Sunday July 7, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the redeemer atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost – July 7, 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

Earth Takatsugu Muramatsu

Mindy Tanzola, flute (born 1978)

GATHERING

The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.

Standing HYMN 507

God of Light

Text © 1952, ren. 1980 by The Hymn Society (admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188). All rights reserved. Used by permission.Music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, 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.

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

Mark Helsel, 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.

God of the covenant, in our baptism you call us to proclaim the coming of your kingdom. Give us the courage you gave the apostles, that we may faithfully witness to your love and peace in every circumstance of life, in the name of 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

Cliff Burt, Lector

Ezekiel 2:1-5

In 597 BCE, the priest Ezekiel was removed into exile in Babylon. While there, he received a vision of God appearing majestically on a chariot throne. Today’s reading recounts God’s commissioning of Ezekiel during this vision. The prophet is to speak God’s word to a people unwilling to hear.

[A voice] said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you. And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.

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

PSALM 123

Pam Amy-Cupp, will sing the verses; Congregation will sing refrain

To you I lift up my eyes, to you enthroned in the heavens. As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to you, O LORD our God, until you show us your mercy. R Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have had more than enough of contempt,

too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, and of the derision of the proud. R

THE

SECOND

READING

2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Christians do not boast of their own accomplishments. Rather, Christian boasting focuses attention on how the power of Christ is present in our lives, especially in times of weakness and vulnerability. No matter what our circumstances in life, Christ’s grace is sufficient for us.

I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL

Mark 6:1-13

At home and abroad, Jesus and his disciples encounter resistance as they seek to proclaim God’s word and relieve affliction.

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

[Jesus] came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and

among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

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

Seated SERMON

God’s Work, Our Hands

Pastor Mark H. Larson Standing

APOSTLES’ CREED

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.

Seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Each portion of the prayers concludes: In your mercy, | hear our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen

One in the communion of saints and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we join our voices in prayer.

Glorious God, you bend down to wash the feet of your disciples. Let the servant church arise in our teaching, our praying, our healing, and our doing. Make all your faithful people powerful in weakness and strong in grace. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, your fingers trace the heavens and your hands mold the earth. Where there is drought, bring nourishing rain. Where there is devastation from fire or flood, bring relief. Sustain the well-being of every living thing. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Trinity, one God, you show us the splendor of diversity and the beauty of unity in your own divine life. Make us, who came from many nations with many languages, a united people that delights in our many different gifts. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with authority the spirit of wisdom, that there might be justice and peace in our land. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Gracious God, your embrace brings wholeness to those who are troubled. Today we especially lift up…

Anoint all who suffer in any way with the oil of healing and grant them renewal. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Welcoming God, in your presence strangers become companions and enemies become neighbors. Open our doors to those we have so easily shut out, particularly people who are different from us or who are marginalized by church or society. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Eternal God, you gather us into your house of many dwelling places. We give you thanks for our faithful departed, especially…

Inspire us by their lives of faith until, with them, we rest forever at our journey’s end. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and merciful: into your outstretched arms we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in the one who is the way, the truth, and the life: Jesus Christ, our Savior and 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

ANTHEM

THANKSGIVING

Like as we do put our trust in thee Charles Wesley, Jr.

Like as we do put our trust in thee, let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us.

Psalm 33:22

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 576

We All Are One in Mission

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 575 In Christ Called to Baptize

SENDING

Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. | Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Holy Manna setting by Sondra K. Tucker Mindy Tanzola, flute

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for June 30: In person: 180, online 182

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

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)!

Please join us on Sunday, July 14 during the 11 AM service as we will be doing a commissioning/send-off for our 16 youth and 3 Adult Leaders heading to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. From July 13-16, Finley Love and Deacon Mary will be in New Orleans for the tAble which is a pre-Youth Gathering event that focuses on youth with a wide variety of disabilities. We are so proud of them for this opportunity! Our group will be in New Orleans from July 16-20 with 16,000 other people from all over the ELCA, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this time. Thanks for supporting our youth!

TopGolf for Everyone!

Sunday, July 21, 1:15-3:30 PM. Registration Deadline: July 14

Redeemer Children and Family ministries invites all generations to spend an afternoon of fun and fellowship together in Midtown. TopGolf is kind of like bowling, but it's a driving range where the golf balls know who hit them. The future is now! If you've never been, this is the time to try. Golf skills are not required, and you get a discount by going with Redeemer!

TopGolf is an open-air space that is covered and partially air-conditioned. Tickets include two hours of playtime, lunch, and (non-alcoholic) drinks. Redeemer is covering part of the ticket cost, but if these prices would be a barrier to participation let us know, and we'll work something out. We want everyone there! Adult: $25; Ages 3- 12: $15; 2 and under free. Scan the code or contact Deacon Mary for more details and registration.

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.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Consider the Birds | through September 1

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 | 2 PM | Reception room | Study on 1st and 2nd Kings

Thursday afternoon Bible Study

Thursdays | 3 – 4:00 PM | Reception room/ Zoom

Mark Your Calendars!

Join us for Redeemer’s FALL KICKOFF

August 18 | Sims Atrium

Wear your favorite team apparel and enjoy tailgate Food, Games, and Fellowship

Announcing the 2024-25 Concert Series, Opening Event

Friends and Family Concert | Sunday, August 25, 2 PM

Jonathan Fuller, cello; Yvonne Toll, trumpet; Wayne Gilreath, organ; and Sarah Hawbecker on organ and piano.

New Release

Charlie Hairston (former Redeemer member) is excited to share with everyone his new book, Play Your Own Cards, now available on Amazon Books and all major retailers. Click here to read an excerpt.

This faith-based book focuses on overcoming challenges and is lovingly inspired by Redeemer and our esteemed pastors, Pastor Sims and Pastor Samuelson.

Charlie will join Pastor Jonathan for a forum and discussion during the Sunday School hour (10 am) at a time TBD.

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.

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 July 7 – July 13, 2024

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

Sunday, July 7, 2024 Event

Worship

Pr. Jonathan Class Consider the Birds

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

Monday, July 8 - - -

Tuesday, July 9

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study Executive Committee

Wednesday, July 10

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Hybrid

Early Birds Bible study 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Reception Room/Zoom

Thursday, July 11 Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Reception Room/Zoom

Friday, July 12 -

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