Third Sunday after Pentecost – June 9, 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 Duodecima Georg Muffat (1653-1704)GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Standing HYMN 665
Rise, Shine, You People!
Text and music © 1974 Augsburg Publishing House, admin. Augsburg Fortress
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
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
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.
All-powerful God, in Jesus Christ you turned death into life and defeat into victory. Increase our faith and trust in him, that we may triumph over all evil in the strength of the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | 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 Genesis 3:8-15 Jay Lutz, Lector
Immediately after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit, they hide from God. Neither takes responsibility for their sin, instead blaming each other, the snake, and even God. The curse on the snake was understood as a messianic prophecy by the early church, who associated Eve’s “offspring” with Christ.
[Adam and Eve] heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING
2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1
Life in the present is transitory and cannot compare with the eternal home God has prepared for us. So we do not despair no matter what life might bring because we know that as God raised Jesus from the dead, God promises to bring us into eternal life.
Just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke”—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the
Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Mark 3:20-35
In response to charges that he is possessed, Jesus wonders aloud how anyone who is demonpossessed can cast out demons. Those who do the will of God are possessed by the Holy Spirit, siblings of Christ.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus went home;] and the crowd came together again, so that [Jesus and the disciples] could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.
“Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”
Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON
Standing HYMN 795
Pastor Mark H. LarsonGod, My Lord, My Strength
1 God, my Lord, my strength, my place of hiding and confiding in all needs by night and day; though foes surround me, and Satan mark his prey, God shall have his way.
2 Christ in me, and I am freed for living and forgiving, heart of flesh for lifeless stone; now bold to serve him, now cheered his love to own, nevermore alone.
3 Up, weak knees and spirit bowed in sorrow! No tomorrow shall arise to beat you down; God goes before you and angels all around; On your head a crown!
Text © 1969 Concordia Publishing House
WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS TO THE CONGREGATION
People of God, do you promise to support and pray for these new members in their life in Christ? We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.
In this promise I ask you, do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of thevirgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Let us welcome our siblings in Christ to this community of faith. We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.
Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, for our new members, whom you have drawn to ourself by the love of Jesus Christ and whom we have welcomed into this household of faith. Keep us close together in your Spirit, in the breaking of bread and the prayers, and in service to others.
May we together grow faithfully and serve boldly. | Amen.
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Each portion of the prayers concludes: Merciful God, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
We come before the triune God to pray for our communities, ourselves, and our world. You reawaken our hearts to your mercy. We give you thanks for renewers of the church in every age (especially Columba, Aiden, and Bede whom we commemorate today). Enliven the creativity and persistence of all seeking to transform the church into a closer vision of your beloved community. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Your presence is revealed in the shade of trees, the growth of seeds into flowers, and in the blessing of plants granting food in their right season. Heal lands scarred by deforestation, pollution, or infestation. Teach us to cultivate the earth with respect and reverence. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Our nations and communities are divided, O God. Teach us again to listen with curiosity and mercy, even in disagreement. Grant us the humility to acknowledge our hardness of heart and make us bold in modeling cooperation and compromise for the sake of the common good. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Hear the prayers of all who cry out to you from the depths of fear, despair, or hopelessness, especially... With haste, rescue victims of trafficking, exploitation, and abuse, and bless organizations and individuals who work on their behalf, especially Redeeming Grace and Wellspring Living. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Grant wisdom and clarity to all who are in seasons of discernment and transition: high school graduates preparing for first jobs or new educational journeys, those who are shifting careers, and those who are navigating changes in their relationships. Accompany them with your peace. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Praise to you for our ancestors in faith who believed, spoke, and lived in you, especially Sherry McHugh and Marcia Davis. Give us confidence that as Jesus was raised, so we too will be raised, with all the saints, into your everlasting presence. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Receive our prayers, O God, and come quickly to our aid, through the power of the Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ. 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
Many In One Alice Parker
The Women of the Redeemer Choir
Many are the rhythms that human fingers beat; | many are the instruments that urge our dancing feet; | but One is the origin and ending of the Song, | and Love the circling rhythm to which we all belong.
Many are the melodies that human voices sing; | many tones and intervals that vibrate ev’ry string; | but One is the origin and ending of the Song, | and Love the soaring melody to which we all belong.
Many are the languages that human tongues employ; | many sounds and ifioms that speak our grief and joy; | but One is the origin and ending of the Song, | and Love the living language to which we all belong.
