CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Luke 3:1-6
John the Baptist is a herald of Jesus, whose way is prepared by “repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing HYMN 264
Prepare the Royal Highway
Pastor Jonathan Trapp
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.
Refining God, move through your church. Root out practices that harm your people, and kindle a fire for sharing the gospel among bishops, pastors, deacons, and all the baptized. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Renewing God, transform your creation. Steer us from habits that harm what you have made, and guide us in practices that preserve and restore creatures and habitats. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Ruling God, teach the nations your ways. Strengthen organizations and communities that broker peace and care for refugees, immigrants, and all caught in the center of conflict especially Inspiritus and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Rescuing God, restore your people who are in any need. Heal all who are suffering (especially). Provide comfort and strength, and nurture sustained wholeness for the future. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Reforming God, fill this congregation with your presence. Enrich our seasonal preparations, and bless the efforts by worship committees, music ensembles, staff, clergy, and lay leaders as they work in the weeks ahead. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Reassuring God, we remember those who have died and rest in you. Guide us in deep gratitude for their life, and allow us to learn from their faithful witness. 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.
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio
Standing OFFERING PRAYER
Creator God, you made the whole world, even the farthest stars, and you draw near to feed us.
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.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
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
Seated God feeds us with tender mercy. Come to the table.
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
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 726 Light Dawns on a Weary World
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.
Advent Lessons and Carols
The 11:00 am service on Sunday, December 15th will be a service of Advent Lessons and Carols led by Redeemer’s children, youth, and adult choirs. Forming the structure for the service are the “O Antiphons,” ancient sung refrains which eventually became the beloved Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” There will not be a sermon, but there will be Holy Communion. Join us in this beautiful service in which we hear hope proclaimed through scripture and music.
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.
Christmas Program Today- You’re Invited!
Our Children's Christmas Program is back! The performance is today 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
Family Christmas Eve Service
At 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve we will hold our annual Family Christmas Eve service! We love to have our kids help out and lead this special service for their friends, families, and our visitors. Please fill out this short form to express interest if you would like to help. Deacon Mary will then work with you to find the right role for your child (you can also work as a team if your child needs help with the role).
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
TODAY 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!
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!
FAITH FORMATION
“The Difficult Words of Jesus” – Meanings and Contexts – through Dec. 22
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 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.
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 Sims 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.
The Redeemer Brass Ensemble invites you to join in an afternoon Event of Holiday Music and Caroling
Something that is sure to welcome the seasonal spirit in everyone’s heart of traditional and contemporary music selections for the whole family on Saturday, December 14th 3:30 p.m through 7:00 p.m. from the front-steps of Redeemer on Peachtree Street, plus, an opportunity to join in singing Carols at 5:00 p.m. for 30-45 minutes, followed by Brass Ensemble music through reminder of Event, while sipping Hot Apple Cider
Anyone interested in singing at 5:00 pm is encouraged to email Todd Larsen at todd@larsenfirm.com for further information or 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 8 – December 14, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Event Time Location
Worship
J.O.Y. choir
Confirmation
High School
Budget Hearings
Christmas Program
Pr. Jonathan Class
Difficult Words of Jesus Be Still & Journey
New members class
Advent Brunch & Activities
Youth Christmas Party
Monday, December 9
The Seekers Bible Study
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, December 10
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study Executive Committee
Wednesday, December 11
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers Worship
Thursday, December 12
Keystone Movie Matinee Tolkien Group
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
9:45 AM – 10:50 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM & 12:00 PM
10:00 AM – 10:30 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
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
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 6:00 PM -7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Fireside & 2nd floor office Youth Lounge
Library
Sanctuary Conference Room Room 121 Room 119
Reception Room Sims Atrium Youth Lounge
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Reception Room Zoom Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202
Sanctuary
Rudisill Hall Zoom
Friday, December 13 - - -
Saturday, December 14
Dress Rehearsal
Caroling
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Sanctuary Front Steps
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
