Sunday Jan 28, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany – January 28, 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

Allegro cantabile from Symphony V

Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)

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 311

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

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. 2

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. 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

Compassionate God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring wholeness to all that is broken and speak truth to us in our confusion, that all creation will see and know your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | 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 Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Jeff Guthrie, lector Today’s reading is part of a longer discourse in Deuteronomy, an updating of the law for the Israelite community as the people wait to enter the promised land. Here Moses assures the people that God will continue to guide them through prophets who will proclaim the divine word. [Moses said:] The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the Lord replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.” Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. PSALM 111 Congregation sings refrain; choir sings verses.

Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation. Great are your works, O LORD, pondered by all who delight in them. Majesty and splendor mark your deeds, and your righteousness endures forever. You cause your wonders to be remembered;

you are gracious and full of compassion. R You give food to those who fear you, remembering forever your covenant. You have shown your people the power of your works in giving them the lands of the nations. The works of your hands are faithfulness and justice; all of your precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, because they are done in truth and equity. R You sent redemption to your people and commanded your covenant forever; holy and awesome is your name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice this have a good understanding. God’s praise endures forever. R THE SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Paul is concerned about the way some Corinthian Christians use their freedom in Christ as license to engage in non-Christian behavior that sets a damaging example to other, impressionable believers. Christians have a responsibility to each other that their behavior does not cause another to sin. Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. “Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL Mark 1:21-28 Forces that would bring death and disease have taken hold of a man, yet they recognize Jesus and know what his power means for them. Jesus commands these forces to leave and people are amazed at his authority. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus and his disciples] went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN

Pastor Jennifer Roberts Cast Out, O Christ

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: 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. Loving God, we pray that your example of teaching with confidence and authority builds up your church in love. May all church leaders and teachers honor your instruction and model your inclusive ways. God of grace, 8

receive our prayer. Renewing God, we pray for all of creation, that waterways flow clean and clear, natural spaces are protected, and our planet is healed. Let us commit to thoughtful care of the earth. God of grace, receive our prayer. Justice-seeking God, we pray for those in government and community leadership, that they lead with honor and mindfulness. May they remember their covenants and be upright in their ways. God of grace, receive our prayer. Compassionate God, we pray for all in need, especially those who have known rejection, any who struggle with long-term illness or chronic pain, those without access to safe housing or health care, and any who suffer. We especially pray for... Javeline, Craan, God of grace, receive our prayer. Still-speaking God, we pray for our congregation, for its artists and musicians, for its educators and caregivers, that all gifts are used to care for those in need and to live out your example of accompaniment, gospel witness, and love. God of grace, receive our prayer. Eternal God, we remember all who have been teachers, mentors, and companions in the church and in our lives (especially Thomas Aquinas whom we commemorate today). We trust that all who have died rest in your loving care. 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. 9

ANTHEM

Centering

Alice Parker

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. 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 614

There is a Balm in Gilead

HYMN 612

Healer of Our Every Ill

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

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 886

Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

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

Toccata on “Azmon”

Franklin Ashdown (1942-2023)

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 01/21 In person: 226, Vimeo 231 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

YOUTH • Middle School Parents Gathering next Sunday, January 28 from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM. • High School and Beyond Parents Gathering will meet on Sunday, February 4 from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM. • High School Youth Group will take place on Sunday, February 4. Stay tuned for more details coming soon. • 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. • “Souper” Bowl of Caring will be taking place on Sunday, February 11. Help support our Lutheran Community Food Ministry. • 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 Hillary for registration and other details. Our chalice today was made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Eli May. Our wafer plate today was also made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Bailey Keel. Each 8th grade Confirmation student had to answer the question of “What does Communion mean to you?” This is Eli’s interpretation: “Communion is very important to me, because it shows how Jesus sacrificed His blood and body for us. To me, it shows how much Jesus cares for us.” This is Bailey’s interpretation: “To me, Communion means a break. It is a simple moment where everyone can stop their issues, stress, everyday tasks, and even worship. We can all come together for a few minutes and pause. We can stop thinking for a bit and simple enjoy each other’s company through God.” 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.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study Led by David Ott & Don Noland | Tuesdays | 7 AM | Reception Room and Zoom A light breakfast is served beginning at 7 am. The study starts at 7:30 am and ends at 8:30 am. 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. 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 January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Visit the display in Sims Atrium and read about the transformations that are taking place every year at Wellspring Living's Girls Residential Program where our congregation is actively involved. Also, please save the date and join us for Advocacy Day at the Capitol on February 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Register at https://www.classy.org/event/advocacy-day-2024/e529963 Save the Date for Hunger Walk! 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, 16

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 21 – January 27, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, January 28, 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 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 MS Parents Gathering 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Library Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Monday, January 29 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, January 30 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Wednesday, January 31 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 Thursday, February 1 Thursday Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Rudisill/Zoom Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom Saturday, February 3 17

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