Sunday Sept 22, 2024 - Order of Worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA by redeemeratl

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 22, 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

Andante Josephine Boulay (1860-1925)

GATHERING

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

Standing HYMN 389

Christ is Alive! Let Christians sing

Used by permission.

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

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, our teacher and guide, you draw us to yourself and welcome us as beloved children. Help us to lay aside all envy and selfish ambition, that we may walk in your ways of wisdom and understanding as servants of 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 Jeremiah 11:18-20 Colin Walker, Lector

Today’s reading tells of the suffering of the prophet Jeremiah, who announced God’s word to Judah but was met with intense opposition and persecution. Jeremiah continues to trust in God in the midst of his suffering.

It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds.

But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter.

And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!”

But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who try the heart and the mind, let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.

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

THE SECOND READING

James 3:13—4:3, 7-8a

The wisdom God gives unites our hearts and minds. Instead of living to satisfy our own wants and desires, we manifest this wisdom in peace, gentleness, mercy, and impartiality toward others.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.4: Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL

Mark 9:30-37

Jesus’ teaching and action in this text are directed to the church whenever it is seduced by the world’s definition of greatness: prestige, power, influence, and money. The antidote to such a concern for greatness is servanthood.

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

[Jesus and the disciples went on] and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it;for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”

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

Seated

SERMON

Standing HYMN 641

All Are Welcome

Pastor Mark H. Larson

HOLY BAPTISM

We celebrate today with Megan and David Lohry as they bring their son, Alden Harrison Lohry for the sacrament of Holy Baptism. We pray that God will bless this family and strengthen them in a life of faith.

For those joining on Livestream click here for the bulletin, for those in person turn to Page 227 in the ELW hymnal.

The congregation sings Baptized in water, sealed by the Spirit, marked with the sign of Christ our king: born of the Spirit, we are God's children; joyfully now God's praise we sing.

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.

Loving God, you welcome all at your table of grace. Instill in your church a spirit of humility and curiosity, that we embrace all who seek you. We pray especially for ministries of hospitality and faith formation. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Creating God, you shape the world so there is more than enough for all. Curb our habits of overuse, and guide us toward more sustainable sources of energy, food, and water. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Gracious God, your peace brings justice and solidarity. Encourage peace among peoples, tribes, and nations; heal divisions in our country and local communities, that together we might cooperate for the good of all. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Faithful God, you draw near to you all who are in need. Bring healing and wholeness to all who suffer. We especially pray for the needs and concerns of this congregation, including...

Transform economic, political, and social systems that oppress vulnerable people, especially systems of structural racism and generational poverty. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Transforming God, you accompany all through changes and transitions. Help us to see where you are calling this community to new ways of living the gospel promise; assure us that even as change brings loss, it also brings hope and life. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Merciful God, you embrace us on our final pilgrimage from this life. Accompany all who have died, console those who mourn, and at the last, show us the way to eternal life in 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 GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM Whoever Would be Great Among You Ronald A. Nelson

Whoever would be great among you must become your servant and whoever would be first among you, must be a slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Based on Matthew 20:26-28

Adapted by Ronald A. Nelson

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

Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service

HYMN 712

Children of the Heavenly Father

HYMN 781

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 843

Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness

SENDING

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

POSTLUDE

Toccata on “Nettleton” Marilyn Biery Martha Barth, organist

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Sept. 15: In person:214, online 155

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER - Sunday after Pentecost

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 Today

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!)

Created to Be Generous

As part of our annual Stewardship Drive, during the month of October, we will once again be gathering in small groups at church, in people’s homes, and in local gathering spots for fellowship, relationship building, prayer, and dreaming about the future of our congregation. Sign-ups for gatherings are beginning in the Sims Atrium today, and more times and places will be added soon.

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.

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 no class 9/26

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

Sunday, October 6th | 9:45 am | Rev. Ana L. Lugo, ELCA Regional Gift Planner for the Southeastern Synod, will be in the Reception room to lead a special session on thoughtful giving, a presentation on the opportunities each of us have to create life giving plans to ensure that successful and lasting legacies are passed on to loved ones and the ministries we care about. As a resource for our church, Pr. Ana will include an overview of how to make informed decisions, and to share how each of us can plan for a meaningful gift for the current and future ministry of our church. Pr. Ana’s

presentation will offer helpful information, tax-wise giving tips, and resources for responsible planning.

We encourage you to join us.

Keystone September 26th at 12PM (La 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! Scan the QR code to signup!

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.

Calendar for September 22 – September 28, 2024

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

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Event Time Location

Worship

J.O.Y. choir

HS Faith Formation

Confirmation (6th & 7th)

Confirmation (8th)

Children’s Sunday School

Rejoicing Spirits

Pr. Jonathan Class

Difficult Words of Jesus

Be Still & Journey

Monday, September 23

Carillon Ringers

Tuesday, September 24

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study

Wednesday, September 25

Early Birds Bible Study

Wednesday Night Dinner

Seraphim Choir

Pastors Class

Redeemer Ringers

Worship

Thursday, September 26

Keystone Lunch

Tolkien Group

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 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

In-person/ On-Line

Room 211

Youth Lounge

Fireside Room

2nd floor Office

Various Rooms

Rudisill Hall

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

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom

Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary

Off Site Zoom