Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – August 18, 2024
The Order of Worship at 9:00 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.
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, the God of manna, the God of miracles, the God of mercy. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Seated
God, our provider, help us. It is hard to believe there is enough to share. We question your ways when they differ from the ways of the world in which we live. We turn to our own understanding rather than trusting in you. We take offense at your teachings and your ways. Turn us again to you. Where else can we turn? Share with us the words of eternal life and feed us for life in the world. Amen.
Beloved people of God: in Jesus, the manna from heaven, you are fed and nourished.
By Jesus, the worker of miracles, there is always more than enough. Through Jesus, ☩ the bread of life, you are shown God’s mercy: you are forgiven and loved into abundant life. | Amen.
Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Ever-loving God, your Son gives himself as living bread for the life of the world. Fill us with such a knowledge of his presence that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life to serve you continually, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen
Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 6:51-58
In John’s gospel, the feeding of the five thousand leads to extended teaching in which Jesus identifies himself as the true “bread of life.” Finally, in these verses, he makes a connection that would not be understood until after his death, in light of the church’s celebration of holy communion.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said,] “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 Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON
Standing HYMN 491
Come Let Us Eat
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Text sts. 1-3 and tune © Lutheran World Federation; text st. 4 and adapt. © 1972 Contemporary Worship 4, admin. Augsburg Fortress
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.
Wisdom has built her house. Bless this sanctuary and all Redeemer facilities that they may be a house of wisdom for all who enter. May we continue to grow and stretch in ways we never thought possible. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Wisdom has mixed her wine. May the harvest seasons be plentiful this year. We pray for orchards, vineyards, farms, and all of creation. Protect and conserve the earth. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Wisdom has employed her laborers. Be with all who seek adequate employment. Guide our economic and governmental leaders to support the people of our world with fair wages and safe working conditions. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Wisdom has invited her guests. Make your presence known to all who feel lost, abandoned, or hurt at this time. Direct your spirit of care to all who seek healing and comfort, especially… Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Wisdom has set her table. May this congregation be a welcome table to all who seek the refuge of God. Break down walls and barriers that prevent us from offering a seat at this table to anyone who comes. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Wisdom has shown her path of insight. May we journey on her paths, looking toward a bright future while remembering from where we have come. We give our thanks for those who have gone before us. 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.
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio
Standing 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.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
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 invited to receive Holy Communion Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link
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 618 Guide Me Ever Great Redeemer
SENDING
Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for August 11: In person: 200, online 150 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Join us for Redeemer’s FALL KICKOFF TODAY | Sims Atrium
Wear your favorite team apparel and enjoy tailgate Food, Games, and Fellowship
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.
WEDNESDAYS AT REDEEMER
RETURNS AUGUST 21
Join your Church family and friends with “The Return of Wednesday Night Dinners at Redeemer!” Beginning at 4:45 PM, we will offer a tasty, nutritious meal for you and your family. Dinner Service will conclude at 6:15 PM
Children and Youth Music Ministries will resume on Wednesday, August 21. We are excited to see our returning students and welcome new people! See the calendar for locations and times.
Beginning August 21, Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark Wednesdays | 6 PM | In-person and online
“Singing the Church’s History”
Every Sunday morning, we sing words that have a history. Yet many of our hymns are so familiar that we rarely notice where the words come from. As we sing together, we are singing church history, and, as a singing church, we have a history. This class will explore that story. Through singing and examining the words of our hymns, we will learn church history, right down to today, while enriching our hymn singing with glimpses into the lives and contexts of those who wrote them. Everyone is welcome, but bring your singing voice!
Midweek Evening Prayer Worship | Wednesday, August 21 | 7 pm
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
“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.
“The Difficult Words of Jesus - Meanings and Contexts” - Beginning Sunday August 25 Sundays | 10 am | Room 121
Led by Ed Scherlacher with Don Noland.
Inspired by Amy-Jill Levine’s book “The Difficult Words of Jesus,” this class will review sayings of Jesus that have been misinterpreted and used to marginalize “others" in history.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Led by David Ott & Don Noland | Tuesdays | 7 AM | Reception Room and Zoom
Currently studying 1st & 2nd Samuel. 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 | 4 PM | Reception room | Study on 1st and 2nd Kings
Thursday afternoon Bible Study Thursdays | 3 – 4:00 PM | Reception room/ Zoom
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 18 – August 24, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Event Time
FALL KICKOFF Worship
Pr. Jonathan Class
German Church Worship
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM 9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 11:00 AM
Location
Sims Atrium In-person/ On-Line
Conference Room Chapel
Monday, August 19 - - -
Tuesday, August 20
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council Meeting 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, August 21
Early Birds Bible study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Cherubim Choir
Seraphim Choir
Evening Prayer
Redeemer Ringers
Redeemer Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, August 22
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Reception Room/Zoom
Reception Room/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 203 Room 204 Sanctuary Room 202 Hinely Hall
Funeral, Sherry McHugh Bible Study 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Sanctuary Reception Room/Zoom
Friday, August 23
Family Camping
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
Stacey Williams Head of Security