Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – August 11, 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
Let Us Break Bread Together Gwyneth Walker Chase Peterson, violin; 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 618
Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer
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
Cynthia Reese-McKersie, 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.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Gracious God, your blessed Son came down from heaven to be the true bread that gives life to the world. Give us this bread always, that he may live in us and we in him, and that, strengthened by this food, we may live as his body in the world, 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 BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
THE FIRST READING
David Miller, Lector
1 Kings 19:4-8
First Kings chapter 18 describes the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The contest proves that the Lord is God, and afterward Elijah orders the killing of the Baal prophets. Angered by the deaths of her prophets, Queen Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah. This reading finds Elijah fleeing, fatigued, and in utter despair.
[Elijah] went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors. “Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
PSALM 34:1-8
I will bless the LORD | at all times; the praise of God shall ever be | in my mouth. I will glory | in the LORD; let the lowly hear | and rejoice. Proclaim with me the greatness | of the LORD; let us exalt God’s | name together. I sought the LORD, who | answered me
and delivered me from | all my terrors. R
Look upon the LORD | and be radiant, and let not your faces | be ashamed.
I called in my affliction, and | the LORD heard me and saved me from | all my troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who | fear the LORD and de- | livers them.
Taste and see that the | LORD is good; happy are they who take ref- | uge in God! R
THE SECOND READING Ephesians 4:15—5:2
Christians are called to be imitators of God. This does not mean Christians are perfect. Rather, the Spirit is at work in our lives so that our actions and attitudes genuinely reflect the love and forgiveness we have received through Christ and his death.
So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 6:35, 41-51
After feeding more than five thousand people in the wilderness, Jesus teaches them regarding the true significance of this remarkable sign.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus said to [the crowd,] “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON
Standing HYMN 658
O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
Pastor Jonathan Trapp
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: Merciful God, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
Calling on the spirit of Wisdom to guide our hearts and our minds, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
Reignite the prayer of the church. By your Spirit, and remembering Clare of San Damiano, who was known for her powerful prayer, root your church around the globe in prayer and spiritual practices. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Guide our leaders and nations with a spirit of justice and mercy. Guide all citizens in holding the powerful accountable. Let no evil come out of our mouths, but rather let us extend grace. We pray for our neighbors. We pray for our enemies. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Sustain feeding ministries and organizations such as ELCA World Hunger and our local food pantries, especially the Midtown Assistance Center, the Lutheran Towers Free Grocery Store, and the Lutheran Community Food Ministry. We work and pray for a day when hunger is no more. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
We pray for this congregation and for all who are gathered both in person and on live stream. Be present among anyone who cannot be with us today. Be with all who are hurting, grieving, or ill, especially
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
We remember the saints who have gone before us in faith, especially Trusting in the promise of the resurrection, we find hope in your communion of saints of all times and all places. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
We lift up these prayers to you, gracious God. Receive them into your holy keeping.
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
Bread of the World
The Redeemer Choir
William France
Bread of the world in mercy broken, | Wine of the soul in mercy shed, | By whom the words of life were spoken, | And in whose death our sins are dead; Look on the heart by sorrow broken, | Look on the tears by sinners shed; | And be Thy feast to us the token | That by Thy grace our souls are fed.
Reginald Heber
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
Father, We Thank You
Text © Church Pension Fund
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 Chase Peterson
BLESSING
The blessing of God, who provides for us, feeds us, and journeys with us, ☩ be upon you now and forever. | Amen.
HYMN 542
O Living Bread from Heaven
SENDING
Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Presto from Sonata no. 40 Joseph Haydn
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for August 4: In person: 220, online 158 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Backpack Blessing TODAY All Worship Services
Learning and teaching are important vocations, and schools are places where a lot of life happens for our kids and teachers. Students of all ages and teachers are invited for a blessing at the beginning of the school year. Backpacks and other bags are welcome, or you can just receive the blessing. Come to your preferred worship service.
CHILDREN AND FAMILY
Sunday School Registration is Open!!
We can’t wait to learn and grow in faith with your family this year!! We kick things off with Sing and Play for all ages on September 8, and our first day in classrooms will be September 15. You can register at this link, scan the code, or speak to Deacon Mary with any questions. Sunday School is for ages 2- 5th grade. Interested in volunteering with Sunday School? Speak to Deacon Mary about volunteer opportunities.
Family Camping Trip Registration ends Today
August 23-25: Camp Glisson in Dahlonega
Join Children & Family Ministry as we spend a weekend of fellowship, faith, and fun! We love to have everyone there the whole time, but you can also do a onenight stay, or a Saturday day-trip. Cost (for the full weekend) is $50 per adult, $20 per child. Families will also sign up for shared meal items. Click here to register or scan the code.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Consider the Birds
Led by Ed Scherlacher | Sundays | 10 am | Room 121
“Consider the Birds” is an inspirational study of the meaning and symbolism of birds found in the scriptures and ancient world.
“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.
GAMES NEEDED: If you have an indoor tailgate type game (cornhole, putt-putt, ring toss, etc.) at home, please email Pr. Jennifer (jroberts@redeemer.org) and arrange to bring it to her by Thursday, August 15th to be used for our game zone for Fall Kickoff. (All games will be returned and can go home on Sunday at 1 PM.)
Announcing the 2024-25 Concert Series Opening Event
Friends and Family Concert | Sunday, August 25, 2 PM
Invite a friend and join us for a delightful concert as Redeemer’s own organist Sarah Hawbecker collaborates with musicians who have a special connection to Redeemer. Jonathan Fuller grew up at Redeemer and is now entering his junior year as a cello performance major at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Trumpeter Yvonne Toll Schneider has played for festival services and countless weddings at Redeemer. She is principal trumpet of several ensembles, including the Atlanta Opera Orchestra. Wayne Gilreath is Organist/Choirmaster at Douglasville First United Methodist Church. He will join his teacher Ms. Hawbecker in a tour de force organ duet by Stephen Paulus. Donations to “Friends of Music” will be accepted at the door.
WOMEN’S RETREAT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
All ladies are invited to join us at Lutheranch from Nov. 15-17 for a retreat focused on flourishing faith! The cost is $329 (single room) or $240 (double room) and partial scholarships are available. Please email Pr. Jennifer (jroberts@redeemer.org) or check out the Redeemer Newsletter to register. Also check out an intro to one of our sessions for the weekend below:
Flourishing Prayers (Philippians 4:6-7) – Prayer is an essential component of our faith life and yet it can often be an intimidating or neglected part of our lives due to schedule, circumstances, or life stage. In this session, we will explore various patterns of prayer that will be tools to engage and explore prayer. We’ll also consider ways to carve out time, understand prayer in new ways, and flourish through the gift of prayer.
Calendar for August 11 – August 17, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Event Time Location
Worship
Pr. Jonathan Class
Consider the Birds German Church Worship
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 11:00 AM
In-person/ On-Line
Conference Room Room 121 Room 201
Monday, August 12 - - -
Tuesday, August 13
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, August 14
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom
Early Birds Bible study 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Reception Room/Zoom
Thursday, August 15
Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Reception Room/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
Larry Lowe........................................................................................................Security Officer
Chase Petersen Organ Scholar, cpetersen@redeemer.org
Stacey Williams Head of Security