 10 Keystone Leadership Mtg Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday Night Dinner Pastor’s Study Seraphim Choir Worship Redeemer Ringers Redeemer Choir Rehearsal Thursday, January 11 Thursday Bible Study Tolkien Group

Room 119 Various Rooms

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Hinely Music Hall

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Room 121 Zoom Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall Room 204 Sanctuary Room 202 Hinely Music Hall

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Rudisill/Zoom Zoom

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 STAFF Kofi Broadnax........................................................................ Property Administrator, ext. 210 Seth Brown................................................................... Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218 Robin Durdin ............................................................ Office Administration Director, ext. 204 David Hansen ........................................................................... Adult Choral Director, ext. 236 Sarah Hawbecker .......................................... Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206 Deacon Mary Houck .....................................Children & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227 Jennifer Isaacson ....................................................... Financial Information Director, ext. 237 Kisha Johnson .................................................................. Interim Preschool Director, ext. 252 Larry Lowe........................................................................................................Security Officer Hillary Nelson ............................................................ Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Chase Petersen ......................................................... Organ Scholar, cpetersen@redeemer.org Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security 10