Transfiguration of Our Lord – February 11, 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 671
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Shine, Jesus, Shine
Text and music © 1987 Make Way Music (admin. by Music Services in the Western Hemisphere) All Rights Reserved. ASCAP www.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 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. 2
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. Almighty God, the resplendent light of your truth shines from the mountaintop into our hearts. Transfigure us by your beloved Son, and illumine the world with your image, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen. Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL Mark 9:2-9 Mark’s gospel presents the transfiguration as a preview of what would become apparent to Jesus’ followers after he rose from the dead. Confused disciples are given a vision of God’s glory manifest in the beloved Son. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 315
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Pastor Mark H. Larson How Good Lord to Be Here
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. O God, we pray for the church, that your transformational power enters the hearts of all people. Grant that faith leaders may serve as examples of your grace and healing across all time and space. God of grace, receive our prayer. God of all of creation, that as your own creation we may humbly observe the swirl of wind and the heat of the bright sun, and recognize your presence around us. Teach us to honor all you have made and to care for animals, plants, air, and the bodies of water you have knit together. God of grace, receive our prayer. God of righteousness, we pray for those charged with leadership, lawmaking, and governance in our neighborhoods, cities, states, and countries around the globe. God, send your Spirit of discernment and justice, that they may strive for goodness and mercy as they guide others. God of grace, receive our prayer. God of comfort, we pray for any who are sick and suffering, who feel lonely, oppressed, or without answers especially … Guide us to offer hospitality, shelter, friendship, and care to all in need, following the example of your Son, Jesus. God of grace, receive our prayer. 4
God of joy, we pray for this congregation and all its ministries to the wider community. God, with deep gratitude we give you thanks for the gift of Tuck’s baptism. As we grow faithfully and serve boldly together, make us vessels of your love and grace, that we may honor the dignity of all whom we encounter. God of grace, receive our prayer. God of salvation, trusting that all the saints, prophets, and all who die in faith are held in your tender care, we remember with thanksgiving those who have died, especially … Grant us the gift of your salvation as we await your coming again in glory. 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. Standing PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for you. GATHERING OF GIFTS MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio Standing OFFERING PRAYER Blessed are you, Holy One, for all good things come from you. In bread and cup you open heaven to us. Meet us at this table, that we receive what we seek and follow your Son, Jesus, in whose name we pray. | Amen GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Lift up your hearts! | We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | It is right to give our thanks and praise. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER O God most mighty, O God most merciful, hear us as we praise, call us to your meal, grant us your life. When the earth was formless and empty, you created order and beauty. When Abraham and Sarah were barren, you delivered them a child; when the Israelites were enslaved, you led them to freedom; Ruth faced starvation, David fought Goliath, and the psalmists cried out for healing—with all your people we implore you to save us, and we praise you for granting us life. 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 6
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. Seated 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 866
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We are Marching in the Light of God
Tr. and arr. © 1984 Utryck, admin. Walton Music Corp. onelicense.net #A725004
SENDING Go in peace. You are God’s beloved. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio 8
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 02/4 In person: 216, Vimeo 215 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER First Sunday in Lent 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. Listening Sessions today and Feb. 18 | Reception Room/Zoom Our Congregation Council and Pastors are engaged in an important conversation about Redeemer’s welcoming nature, and how we might communicate it to the broader community. Although we have a rich and intentional history of welcoming all people at Redeemer, we do not have an official statement which articulates this position. We are considering whether to approve this formal statement adapted from our Strategic Plan: “We serve a God of abundant grace and generosity. Our worship is centered on the invitation that Christ offers at the communion table: all are welcome in this place. That welcome flows through all we do and say. We open our arms to everyone who comes to share our love of God and all God’s people. We affirm and value the lives of everyone, including all who have felt marginalized by age, race, gender, gender identity, ability, physical or mental health, sexual orientation, poverty, or any other circumstance. Let our message be clear: all are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.” The Congregation Council would like to hear your feedback on this statement before the next council meeting on Feb. 20. If you are unable to attend feel free to share your feedback with jeffguthrie@bellsouth.net , or contact any other Council member. “Souper” Bowl of Caring will take place TODAY. 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! Wednesday, February 14 | Ash Wednesday Worship at 12 noon (in-person only) & 7 PM (in-person & Live streamed) YOUTH • 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. 9
