First Sunday of Advent – December 1, 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 Two settings of Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Standing HYMN 259
Fling Wide the Door
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.
BLESSING AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT
WREATH
Advent prayer
Light dawns on a weary world when eyes begin to see all people's dignity. Light dawns on a weary world: the promised day of justice comes.
The first candle is lit.
Bless us as we mirror your mighty fire in this simple flame, and teach us to mirror your justice in the paths we prepare. We ask that peace abound, until none hurt or destroy over all the earth.
O people of hope come,
Let us keep awake for the Lord is near. Amen
Sung
O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer;
O Sun of justice, now draw near.
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadow put to flight.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father 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 33:14-16
Gayle Morgan, Lector
In the Old Testament, “righteousness” often has to do with being faithful in relationship. God acts righteously both in punishing Israel for its sin and in having mercy. In today’s reading, Jerusalem’s future name—“The Lord is our righteousness”—proclaims that God is even now working salvation for Israel.
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Upon Timothy’s report from the congregation at Thessalonica, Paul is exuberant with gratitude for them. In this passage from his letter, Paul voices overflowing thanks, joy, and blessings for the people of this growing church.
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Luke 21:25-36
God will fulfill God’s purposes and, already, hidden signs of that fulfillment abound. On that great day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror, but God’s people shall be given strength to stand boldly and receive God’s promised redemption.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said:] “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Pastor Mark H. Larson
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: Lord, in your mercy, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
As we prepare for Emmanuel, God-with-us, let us pray for all people and places that long for God’s presence.
A brief silence.
God of righteousness, your people live in hopeful expectation of your coming. Fill your church with renewed passion for our shared mission, and deepen our relationships with other Christians and other faith traditions in our local community and across the world. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God of the cosmos, all creation shows that your presence is near. Help us sense your goodness and love in the sun and moon, in sprouting leaves and bare branches, in the roaring sea and quiet breeze. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God of the nations, your reign extends over all principalities and powers. Give leaders and all in authority hearts for justice and peace. Encourage efforts to enact policies that benefit the common good. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God of change, you accompany us through life’s transitions. Be near to all who are changing jobs, moving, welcoming children, or facing the loss of loved ones. Sustain those who are ill or suffering (especially). In times of change, remind us of your steadfast love. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God of community, your Spirit holds us together. Sustain our care for one another (especially through [local ministries] supported by this congregation). Inspire us to seek new ways to live together and to embrace the diversity of thought and identity in our communities. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God of memory, we give you thanks for faithful ones who have died (especially). Tend to our grief and sorrow with renewed trust in your promise of abundant and eternal life. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Savior of the nations, come, and receive these prayers and the pleas of our hearts, in the name of Jesus Christ.
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
MISSION MOMENT: Installation of Newly Elected Council Members
GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM
Arranged by Priscilla Lamparter Landis
We are Waiting
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace. Sun of justice, shine upon us; we are trusting in your promise. Loving Shepherd, walk beside us; stir our hearts and gently guide us.
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
OFFERING PRAYER
Creator God, you made the whole world, even the farthest stars, and you draw near to feed us.
John Helgen
We praise you for these gifts of bread and wine. Strengthen us with this food that we may live in expectation for the advent of your Son, Jesus Christ our 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. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. 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:
We praise you, living and loving God, that you have sent your Son to this world. Christ is your Wisdom, sweetly ordering all creation, our Lawgiver, burning with justice, the Branch from Jesse’s tree, sprouting flowers from old roots, the Key of David, opening our prison doors.
And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.
We praise you, serving and saving God, that you send your Son also to this table, who on the night before he died 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.
Again, 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.
And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.
We beg you, mighty and merciful God: send us the Spirit of your Son.
Dwell in this food and in all who share it, that the earth may rejoice in your presence. In Christ, the dawn from on high, enlighten your people, reign as Sovereign to unite all, and live among us, Emmanuel, our deepest desire now and forever.
