Eighth Sunday after Pentecost – July 14, 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
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks Duane Funderburk Jonathan Fuller, cello
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Standing
HYMN 400
God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind
Text © 2000, GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #A725004
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
Sheila Brock, 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, from you come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works. Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness, 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
Gayle Morgan, Lector
Amos 7:7-15
Amos is not the kind of prophet attached to temples or royal courts. Rather, he is an ordinary farmer from Judah (the southern kingdom) called by God to speak to Israel (the northern kingdom). God’s word of judgment through Amos conflicts with the king’s court prophet Amaziah, whom Amos encounters at Bethel.
This is what [the Lord God] showed me: the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “See, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass them by; the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste, and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.”
Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the very center of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said, ‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.’ ”
And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.”
Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ ”
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING Ephesians
1:3-14
In Jesus, all of God’s plans and purposes have been made known as heaven and earth are united in Christ. Through Jesus, we have been chosen as God’s children and have been promised eternal salvation.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Mark 6:14-29
As Jesus and his disciples begin to attract attention, Mark recalls the story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom. Like John, Jesus and his disciples will also suffer at the hands of those opposed to the gospel of salvation.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
King Herod heard of [the disciples’ preaching,] for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”
For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his
birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON Pastor Jennifer Roberts
Standing HYMN 812
Faith of Our Fathers
Emma Bastin
Jane Bastin
Julian Carlson
Charli Fletcher
Bobby Gooch
Alec Kraby
Dresden Ley
Finley Love*
Grant Merkel
Fiona Peterson
Lars Peterson
Jacob Pinyon
Zion Roberts
James Van Hoosear
*attending the Gathering's pre-event the tAble from July 13-16
Seated
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Adult Leader Attendees: Deacon Mary Houck*
Hillary Nelson
Pastor Jonathan Trapp
Tracy Zenter
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. You gather your people into the body of Christ. Where your church is wounded, heal it. Where it is right, strengthen it. Where it is divided, reunite it. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
From before the foundation of the world, you are God. Revive ecosystems destroyed by human greed. Curb our desire to put wealth ahead of the health of all who call this planet home. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
You establish equity and make justice. Within every nation, tribe, and land, cause laws to be written and customs to be observed that protect the most vulnerable. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
On the cross your beloved Son endured pain and death. Bring healing to those in need, hope to any in despair, and comfort to the dying. We pray especially for…
In your mercy, hear our prayer.
You send your Spirit into this community of faith. Empower our ministries that serve and build up local communities (ministries may be named). Nurture our partnerships with other community organizations especially with Lutheran Towers, Goshen Valley, Grace House, and Lutheran Community Food Ministry. In your mercy, hear our prayer.
All peoples praise you, O God. We give you thanks and praise for the lives of our loved ones who now rest in you (especially). In the fullness of time gather us with all your saints in light. 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
THANKSGIVING
ANTHEM Roll Down, Justice
A. Miller
There’s a voice, strong and clear, | ringing out far and near, | “Let justice roll down, | let justice roll down!” | Like the rush of a stream, | comes a powerful dream, | let justice roll down, justice rolls down.
Let the earth be restored, | ev’ry soul be reformed, | let the healing renew, | creation reborn. | Here in this sacred space | with the strength of God’s grace, | let justice roll down, justice rolls down.
Roll down! Roll down, justice! | Roll like an everflowing stream.
On this glorious day | give us courage, we pray, | that justice rolls down, let justice roll down! | Let the vision take flight | and God will delight | as waters flow down, | justice abounds.
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
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
We Come to the Hungry Feast
Let Justice Flow Like Streams
Text © 1984 Jane Parker Huber, admin. Westminster John Knox Press
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 805
Lead On, O King Eternal!
SENDING
Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name Wilbur Held Jonathan Fuller, cello (1914-2015)
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for July 7: In person: 153, online 177 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
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 today during the 11 AM service as we will be doing a commissioning/send-off for our 14 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.
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.
Atlanta Streets Alive
Sunday, July 28
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
ALL Welcome – Evangelism Opportunity
Visit the Sign-Up Table for more Information in Sims Atrium
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 14 – July 20, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Event Time Location
Worship
Pr. Jonathan Class
Consider the Birds
Monday, July 15
Tuesday, July 16
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council
Wednesday, July 17
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
Early Birds Bible study 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Reception Room/Zoom
Thursday, July 18
Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Reception Room/Zoom
Friday, July 19 -
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