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
OFFERING PRAYER
Jesus, Bread of life, you have set this table with your very self, and called us to the feast of plenty. Gather what has been sown among us, and strengthen us in this meal.
Make us to be what we receive here, your body for the life of the world. | 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, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus 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.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, now and forever.
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
Christ has set the table with more than enough for all. Come! 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 462
Now We Join in Celebration
Creating God, Your Fingers Trace
Text © Joel W. Lundeen, admin. Augsburg Fortress HYMN 684
Text © 1979 by The Hymn Society (admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188). All rights reserved. Used by permission. Arr. © 2006 Augsburg Fortress
Standing
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
Let us pray. | Jesus, Bread of life, we have received from your table more than we could ever ask. As you have nourished us in this meal, now strengthen us to love the world with your own life. In your name we pray. Amen
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The blessing of God, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, ☩ be upon you now and forever. | Amen.
HYMN 537
On Our Way Rejoicing
SENDING
POSTLUDE Praeludium in G Nikolaus Bruhns (1665-1697) From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for June 2: In person: 187, online 142 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
We are excited to welcome new members to Redeemer today at both the 9 AM and 11 AM services!
If you are interested in learning more about membership at Redeemer or have any questions, please email Pr. Jennifer (jroberts@redeemer.org). A new cohort will begin in the fall!
The search team for the new Director of Youth Ministries would like to invite all middle school and high school parents and students to a brainstorming session today at 10 AM in the Reception Room (youth) and Rudisill Hall (parents). We will gather to dream about what Youth Ministry could be here at Redeemer. There will be separate sessions for youth and parents. If you cannot join in person, please join by Zoom: Link
We had an AMAZING week at Camp Firelight VBS learning about how we can trust God no matter where we go and what challenges we face! A HUGE thank you to all our volunteers and staff who stepped up to make this a successful event from planning to decorations to teaching to leading small groups of kids to preparing our facilities to helping with administrative tasks to donating items on our Amazon list! It would fill the whole bulletin to thank everyone for the mountain of tasks involved in creating a fun, safe, and faith-filled experience like this for our kids. And ANOTHER HUGE thank you to the kids who contributed their questions, energy, voices, compassion, friendship, and so much more to this faith community, not to mention the parents who brought the kids! We are already counting down to next year... VBS 2025 is June 26!!!
YOUTH
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 and are about $2,500 short of our goal. If you would like to still donate, you can do so via this link: https://form.jotform.com/240633324188152. You can also send in a check or cash. Thanks again for supporting our youth!
MUSIC AND ARTS CAMP PERFORMANCE
Everyone is invited to the grand finale of Redeemer’s Music and Arts camp on Friday, June 14 at 4:00 pm in Sims Atrium. The campers will share what they’ve learned during their week including the presentation of the circus-themed musical “Step Right Up.” All are welcome! Follow the camp on Facebook at facebook.com/RedeemerMusicCamp/
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Consider the Birds | through June 30
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.
“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 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 | 2 PM | Room 211 | Study on 1st and 2nd Kings
Thursday afternoon Bible Study
Thursdays | 3 – 4:00 PM | Room 211/ Zoom
KEYSTONE
Monthly Movie Matinee: June 13th at 12PM in Rudisill Hall at Redeemer Join us for a delightful time of singing along with the Sound of Music and some delicious sandwiches and refreshments! All are welcome!
Monthly Lunch Bunch: June 27th at 12 PM at Maggianos near Perimeter Mall
YOUNG ADULTS
June 23rd at 4 PM all young adults are invited to join us at Bold Monk Beer Garden for a time of fun and fellowship!
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 June 9 – June 15, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, June 9, 2024
Event Time Location Worship
Pr. Jonathan Class
Consider the Birds Listening Session for New Youth Director
Monday, June 10
Quilters
Tuesday, June 11
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study Executive Committee
Wednesday, June 12
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM
Organ & Choir
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Music & Arts Camp Week
In-person/ On-Line
Conference Room Room 121
Rudisill Hall and Reception
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Fireside Room
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Zoom
Early Birds Bible Study *2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Room 211/Zoom Thursday, June 13
Movie Matinee Bible Study Tolkien Group 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Rudisill Room 211/Zoom Zoom
Friday, June 14 - - -
Saturday, June 15
Hope Through Soap 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 4th street lot
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
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
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