sunday, Oct 13 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost – October 13, 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.

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PRELUDE October Interlude Clarence Mader (1904-1971)

WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING

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

Standing

HYMN 655

Son of God, Eternal Savior

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

Sheila Brock, 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.

Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us your gift of faith, that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to what lies ahead, we may follow the way of your commandments and receive the crown of everlasting joy, through 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 Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 Rod Mack, Lector Amos was a herdsman by profession and a prophet by God’s call. During a time of great prosperity in the northern kingdom of Israel, the prophet speaks to the wealthy upper class. He

warns his listeners that fulfilling God’s demand for justice brings blessing, while corruption and oppression incur God’s wrath.

Seek the Lord and live, or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire, and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it. Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood, and bring righteousness to the ground!

They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks the truth. Therefore because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not live in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine. For I know how many are your transgressions, and how great are your sins you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate. Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time; for it is an evil time.

Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

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

PSALM 90:12-17

So teach us to num- | ber our days that we may apply our | hearts to wisdom.

Return, O Lord; how long | will you tarry? Be gracious | to your servants. R

Satisfy us by your steadfast love | in the morning; so shall we rejoice and be glad | all our days. Make us glad as many days as you af- | flicted us and as many years as we suf- | fered adversity.

Show your ser- | vants your works, and your splendor | to their children.

May the graciousness of the Lord our God | be upon us; prosper the work of our hands; pros- | per our handiwork. R

THE SECOND READING

Hebrews 4:12-16

We cannot hide our thoughts, desires, and actions from God, to whom we are completely accountable. Nevertheless, Jesus understands our human weakness and temptations, because he also experienced them. Therefore we can approach the throne of grace to receive divine mercy from Christ.

Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to

sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL

Mark 10:17-31

Jesus has been teaching his disciples about what is most valued in God’s eyes. Now, a conversation with a rich man brings his message home to the disciples in a way that is surprising but unforgettable.

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

As [Jesus] was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’ ” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”

Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

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

Seated SERMON Pastor Jonathan Trapp

Standing HYMN 678

God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

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: 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.

Compassionate God, embolden the church to seek all who are lost, clothe those who are naked, and mend what is broken. May we be generous bearers of your eternal love. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Sustaining God, as we approach harvest time, we pray for farmers, field workers, and those who process crops. Keep us mindful of environmental threats to the nourishing food that feeds the world. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Steadfast God, inspire world leaders to share resources and work collectively to end global poverty, preventable disease and starvation, especially in Gaza, Sudan, and South Sudan. Direct us to seek justice and equity, that all may live in peace. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Loving God, we pray for those who are afflicted, tormented, grieving, oppressed, and lonely, especially

Deliver the strength of your love and compassion to all who need it today. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Generous God, we give thanks for the first nations and tribes who inhabited this land, especially the Muskogee and Cherokee peoples. We lament the harm done by colonization. Call us to deeper appreciation and care for the languages, rituals, and history of all Indigenous people. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Ever-living God, we rejoice to be heirs of the eternal life made real in Jesus' death and resurrection. We give thanks for saints of all times and places, first and last, who still inspire us to faithful living. 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 Give Me Jesus Arranged by Larry Fleming When I am alone, give me Jesus. | You may all the rest, give me Jesus. | When I come to die, give me Jesus. | When I want to sing, give me Jesus.

Traditional spiritual

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 685

541

Jesus, Blessed Lord

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,

HYMN

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 705

God of Grace and God of Glory

SENDING

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

POSTLUDE

Toccato from Suite no. 1 for Organ Florence Price (1887-1953)

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for October 6: In person: 259, online

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

Volunteers Needed Today - Atlanta’s Pride Parade on Peachtree in front of Redeemer noon4 pm

New Members Class at 10 AM in the Reception Room starting Sunday, October 20!

All those interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, the history of Redeemer, and joining Redeemer are invited to join Pr. Mark and others for a 6-week class. For more information or to RSVP, please email Pr. Mark at mlarson@redeemer.org

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 Next Sunday, 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!)

YOUTH

No Faith Formation classes (fall break)

Youth in town are encouraged to hand out water at the Atlanta Pride Parade after church. Service hours can be obtained.

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!

Children’s Christmas Program

Stars! Angels! Shepherds! Kings! (and all royalty!) We are preparing again for our children’s Christmas Program this year with our favorite songs and costumes! This is a meaningful way for our kids to make the good news of this ancient and beautiful story fresh each year.

Rehearsals will be during Sunday School on Oct. 20, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, with a Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, December 7: 9:30-11:00 am. The performance will be Sunday, December 8: 10 am (9:30 'call time' for performers). Ages 2- 5th grade are welcome. To register, fill out the Sunday School form. If you have already registered for Sunday School, no additional registration is needed.

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!

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!

“Leap of Faith” film screening | October 17, 7 PM | Tara Theatre, Cheshire Bridge Road

From the acclaimed team behind Won’t You Be My Neighbor, Nicholas Ma and Morgan Neville present a timely new documentary that explores the profound intersection of faith and democracy. Tickets available HERE

WOMEN’S

RETREAT REGISTRATION – DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 1ST:

We are so excited that our Women’s Retreat will soon be here, but it’s important that you register now if you plan to attend. Ladies of all ages are invited to join us at Lutheranch on Nov. 15-17! The cost is $329 (single room) or $240 (double room) and partial scholarships are available. Check out the newsletter for more information and to register.

Kessler Reformation Collection Events at Emory

The Richard C. Kessler Collection at Pitts Theology Library fosters scholarly research from and public engagement with of its world-renowned collections. Each Fall, the Collection hosts “Reformation Day at Emory,” and on occasion the library will also host “Table Talk.” Both events are opportunities to learn from the world’s top scholars about why the study of the past, enabled by the Kessler Collection, is relevant for church and society today. Learn More: https://pitts.emory.edu/collections/kessler/kessler-events/

Calendar for October 13 – October 18, 2024

Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, October 13, 2024

Event Time Location

Worship

J.O.Y. choir

Pr. Jonathan Class

Difficult Words of Jesus Be Still & Journey

Faith & Civic Life

Monday, October 14

9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

In-person/ On-Line Room 211 Conference Room Room 121 Room 119 Room 211

Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall

Tuesday, October 15

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council

Wednesday, October 16

Early Birds Bible Study

Wednesday Night Dinner

Seraphim Choir

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

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Rudisill/Zoom

Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204

Pastors Class

Redeemer Ringers Worship 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Thursday, October 17

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary

Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom

Friday, October 18 - - -

Saturday, October 19 - - -

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