Third Sunday of Easter – April 14, 2024
The Order of Worship at 11:00 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.
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Toccata in F, BuxWV 156
Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1737)
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Standing
HYMN 383
Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!
CONFESSION
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Kneeling or seated
Most merciful God, | we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen
Text © 1986 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net A725004 Music © 2006 Augsburg FortressStanding GREETING
For Christ is risen. | Christ is risen indeed.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
KYRIE
Cynthia Reese-McKersie, cantor In peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.
HYMN OF PRAISE
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
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. | Amen.
Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests.
WORD
God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.
Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON
THE FIRST READING Acts 3:12-19
Karin Mayo, Lector
After healing a man unable to walk, Peter preaches to the people, describing how God’s promises to Israel have been fulfilled in Jesus. Through the proclamation of Christ’s death and resurrection, God is offering them forgiveness and restoration in Jesus’ name.
[Peter] addressed the people, “You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.
“And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.”
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
PSALM 4
Sing the refrain where indicated
Answer me when I call, O God, defender of my cause; you set me free when I was in distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
“You mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory; how long will you love illusions and seek after lies?”
Know that the LORD does wonders for the faithful; the LORD will hear me when I call.
Tremble, then, and do not sin; speak to your heart in silence upon your bed. R
Offer the appointed | sacrifices, and put your trust | in the LORD.
Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?”
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have put gladness in my heart, more than when grain and wine abound. In peace, I will lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me rest secure. R
THE SECOND READING
1 John 3:1-7
God has loved us in order to make us children of God. Though we do not yet know the full details of our future existence, we trust that God will reveal it just as God revealed Jesus to take away our sins.
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
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.
3Jesus 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.”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON Pastor Jonathan Trapp
Standing HYMN 635
We Walk by Faith
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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.
THANKSGIVING
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM
See What Love from St. Paul Felix Mendelssohn
See what love hath the Father bestowed on us in his goodness, that we should be called God's own children.
I John 3:1
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN 367
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.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, for the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, the true Paschal Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin; who in dying has destroyed death, and in rising has brought us to eternal life. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
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
HYMN 495
Text and tune © 1967 Gooi en Sticht, BV., Baarn, The Netherlands. All rights reserved. Exclusive agent for English-language countries: OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. Onelicense net#A725004
HYMN 374 Day of Arising
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.
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 377 Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!
SENDING Alleluia! Go in peace. Rejoice and be glad. | Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
POSTLUDE Final from Symphony I Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
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 (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 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.