Reformation Sunday– October 27, 2024
The Order of Worship at 9:00 am
As always, we pray that worship at Redeemer is a blessing for you, even as your participation blesses us, whether we are gathering in the name of Christ in-person or online. As you are comfortable, we encourage you to sing the hymns and to sing or speak the congregational portions of the liturgy in bold type.
Please use the links available on the viewing page to let us know that you are worshiping with us, to submit any prayer requests, to let us know if you need help or are available to help a neighbor, and to continue giving financially to support the ongoing ministries of Redeemer.
This bulletin contains content protected by copyright and is provided only for you to participate in worship. Please delete or destroy any physical or digital copy of the material following the service.
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Standing HYMN 654
The Church’s One Foundation
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin and come to God for healing.
Kneeling or seated
Gracious God, have mercy on us. We confess that we have honored you with our lips, but have harmed our neighbors with our tongues. The cravings at war within us cause conflicts and disputes. In our desire to be first we make distinctions among ourselves. We place the needs of the poor and the suffering last. In your great mercy, forgive us our sins. Draw near to us with grace in time of need, and turn us to follow in the way of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
God promises to forgive our iniquity and to remember our sin no more. By grace you have been saved. In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, the source of eternal healing, your sins are forgiven. | Amen.
Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen
Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 8:31-36
Jesus speaks of truth and freedom as spiritual realities known through his word. He reveals the truth that sets people free from sin.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing HYMN
Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet
Pastor Mark H. Larson
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.
A brief silence.
Eternal Counselor, guide the church along your paths of mercy. Direct it to be a refuge where all are genuinely welcomed and their gifts are celebrated. We give thanks for all in our current New member class, and the gifts they bring to this faith community. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Eternal Nurturer, preserve natural places for rest and rejuvenation. Guide the work of conservationists, park managers, urban planners, gardeners, and all caretakers of natural spaces. Attune us to the wonders we disregard or fail to notice. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Eternal Wisdom, strengthen the voices of those who cry out for change to unjust systems. Give lawmakers, judges, and all those who occupy seats of power listening and compassionate hearts. We lift up Georgia election officials and volunteers as they prepare for the upcoming election. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Eternal Compassion, train us to respond to the cries of those in any kind of need. Give encouragement and comfort to those who call out for relief from pain, grief, or oppression, especially
God of grace, hear our prayer.
Eternal Servant, grant vision and wisdom to the church so that those who are in need are not ignored. We lift up Inspiritus, Wellspring Living, May the command of Jesus to love our neighbor sharpen our focus for work in the kingdom. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Eternal Hope, may the legacy of the saints inspire us every day. We thank you for the lives of… We hold fast to the promise that we will be together in your presence forever. 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.
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio
Standing OFFERING PRAYER
Blessed are you, O God, source of every gift of your creation. By these gifts and with our lives, help us to serve one another and all in need, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Lift up your hearts! | We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | It is right to give our thanks and praise.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Honor and glory be to you, Lord God of all the ages; we give you thanks for the joy of your creation, and praise for your liberating love.
Searching and yearning God, you enter the wilderness and sweep the dark corners of our world because you hate nothing that you have made and long to draw us back to your
heart. In Christ Jesus, you came into the world to save sinners, to welcome them, and to eat with them. You spread a table in our sight and invite us to join you in glory.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
After supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Now send down your Holy Spirit, that your people who have strayed like lost sheep may dwell in the paths of righteousness and that these gifts of bread and wine may be for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ;
Find those who are lost; reach any who have strayed; pursue all who seem determined to wander further and further from your fold.
Heal your earth; where the fruitful land is waste and void, where the mountains are quaking, and the birds of the air have fled, bring hope, transformation, and deliverance.
Redeem your creation in the power of your Spirit, and draw all thing through the free gift of your Son into the glory of your presence, now and forever. Amen.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray…
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Jesus welcomes you to this table. Come, here is your God. Seated
All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are invited to receive Holy Communion. Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link
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.
