Third Sunday in Lent – March 3, 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 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. 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.
HYMN 324
In the Cross of Christ I Glory
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act courageously. Keep us steadfast in your covenant of grace, and teach us the wisdom that comes only 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
THE READING Exodus 20:1-17
After escaping from slavery, the Israelites come to Mount Sinai, where God teaches them how to live in community. The Ten Commandments proclaim that God alone is worthy of worship.
Flowing from God, the life of the community flourishes when based on honesty, trust, fidelity, and respect for life, family, and property.
God spoke all these words:
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.
Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.
Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 2:13-22
Jesus attacks the commercialization of religion by driving merchants out of the temple. When challenged, he responds mysteriously, with the first prediction of his own death and resurrection. In the midst of a seemingly stable religious center, Jesus suggests that the center itself has changed.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said,
“This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing
HYMN 803
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Each portion of the prayers concludes: Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.
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 holy and just. We thank you for the gift of sabbath rest. Awaken the church to the mystery of your presence and give us glad hearts as we receive the good news of your provision and deliverance.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Spirit, you renew creation. Change the hearts of those who exploit the earth and make it a marketplace. Protect rainforests, mountaintops, oceans, and wilderness areas from destruction. Unite nations, call just policymakers, and inspire us all to care for your creation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Christ, you prayed for unity. We join your prayer for an end to war and strife in every landespecially Palastein, Israel, the Congo, Sudan, and Ukraine. Strengthen international efforts to negotiate peace and provide humanitarian aid to people fleeing from conflict.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God, you bring healing and hope. We give thanks for physicians, nurses, researchers, therapists, and public health workers who prevent and treat illness. We pray for any who are ill in mind, body or spirit, especially Dorothy, Joe, Patty, Cynthia, Merritt, Linda, Sheila, Jenny, Doris, Mary Clara, Reed, John, Mary, Tom, Michael, Anne, Harold, Ernestine, Harold, Pat … Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Spirit, you abide with your people. Sustain our community. This Lent we lift before you the prayer concerns of Midtown, especially Darian, Keisha, Tyler, Weston, Jeremy, Ladd, Kya, Aryelle, Alexis, Jan, Vala, Tasha, Kevin, Jody, Lukas, Nika, LeeAnna, Susan, Tiffany, Patti, the Walker-Smith family, Jamaica, UGA, for more love and less fear, for permanent housing, healing, sobriety, prosperity, intimacy, courage, peace, love, and happiness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Christ, you bring life from death. We remember our loved ones who have died, confident that they have new life in you. May we trust that nothing can separate us from your love. 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.
Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for you.
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio
Standing 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
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, 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.
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
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
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
Standing
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
Let us pray. | Generous God, at this table we have tasted your immeasurable grace. As grains of wheat are gathered into one bread, now make us one loaf to feed the world; in the name of Jesus, the Bread of life. Amen.
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 856
How Great Thou Art
SENDING
Go in peace. Share your bread. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 02/25 In person: 213, Vimeo 200
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday in Lent
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer’s Statement of Welcome
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 been marginalized by ability, age, gender, gender identity, mental or physical health, poverty, race, sexual orientation, or any other circumstance. Let our message be clear: all are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING | March 17, 2024
Meeting sessions to be held live following each Sunday worship service and also via Zoom at 10am
This meeting will serve as the Annual Meeting of the congregation. There will be three motions from the council to be voted on and approved:
Motion #1, Approval of the 2023 Annual Report
Motion #2, Ratification of Changes to ELCR Constitution
Motion #3, Approval of a Predevelopment Budget for Facilities Master Plan
Listening Sessions today | Rudisill Hall/Zoom
If you are unable to attend feel free to contact jeffguthrie@bellsouth.net, or contact any other Council member.
It’s time to pre-order Lilies in honor/memory of family or friends to visually enhance our Easter worship. In addition, professional brass quartet and timpani will be here so you are also encouraged to make donations to the special musician’s fund which will also be listed in the Easter bulletin in honor/memory of family or friends along with the flowers.
To order use an envelope that is available in the pew racks. Please drop envelopes at the Welcome desk in the Sims Atrium. All donations are due by Sunday, March 17.
Midtown Lutheran Preschool (MTLPS) is seeking a half-time Preschool Director. MTLPS is a faith-based preschool offering a half-day program for children ages 15 months through Pre-K. A unique feature of our program is its bi-lingual education format (English-German). MTLPS is an important part of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer's faith formation and outreach ministries. If you are interested or know of someone who might be, please contact Pastor Larson.
