Sunday May 5, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA

Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 5, 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.

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PRELUDE Jesus Shall Reign arr. Cynthia Dobrinski The Redeemer Ringers

WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING

The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection. Standing HYMN 880 O God, Beyond All Praising

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

Standing 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

Seraphim choir, 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.

O God, you have prepared for those who love you joys beyond understanding. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our 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

ANTHEM

CHILDREN’S SERMON

My Spirit Rejoices J. S. Bach

Seraphim Choir

THE FIRST READING Acts 10:44-48

Carol Bloomquist, Lector

While Peter shares the good news of Jesus with a Gentile soldier and his family, the Holy Spirit comes upon them. Recognizing that the Spirit works inclusively in the lives of both Jews and Gentiles, Peter commands that these Gentiles also be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

ANTHEM

Way Down Deep in My Soul Earlene Rentz J.O.Y. Choir

THE SECOND READING 1 John 5:1-6

God’s children believe that Jesus is the Messiah and love God by keeping God’s commandments. Thus the world is conquered not through military might but through love and faith.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL John 15:9-17

On the night of his arrest, Jesus delivers a final testimony to his disciples to help them in the days ahead. Here, he repeats the most important of all his commands, that they love one another.

Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said:] “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.

Seated SERMON Pastor Jonathan Trapp

Standing HYMN 358

Great God, Your Love Has Called Us

NICENE CREED

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.

A brief silence.

Your Holy Spirit falls upon all who hear the word. Fill your church with the gifts of your Spirit and give understanding hearts to those who strengthen our commitments with our ecumenical and interreligious partners, especially the Lutheran World Federation.

God of grace, hear our prayer.

You speak and the face of the earth is renewed. Revive your creation, that habitats and every kind of living thing might flourish. Protect endangered species and help us to care for all your creatures.

God of grace, hear our prayer.

Your world is divided and the nations rage. Grant wisdom and vision to world leaders, that they may seek justice, peace, and the good of all, especially for the conflicts in Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine. Strengthen international partnerships and cooperation.

God of grace, hear our prayer.

Your children are in need. Comfort all those who suffer, especially those afflicted by anxiety, depression, and mental illness. Sustain mental health professionals, and help us to be conduits of your love in our care for one another. We pray for the needs and concerns of this congregation, especially…

God of grace, hear our prayer.

Your work is done in this place with our hands. Bless the ministries of this congregation (ministries may be named), that we may embody your love for the world. Inspire those who plan and lead worship, council members, committee members, and volunteers. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Your blessed saints now rest in you. Give us thankful hearts for those who have gone before us, especially…

At the last, bring us all together around your heavenly banquet 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.

THANKSGIVING

Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM

The Gift of Love Arranged by Hal H. Hopson

Though I may speak with bravest fire, | And have the gift to all inspire, | And have not love, my words are vain, | As sounding brass, and hopeless gain.

Though I may give all I possess, | And striving so my love profess, | But not be given by love within, | The profit soon turns strangely thin.

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control, | Our spirits long to be made whole. | Let inward love guide every deed; | By this we worship, and are freed.

Hal H. Hopson

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

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 863 My God, How Wonderful Thou Art

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.

HYMN 595 Jesus Loves Me!

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 836 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

SENDING

Alleluia! Go in peace. Rejoice and be glad. | Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

POSTLUDE Final from Symphony no. 6 Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for April 28: In person: 227, On-line 157 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER – Seventh Sunday of Easter

Spring Musical

The Seraphim Choir will present Moses and the Freedom Fanatics this Sunday, May 5, at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. Come and support our elementary choir as they dramatize the story of Moses and the exodus from Egypt (complete with insects and one very cute frog) with music by Hal Hopson.

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 6-week 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/

VBS Supply Drive- Ends May 12th

You can help us out with VBS from the comfort of your own home! We have listed items we need for VBS on this Amazon Wish List (scan the code). Once you order them, they will be delivered directly to the church and your job is done! If you prefer to shop in stores, contact Deacon Mary and we will give you a list. Thank you for your generosity!

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.

YOUTH

Our chalice was made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Colin Cooperider. Our wafer plate was also made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Hanna Cramer. Each 8th grade Confirmation student had to answer the question of “What does Communion mean to you?” This is Colin’s interpretation: “To me, Communion is like family. It makes me happy. We are together and it fills us with joy.” This is Hanna’s interpretation: “To me communion is something that brings people together. I value communion because it's been the same communion no matter the time period or year. Everyone is welcome at the table because God welcomes everyone.”

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 High School and Beyond Parents Gathering will be meeting today from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in Room 103. Our Middle School Parents Gathering will be meeting Sunday, May 12 from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM.

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!

Save the date-our 8th graders will be confirmed on Sunday, May 19 during the 11 AM service. A cake reception will follow the service in Sims Atrium. Congrats to our Confirmands!

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

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

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 - Last class before the summer break.

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!

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!

COMMUNITY

Beginning Today, the community at Redeemer will have the opportunity to help support those in need during the challenging transition as schools close for the summer. As families face the added burden of providing meals without the support of school programs, we will begin to collect food donations to assist the MAC organization. Your generosity has always shone brightly, and now, more than ever, your contributions can significantly impact those struggling with the rising costs. Look out for the bins in the Sims Atrium, where you can drop off food items and grab a flyer to spread the word. If you have any queries or wish to learn more about how you can help, feel free to reach out to Nathan Miller at nathanmiller1977@gmail.com. Your support, no matter how big or small, will be truly valued by MAC and those they serve.

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 May 5 – May 11, 2024

Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Event Time Location Worship

J.O.Y. Choir

End-of-the-Year Youth Party

Pr. Jonathan Class

Consider the Birds Be Still & Journey

Sing & Play

New Member class

HS and Beyond Parents

Monday, May 6

Carillon Ringers

Tuesday, May 7

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study

9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir

9:00 AM – 9:30 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

In-person/ On-Line

Room 211

Fireside Room Conference Room Room 121 Room 119

Rudisill Hall

Reception Room Room 103

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom

Wednesday, May 8 - - -

Thursday, May 9

Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom

Friday, May 10 - -Saturday, May 11 - -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

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