Second Sunday after Epiphany – January 14, 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 798
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Will You Come and Follow Me?
Text © 1987 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.1358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #A725004
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, creator of darkness and light, word of truth, wind sweeping over the waters. | Amen. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Kneeling or seated 2
God, our rock and refuge, we pour out our hearts before you. We have known you but have not always loved you. We have wounded one another and sinned against you. We have not always recognized the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us. Remember your covenant. Renew your creation. Restore us, that we might proclaim your good news to all. Amen. The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. God has spoken: The time of grace is now. In Jesus, the reign of God has come near. By the authority of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. You are God’s beloved. | Amen. PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, most merciful redeemer, for the countless blessings and benefits you give. May we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day praising you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen. Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL John 1:43-51 In John’s gospel, Jesus’ ministry begins with the call of disciples, who then bring others to Jesus. Philip’s friend Nathanael moves from skepticism to faith when he accepts the invitation to “Come and see.” Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON 3
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Standing HYMN 685
Take My Life that I May Be
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. Encourage the ministry and mission of the church, God of truth. Let the leaders of your church be trustworthy and accountable stewards, that all its resources and outreach bring hope and healing to communities. God of grace, receive our prayer. Delight in the goodness of your creation, God of fig trees and fertile soil. Heal areas of the world harmed by human greed. Restore those recovering from natural disaster. Protect our forests and waterways and all the creatures that live in them. God of grace, receive our prayer. Call the leaders of every neighborhood and nation to serve faithfully, God of wisdom. Give them visions of justice and unity. Lead them to action that promotes equitable partnership and uplifts those on the margins of society. God of grace, receive our prayer. Hold in your care any who suffer and struggle, God of compassion. You who know our inner hearts, be present with any who are oppressed, victims of racism or cultural bias, and all who long for respite or restoration especially. God of grace, receive our prayer. Give this congregation the anticipation and excitement of Samuel, so inspired and empowered to do your work in the world, God of unity. Make us faithful as we build communities of inclusion and mutual care. God of grace, 4
receive our prayer. Trusting God who raised Jesus and will also raise us in spirit and truth, we remember all who have died and are at peace among the saints especially the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. whose faithful advocacy for peace and justice continues to embolden the church. 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. MISSION MOMENT: Welcome to Pastor Jennifer Roberts. Pastor Roberts joins us as Interim Pastor for Congregational Care. 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. 5
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. 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. 6
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 574
Here I Am Lord
Text and music © 1981 OCP Publications, Inc., 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #A725004
SENDING Go in peace. You are God’s beloved. | Thanks be to God. 7
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 01/07 In person:197, Vimeo 256 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Third Sunday after Epiphany 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. CHILDREN & FAMILY YOUTH High School Youth Retreat, March 15-17 @ Lutheranch. Come hang out with other High School Youth and enjoy this weekend of fellowship together. Interest RSVP due by Sunday, January 28 to Hillary. Actual RSVP due in Early March. ALL GA Youth Gathering, February 23-25 @ Camp Glisson, Dahlonega, GA. Theme: "Spirit of Peace" (Romans 15:13). 6th-12th graders are invited to attend this Synod Youth Retreat where we will connect with God and with one another. Registration due by February 9 to Hillary. Please contact for registration and other details. 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. 8
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 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. 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. Redeeming Bloomers "For those interested in planting and upkeeping gardens, please consider joining us the first Thursday morning of each month from 10-12 in the winter. If Thursday is not available to you but you are interested in helping us "play in the dirt", some of us are working together on another day that allows more people to participate when they cannot be present on Thursdays. COMMUNITY Save the Date for Hunger Walk! 9
The Atlanta Community Food Bank’s annual Hunger Walk Run 2024 will take place on March 10, 2024, and Team Redeemer will be there to support the Lutheran Community Food Ministry, Inspiritus, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Hunger Walk Run is a hybrid event, which means it takes place everywhere—on every sidewalk, track, and trail in your own neighborhood, and at the Home Depot Backyard next to Mercedes Benz Stadium! Festivities at the Home Depot Backyard kick off at noon with onsite registration and entertainment. The 5K Fun Walk and Run starts at 2 p.m. and the event ends at 4 p.m. Mark your calendar today and then watch for information on when and how to register beginning in January. Team Redeemer raised $2,845 in 2023 – let’s see if we can reach $3,500 in 2024! Thank you for your support, and please contact Lorraine Dorough, team captain, at ledorough@gmail.com for assistance in registering or for more information.
Calendar for January 14 – January 20, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, January 14, 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 Fireside HS Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Youth Lounge Childrens Sunday School 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Pr. Jonathan Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Conference Room Angel’s: Then & Now 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 Be Still & Journey 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 119 Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Monday, January 15 MLK Day Church Office Closed Guest Speaker: Pr. Mitri Raheb 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Sanctuary Tuesday, January 16 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Council 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Hybrid Wednesday, January 17 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 10
Thursday, January 18 Keystone Movie Matinee Thursday Bible Study Tolkien Group Friday, January 19 Organ Anniversary Concert
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Rudisill Hall Rudisill/Zoom Zoom
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sanctuary
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 The Rev. Jennifer Roberts ........................... Interim Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224 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
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