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. Ages 6th-grade to adult are eligible to volunteer. Link: https://form.jotform.com/240315224987155
Rejoicing Spirits March 17: Baptized, We Live!!
This month at Rejoicing Spirits, we celebrate being baptized children of God! We will explore how Baptism fills us with God’s grace so that we can pour it out for others. 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 March service will be hybrid. You can join worship directly with the link in our website calendar or your Rejoicing Spirits emails. Speak to Deacon Mary Houck to get added to our email list.
YOUTH
Our Youth Gathering Fundraiser to support our youth attending the ELCA Youth Gathering. This fundraiser will be happening in Sims Atrium or online. 16 of our youth and 3 Adults will be heading to New Orleans for the Gathering July 16-20. Our Fundraiser will be going on from March 10-March 31. Thanks for supporting our 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.
Our chalice on Sunday, March 3 & March 10 was made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Jane Bastin. Our wafer plate was also made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Bobby Gooch.. Each 8th grade Confirmation student had to answer the question of “What does Communion mean to you?” This is Jane’s interpretation: ““My chalice shows how communion brings everyone together.”
This is Bobby’s interpretation: “To me, communion means that Jesus gave us everything and we betrayed him, but he still loves and cares about us. So we should do the same to everybody else.”
CHILDREN AND FAMILY
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. 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 in the announcement above: VBS Needs You! Link: https://form.jotform.com/240165495570156
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, Paul can't contain his joy and amazement at the larger story of God's plan to save us in Jesus the Messiah. It is designed to help you understand Scripture in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. 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 grow in 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
Currently studying Luke, to be followed by Acts of the Apostles. Everyone is welcome either 1/ in person in the Reception Room with a full breakfast serving from 7 am, or 2/ via ZOOM link found on the Redeemer website each Tuesday. Our study and discussion is from 7:30 - 8:30 am. Please join us any Tuesday morning!
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.
KEYSTONE
March 6th at 12 PM: Monthly Mid-Week Worship Service with dessert fellowship following (Sanctuary)
March 13th at 3 PM: Monthly Keystone Meeting (Rudisill Hall)
March 18th at 1 PM: Lunch Bunch Fellowship Meal (Murphy’s in Decatur)
March 20th at 1 PM: Monthly Movie Matinee (Rudisill Hall)
COMMUNITY
Hunger Walk Run 2024 is less than two weeks away and Team Redeemer needs you! Here are some frequently asked questions about the event:
Q: I’m interested in joining Team Redeemer to walk (and maybe run), but where exactly is the Home Depot Backyard?
A: The Home Depot Backyard is off Northside Drive next to Mercedes Benz Stadium on the site of the old Georgia Dome.
Q: Got it! But where do I park?
A: There is ample parking in the decks around the stadium, and you can prepay for parking by clicking here: Mercedes Benz Stadium Parking. MARTA is always a great option if you don’t want to drive (closest station is Vine City).
Q: How do I support Team Redeemer if I can’t come to the Home Depot Backyard on March 10?
A: You can register at http://engage.acfb.org/goto/TeamRedeemer2024 (and get a cool t-shirt mailed to you) and then walk wherever/whenever it’s convenient for you. Or you can make a donation to Team Redeemer (same link!) to benefit our Lutheran Community Food Ministry, as well as the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Inspiritus
More questions or need help registering? Contact Lorraine Dorough, Team Captain for Team Redeemer, at ledorough@gmail.com.
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!
Visit
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Event
Worship
J.O.Y. Choir
HS Faith Formation
Confirmation Lrg Group
Children’s Sunday School
HS and Beyond Parents
Pr. Jonathan Class
Angel’s: Then & Now
Be Still & Journey
Confirmation Small Grps
Lenten Book Study
Monday, March 4
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, March 5
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, March 6
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Redeemer Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, March 7
Thursday Bible Study
Tolkien Group
Friday, March 8
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
PM – 8:30 PM
AM – 8:30 AM
PM – 6:00 PM
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
PM – 7:00 PM
PM – 7:30 PM
PM – 8:00 PM
PM – 4:00 PM
In-person/ Livestream
Room 211
Youth Lounge
Fireside
Various Rooms Room 103
Conference Room Room 121
Room 119
Various Rooms Room 211
204
202
Sanctuary/Livestream Hinely Music Hall
PM – 9:00 PM Rudisill/Zoom
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
Brandon Davis ................................................... Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232
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