Third Sunday of Easter – April 14, 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
Standing HYMN 361
The Day of Resurrection
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, creator of darkness and light, word of truth, wind sweeping over the waters. | Amen.
Kneeling or seated
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
Holy and righteous God, you are the author of life, and you adopt us to be your children. Fill us with your words of life, that we may live as witnesses to the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 24:36b-48
In this account of an appearance after his resurrection, Jesus opens the minds of the disciples to understand him as Messiah. Jesus convinces them that he has been raised and sends them on a mission to proclaim the message of repentance and forgiveness.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus himself stood among [the disciples] and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON
Standing
Pastor Jonathan Trapp
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.
O God, our holy one, you feed our deepest hungers. As we share the holy meal that is the body and blood of Jesus given for us, lead us to share from our abundance. Bless the work of the Lutheran Community Food Ministry and bring an end to all hunger of body or of spirit. God of grace, hear our prayer.
O God, our creator, you bring forth all life on earth. Calm storms, bring water to parched places, and protect the climate, that this planet would sustain life in all its variety. Surround communities facing famine due to drought in Africa, South America, and Asia. God of grace, hear our prayer.
O God, our elder, you care for all your children. Encourage those who are in times of transition, facing the loss of old ways and routines and anticipating change. Sustain home health care providers, hospice staff, and chaplains as they provide care, companionship, and compassion. Guide those who journey in grief, hope, and uncertainty, especially... God of grace, hear our prayer.
O God, our center, you bring all people together in you. Help us to remember our identity and purpose in the day to day work of Redeemer’s ministry. Move us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to share in beloved community. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
O God, our resting place, your Son Jesus promised that we are held in your love forever. We remember our beloved who have died, especially… As we remember and share their love, comfort those who mourn. 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
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 welcome to the feast. 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 674
Let us Talents and Tongues Employ
SENDING
Alleluia! Go in peace. Rejoice and be glad. | Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
From sundaysandseasons.com.
Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for April 7: In person: 192, On-line 167
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Rejoicing Spirits Today: Children of God
This month at Rejoicing Spirits, we explore God’s vision for who we are becoming so that we can share God’s love with the world.
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 April 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.
New Member Class begins Today at 10 AM in the Reception Room
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.
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 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!
Music and Arts Camp – “Step Right Up!” – June 10-14
Registration is now open. Rising kindergarteners through 6th graders will experience music, art, and drama all based on this year’s circus theme! The camp is from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, with free before and after-care. Tuition for the week is $165 and includes all activities, snacks, and a T-shirt. Sibling discounts apply, and financial need-based scholarships are available. All are welcome, so tell your friends and neighbors. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Sarah Hawbecker at 404-874-8664, ext. 206 or shawbecker@redeemer.org. Follow the camp and share our posts on Facebook at facebook.com/RedeemerMusicCamp/
YOUTH
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."
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.
Our High School and Beyond Parents Gathering will meet today 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 meet 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
Will not meet this Sunday, April 14
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
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 14 – April 20, 2023 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/