Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 15, 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 774
What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine
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.
O God, through suffering and rejection you bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross you transform our lives. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may turn from the lure of evil, take up our cross, and follow 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
Mark 8:27-38
This story provides the turning point in Mark’s gospel. Peter is the first human being in the narrative to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, but he cannot accept that as the Messiah Jesus will have to suffer. Moreover, Jesus issues a strong challenge to all by connecting discipleship and the cross..
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Pastor Jonathan Trapp
Will You Come and Follow Me Text © 1987 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.1358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #725004
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
INSTALLATION OF NATE HUMPHERYS, Youth Director
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.
BLESSING
God all mighty, God most merciful ☩ bless you, keep you, and give you peace. | Amen.
HYMN 660 Lift High the Cross
Text and music © 1974 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #A725004
SENDING
Go in peace. Follow Jesus. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Come meet our new Youth Director, Nate Humpherys
We are excited to welcome our new Youth Director, Nate Humpherys to Redeemer. The Youth Ministry team has scheduled opportunities for our parents and youth to get to know them better! Parents can meet Nate during our Faith Formation hour at 10am in the Reception Room. Youth can meet Nate after the 11am service in the Youth lounge.
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
Lunch Together- TODAY 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
Sunday school is Back!
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 at 9:45 AM
*Rudisill Hall for 6-7th graders
*2nd floor office for 8th graders
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 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.
Blessing of the Animals | October 6 | 2 PM
It's the Feast of St Francis! All creatures, great and small, are invited to join Pr Jonathan on the Redeemer Green for a short service and a blessing of your animals! If you have any questions, please contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org
Grief Summit led by David Kessler
October 8 | 7 PM | Releasing the Pain of Grief and Finding Hope & Meaning
October 9 | 9 AM | Your Loss Matters
Cathedral of Christ the King | For more information & to register visit, cathedralctk.com/grief
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. 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 15 – September 21, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, September 15, 2024
Event Time Location
Worship
J.O.Y. choir
HS Faith Formation
Confirmation (6th & 7th)
Confirmation (8th)
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
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Youth Lounge
Rudisill Hall 2nd floor Office
Youth Parents Meet with Nate
Children’s Sunday School
Pr. Jonathan Class
Difficult Words of Jesus Be Still & Journey
Youth Meet and Greet
Monday, September 16
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, September 17
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council
Wednesday, September 18
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers Worship
Thursday, September 19
Keystone Movie Bible Study Tolkien Group
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Reception Room
Various Rooms
Conference Room Room 121 Room 119 Youth Lounge
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 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Hybrid
Reception/Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary
Rudisill Reception Room/Zoom Zoom
Friday, September 20 - - -
Saturday, September 21
Hope Thru Soap 10:00 AM – 2 PM 4th street lot
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
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