Sunday Feb 18, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

First Sunday in Lent – February 18, 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

Psalm Prelude (Paraphrase of Psalm 40:1-3)

Craig Phillips (born 1961)

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection. THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation. | Amen. Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism. We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight. Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. 1

By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all. We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love. To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. | Amen. As a reminder of the gift of baptism, the assembly may be sprinkled during the entrance hymn. As the congregation is invited forward for communion, individuals are encourage to dip the fingers in the water from the font and make the sign of the cross. Standing HYMN 326

Bless Now, O God, the Journey

Standing GREETING 2

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 Cynthia Reese-McKersie, 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.

The Hymn of Praise is omitted during the penitential season of Lent. PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Holy God, heavenly Father, in the waters of the flood you saved the chosen, and in the wilderness of temptation you protected your Son from sin. Renew us in the gift of baptism. May your holy angels be with us, that the wicked foe may have no power over us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen. Please use the Prayer Request link here or on the webpage to submit your requests.

WORD God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON THE FIRST READING Genesis 9:8-17 Rod Mack, lector Today’s reading is the conclusion to the flood story. Because of human sin, God destroys the earth by flood, saving only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark. Yet divine destruction gives way to divine commitment. As in the first creation, God blesses humanity and establishes a covenant with all creatures. God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. THE SECOND READING 1 Peter 3:18-22 As God acted through Christ’s suffering and death to bring us to God, so God acts through baptism to save us from a sinful existence. This spiritual cleansing marks our new life in Christ. Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL Mark 1:9-15 The Spirit that comes upon Jesus at his baptism sustains him when he is tested by Satan so that he might proclaim the good news of God’s reign. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN

Pastor Jonathan Trapp When We Are Tested

APOSTLE’S 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 6

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Each portion of the prayers concludes: God of grace, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen Trusting in God’s promise to reconcile all things, let us pray for the church, the well-being of creation, and a world in need. A brief silence. God, you are the truth and the life. You call each of us by name in our baptism and invite us to live as your faithful people. Make our thoughts righteous, our words prophetic, and our deeds transformative. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Spirit, through waters of baptism you call us beloved and remember your covenant with the earth and its inhabitants. Rescue communities and creatures hurting from natural disasters, especially those impacted by floods on the west coast. Preserve species and habitats endangered by human carelessness and disregard. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Christ, through our vocations you invite us to share your light with the world. Free all of us from the temptation of power and form us into holy people who work for justice in all the places you call us. Sustain all who work for human rights in every nation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God, you care for your beloved children. Comfort all who are grieving, ill, afraid, in pain, or in despair of any kind. Feed hungry people living in food deserts. Protect any at risk from exploitation and abuse. We especially pray for Linda, Sheila, Jenny, Merritt, Esther, Colin, Anne, Lou, Diana, Doris, John, Mary, William, Dorothy, Tom, Michael, Anne, Pat, … Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Spirit, through your Word you gather your people into one. This Lenten season we lift before you the prayer concerns of our Midtown community, especially for … Keep us mindful of your Word as we go into our community, that others may know your love for them. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Christ our hope, you promise eternal life to your beloved children. We remember with gratitude those who have lived and died in faith. Grant that we may also dwell with you in everlasting peace. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Accompany us on our journey, God of grace, and receive the prayers of our hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. Standing PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. 7

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 Show Me Thy Ways Walter L. Pelz Show me thy ways O Lord, teach me thy paths; lead me in thy truth and teach me: For thou art the God of my salvation. And on thee do I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4,5

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

OFFERING PRAYER Jesus, you are the bread of life and the host of this meal. Bless these gifts that we have gathered that all people may know your goodness. Feed us not only with this holy food but with hunger for justice and peace. We pray this in your name. | Amen GREAT THANKSGIVING

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. You call your people to cleanse their hearts and prepare with joy for the paschal feast, that, renewed in the gift of baptism, we may come to the fullness of your grace. 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, Creator of our wilderness world, O God, Savior of the lost, O God, Comforter of the sick and suffering, we give you thanks for your everlasting might; we glorify you for your covenant of mercy. 9

