Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 - Order of worship at 9 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA by redeemeratl

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 8, 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

Standing HYMN 612

Healer of Our Every Ill

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. | Amen.

Let us confess our sin and come to God for healing.

Kneeling or seated

Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have honored you with our lips, but have harmed our neighbors with our tongues. The cravings at war within us cause conflicts and disputes. In our desire to be first we make distinctions among ourselves. We place the needs of the poor and the suffering last. In your great mercy, forgive us our sins. Draw near to us with grace in time of need, and turn us to follow in the way of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

God promises to forgive our iniquity and to remember our sin no more. By grace you have been saved. In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, the source of eternal healing, your sins are forgiven. | Amen.

Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. | And also with you.

Gracious God, throughout the ages you transform sickness into health and death into life. Open us to the power of your presence, and make us a people ready to proclaim your promises to the whole world, through Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord. | Amen

Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests.

Seated

CHILDREN’S SERMON

Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL

Mark 7:24-37

In Mark’s gospel, encounters with women usually signify turning points in Jesus’ ministry. Here, a conversation with a Syrophoenician woman marks the beginning of his mission to the Gentiles.

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

[Jesus] set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

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

Seated

SERMON

Standing HYMN

God’s Work, Our Hands

Pastor Jennifer Roberts

Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Each portion of the prayers concludes: Hear us, O God., | Your mercy is great. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen

Drawn together in the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray with confidence for the church, God’s good creation, and all who are in need.

Awaken in our communities of faith a spirit of radical hospitality. Encourage our churches to celebrate and embrace people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. Deepen our commitment to ecumenical and interreligious partnerships, especially with our Midtown parishes and temple. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Bring forth water to nourish plants and animals in places suffering from drought. Renew our commitments to protect rivers, lakes, and streams, and make us good stewards of water in our homes and communities. Preserve wetland habitats and the creatures that make their homes there. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Inspire leaders of cities, nations, and tribes to lead with wisdom and humility. Bring peace among peoples in conflict especially in Russia, the Ukraine, and the Middle East. Guide all who seek refuge from war to a safe haven and bless the refugee resettlement work of Inspiritus. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Comfort all who live with chronic illness. Surround them in your tender embrace and sustain all who provide ongoing care and support, especially... Bring hope and healing to people struggling with addiction and nourish the spirits of all who are in recovery. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Nurture in all people the gift of your creating Spirit. Inspire artists and musicians, woodworkers and quilters, poets and dancers, especially our own knitting and quilting ministries. Revive those whose artistic wells have run dry and enliven all who doubt their creative talents. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We give you thanks for all who have died and now find their rest in you especially... May their faithful witness guide us in our daily life with you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We entrust these and all our prayers to you, holy God, in the name of your beloved child, Jesus Christ, our Savior. 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

Blessed are you, O God, source of every gift of your creation. By these gifts and with our lives, help us to serve one another and all in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | 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

Honor and glory be to you, Lord God of all the ages; we give you thanks for the joy of your creation, and praise for your liberating love.

Searching and yearning God, you enter the wilderness and sweep the dark corners of our world because you hate nothing that you have made and long to draw us back to your heart. In Christ Jesus, you came into the world to save sinners, to welcome them, and to eat with them. You spread a table in our sight and invite us to join you in glory.

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.

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.

Now send down your Holy Spirit, that your people who have strayed like lost sheep may dwell in the paths of righteousness and that these gifts of bread and wine may be for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ;

Find those who are lost; reach any who have strayed; pursue all who seem determined to wander further and further from your fold.

Heal your earth; where the fruitful land is waste and void, where the mountains are quaking, and the birds of the air have fled, bring hope, transformation, and deliverance.

Redeem your creation in the power of your Spirit, and draw all thing through the free gift of your Son into the glory of your presence, now and forever. Amen.

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

Jesus welcomes you to this table. Come, here is your God. 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. | Holy God, you have welcomed us to this meal and fed us with dignity at your table. Send us now to welcome others and to be at peace with one another, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

SENDING

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

FAREWELL AND GODSPEED to Pastor Jennifer Roberts

BLESSING

God all mighty, God most merciful ☩ bless you, keep you, and give you peace. | Amen.

HYMN 886

Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

SENDING

Go in peace. Follow Jesus. | Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio

Congregation Council Nominations

Nominations are open for Congregation Council for the 3-year term starting in 2025. Each voting member may submit up to five nominations via the instructions sent by email or paper mail on September 6, 2024. Before nominating someone, please confirm the member is willing to serve if elected. Nominations are due by 12:30 pm on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Please contact the Nominating Committee with any questions or concerns: Lew Engle (chair), Karen Cramer, Richard Spady, Erin Hull, and Derek Peterson.

