Sunday, Jan 7, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

Baptism of Our Lord – January 7, 2024 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. 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

Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam

Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)

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 310

Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

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. 2

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. 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 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. 4

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. 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 Genesis 1:1-5 Charissa Schultz, lector Out of chaos, God brings order. Out of the formless void, God brings light. This familiar story was good news for the Israelites, who experienced much chaos in their history. It remains good news for us. God created and continues to create new life. In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. PSALM 29

the voice of the LORD is a | voice of splendor. R The voice of the LORD breaks the | cedar trees; the LORD breaks the ce- | dars of Lebanon; the LORD makes Lebanon skip | like a calf, and Mount Hermon like a | young wild ox. The voice | of the LORD bursts forth in | lightning flashes. The voice of the LORD | shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilder- | ness of Kadesh. R The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe and strips the | forests bare. And in the temple of the LORD all are | crying, “Glory!” The LORD sits enthroned a- | bove the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king for- | evermore. O LORD, give strength | to your people; give them, O LORD, the bless- | ings of peace. R THE SECOND READING Acts 19:1-7 In Ephesus, Paul encounters people who had received John’s baptism of repentance but had never heard of the Holy Spirit or of baptism in the name of Jesus. After Paul baptizes them, the Holy Spirit comes upon them and empowers them with gifts of the Spirit. While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied—altogether there were about twelve of them. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL 6

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 305

Pastor Mark H. Larson When Jesus Came to Jordan

NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Each portion of the prayers concludes: God of grace, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen 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. 8

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

Brighter than the sun

John Helgen

Brighter, brighter than the sun is the candle of the Holy One. Bigger, bigger than the sea are the waves of God washing over me. Gonna light my candle from the holy flame of the one that’s brighter than my own name. | Gonna wash my body in the holy sea, in the water of life that’s bigger than me. 9

Gonna meet God’s children at the fountain of life, where the word and the water and the Lord Jesus Christ | make a new creation out of ev’ry one: Holy Spirit of love, let the waters run. Gonna gather ‘round and gonna welcome in ev’ry child to be and ev’ry one who’s ever been. | Gonna breathe together with this spark of life: Holy Spirit of God, make our flame burn bright. Standing OFFERTORY HYMN As they offered gifts most rare at thy cradle, rude and bare, so may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin's alloy, all our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to thee, our heav'nly king.

Ray Makeever

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. 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. By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory. 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:

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, 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. 11

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

HYMN 455

Crashing Waters at Creation

HYMN 448

This is the Spirit’s Entry Now

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 13

SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

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 304

Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized

SENDING Go in peace. You are God’s beloved. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich

Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933)

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 Sing and Play today! 14

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 15

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 16

Angel’s: Then & Now 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 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 121 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