For forty days you cleansed the earth with the waters of the flood. For forty days you illumined Moses with the words of your law. For forty years you fed your people with manna from heaven. You became truly human in Jesus our brother. For forty days, with fasting and prayer, he renounced the power of the devil. On the night before he died he 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. Transform us, O God, with your lively Spirit. Make this food into manna for our journey, the body and blood of your Son. Teach us your words of wisdom and justice. Renew the whole earth with baptismal grace. At the last, lead all your pilgrim people through our wilderness to your Easter garden. To you, O God, Creator, Savior, Comforter, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be our worship and praise, adoration and thanksgiving, now and forever. Amen. Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray… LORD’S PRAYER

INVITATION TO COMMUNION Bread for the journey. A feast for hungry hearts. Come! 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 319

O Lord, throughout These Forty Days

HYMN 517

Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word

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.

Seated BLESSING Beloved, we are God’s own people, holy, washed, renewed. God bless you and keep you, shower you with mercy, fill you with courage, and ☩ give you peace.| Amen. HYMN 504

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

SENDING Go in peace. Share your bread. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

Ein feste Burg

Max Reger

Listening Sessions today | 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. Easter Drive Please help us celebrate Easter with Redeemer Families and welcome our neighbors and friends by donating individually wrapped candy or small Easter items. You can participate in the Amazon list by scanning the code (items will be sent directly to the church) or bring them to the Welcome Desk by Wednesday, March 22, and put them in the bin. Vacation Bible School Registration is Open!! VBS Needs You! June 3-7 our kids will gather for Camp Firelight, an interactive Vacation Bible School where children will go on a summer camp adventure with God, right here at Redeemer! WE NEED YOUR HELP to make this event possible. Whether you can help now or during the actual event, whether you want to be on stage or behind the scenes or just want to help us shop for supplies, everyone has something they can offer to make VBS a success! Please speak to Deacon Mary if you have questions, or, scan the code and fill out the form if you are ready to sign up. Ages 6thgrade to adult are eligible to volunteer. 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. • 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. • Thank you again for your support with our “Souper” Bowl of Caring event that took place on Sunday, February 11. Thank you for supporting our Lutheran Community Food Ministry. We 15

raised $551.70 (not including all online donations) with the Kansas City Chiefs raising $295.45 and the San Francisco 49ers raising $256.25. LCFM is the BIG WINNER!! 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 On Feb. 18, there is no Children’s SS due to school breaks for President’s Day weekend. We resume next Sunday, the 25th in our usual classrooms, except for the Second Graders who are starting their Faith Stepping Stone in room 203. Lord’s Supper Retreat Saturday, March 16, 9:30 AM- 12 PM. Ages PreK and up and their parents. Whether your child has been waiting for their first communion or already started receiving, we encourage them to grow their understanding of this ancient and holy practice. Not sure if this is the right year for your child to participate? We're happy to help you decide! Sunday, March 18: Blessing in Worship at the 11:00 service. You can contact Deacon Mary with questions, or scan the code to find more information and to register. Vacation Bible School Registration is Open! June 3-7 our kids will gather for Camp Firelight, an interactive Vacation Bible School where children will go on a summer camp adventure with God, right here at Redeemer! VBS is 9 AM- 1 PM each day, including time for participants to eat lunch. We are excited to offer Before-care (8-9 am) and After-care (1-6 pm) options again this year for families who need a full day of child care. Scan the code for more details and to register, or speak to Deacon Mary. Parents and youth, we will need your help! We will work with you to find a role that fits your interests and availability. To register a youth (6th grade and up) or adult as a volunteer, find the code 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 16

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 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 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 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. 17

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; 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 18 – February 24, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, February 18, 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 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 Listening Session 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Reception Room/Zoom Monday, February 19 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, February 20 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Keystone Movie Matinee 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Rudisill Hall Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Council 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Hybrid Wednesday, February 21 Early Birds Bible Study 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Zoom Wednesday Night Dinner 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Sims Atrium Seraphim Choir 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Room 204 Worship 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sanctuary/Livestream Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Thursday, February 22 Thursday Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Rudisill/Zoom Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom Friday, February 23 -