August 25 2024 Order of Worship 9 AM by redeemeratl

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – August 25, 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.

Holy God, your word feeds your people with life that is eternal. Direct our choices and preserve us in your truth, that, renouncing what is false and evil, we may live in you, through your Son, 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 6:56-69

The “hard saying” that offends Jesus’ disciples is his claim that his followers must eat his flesh and drink his blood. The followers who return to their old lives know something about how odd this sounds. Simon Peter, on the other hand, knows something about the scarcity of living, gracious words. He asks the most important question: “To whom shall we go?”

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

[Jesus said,] “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.” He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”

Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

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

Seated SERMON

Standing HYMN 496

One Bread, One Body

Pastor Mark H. Larson

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.

Holy God, you have the words of eternal life. Lead the church to put its trust in Jesus, the living Word. Direct preachers, teachers, writers, and all the baptized in faithful speech and bold witness. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Creator God, we and all creation are sustained by your Word. We pray for all who remind us of our interconnectedness with all living things. Prosper the work of conservation organizations, ELCA advocacy, and local climate justice advocates. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of wisdom, as our nation navigates another election cycle, guide our leaders to act justly for the sake of the world. Bring about fruitful conversation among your people and bring about change where you see fit. Sustain all who serve on juries in their deliberations. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of restoration, bring healing and wholeness to all who cry to you. Where pain is sharp, bring a sense of comfort and relief. Where grief runs deep, bring your tender mercy. Care for those on our hearts. We especially pray for… Merciful God, receive our prayer.

God of new life, protect students and teachers for a new school year. Bring an end to school shootings and cycles of violence. Move us to do all that is necessary to ensure a safe future for our children. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God of every generation, we remember with thanksgiving all who have completed their baptismal journeys. We especially pray for… Strengthen us in our baptismal callings to serve you faithfully until our journey’s end. 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.

SENDING

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

POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in celebration of our 45th anniversary by John and Penny Scarpucci.

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.

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.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

“The Difficult Words of Jesus” – Meanings and Contexts

Led by Ed Scherlacher with Don Noland | Sundays 10 AM | Room 121

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.

“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.

Be Still and Journey, Open to anyone interested – Beginning Sept. 8

Led by Pat Cornwell | Sundays 10 AM | Room 119

“Shaped by the Word, The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Formation” by M. Robert Mulholland, Jr. For those who hunger for a deeper relationship with God and often struggle with barriers that keep us from being able to meditate and listen to God.

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

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!

Thursday afternoon Bible Study

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

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 25 – August 31, 2024

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

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Event Time

Worship

HS Faith Formation

Pr. Jonathan Class

Difficult Words of Jesus

Friends & Family concert

Monday, August 26

Carillon Ringers

Tuesday, August 27

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study

Wednesday, August 28

Early Birds Bible Study

Wednesday Night Dinner

Cherubim Choir

9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM

Organ & Choir

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location

In-person/ On-Line

Youth Lounge Conference Room Room 121 Sanctuary

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom

Reception/Zoom

Sims Atrium Room 203

Seraphim Choir

Pastors Class

Redeemer Ringers

Worship

Thursday, August 29

Bible Study

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

Tolkien Group 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Room 204

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary

Reception Room/Zoom Zoom

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER 731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 www.redeemer.org |

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