Sunday, Feb 4, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA by redeemeratl

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany – February 4, 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

Chorale prelude on “Praise to the Living God”

Isadore Freed (1900-1960)

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 858

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

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. 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. 2

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 Seraphim Choir, Cantor 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

Everlasting God, you give strength to the weak and power to the faint. Make us agents of your healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation, through 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 Colin Walker, lector Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in; who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows upon them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 5

Isaiah 40:21-31

He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. ANTHEM

Sing Joyfully to God Seraphim Choir

Michael Joesph

THE SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 God entrusted Paul with the responsibility of bringing the gospel to diverse people. Hence the focus of Paul’s ministry is not his own rights or privileges as an apostle but the privilege of serving God by freely sharing the good news of Christ with others. If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel. For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL 6

Everywhere Jesus goes, many people expect him to set them free from oppression. Everywhere he goes, he heals people and sets them free. Disease, devils, and death are running for their lives. The forces that diminish human life are rendered powerless by Jesus. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. As soon as [Jesus and the disciples] left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 673

Pastor Mark H. Larson God, Whose Almighty Word

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. Everlasting God, you bring your healing power to the church. Give your church a spirit of unity and prayer, that we discern your way for us in the world. God of grace, receive our prayer. Creator of the ends of the earth, you make the grass grow and send rain for the soil. Bring your creation into harmony and balance. Give animals their food and provide healthy shelter for your people. Inspire us to honor the miraculous beauty of all you have made. God of grace, receive our prayer. God without equal, your steadfast love endures forever. Bring the leaders, elected officials, and peacekeepers of our towns and countries into understanding and unity. Guide them to serve with compassion and understanding. God of grace, receive our prayer. God who strengthens, you lift up with your hand any who are suffering. Heal those who are brokenhearted and strengthen the weak and all in need, especially… God of grace, receive our prayer. God who gives power to the faint, challenge us to share the faith stories of what God has done in our lives. Open us to receive the unique ways God is at work in your people, especially those whose perspectives challenge our own. God of grace, receive our prayer. God who calls each star by name, we remember all who have died, especially… Shelter all who mourn with your mercy and care, and give us hope in your promised salvation. God of grace, receive our prayer. Knowing that 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. 8

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

Gregg DeMey Arranged by Thomas Keesecker Touch that soothes and heals the hurting, | hands that break a loaf of bread; steps that walk beside the weary, bearing burdens in their stead: | Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit ones in need of care, | give the homeless warmth and shelter; I Christ will find a welcome there. “See my hands and feet,” said Jesus, | love arisen from the grave. | “Be my hands and feet,” said Jesus, “live as ones I died to save.” Love and serve without distinction | all earth’s people, first and least. | Know within act of kindness| hope and wholeness are increased. Hands that beckon little children, | bind a wound, prepare a meal, | feet that rush to share good tidings, | Christ arisen, still reveal. Touch that Soothes and Heals

Mary Louise Bringle

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, 10

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

HYMN 466

In the Singing

HYMN 787

On Eagle’s Wings

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 843

Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness

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

POSTLUDE

In dir ist Freude, BWV 615

The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Jeanne Merritt by her friends and family. LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 01/28 In person: 248, Vimeo 337 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Transfiguration of Our Lord Baptized We Live - Lent 2024 This Lent you will have the opportunity to dive deeper into an understanding of baptism through the work of acclaimed Lutheran scholar and theologian, Martin Marty. Our small groups will be discussing the history of baptism in the Christian faith, how baptism can be a daily reminder of God's love for us and how it can make a difference in our daily lives, and more. We can all remember the promises we made in baptism, the promises God made to us, and the promises we made to each other. If you are interested in joining a small group, you can sign up in the Sims Atrium or online. If you are interested in hosting, please contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org. YOUTH • High School and Beyond Parents Gathering meet today, Sunday, February 4 from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM.

•

High School Youth Group today, Sunday, February 4. We will head to get lunch locally or go to Krog Street Market.

• High School Youth Retreat, March 15-17 @ Lutheranch. Come hang out with other High School Youth and enjoy this weekend of fellowship together. Actual RSVP due in Early March. • “Souper” Bowl of Caring will take place on Sunday, February 11. Help support our Lutheran Community Food Ministry as the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers. No matter the outcome, LCFM is the BIG WINNER! • 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/reorientation 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 seventy-five 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 Prayer Wall re-dedication My House will be called a House of Prayer for all nations (Isa 56:7) Prayers written on Redeemer’s Prayer Wall during Lent by Midtown neighbors have invoked both the fears

and struggles, as well as the praises and hopes of people that place their trust and hope in God. These prayers written in chalk will be recorded each day and incorporated within the Prayers of the Church. Redeemer’s Lenten Prayer Wall along our Peachtree St. sidewalk will be re-dedicated at 5 pm on Ash Wednesday, February 14th, to again serve the prayer needs of our Midtown neighbors. Please join us at this re-dedication for prayer, to engage with our neighbors, and to offer thanks for Christian community. 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, 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.

Midtown Lutheran Preschool Open Enrollment – Spread the Word! We are excited to announce that our preschool is currently enrolling’s for the Fall semester and space is still available for the current Spring semester. If you know any families looking for a half-day preschool program that runs from 9AM to 1PM Monday through Friday, please encourage them to consider MTLPS Church Preschool. Visit our website www.mtlps.org for more information, including details about our curriculum, faculty, and enrollment process. Calendar for February 4 – February 10, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, February 4, 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 Children’s 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 HS & Beyond Parents 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 103 Gathering Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Monday, February 5 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, February 6 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom

Pr. Jonathan Book Study Wednesday, February 7 Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday Night Dinner Pastor’s Study Seraphim Choir Worship Redeemer Ringers Redeemer Choir Rehearsal Thursday, February 8 Thursday Bible Study Tolkien Group Friday, February 9 Family Retreat

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Zoom

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

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 Lutheranch

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