Fourth Sunday in Lent – March 10, 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 335 Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
O God, rich in mercy, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world and rescued us from the hopelessness of death. Lead us into your light, that all our deeds may reflect your love, 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 Numbers 21:4-9
Though God provides food and water for the Israelites in the wilderness, they whine and grumble. They forget about the salvation they experienced in the exodus. God punishes them for their sin, but when they repent God also provides a means of healing: a bronze serpent lifted up on a pole.
From Mount Hor [the Israelites] set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 3:14-21
To explain the salvation of God to the religious leader, Nicodemus, Jesus refers to the scripture passage quoted in today’s first reading. Just as those who looked upon the bronze serpent were healed, so people will be saved when they behold Christ lifted up on the cross.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing
HYMN 666
What Wondrous Love is This
Pastor Jennifer Roberts
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.
Gracious God, your love unites. Give the global church the vision and will to cooperate in ministry for the building up of your kingdom. Increase inter-religious understanding and ecumenical dialog. Make your church a sanctuary for all fleeing persecution, disaster, and war, especially in Israel and Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and Ukraine. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Incarnate God, your love enlightens. Open our hearts and minds to fresh understandings of our faith and our ears to listen carefully to our neighbors. Deepen our love for you and for one another. Teach us to pray for our enemies. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Righteous God, your love liberates. We give thanks for those who courageously witness to your liberating love, especially Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, renewers of society, whom we commemorate today. Free all people from the evils of racism, religious strife, and hatred. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Merciful God, your love heals. Care tenderly for all those whose loved ones perished from pandemic disease in every nation. Strengthen and provide rest for health care workers, first responders, and caregivers. Relieve all who live with chronic illness and pain, and those who need healing in any way, especially…
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
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Abiding God, your love saves. Those who died in the faith are made alive in Christ, especially…
We give thanks for your promise that we also will be raised to newness of life. 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 779
Amazing Grace
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 03/03 In person: 231, Vimeo 158
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fifth 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
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.
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!
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.
Singers wanted for the Easter Vigil Choir! The Vigil of Easter is the culmination of the service of the Three Days, which begins on Maundy Thursday. This dramatic service, held at 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 30, is a journey from darkness to light, and is the first of our resurrection celebrations. All ages are welcome to sing in the Vigil Choir! The only rehearsal is at 5:30 preceding the 7:00 service. Please RSVP by contacting Chase at cpetersen@redeemer.org.
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 kicks off today and will be going on till March 31. 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. Thanks for supporting our youth! Link for QR Code: https://form.jotform.com/240633324188152
High School Youth Retreat, March 15-17 @ Lutheranch. Come hang out with other High School Youth and enjoy this weekend of fellowship together. RSVP due today March 10 Please let Hillary know if you can attend.
On Sunday, April 14, we will make Care Packages for our post-high school, college & higher education students. Please send Hillary (hnelson@redeemer.org) your student’s mailing address by Sunday, April 7 for a special mailing surprise.
Our chalice 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
Family Easter Vigil and Celebration
Saturday, March 23 from 10- 12:30 is our annual Easter festival for all ages including live animals, face painting, a family photo booth, and more! Then go with us on a journey from the somber atmosphere of Holy Week to the joy of Easter in an Easter Vigil service specially designed for families. After the service, we will head back outside for an egg hunt. In the case of inclement weather, we will move indoors. No RSVP is required; don’t forget to invite a friend!
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 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.
Calendar for March 10 – March 16, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Event Time Location
Youth Fundraiser
Worship
J.O.Y. Choir
HS Faith Formation
Confirmation Lrg Group
Sing & Play
Pr. Jonathan Class
Angel’s: Then & Now
Be Still & Journey
Confirmation Small Groups
Lenten Book Study
Middle School Parents
Monday, March 11
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, March 12
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Executive Committee
Wednesday, March 13
Keystone Team Mtg
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Redeemer Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, March 14
Thursday Bible Study
Tolkien Group
Friday, March 15
Bach Birthday Bash
Saturday, March 16
8:45 AM – 12:30 PM
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM
Organ & Choir
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
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
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Sims Atrium In-person/ Livestream
Room 211
Youth Lounge
Rudisill Hall
Fireside Conference Room Room 121 Room 119
Various Rooms Room 211
Library
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
First Communion Retreat 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Hybrid
Rudisill Hall Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 204
Room 202
Sanctuary/Livestream
Hinely Music Hall
Rudisill/Zoom Zoom
Sanctuary
Various Rooms
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