Rejoicing Spirits Resumes September 22

It’s time to rejoice again!! This special worship service is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities- yes, that means you! We are all beloved children of God with strengths and weaknesses. People with disabilities and their caregivers need the support of their faith community. We all need to be reminded that whatever our abilities, we are enough. Come to be a friend and make some amazing new friends!

Meet in Rudisill Hall from 10:15 - 10:45 (before or after attending your usual service!)

Young Adult Events Coming Up

Lunch Together- Sunday, September 15 after the late service. We will meet in the Sims Atrium and walk somewhere in midtown for sustenance and conversation.

Bold Monk Brewing Game Night- Friday, September 27. Meet at Bold Monk Brewing Co. on Ellsworth Industrial (the West side of town) for board games and beer at 8 pm.

For more info and updates, join our Discord channel by scanning the code.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY

Sing and Play Starts Today!

Join us in the Fireside room at 10 am for fun with the Dad Band and a special activity to kick off our year of learning together. Next week, we will have our first day in classrooms.

We can’t wait to learn and grow in faith with your family this year!! 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.

YOUTH

Confirmation starts today, at 9:45 AM

*Rudisill Hall for 6-7th graders

*Reception for 8th graders

Parents are invited to these first sessions as we will introduce a new curriculum and schedule. For more information, please contact Pastor Jonathan.

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.

“From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians” Sundays 10 am | Conference Room | Through October 13

Come join us to watch and discuss a multi-part PBS documentary on the early church. Shaped by theologians and historians this series is an intellectual and visual guide to the new and controversial historical evidence which challenges familiar assumptions about the life of Jesus and the epic rise of Christianity.

Be Still and Journey, Open to anyone interested

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 1 and 2 Chronicles

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

Keystone September Events:

September 12th at 1 PM (Reception Room): Meditation Bowls with Ed Scherlacher

September 19th at 1 PM (Rudisill): Movie Matinee of Brother Sun and Sister Moon

September 26th at 12PM (Petite Violette – Clairmont Rd): Monthly Lunch Fellowship

A National Coming Out Day Worship in Atlanta

Sunday, October 6, 2024 | 5:00 PM | 7 Stages Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave. The Collective is excited to partner with Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Midtown Atlanta to host a joint “National Coming Out Day” service of worship and storytelling. Come enjoy special musical performances from queer artists and hear powerful testimonies from queer Christians about the ways that coming out has allowed them to embrace Christ’s unconditional love for them.

Mark Your Calendar!

2nd Annual Block Party | Oktoberfest

Enjoy live Polka music, traditional foods, beer, dancing, and children’s games

on Saturday, October 19th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at 4th & Peachtree Street

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Contact Don Noland, dfnoland@gmail.com or Don Cornwall

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 Presence (Hebrews 10:19-25) – In a world where our presence is demanded by friends, family, and vocation, how do we stay connected and present in our relationship with God and from that relationship remain present with those around us? Join us for the Women’s Retreat as we explore intentional ways to be present to our faith life and with one another. We’ll focus on ways this transforms our time and invites us into more intentional relationships with others.

Calendar for September 8 – September 13, 2024

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

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Event Time Location Worship

J.O.Y. choir

HS Faith Formation

Confirmation (6th & 7th)

Confirmation (8th)

Sing and Play

Pr. Jonathan Class

Difficult Words of Jesus Be Still & Journey

Monday, September 9

Carillon Ringers

Tuesday, September 10

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study Executive Committee

Wednesday, September 11

Early Birds Bible Study

Wednesday Night Dinner

Cherubim Choir

Seraphim Choir

Pastors Class

Redeemer Ringers Worship

9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM

Organ & Choir

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

In-person/ On-Line

Room 211

Youth Lounge

Rudisill Hall

Reception Room

Fireside Room

Conference Room Room 121 Room 119

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

6:00 PM – 8:00 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

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Hybrid

Reception/Zoom

Sims Atrium Room 203

Room 204

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202

Sanctuary

Thursday, September 12

Meditation Bowls

Bible Study

Tolkien Group 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Reception Room Reception Room/Zoom Zoom

Friday, September 13 - - -

Saturday, September 14 - - -

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

Nate Humpherys ................................................................................. Youth Director, ext. 230

Larry Lowe ........................................................................................................Security Officer

Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security