Sunday Oct 6, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA by redeemeratl

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost – October 6, 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

Prelude on “All are Welcome” arr. Diane McAninch If You but Trust in God to Guide You arr. John A. Behnke 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 879

For the Beauty of the Earth

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

J.O.Y. Choir, 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.

Sovereign God, you have created us to live in loving community with one another. Form us for life that is faithful and steadfast, and teach us to trust like little children, that we may reflect the image 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 Genesis 2:18-24

Gayle Morgan, Lector

Genesis 2 stresses that people are not meant to live in isolation but in relationship. Out of love for humanity, God creates them male and female, to provide companionship for each other and to

become with each other “one flesh.” The Hebrew words used here are ish (man) and ishshah (woman).

The Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.”

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.

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

ANTHEM

Psalm 8

Alfred V. Fedak J.O.Y. Choir

THE SECOND READING Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12

Quoting from the psalms, this passage from Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus, the one through whom God created everything and who sits at God’s right hand, is also the one who experienced human suffering and death in order to blaze the path of salvation for us.

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere,

“What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them?

You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor, subjecting all things under their feet.”

Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them,but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by

the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL

Mark 10:2-16

Jesus announced and enacted in history the new reality of God’s surprising activity. These two stories demonstrate this new reality: Women and children are accepted and valued, not dismissed as inferior to adult men.

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

Some Pharisees came, and to test [Jesus] they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.” But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples

spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

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

Seated SERMON

Standing HYMN 640

Our Father, By Whose Name

Pastor Mark H. Larson

We celebrate today with Molly and Will Fredlund as they bring their daughter, Lydia Margaret Fredlund 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: God of grace, | hear our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen Challenged by God’s Word in Christ, let us pray for the church, the world, and the whole creation.

God of our ancestors, we give thanks for the church in all times. May we listen for the prophets of this age who bear messages that stir the church toward renewal and justice. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Creator of every creature on earth, direct our lives toward the renewal and sustaining of cattle, birds of the air, animals of the field, and those who share our homes. Reveal the ways we can work alongside creation for the health and well-being of all. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Sovereign God, we give thanks that you are mindful and benevolent to even us, mere mortals. Accompany us when hardness of heart gets in the way of justice between people and nations. Endow leaders with minds for justice and hearts for compassion. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Restoring Lord, grant healing and wholeness to those who are sick and suffering especially…

Work through medical professionals to diagnose, ease pain, and give life to all who seek their wisdom and experience. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Unifying God, humans were created for relationship with the earth, its creatures, and one another. Forgive us when division threatens companionship, mutual support, and unity among us. May your love inspire us to build supportive communities of faith where all are cherished. God of grace, hear our prayer.

God of resurrection, you prepare a place in the kingdom through Christ’s death and resurrection. We give thanks for the saints who have taken their place at your heavenly banquet (especially William Tyndale, translator and martyr, whom we commemorate today). God of grace, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in the saving grace you freely give, both now and forever. 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

The Majesty and Glory of Your Name Tom Fettke

When I gaze into the night skies and see the work of Your fingers; The moon and stars suspended in space. Oh, what is man that You are mindful of him?

You have given man a crown of glory and honor And have made him a little lower than the angels. You have put him in charge of all creation: The beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea. Oh, what is man that You are mindful of him?

O Lord, our God the majesty and glory of your name Transcends the earth and fills the heavens. O Lord, our God; little children praise You perfectly, And so would we. Alleluia!

Linda Lee Johnson, after Psalm 8

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

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:

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 603

God, When Human Bonds Are Broken

Blest Be the Tie that Binds

HYMN 656

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 769

If You but Trust in God to Guide You

SENDING

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

POSTLUDE

“Little” Fugue in G Minor

J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Sept. 29: In person: 236, online 166 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

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.

Monster Mash Candy Drive

We are gearing up for Halloween fun again this year! You can help us provide this safe and fun Halloween event for children and their families by donating candy and party favors from now to October 23rd. Please choose only from the Amazon list at this link, which will be shipped directly to the church. See Deacon Mary with questions.

Rejoicing Spirits Resumes October 20

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!)

CHILDREN AND FAMILY

Monster Mash and Pipe Screams

Mark your calendar for Friday, October 25 from 5:45-8 pm for some Halloween fun! We will start with carnival games outside (weather permitting), dinner in Sims Atrium (pizza), and then head to the sanctuary for the Pipe Screams concert. After the concert, we will go back outside for music, bubbles, and of course, CANDY! Costumes are encouraged for all ages but not required. Dinner is free, though donations are appreciated. RSVP is not required. Bring a friend!

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.

Faith and Civic Life Social Statement Study – through November 3

Led by Don Noland | Sunday | 10 am | Room 211

Next summer, the ELCA will vote on a new social statement, "Faith and Civic Life." You are invited to join Don Noland for a multi-week study of this statement and explore how it builds upon previous social statements. This is also an opportunity to submit feedback to the ELCA that may be considered for the final draft to be voted on next summer by the Churchwide Assembly. Join us to learn, discuss, and contribute to this important process!

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. 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!

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.

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

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

“PipeScreams” Concert - Friday, October 25 at 7:00 pm. All ages are invited to this free familyfriendly 30-minute concert of spooky music performed by organist Sarah Hawbecker. Costumes are encouraged! You can attend as part of Redeemer’s “Monster Mash” event or independently. The program will include the Overture from “Phantom of the Opera,” movie tunes, and classical favorites. Invite a friend to this howling good time!

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 October 6 – October 12, 2024

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

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Event Time Location

Worship

J.O.Y. choir

HS Faith Formation

Confirmation (6th & 7th)

Confirmation (8th)

Rev Ana Lugo Presentation

Children’s Sunday School

Pr. Jonathan Class

Difficult Words of Jesus

Be Still & Journey

Faith & Civic Life

HS and Beyond Parents

Blessing of the Animals

Monday, October 7

Carillon Ringers

Tuesday, October 8

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study

Wednesday, October 9

Early Birds Bible Study

Wednesday Night Dinner

Seraphim Choir

Pastors Class

Redeemer Ringers

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 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

In-person/ On-Line

Room 211

Youth Lounge

Rudisill Hall

2nd floor Office

Reception Room

Various Rooms

Conference Room

Room 121

Room 119

Room 211

Room 103 4th Street Lot

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

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom

Reception/Zoom

Sims Atrium

Room 204

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202

Worship 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sanctuary

Thursday, October 10

Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom

Friday, October 11

Saturday, October 12

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