Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday – March 24, 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.
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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Standing to face the rear of the nave
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. | Hosanna in the highest.
PROCESSIONAL GOSPEL
The congregation raises their palm branches.
The holy gospel according to Saint Mark, the eleventh chapter | Glory to you, O Lord.
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, [Jesus] sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at
BLESSING OF THE PALMS
The Lord be with you. |
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | We praise and thank you, O God, for the great acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem cattered their garments and branches of palm in his path. We ask that you bless these branches and those who bear them, and grant that we may ever hail him as our Lord and King and follow him with perfect confidence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with
Let us go forth in peace, |
Standing
GATHERING HYMN 344
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.
Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Mark 15:1-39 [40-47]
The passion story in Mark’s gospel presents Jesus as one who dies abandoned by all. He shows himself to be the true Son of God by giving his life for those who have forsaken him.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See
how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.
Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back,
“Crucify him!”
Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more,
“Crucify him!”
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him,
“Hail, King of the Jews!” 1
They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.
It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying,
“Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!”
In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying,
“He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.”
Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.
When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said,
“Listen, he is calling for Elijah.”
And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON
Standing HYMN 353
Were You There?
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
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 TrioStanding 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 338
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
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 03/17 In person: 260, Vimeo 176
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Easter 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 | RESULTS
Meeting sessions were held live following each Sunday worship service and also via Zoom at 10:30 am
Motion #1, Approval of the 2023 Annual Report - Approved
Motion #2, Ratification of Changes to ELCR Constitution - Approved
Motion #3, Approval of a Predevelopment Budget for Facilities Master Plan - Approved
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
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 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.
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
NEW for Redeemer families: MLTPS Summer Day Camp
Our preschool friends are opening up their summer day camp to anyone who wants to register this summer! It’s a loving, fun, educational way for your little one to spend the summer. You can choose which weeks your family would like to participate. MTLPS programming Monday -Friday; 8:45 am -12:45 pm; $250 per week; Ages 2-4; deadline to register- April 15. Scan the code at the right for more details and to register.
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.
Spirituality of Caregiving Class begins April 8th at 7 PM via Zoom
Mondays | 7 PM | Zoom
Pr. Jennifer will lead a class that focuses on the theology and spirituality of care, emphasizing support and care for those who care for others. The class will look at the book, No Act of Love is Wasted, however reading is not required. To register for the class and receive the Zoom link please email Pr. Jennifer (jroberts@redeemer.org)
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
April 3rd - Monthly Mid-Week Worship at 12 PM with dessert fellowship to follow
April 13th - Keystone Day Trip to St. Brendan's (Cumming, GA) to see the Shroud of Turin
Please RSVP to Ed Sherlacher or Pr. Jennifer
The event is free, but please bring money to cover your lunch
April 17th - Monthly Movie Matinee at 1 PM with refreshments in Rudisill Hall
April 25th at 12 PM: Lunch at Manuel's Tavern
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.
New Member Class begins April 14th at 10 AM in the Library
All those interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, the history of Redeemer, and joining Redeemer are invited to join Pr. Jennifer and others for a 6-week class. For more information or to RSVP, please email Pr. Jennifer at jroberts@redeemer.org
Calendar for March 24 – March 30, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Event
Youth Fundraiser
Worship
J.O.Y. Choir
Confirmation Lrg Group
HS Faith Formation
Children’s Sunday School
Pr. Jonathan Class
Angel’s: Then & Now
Be Still & Journey
Confirmation Small Groups
Lenten Book Study
Monday, March 25
Tuesday,
Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom
Wednesday, March 27
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Redeemer Ringers
Healing Worship
Thursday, March 28
Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday Bible Study
Maundy Thursday Worship Tolkien Group
Friday, March 22
Good Friday
Neighborhood Stations of the Cross
Tenebrae Service
Saturday, March 30
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
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 1:30 PM
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 204
Room 202
Sanctuary/Livestream
In-person/ On-Line Rudisill/Zoom
In-person/ On-Line Zoom
In-person/ On-Line In-person/ On-Line
Easter Vigil 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM In-person/ On-Line
March 24 Palm Sunday 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
March 27 Healing Service of the Word 7:00 PM
March 28 MAUNDY THURSDAY 12:00 Noon & 7:00 PM
March 29 GOOD FRIDAY
12:00 Noon Seven Last Words from the Cross & 7:00 PM Choral Tenebrae 1:30 PM Neighborhood Stations of the Cross
March 30 Easter Vigil Worship 7:00 PM
Easter Breakfast served 7:30 -11:30 AM | Zittrouer Hall
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