And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, with your Father and your Spirit, to the church, and receive our praises, 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
God feeds us with tender mercy. Come to the table. 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
Standing
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
Let us pray. | Generous God, we thank you for the gift of life, for the bread of salvation. We thank you for coming among us, for leading us into peace. We thank you for showering us with mercy, for sending us into the world. Come, Lord Jesus, and go with us as we feed the hungry in your name.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
God of endings and beginnings, God in the darkness and the light, God, our hope for the journey, ☩ bless and keep you now and forever.| Amen.
HYMN 244
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
SENDING
Go in peace. Prepare the way for Emmanuel.| Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Fantasia on “Wake, Awake” Emma Lou Diemer (1927-2024)
The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Joyce Duvall by Dick and Susan Cordell and family.
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for November 24: In person: 214, Online 167 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Second Sunday of Advent
It’s time to pre-order poinsettias in honor/memory of family or friends to visually enhance our Christmas worship. In addition, professional brass quartet and timpani will be here at 8:00 and 11 pm on Christmas Eve, so you are also encouraged to make donations to the special musician’s fund which will also
be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletin in honor/memory of family or friends along with the flowers.
To order online click HERE or you can use an envelope that is available in the pew racks. Please drop envelopes at the Welcome desk in the Sims atrium. All donations are due by Friday, December 13.
Official Notice of CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:
December 15 following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services with an online option at 10:15 am
The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2025 Proposed Budget. Please also join us following the 9:00 AM and 11:00AM Worship Services on Sunday, Dec. 8th for Listening Posts to discuss the 2025 Proposed Budget. Members of the Church Council, the Finance Team and the Church Staff will be on hand to review the document and answer questions. You can attend in person in the Library or feel free to join the conversation online via Zoom. The link can be found in your Saturday update email from Redeemer.
Blue Christmas | Wednesday, December 18
"Service of Lament, Hope, and Healing" | 6 pm | Sanctuary
In a season of great cheer, come before God as you are: raw, lonely, sad, angry, whatever you're feeling come. Come and draw near to God and the hope we have in Jesus.
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.
Christmas Program- You’re Invited!
Our Children's Christmas Program is back! This year it will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 10 am in the sanctuary. After the program, there is brunch in the Sims Atrium for the whole congregation and Advent activities for kids and their families. Please plan to attend the program and support our kids as they tell this ancient and beautiful story in their own way.
Kringle sales are officially done! We’re so incredibly grateful for the generous display of support we received and are looking forward to delivering the 192 Kringles you all ordered on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15! If you missed out, we did order a couple extra that can be purchased day-of, while supplies last
Created to Be...Generous
We are asking every family to return their pledge of support to Redeemer’s ministries through our website, email, or by returning your pledge card in the mail or in-person.
Stewardship packets are available at the Welcome Desk in the Sims Atrium.
CHILDREN & FAMILY
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.
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).
YOUTH
Confirmation at 9:45 AM | Fireside for 6-7th graders | 2nd floor office for 8th graders
For more information, please contact Pastor Jonathan. Thanksgiving Break
On Dec. 8, the Youth are having our yearly Christmas party from 12:30-2:00. Join us for games, Chinese food, a gingerbread house build-off, and more! Bring sharable candy for decorating the gingerbread houses.
YOUNG ADULTS
Join us for lunch after the 11:00 service for our monthly lunch on Dec. 15! (Location TBD, will be within walking distance)
We’re having a winter bonfire Jan. 9 at 7:00 for a time of fellowship, recovery from the holidays, and looking forward into the new year! Invite friends or come make new ones! For location, contact Nate (nhumpherys@redeemer.org).
