Fifth Sunday in Lent – March 17, 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 339 Christ the Life of All the Living
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, that through life and death we may live in your Son, 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
Jeremiah 31:31-34
The Judeans in Babylon blamed their exile on their ancestors, who had broken the covenant established at Sinai. Here the prophet looks to a day when God will make a new covenant with the people. There will be no need to teach the law, because God will write it on their hearts.
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 12:20-33
Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time to celebrate the Passover festival. Here Jesus’ words about seeds planted in the ground turn the disaster of his death into the promise of a harvest in which everyone will be gathered.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson
Standing
HYMN 336
Lamb of God
Your only Son no sin to hide
But You have sent Him from Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod And to become the Lamb of God
Your gift of love they crucified
They laughed and scorned Him as He died
The humble King they named a fraud And sacrificed the Lamb of God
Chorus
Oh Lamb of God sweet Lamb of God
I love the holy Lamb of God
Oh wash me in His precious blood
My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God
I was so lost I should have died
But You have brought me to Your side
To be led by Your staff and rod
And to be called a lamb of God
CCLI Song # 16787 Twila Paris
© 1985 Jubilee Communications Inc.; Mountain Spring Music
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 2888121
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.
God of the covenant, through the church you draw us into community. We give thanks for the means of grace around which we gather. Inspire writers, musicians, and artists whose creative gifts adorn our worship. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of all that exists, you lavish the earth with extravagant beauty. Preserve the rich and complex diversity of living things. Support local, national, and international efforts to protect the environment for future generations. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of the nations, you desire peace and plenty for all people. Defend those who challenge oppression and expose corruption. Support advocates for human rights, social justice, and the welfare of children (organizations may be named). Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of good will, you restore what is broken. We pray for any experiencing estrangement, conflict, or abuse in families and intimate relationships. Protect and comfort all who are vulnerable, especially those living in institutions. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God of every time and place, you are with us. Support ministries of prayer and presence in this congregation (specific ministries may be named). Move us to reach out to any who are homebound, lonely, grieving, in treatment, or ill. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of love, open our hearts and minds to our neighbors in need. This Lent we pray for the needs and concerns of our Midtown community, especially for….
Deepen our love for you and for one another. Teach us to pray for our enemies. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God of promise, we give thanks for the saints whose faith inspires us especially Patrick, missionary to Ireland, whom we commemorate today. We also pray for…
Grant us faith to trust in your everlasting 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.
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 545 Lord Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
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 03/10 In person: 225, Vimeo 154
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday
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 | TODAY
Meeting sessions to be held live following each Sunday worship service and also via Zoom at 10:30 am
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.
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 TODAY: 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.
Young Adult Lunch Today!
Meet in the Sims atrium to walk to lunch together at a Midtown restaurant following 11:00 worship service. The church will cover the amount above $20 if desired. We want everyone to come! Scan the code to the right to learn more about upcoming events for our 20’s/30’s group.
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.
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, Grant Merkel. Our wafer plate was also made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Emma Bastin. Each 8th grade Confirmation student had to answer the question of “What does Communion mean to you?” This is Grant’s interpretation: “To me, communion means coming together at God's table and eating the bread and wine just like the disciples once did to become as close to God and with the people around us and the world.” This is Emma’s interpretation: “It represents how God's love brings us together."
CHILDREN AND FAMILY 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!
Family Berry Picking
Saturday, April 27th, Redeemer families are heading to Washington Farms (about an hour East of Atlanta) to pick strawberries and have some fun on the farm! We will meet at 10 am to pick berries and start activities at 11:00. You can also choose to do just one or the other. Tickets for activities MUST be purchased in advance; scholarships are available. Scan the code at the right for more details and to register.
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 on Zoom as the group discusses 'The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory' by Tim Alberta. Alberta is a practicing Christian and the son of an evangelical pastor, paints an expansive and profoundly troubling portrait of the American evangelical movement. Through the eyes of televangelists and small-town preachers, celebrity revivalists and everyday churchgoers, Alberta tells the story of a faith cheapened by ephemeral fear, a promise corrupted by partisan subterfuge, and a reputation stained by perpetual scandal. Reading is always encouraged but not required, your presence is enough!
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 18th at 1 PM: Lunch Bunch Fellowship Meal (Murphy’s in Decatur)
March 20th at 1 PM: Monthly Movie Matinee (Rudisill Hall)
COMMUNITY
The Midtown Race for MAC 5K returns to Piedmont Park on May 11, 2024! By joining the Redeemer Lutheran Group you will be supporting the Midtown Assistance Center’s mission to prevent homelessness and hunger in our community. Whether you're a serious runner or just looking for a fun day out with your family and furry friends, the Midtown Race for MAC 5K is a great way to get active and support a worthy cause! If you have questions feel free to contact Nathan Miller, nathanmiller1977@gmail.com or 770.633.4551.
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 17 – March 24, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Event Time Location
Youth Fundraiser
Worship
J.O.Y. Choir
Confirmation Lrg Group
Rejoicing Spirits
Children’s Sunday School
8:45 AM – 12:30 PM
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM
Organ & Choir
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Sims Atrium
In-person/ Livestream
Room 211
Fireside
Rudisill
Various Rooms
Pr. Jonathan Class
Angel’s: Then & Now
Be Still & Journey
Confirmation Small Groups
Lenten Book Study
Monday, March 18
Keystone Lunch
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, March 19
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council
Wednesday, March 20
Keystone Movie Matinee
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Redeemer Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, March 21
Thursday Bible Study Tolkien Group
Friday, March 22
Saturday, March 23
Family Easter Vigil Celebration
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
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Conference Room Room 121 Room 119
Various Rooms Room 211
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Off site
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1:00 PM – 3:00 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
Hinely Music Hall
Rudisill Hall/Zoom
Zoom
Hybrid
Rudisill Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 204 Room 202
Sanctuary/Livestream Hinely Music Hall
Rudisill/Zoom Zoom
10 AM – 12:30 PM Various spaces
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