Second Sunday of Easter – April 7, 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 are 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
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, creator of darkness and light, word of truth, wind sweeping over the waters. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. God, our rock and refuge, we pour out our hearts before you. We have known you but have not always loved you. We have wounded one another and sinned against you. We have not always recognized the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us. Remember your covenant. Renew your creation. Restore us, that we might proclaim your good news to all. Amen.
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. God has spoken: The time of grace is now. In Jesus, the reign of God has come near. By the authority of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. You are God’s beloved. | Amen.
Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Almighty God, with joy we celebrate the day of our Lord’s resurrection. By the grace of Christ among us, enable us to show the power of the resurrection in all that we say and do, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen
Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests.
Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 20:19-31
The story of Easter continues as the risen Jesus appears to his disciples. His words to Thomas offer a blessing to all who entrust themselves in faith to the risen Lord.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
We Walk by Faith
Kneeling or seated
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Each portion of the prayers concludes: God of grace, | hear our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen Rejoicing that Jesus is risen and love has triumphed over fear, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need of good news.
A brief silence.
Your church cries out, O God, and you listen. As you drew near to the disciples, draw near to us this day. Breathe on us your Holy Spirit, that our faith is renewed and we witness to your love. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Your creation cries out, O God, and you listen. Nurture trees, crops, wildflowers, and all growing things. Guide farmers, gardeners, arborists, and others who tend the soil and nurture plants into life. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Your world cries out, O God, and you listen. Guide police, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders to work for the well-being of communities and the dignity of every person, that no one may need to live in fear. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Your children cry out, O God, and you listen. Hear your people crying out for justice, for an end to racism and other oppression, and for a world where all are fed and safe. We pray for all who cry out in suffering or pain (especially). God of grace, hear our prayer.
Your congregations cry out, O God, and you listen. Renew pastors, deacons, musicians, and other staff, administrators, and volunteers who facilitated Holy Week and Easter worship. Open our hearts to discern where God calls each of us to serve. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Accept our gratitude, O God, for the lives of those who now rest in you especially Dietrich Bonhoeffer and all whose lives have been given in faithfulness to the gospel. Grant us your peace amid our fears. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Into your hands, most merciful God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your abiding love; through Jesus Christ, our resurrected and living Lord. 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
Risen One, you call us to believe and bear fruit. May the gifts that we offer here be signs of your abiding love. Form us to be your witnesses in the world, through Jesus Christ, our true vine. | 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
Thanks and praise fill our hearts, Almighty God, for you are the Lord of creation and new creation, of covenant and new covenant. You brought your people out of slavery to freedom in the Promised Land, and you brought your Son from the depth of death to the glory of resurrection life.
Joy and gladness are our song, redeeming God, for in your conquest of death we see the destiny of every hope in you. Come among us in the power of your Holy Spirit, that your children may be blessed with power and grace, and that this bread and cup may become for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ;
Who on the night in which he was betrayed, 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.
Great is the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Hope and glory are our breath, merciful God, for you have rolled away the stone of despair. Come among us and breathe on us your peace. Shape your church to be your risen body; make our scars beautiful like your scars, make our lives life-giving like your life, and make our communion holy with your saints, until you come again in glory and we eat with you in your kingdom, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, 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
The risen Christ is made known to us in the breaking of the bread. Come and eat at God’s table.
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. | Shepherding God, you have prepared a table before us and nourished us with your love. Send us forth from this banquet to proclaim your goodness and share the abundant mercy of Jesus, our redeemer and friend. Amen
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! The God of resurrection power, the Christ of unending joy, and the Spirit of Easter hope ☩ bless you now and always. | Amen.
HYMN 535
Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises
Text and arr. © 1984 Utryck, admin. Walton Music Corp.
SENDING
Alleluia! Go in peace. Rejoice and be glad. | Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Pat Shannon by Susan Shannon and family.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for March 31: In person:743, On-line 350
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Third Sunday of Easter
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.
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
FACILITY MASTER PLAN-We need your input as we enter the Predevelopment Phase of our Facility Master Plan. Please visit our table in Sims Atrium now through April 14th to view opportunities available on our various Program Verification Teams. These teams will meet 2-3 times over the next couple months. Come share your gifts in these important areas of Redeemer's future!
YOUTH
THANK YOU for supporting our youth and our Fundraiser! We raised $4,085 towards our trip to the ELCA Youth Gathering held in New Orleans. If you would like to still donate, you can do so via this link: https://form.jotform.com/240633324188152.
On Sunday, April 14, we will be making 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 High School and Beyond Parents Gathering will be meeting on Sunday, April 14 from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in Room 103 where any 8th grade parents are invited to attend. Our Middle School Parents Gathering will be meeting on Sunday, April 21 where any 5th grade parents are invited to attend.
Our End-of-Year Youth Party will happen on Sunday, May 5 from 9:45 AM-10:45 AM in Fireside Room. We will have some yummy food, music, photo booth, and a fun time together! Pop in when you can or come hang out the whole time. 8th Graders will leave at 10:30 AM to practice Faith Statements. Please give a heads up to Hillary if your youth(s) plan on coming for food planning purposes.
Graduate Recognition Sunday On Sunday, May 12 graduates will receive a blessing either during 9:00 AM worship or 11:00 AM worship, followed by a reception after each
service in Sims Atrium. We congratulate graduates of all degrees and ages – high school, college, and even doctoral grads! Graduates should contact Hillary (hnelson@redeemer.org) no later than May 5 to be listed in the bulletin. Congratulations graduates!
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 (89 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 MondayFriday; 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 will not meet April 10 Wednesdays | 6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom
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.
The Tolkien group is wrapping up The Hobbit and will be moving on to our next adventure: The Fall of Númenor. When you read The Lord of the Rings, were you confused about who the Dúnedain were and where the great civilization of Númenor lay? We were too! What and when was the Second Age anyway? Fortunately the editor of this book, Brian Sibley, had the patience to dissect every reference to the Second Age from every Tolkien resource and compile them into a single chronological narrative. Come join us to learn more! We will begin sometime in April, exact date TBA. Knowledge of The Silmarillion is helpful, but not necessary. We are a fun group! But as a reminder, the topics we discuss are adult in nature and not appropriate for children. We meet via Zoom on Thursday evenings. Write Alisa Norvelle (anorvelle@mac.com) for information or to ask questions.
KEYSTONE
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 18th - 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.
Calendar for April 7 – April 13, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/
STAFF
Hillary Nelson ............................................................ Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org
Chase Petersen ......................................................... Organ Scholar, cpetersen@redeemer.org
Stacey Williams Head of Security