Third Sunday of Advent – December 15, 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 242 Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, alive in the world, reviving creation, arriving soon. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Kneeling or seated
God of mercy, we confess that we have sinned. We trust earthly powers and human authority alone. We grow fearful. We cling to false comforts. God of might, we confess that we have sinned. We have turned away from our neighbors. We have trusted false promises. God in our midst, we confess that we have sinned. We plead: come to us. Bring your mercy to birth in us.
A righteous branch springs forth: it is Christ the Lord, our Savior, in whom we have forgiveness, life, and mercy. By the power of the Holy Spirit, receive the grace and forgiveness of God through ☩ Christ Jesus, whose day draws near. | Amen.
Standing
Advent prayer
Hope blooms in a weary world when creatures, once forlorn, find wilderness reborn. Hope blooms in a weary world: the promised green of Eden comes
The third candle is lit.
Bless us as this light grows, and send sorrow and sighing to flee away. Give us strength and patience, trusting that you are true to your promises. Transform the lives of all who suffer with your wonders near at hand.
O people of hope come, Let us keep awake for the Lord is near. Amen
Sung
O come, O King of nations, come, O Cornerstone that binds in one: refresh the hearts that long for you; restore the broken, make us new Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the preaching of John, that, rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the fruits of repentance; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.
Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL
Luke 3:7-18
John the Baptist heralds the mighty one who is coming. John teaches that preparation for God’s reign is not a matter of identity but of bearing fruits of merciful justice, radical generosity, and vocational integrity.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing HYMN 726
Light Dawns on a Weary World
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Seated
WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS TO THE CONGREGATION
People of God, do you promise to support and pray for these new members in their life in Christ? We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.
In this promise I ask you, do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of thevirgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, a nd was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right han d of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
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.
Let us welcome our siblings in Christ to this community of faith. We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.
Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, for our new members, whom you have drawn to ourself by the love of Jesus Christ and whom we have welcomed into this household of faith. Keep us close together in your Spirit, in the breaking of bread and the prayers, and in service to others. May we together grow faithfully and serve boldly. | 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 who reforms, fill your church with courage to do your will. Empower your people in taking risks that bear fruit. Raise up leaders who will proclaim the good news. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God who creates, you hold in balance diverse ecosystems. Encourage efforts to protect wild lands from devastation. Care for animals and people in the path of destructive fires, storms, and other disasters. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God who leads, this world cries out for true justice. Guide legislatures, judges, and lawyers in actions steeped in love and restoration. Increase the desire to advocate for all who are confronted with discrimination and oppression based on race, gender, sexuality, class, ability, or age. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God who embraces, help us notice the places where your people are hurting or sick. We pray especially for…
Show your compassion and remember your people in love. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God who abides, you dwell among the people of this congregation. Deepen our relationships with one another, and make us aware of the diverse talents and gifts present here. Bless the work of our Diversity and Justice team. Lord, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
God who consoles, we thank you for the time we have had with loved ones who have died. Comfort us with the promise of everlasting life in you. 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 267 Joy to the World
Seated CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SENDING
Go in peace. Prepare the way for Emmanuel. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for December 8: In person: 200, Online 129
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday of Advent
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, Zoom link provided in the Saturday update announcement. The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2025 Proposed Budget.
Advent Lessons and Carols
The 11:00 am service today 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.
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.
YOUNG ADULTS
Join us for lunch after the 11:00 service for our monthly lunch today! (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
Led by Pat Cornwell | Sundays 10 AM | Room 119 “Light from Afar” An Advent Devotional From Around the World.
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: Sunday, December 15 is the final day for the Angel Tree!
December 15 is the last day to contribute to the Angel Tree for the girls of Wellspring Living –children (ages 12 – 17) who have been trafficked and who are on a path of restoration. Our collected gift cards 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. Thank you for your participation! We will report the final total in upcoming weeks! 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.
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 15 – December 21, 2024
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Event Time Location Worship
J.O.Y. choir
Confirmation
High School
Rejoicing Spirits
Pr. Jonathan Class
Difficult Words of Jesus
Be Still & Journey
St. Lucia Celebration
Monday, December 16
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, December 17
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council
Wednesday, December 18
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Pastors Class
Blue Christmas Worship
Thursday, December 19
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 – 10:30 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 6:00 PM
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Fireside & 2nd floor office
Youth Lounge Rudisill Hall
Conference Room Room 121
Room 119 Sanctuary
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall
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
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Keystone Cookie Decorating Tolkien Group 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday, December 20
Saturday, December 21
Reception Room Zoom Rudisill
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Sanctuary/Online
Zittrouer Hall Zoom
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