SENDING
Go in peace. Follow Jesus. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Pastor Robert F. Sims by his wife and family
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for October 20: In person: 212, online 147 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER All Saints Sunday
Printed stewardship materials have been mailed, and you should have hopefully received your packet. If you have not, please note that an email was also sent on Thursday with the same information. A limited number of packets are available at the Welcome Desk in the Sims Atrium.
"Luther's Hymns" - for 1 Week ONLY
Led by Pr. Mark | 10 am | Rudisill Hall Martin Luther played a key role in the history of hymn writing. As part of our Reformation celebration, join Pastor Mark as we explore and even sing some of Luther’s greatest contributions to our tradition of worship.
The Council Nominating Committee would like to thank those of you who submitted names for consideration and to those of you who expressed an interest in serving Redeemer. This year’s Council nominees are: Erica Fletcher, Liz Kim, Frank Hull, Mike Bell, Hallie Dillon, Amy Talboy, Kevin Chunn, Mark Helsel. Ballots have been sent via Simply Voting (due November 10 by 12:30 PM) and hardcopies (due November 8 by 5:00 PM). Contact Robin Durdin, rdurdin@redeemer.org or 404.874.8664 x204 if you need assistance.
Food Ministry needs your help! We have a Prayer Table with a prayer box for guests to submit their requests. This table also includes Bibles and notices from partner agencies about events for unhoused neighbors, along with devotional materials like small books and booklets for personal use. If you have any devotional items you no longer need, please drop them in the basket at the Welcome Center or on the table under the video monitor in the Sims Atrium. Your contributions can bless others!
New Members Class at 10 AM in the Reception Room
All those interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, the history of Redeemer, and joining Redeemer are invited to join Pr. Ruth Hamilton and John Garrigan for a 6-week class. For more information or to RSVP, please email Pr. Mark at mlarson@redeemer.org.
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.
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 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 is 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.
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. A full breakfast is served from 7 am.
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
“Seeing Salvation” The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has shaped Western art for nearly two thousand years. Not only were they beautiful to look at, these images reflected and shaped the faith of both artist and viewer. Join us as we trace the life of Christ in image and art and discover how the greatest story ever told also became the framework for some of the greatest art ever seen.
Understanding the Middle East | Nov 3 & 10 | 10 AM | Rudisill Hall
Hosted by Alisa Norvelle and Mary Peterson, members of the Southeastern Synod Advocacy team for Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel
Join us to view and discuss the film: SEEING THROUGH THE WALL, Meeting Ourselves in Palestine and Israel. Experience the story of members of a Jewish Congregation who accompany their Rabbi on a tour of Israel and Palestine. Many walls separate Palestinians and Israelis-walls of concrete, of mistrust, of ignorance, of fear.
Join Faithful Hands Ministry for the First Fall 2024 Hat and Scarf Challenge! We're collecting hats and scarves for the Food Ministries' Holiday Meals this Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you can make a scarf, cowl, or hat, by Thanksgiving, great! If not, you have until Christmas to contribute. Knit or crochet as many as you like jus t ensure scarves are at least 60 inches long and use any pattern you enjoy. This is a wonderful way to support those who rely on our Food Ministry. Completed items can be dropped off in the Fall 2024 Challenge box in Room 119. Yarn is available in plastic containers in the same room. For questions or pattern ideas, contact Pat Cor nwell at jpcorn90@gmail.com Let’s revive this tradition
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 27 – November 2, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Event Time
Worship
J.O.Y. choir
HS Youth
6th /7th grade confirmation
8th grade confirmation
Pr. Jonathan Class
Difficult Words of Jesus
Be Still & Journey
Faith & Civic Life
New members class
Sing & Play
Monday, October 28
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, October 29
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, October 30
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Thursday, October 31
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM
Organ & Choir
9:00 AM – 9:30 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
10:00 AM -10:45 AM
10:00 AM -10:45 AM
Location
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Youth Lounge
Rudisill Hall 2nd floor office
Conference Room Room 121
Room 119
Room 211
Reception Room Fireside Room
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
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom
Reception/Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202
Sanctuary
Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom
Friday, November 1 - - -
Saturday, November 2
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