Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – June 16, 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
Canon no. 4
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Standing HYMN 449
We Know that Christ is Raised
Text © John B. Geyer 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
Cynthia Reese-McKersie, lector 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 are the tree of life, offering shelter to all the world. Graft us into yourself and nurture our growth, that we may bear your truth and love to those in need, through 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 Ezekiel 17:22-24
Jonne Walter, Lector
Tree imagery is used in a messianic prophecy to tell how the Lord will choose someone from Judah’s royal family (the cedar tree) to reign over all creation. This tree will be planted on Mount Zion, the location of the holy temple.
Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind. All the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the Lord have spoken; I will accomplish it.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING
2 Corinthians 5:6-10 [11-13] 14-17
Paul encourages believers to live by faith and not by sight. We do not consider Jesus from a human perspective but through the eyes of faith, believing he died for all and was raised. All who are in Christ are now in God’s new creation.
So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 1For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.
[Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. ] For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Mark 4:26-34
Jesus frequently uses parables to teach ordinary people as they are able to hear and understand. Images of sowing and growing show the vitality of God’s kingdom.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus] said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”
He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON Pastor Jennifer Roberts
Standing HYMN 690
We Raise Our Hands to You, O Lord
1 We raise our hands to you, O Lord, like empty vessels. Oh, come to us and give us life from springs where living waters flow.
2 What good and blessing you bestow are freely given. Your pow'r will make the weakest strong and barren branches start to bud.
3 Oh, make our barren trees to grow, our hands to blossom, and let our lives bring forth such fruit that heals our neighbor's grief and pain.
APOSTLES’ CREED
4 As summer follows springtime's rain, grace follows sorrow, and grief and joy shall bear much fruit, though hidden from our human eyes.
5 Through grace your new creation lies in hands held open. O Giver of all goodness, come, dwell with us in our earthly home.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin 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.
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.
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. A brief silence.
English text © Hedwig T. Durnbaugh, admin. Augsburg Fortress Music © 1978 Norsk MusikforlagNourish your faithful people through gifts of word and worship. Guide the church in listening to and interpreting your message of grace for this time and place in history. In your wisdom, lead us in expanding the reach of your love. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Nature sings your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. Sustain the holy rhythms of creation: days and seasons, hibernation and activity, phases of the moon and tides of the sea. Let these patterns assure us of your constancy and never failing grace. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
You raise the lowly and humble those in high regard. Raise up all who are victims of marginalization, discrimination, and hate. As we anticipate Juneteenth, banish racism and bigotry from the hearts of your people and remove the inclination toward anger and violence. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Tend to all who journey by faith and who wait with patience for the fulfillment of your healing promises especially...Grant perseverance to people doing physical and occupational therapy, people living with mobility concerns, and people facing chronic pain. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
As you have loved us, so let us love one another. Empower fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, adoptive fathers, and chosen fathers to embody this gift of love for their children. Where these relationships are strained or broken, bring your comfort and peace. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
With gratitude, we remember the Emanuel Nine martyrs and all the saints who are now at home with you. Plant seeds of their wisdom and witness in our hearts, that we grow in faith until we join them in your heavenly dwelling. 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
Give Me the Faith Arranged by Donald Busarow
The Redeemer Choir
Give me the faith which can remove | And sink the mountain to a plain; | Give me the childlike praying love, | Which longs to build Thy house again; | Thy love, let it my heart o'erpower, | And all my simple soul devour.
My talents, gifts, and graces, Lord, | Into Thy blessed hands receive; | And let me live to preach Thy Word, | And let me to Thy glory live; | My ev'ry sacred moment spend | In publishing the sinner’s Friend.
Enlarge, inflame, and fill my heart | With boundless charity divine, | So shall I all my strength exert, | And love them with a zeal like Thine, | And lead them to Thy open side, | The sheep for whom the Shepherd died.
Charles WesleyStanding 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 330
Seed That in Earth is Dying
1 Seed that in earth is dying grows into ears of grain. Grapes that are crushed in the vessel turn into golden wine. God, through this mystery grant us faith in our deepest darkness, life in our night and death.
2 We were baptized in Jesus, into his death and grave, to resurrection's promise:
praise and eternal life. Heaven's own praises begin here where you yourself are near us, deep in our night and death.
3 Seed that in earth is dying rises to bear much fruit. Christ, as we meet at your table, give us the bread of life. Lord, we do thank and adore you! Unceasing praise of the ages
rises from night and death.
Text © Hedwig T. Durnbaugh, admin. Augsburg Fortress Music © Norsk Musikforlag A/S
HYMN 679 For the Fruit of All Creation
Text © 1970 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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.
FAREWELL AND GODSPEED TO the Deuson family.
BLESSING
The blessing of God, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, ☩ be upon you now and forever. | Amen.
HYMN 547
Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
(1865-1942)
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in celebration of Pete and Anne Burr’s 65th wedding anniversary.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for June 9: In person: 202, online 255 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Thank you for generously supporting the Midtown Assistance Center food drive! Your contributions of 845 lbs. of food in the month of May are making a significant impact on our neighbors in need, especially during this crucial time when food needs are on the rise with schools being out for the summer. We always welcome volunteers at MAC, so if you or someone in your family is looking to fulfill community service hours for school or simply wanting to make a difference in the Midtown community, please don't hesitate to contact Nathan Miller at nathanmiller1977@gmail.com. Your kindness and willingness to help others truly embody the spirit of community and compassion.
Attention Ministry Chairs & Teams: We need your ministry team at our Tailgate Rally Day on August 18th! This is the perfect way to have some fun, enjoy fellowship, but most importantly share the work that God does through your ministry! We’ll have games, wear our favorite team gear, and support ministry at Redeemer and beyond! Please email your ministry chair and begin this planning process or reach out to Pr. Jennifer with more information (jroberts@redeemer.org)!
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 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 Thursday | 2 PM | Reception room | Study on 1st and 2nd Kings
Thursday afternoon Bible Study
Thursdays | 3 – 4:00 PM | Reception room/ Zoom
KEYSTONE
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.
Drag Me to Church - Interfaith Commemoration of Stonewall
Sunday, June 30 · 6 - 7:30pm
St. Luke Lutheran Church, 3264 Northside Pkwy NW
Immerse yourself in a family-friendly worship service like no other, as St. Luke Lutheran Church, The Atlanta Pride Committee, and community faith leaders come together to honor those at Stonewall and celebrate Pride. This event is a powerful testament to our commitment to inclusivity, love, and standing with the LGBTQ+ community. Experience the sheer talent and artistry of Atlanta's finest drag queens as they grace our worship space. Together, we'll create an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration as God's children.
2024 Women’s Retreat is now open for registration and you’re invited -- November 15-17 at Lutheranch! Spend a weekend building relationships with other women, engaging in faith filled learning, experiencing time for rest and renewal, and practical ways to serve and share your faith! Single Rooms are $329 / person and Double Rooms are $240 / person. Scholarship money is available for ladies who may need it. CLICK HERE to register or visit: https://form.jotform.com/221457745319057. Questions, please email Pr. Jennifer.
Calendar for June 16 – June 22, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, June 16, 2024
Event
Worship
Pr. Jonathan Class Consider the Birds
Monday, June 17
Tuesday, June 18
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council
Wednesday, June 19
Juneteenth – Church Office/LCFM Closed Thursday, June 20
Early Bird Bible Study Bible Study Tolkien Group
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
In-person/ On-Line
Conference Room Room 121
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Hybrid
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Reception Room Room 211/Zoom Zoom
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