Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – August 25, 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.
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PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Two Voluntaries William Boyce (1711-1779)
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
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.
HYMN OF PRAISE
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.
WORD
God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached. Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON
THE FIRST READING
Gayle Morgan, Lector
Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18
In the Near East, covenant means “agreement” or “alliance.” It describes relationships and is the primary word used to characterize the relationship between God and Israel. By delivering Israel, God has already begun the relationship. Joshua calls upon the people to respond.
Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, “Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
PSALM 34:15-22
The eyes of the Lord are up- | on the righteous, and God’s ears are open | to their cry.
The face of the Lord is against those | who do evil, to erase the remembrance of them | from the earth.
The righteous cry, and | the Lord hears them and delivers them from | all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the | brokenhearted and saves those whose spir- | its are crushed. R
Many are the troubles | of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them from | every one.
God will keep safe | all their bones; not one of them | shall be broken.
Evil will bring death | to the wicked and those who hate the righteous | will be punished.
O Lord, you redeem the life | of your servants, and those who put their trust in you will | not be punished. R
THE SECOND READING
Ephesians 6:10-20
Like a general giving a rousing speech to troops before battle, this letter closes by calling on Christians to be equipped for spiritual warfare against evil. The full armor of God includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the gift of salvation, and the word of God inspired by the Spirit.
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
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.”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing
Hope of the World
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Text © 1954, ren. 1982 The Hymn Society, admin. Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.
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.
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.
THANKSGIVING
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM Without the Fire David Ashley White The Redeemer Choir
Without the Fire, there is no Burning, | Without the Teacher, there's no Learning, | Without the Shepherd, no safe Keeping, | Without the Sower, there's no Reaping. Without the Judge, there is no Pleading, | Without the Bread, no heav'nly Feeding, | Without the Vine, no holy Drinking, | Without the Mind, no Christly Thinking. Without the Way, there is no Going, | Without the Truth, there is no Knowing, | Without the Life, there is no Living, | Without the Cross, no full Forgiving. Without the Grave, no Resurrecting, | Without the Light, no Love's Reflecting, | Without the Vision, no clear Dreaming, | Without the Savior, no Redeeming.
Words by Rae E. Whitney based on a few lines by Thomas á Kempis 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
Text and music © 2001 by GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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 873
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!
SENDING
Go in peace. You are the body of Christ. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
in Seven
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 Location
Worship
HS Faith Formation
Pr. Jonathan Class
Difficult Words of Jesus
Friends & Family concert
Monday, August 26
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM
Organ & Choir
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
In-person/ On-Line
Youth Lounge Conference Room Room 121
Sanctuary
Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall
Tuesday, August 27
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, August 28
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Cherubim Choir
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Thursday, August 29
Bible Study
Tolkien Group
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 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 203 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 | 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
Deacon Mary Houck
Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206
Children & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227
Larry Lowe Security Officer
Stacey Williams Head of Security