Fifth
Sunday of Easter – April 28, 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.
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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Standing HYMN 881 Let All Thing Now Living
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.
Kneeling or seated
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.
O God, you give us your Son as the vine apart from whom we cannot live. Nourish our life in his resurrection, that we may bear the fruit of love and know the fullness of your joy, 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
THE READING Acts 8:26-40
Led by the Spirit, Philip encounters an Ethiopian official who is returning to his African home after having been to Jerusalem to worship. Philip uses their encounter to proclaim the gospel to him. Upon coming to faith in Jesus, he is baptized by Philip.
An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this,
about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 15:1-8
On the night of his arrest, Jesus taught his disciples about the relationship they would have with him. Those who abide in his word and love bear fruit, for apart from him, they can do nothing.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing
HYMN 253
He Came Down
Pastor Mark H. Larson
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.
We pray for the church around the world, for all ministers, and for the mission of the gospel. Keep in your care the confirmands and new members preparing to affirm their baptisms at Redeemer. Cleanse our hearts with your word and help us to abide in you always. God of grace, hear our prayer.
For the well-being of the earth and of all created things: for rivers and lakes, streams and estuaries, melting glaciers and polluted waters. For the Yellow River, Sweetwater Creek, and Stone Mountain Lake. Renew the face of the earth and shower us with your goodness. God of grace, hear our prayer.
For the nations and all those in authority: for local, state, and national leaders, for elected representatives at every level, and for international organizations, that justice and peace may reign. God of grace, hear our prayer.
For all those in need: for any experiencing homelessness or unemployment, especially the guests of Lutheran Community Food Ministry. For those fleeing from oppression or seeking asylum, and for all who are ill or suffering. We pray for the needs and concerns of this congregation, especially… God of grace, hear our prayer.
For this congregation: for the caring ministries of this faith community including the prayer Team, all who visit and minister to one another, all who take communion to homes, provide meals for neighbors, and all who seek to share your love with the world. God of grace, hear our prayer.
With thanksgiving for the saints who rest from their labors, including… Help us, like them, to bear much fruit and to become your disciples, and at the last, bring us to that heavenly banquet where all will feast together at your table. 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.
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 I Heard an Old, Old Story
Chorus
O victory in Jesus
My Savior forever
He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him He plunged me to victory
Beneath the cleansing flood
1. I heard an old old story
How a Savior came from glory
How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning Of His precious blood's atoning Then I repented of my sins And won the victory
2. I heard about His healing
Of His cleansing pow'r revealing
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see
And then I cried dear Jesus
Come and heal my broken spirit
And somehow Jesus came and brought To me the victory
3. I heard about a mansion
He has built for me in glory
And I heard about the streets of gold
Beyond the crystal sea
About the angels singing
And the old redemption story
And some sweet day I'll sing up there
The song of victory
CCLI Song # 1259 Eugene M. Bartlett© Words: 1939 Mrs. E.M. Bartlett. Renewed 1967 Albert E. Brumley And Sons (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC) Music: 1939 Mrs. E.M. Bartlett. Renewed 1967 Albert E. Brumley And Sons (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2888121
SENDING
Alleluia! Go in peace. Rejoice and be glad. | Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for April 21: In person: 284, On-line 184
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER – Sixth Sunday of Easter
New Member Class 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 6week class. For more information or to RSVP, please email Pr. Jennifer at jroberts@redeemer.org
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, Jude Elkins. Our wafer plate was also made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Colin Cooperider. Each 8th grade Confirmation student had to answer the question of “What does Communion mean to you?” This is Jude’s interpretation: “Communion is the special thing where we remember Jesus by eating bread and drinking wine, showing how we're all connected and part of something bigger together. It's a way to feel close to God and each other, like a big family meal but with a deeper meaning.” This is Colin’s interpretation: “To me, Communion is like family. It makes me happy. We are together and it fills us with joy.”
THANK YOU for supporting our youth and our Fundraiser! With our Kringles and Offering Envelope Fundraisers, we have raised over $7,000 towards our trip to the ELCA Youth Gathering that will be held in New Orleans. If you would like to still donate, you can do so via this link: https://form.jotform.com/240633324188152.
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
Rejoicing Spirits is on a Summer Break!
Rejoicing Spirits worship will return in August. In the meantime, we are rejoicing every day in who God created us to be! We hope you are too.
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
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Today | Middle East Politics for Dummies
10 AM | Room 211
Join Alisa Norvelle and special guest Martyn Miller for a short and basic framework about Middle East politics that may help you better understand what you read in the newspaper.
NEW CLASS - Consider the Birds
Led by Ed Scherlacher | Sundays | 10 am | Room 121
“Consider the Birds” is an inspirational study of the meaning and symbolism of birds found in the scriptures and ancient world.
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
Wednesdays | 6 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom
Thursday afternoon Bible Study
Thursdays | 3 – 4:00 PM | Reception Room/ Zoom
The Tolkien group is moving on to our next adventure, The Fall of Númenor, on Thursday, May 9th. TFoN is the tale of the Second Age and a bridge from The Silmarillion to The Lord of the Rings. Come join us! Knowledge of The Silmarillion is helpful, but not necessary. And mercifully, The Fall of Nûmenor is more narrative in nature than The Silmarillion. That being said, the topics and conversation in this group are adult in nature and not suitable for children. We gather for fellowship at 6:30 p.m. and begin reading at 7:30 p.m. Write Alisa Norvelle at anorvelle@mac.com to be included in the conversation. Namárië!
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 28 – May 4, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Event Time
Worship
J.O.Y. Choir
HS Faith Formation
Confirmation Bowl
End-of-the-Year Youth Party
Pr. Jonathan Class
Consider the Birds
Be Still & Journey
Children’s Sunday School
New Member class
Middle East for Dummies
Monday, April 29
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, April 30
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, May 1
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Thursday, May 2
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM
Organ & Choir
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Location
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Youth Lounge
Rudisill Hall
Fireside Room
Conference Room Room 121 Room 119
Various Rooms
Reception Room Room 211
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom
Zoom
Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall Room 202
Sanctuary/Livestream
Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom
Friday, May 3
Saturday, May 4
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
Michele Miller .................................................... 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