Sunday Sept 15, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA by redeemeratl

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 15, 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.

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.

PRELUDE

WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kyrie Cathy Moklebust

Joyous Spirit Valerie Stephenson

Carillon Ringers

GATHERING

The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.

Standing HYMN 660

Lift High the Cross

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.

Kneeling or 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

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.

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.

WORD

God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON

THE FIRST READING

Erica

Fletcher, Lector

Isaiah 50:4-9a

The image of the servant of the Lord is one of the notable motifs in the book of Isaiah. Today’s reading describes the mission of the servant, whom early Christians associated with Jesus. Like Jesus, the servant does not strike back at his detractors but trusts in God’s steadfast love.

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me.

It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

THE SECOND READING

James 3:1-12

This text uses various images to illustrate how damaging and hurtful the way we speak to and about others can be. Not only are we to control our speech, but what we say and how we say it are to reflect our faith.

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea

creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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.”

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

Seated

SERMON Pastor Jonathan Trapp

Standing HYMN 667

Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said

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.

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.

THANKSGIVING

Seated INSTALLATION OF NATE

HUMPHERYS, Youth Director

GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM

Psalm 116

William Crotch

I love the LORD, who has heard my voice, and listened to my supplication, for the LORD has given ear to me whenever I called. The cords of death entangled me; the anguish of the grave came upon me; I came to grief and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray you, save my life." Gracious is the LORD and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD watches over the innocent; I was brought low, and God saved me. Turn again to your rest, O my soul. for the LORD has dealt well with you. For you have rescued my life from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling; I will walk in the presence of the LORD in the land of the living.

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

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

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:

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 welcome to the feast. Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link

HYMN 472 Eat This Bread

The cantor will sing verses between repetitions of the refrain.

Text and music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications Inc., agent. 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.net #A725004

808 Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song

HYMN

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.

O God, My Faithful God

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

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Sept. 8: In person: 237, online 148 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

HYMN 806

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

Worship

J.O.Y. choir

HS Faith Formation

Confirmation (6th & 7th)

Confirmation (8th)

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

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

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

In-person/ On-Line

Room 211

Youth Lounge

Rudisill Hall 2nd floor office 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

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Hybrid

Reception/Zoom

Sims Atrium Room 204

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Redeemer Ringers Worship 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 19

Keystone Movie

Bible Study

Tolkien Group

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

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

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

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