• 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, Charli Fletcher. Our wafer plate today was also made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, James Van Hoosear.. Each 8th grade Confirmation student had to answer the question of “What does Communion mean to you?” This is Charli’s interpretation: “My chalice represents an old fashioned medieval Gauntlet. Communion, to me, represents a tradition passed down through generations and generations that connects us with the old and will connect us with the new. I see it as something sacred and something that brings together a community, so I chose Gauntlet to represent my chalice.” This is James’ interpretation: “I think communion is the best part after the sermon. Communion is a time for us to give thanks for everything that Jesus Christ has done for us. I think of it as a prayer to the Lord asking for forgiveness. It is a way for our sins to be lifted away to the heavens.” CHILDREN AND FAMILY Children’s Sunday School in February. Today Feb. 11th we have worship at the Family Retreat, but if you are not attending the retreat we are asking families to attend Rejoicing Spirits in Rudisill Hall from 10:15-10:45. This is our fourth anniversary, and it’s a special time to walk alongside our Rejoicers and their caregivers. On Feb. 18, there is no Children’s SS due to school breaks for President’s Day weekend. On February 28 Sunday School will be in classrooms. Rejoicing Spirits February 11th This month at Rejoicing Spirits, we celebrate our fourth anniversary and all the love that is shared in this community!! We will also explore the light that shines in each of our hearts because we know the good news about Jesus. We meet at 10:15 am on select Sunday mornings in Rudisill Hall. All ages and abilities are welcome. Rejoicing Spirits is a 'non-hushing' service where everyone can be themselves. Our February service will be in person only. If you are interested in attending on Zoom, please speak to Deacon Mary. 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, 10
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 studies, '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 | Study on 1 Samuel Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark – No Class Ash Wednesday Wednesdays | 6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom Beginning Feb. 21 Baptism: A User’s Guide by Martin Marty 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 rededicated at 5 pm on Ash Wednesday, February 14th, to again serve the prayer needs of our 11
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 Hunger Walk Run is a celebrated annual event and community energizer, bringing people together in solidarity with a collective goal to end hunger. On March 10, Team Redeemer will walk (or run!) to benefit our Lutheran Community Food Ministry, as well as the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Inspiritus. Hunger Walk Run will be a hybrid event, which means it takes place everywhere: at the Home Depot Backyard next to Mercedes Benz Stadium, as well as on every sidewalk, track, and trail in your own neighborhood. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to walk or run wherever you are most comfortable gathering. 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. The Hunger Walk Run takes place rain or shine but please know that the Atlanta Community Food Bank closely monitors conditions that could impact safely holding an in-person event. If you prefer not to walk at home or at the Home Depot Backyard, consider walking in prayer for all who face hunger, poverty, and food insecurity. Register today at http://engage.acfb.org/goto/TeamRedeemer2024. As an added incentive, the first $250 in donations to Team Redeemer will be matched 1:1. Last year we raised $2,845, a 65% increase over our 2022 results, which placed Redeemer in the top ten of the Lutheran Hunger Walk Run teams for 2023. Let’s do it again 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. Human Trafficking and Prevention Advocacy Day at the Capitol February 27 Today is the final day to visit the display in Sims Atrium and read about the transformations that are taking place every year at Wellspring Living's Girls Residential Program as these girls recover from the trauma of trafficking. Then join us for Advocacy Day at the Capitol on February 27. Our Redeemer group will gather at the church at 8:00 a.m. and ride MARTA to Central Presbyterian Church for a press conference at 9:00 a.m. followed by a group photo on the Capitol steps prior to visits to our senators and representatives regarding bills that will protect victims and our children. Register at https://www.classy.org/event/advocacy-day-2024/e529963 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. SAVE THE DATE Bach Birthday Bash Friday, March 15th at 7:30 pm is our annual concert celebrating the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. This year’s program will feature Alan Boda, violin; Nicolas Deuson, guitar; 12
Sarah Hawbecker, organ and piano; Chase Petersen, organ; Mindy Tanzola, flute; the Carillon Ringers; and the Redeemer Choir, directed by David Hansen. Audience participation is a part of the concert, and the reception following the concert includes the singing of “Happy birthday” to Herr Bach. There won’t be another event like it in Atlanta this year, so invite a friend and join us!
Calendar for February 11 – February 17, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, February 11, 2024 Event Time Location Souper Bowl of Caring 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Sims Atrium 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 Listening Session 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Reception Room/Zoom 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 Rejoicing Spirits 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Rudisill Hall Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Youth Gathering Mtg 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Rudisill Hall Listening Session 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Reception Room/Zoom Monday, February 12 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, February 13 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Executive Committee 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Hybrid Wednesday, February 14 Northside Circle 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Rudisill Hall Ash Wednesday Service 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Sanctuary Keystone Mtg 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Room 121 Early Birds Bible Study 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Zoom Wednesday Night Dinner 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Sims Atrium Prayer Wall re-dedication 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Peachtree St. Seraphim Choir 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Room 204 Ash Wednesday Worship 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sanctuary/Livestream Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Thursday, February 15 Thursday Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Rudisill/Zoom Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom 13
Friday, February 16 Keystone Dinner
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Off Site
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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