Sunday Oct 27, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer atlanta GA USA by redeemeratl

Reformation Sunday – October 27, 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 Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, Chorale from Cantata 80 J.S. Bach arr. Gerald Near

WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING

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

504

Mighty Fortress is Our God

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

Seraphim choir, cantor

HYMN OF PRAISE

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.

WORD

God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached. Seated CHILDREN’S

SERMON

THE FIRST READING Jeremiah 31:31-34

Bill Gay, Lector

The renewed covenant will not be breakable, but like the old covenant it will expect the people to live upright lives. To know the Lord means that one will defend the cause of the poor and needy (Jer. 22:16). The renewed covenant is possible only because the Lord will forgive iniquity and not remember sin. Our hope lies in a God who forgets.

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

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

ANTHEM

THE SECOND READING

A New Song

Ronald A. Nelson Seraphim Choir

Romans 3:19-28

Paul’s words stand at the heart of the preaching of Martin Luther and other Reformation leaders. No human beings make themselves right with God through works of the law. We are brought into a right relationship with God through the divine activity centered in Christ’s death. This act is a gift of grace that liberates us from sin and empowers our faith in Jesus Christ.

Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now

justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.

Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.

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

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Please sing stanza 1 before the Gospel and stanza 4 following the Gospel

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.”

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

Seated SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson

Standing HYMN 655 Rise, Shine, You People!

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.

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.

THANKSGIVING

Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM

God is Our Refuge Zebulon M. Highben

God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in uproar, the kingdoms totter; God speaks, the earth melts away.

Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations God has brought upon the earth; who makes war to cease in all the earth; who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”

Adapted from Psalm 46 by Zebulon M. Highben Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

OFFERING PRAYER

Gracious God, in your great love you richly provide for our needs. Accept and bless these pledges offered for Christ’s mission and ministry through Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Bless those who have offered them to you in thanksgiving for all the ways in which you bless us and our community of faith. Give us courage, insight and grace to use these gifts to nourish your people and to proclaim the reconciling work of God in Christ, through Jesus Christ, who sets a table for all. | 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

Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word

The Church of Christ in Every Age

HYMN 517

HYMN 729

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 652

Built on a Rock

SENDING

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

POSTLUDE

A Mighty Fortress Vaclav Nelhybel Redeemer Brass Ensemble and Organ

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 just 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

Luther’s Hymns

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

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

Location

In-person/ On-Line

Room 211

Youth Lounge

Rudisill Hall Room 202

2nd floor office

Conference Room Room 121 Room 119 Room 211

Reception Room Fireside Room

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

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

Tolkien Group

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

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom

Reception/Zoom

Sims Atrium Room 204

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202

Sanctuary

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