GERMAN CHURCH
Mindfulness in a mind blowing time. Every advent Sunday, the German Church will offer American German friendship gatherings where we will practice mindfulness with each other through deep breathing and meditation. Americans and Germans are invited to gather at 10 AM until 10:45 AM in the small chapel at redeemer Lutheran Church the meditations will be in English so that everyone will be included. Please join us and bring your friends. Practicing friendship, breathing and mindfulness has proven to be one of the most effective remedies to stress. And we are living in stressful times- there is no question! Pastor Dorothea
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 | Meeting dates for December are 8th and 15th
Led by Pat Cornwell | Sundays 10 AM | Room 119 “Light from Afar” An Advent Devotional From Around the World.
The Seekers Bible Study led by Bill Pegram Mondays | 1:30 PM | Reception Room/Zoom
Join us as we dig deep into the Gospel of Matthew. Light refreshments served.
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 “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer 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 will not meet December 4th
Wednesdays | 6 PM | In-person and online
For the Girls of Wellspring Living : our 13th Angel Tree : Sims Atrium
November 17 through December 15
Once again, we have the opportunity to shop for the girls of Wellspring Living – children (ages 12 – 17) who have been trafficked and who are on a path of restoration. Please take an ornament for your tree and return a gift card. On each ornament is a suggested gift card. Gift cards in any dollar value will be used for the girls’ school and craft supplies, meals, clothing, special outings, or for stocking the boutique where the girls can “shop” for special items as rewards for scholastic achievement. Write the value on your gift cards and place them in the box by the tree. Thank you Kathy Hill and the women of Northside Circle for the creation of the ornaments. Questions?
Contact Charissa Schultz or Amy Carpenter via Realm.
Inspiritus Hope Tree
Each year, Inspiritus resettles a significant number of refugees as they begin their journey from surviving to thriving, and our Hope Tree campaign is the opportunity for us to give the gift of warmth to refugee and immigrant families. Our goal is to provide each of the 600+ clients we resettled this year with a warm coat for the winter, and this is made possible by the generosity of those who donate coats and monetary gifts to purchase coats. If you would like to donate a coat, you can do so in the Atrium. If you would like to donate so we can purchase coats, you can do so online at www.weinspirit.org/give-financially (Select Hope Tree from the drop down) Each year, we are humbled and grateful to bring smiles to the faces of those who have faced significant challenges in adjusting to their new lives.
Goshen Valley Giving Tree | November 24 - December 15
Help us create a Merry Christmas for the foster boys and girls living under Goshen Valley's care!
You can donate items in two ways:
• donate gifts using the Amazon list, which will ship items directly to Goshen Valley. Click on the link in Redeemer weekly emails or scan the QR code here.
• donate household items using tags on the giving tree in Sims Atrium, and bring the items to church with you.
This drive is hosted by the Children and Family Ministries Team. Speak to Dn. Mary with questions.
CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE
11:00 a m German Church Atlanta Service
Traditional worship in the German language with Holy Communion.
1:00 pm Worship
Worship includes traditional carols with Holy Communion.
3:00 pm Family and Children’s Service
A Christmas message with lessons and carols for children with Holy Communion.
*6:00 pm Jazz Service
Worship begins with the prelude featuring the Redeemer Jazz Trio with Holy Communion.
*8:00 and *11:00 pm Christmas Services
The celebration begins with a musical prelude of instrumental and choir music. Services include traditional carols with Holy Communion.
*Prelude begins 30 minutes prior to service.
Sunday, December 29: One service at 10 am
Calendar for December 1 – December 7, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Event
Worship
J.O.Y. choir
Pr. Jonathan Class
Difficult Words of Jesus
Be Still & Journey
New members class
Children’s Sunday School
Duvall Memorial
Monday, December 2
The Seekers Bible Study
Carillon Ringers
Time
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
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
10:00 AM -10:45 AM 2:00 PM
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Conference Room Room 121
Room 119
Reception RoomSanctuary
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Tuesday, December 3
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, December 4
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers Worship
Thursday, December 5
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
Reception Room Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary
Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom
Friday, December 6 -
Saturday, December 7
Council Training
Christmas program Dress Rehearsal
9:00 AM -1:00 PM 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM Rudisill Hall Sanctuary
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