Second Sunday of Christmas – January 5, 2025
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.
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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Standing
HYMN 300
The First Noel
CONFESSION
AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Kneeling or seated
God-with-us, we confess that we have turned away those seeking shelter,
claiming there is no room when we have plenty. We have made power and wealth our idols, while you show us true glory: a baby in a manger. We have overlooked the shepherds, expecting good news in prettier packaging. Too often, we have valued violence instead of your peace. Turn us from our ways to your ways. Grant us the grace to begin again. Free us from all that keeps us bound, and forgive our sin, through Jesus Christ, who gives himself for us. Amen.
Hear the good news and rejoice! You are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, ☩ forgiven in Christ, and freed to respond in joy. | Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Almighty God, you have filled all the earth with the light of your incarnate Word. By your grace empower us to reflect your light in all that we do, 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
John 1:[1-9] 10-18
John begins his gospel with this prologue: a hymn to the Word through whom all things were created. This Word became flesh and brought grace and truth to the world.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.]
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power
to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing HYMN 487
What Feast of Love
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Each portion of the prayers concludes: God of grace, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
Filled with good news of great joy, let us offer our prayers for the church, the earth, and all people.
O God, you reveal yourself in this assembly. In water, wine, and bread, show us again and again your grace upon grace, that your church boldly testifies to your love. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in creation. In seedlings and planets, microorganisms and galaxies, awaken us to the cry of the earth. As you nourish your people like a watered garden, empower us to nourish our creaturely companions. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in every land and in the farthest parts of the earth. Deliver peoples who suffer under oppressive regimes. Thwart the foolish plans of unjust leaders. Give wisdom to our elected officials. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in every human being. Help us recognize your image in our siblings in Christ who are in the strong grip of addiction, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, or other illness. Grant us compassion in our care for your people. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself anew every day. In this new year, renew this congregation and its ministries in our witness to the good news of the incarnation. Transform the way we have always done things into your new future for us. God of grace, receive our prayer.
You reveal yourself in the lives of your holy ones. We give you thanks for those who set their hope on you, trusting the inheritance we receive in you. God of grace, receive our prayer.
We commend these prayers to you, O God, trusting your grace made known to all, through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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
God of heaven and earth, from the beginning, you have called forth life, in which you take delight. The trees, the fields, and the seas sing for joy. Bless now these gifts, received from your bounty, that we may join the chorus of creation
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 sing a new song to you, O God of our salvation, for you have done marvelous things. Through your Word all things came into being, and without you not one thing was made.
You spoke through your covenant and created a people bound to you. Through promise and pardon, slavery and exile, you showed that what had come into being through you was life. When that day came, and the Word became flesh, your angels sang for joy and put a new song into our hearts. And even when we rejected your Son, you brought forth from his death a resurrection of everlasting glory.
Life-giving God, as your Word became flesh and lived among us, come among us now in the fullness of your grace and truth. Make us holy as you are holy; that your Word may become flesh anew today. Send your Holy Spirit upon this bread and wine and make them be for us the body and blood of Jesus; who in the night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and gave thanks; broke it and gave it to the 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.
God of glory, make your church a sign of new-born hope in your kingdom. Be born in us today. Where your children are faced with ruin, show them redemption. Where sorrow endures, bring your holy comfort. Where division excludes, give your grace. Where bondage confines, sing your new song. Restore our hope in you, until the day when all that you have brought into being finds its everlasting destiny in your only Son, through whom all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever. | Amen.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray…
LORD’S
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
A child has been born for us, a Son given to us. Come, receive the gift of Jesus. 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. | Merciful God, we thank you for Jesus, who is our heavenly food. Strengthened by this goodness, send us forth to announce your peace, comfort the afflicted, and share the good news of great joy.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The God of love, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, lavish you with grace, illumine your path, and increase your joy, today and always. | Amen.
HYMN 292 Love Has Come
SENDING
Go in peace. The Word of God dwells in you richly. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
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LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for December 29: In person: 104, Online 121 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Baptism of Our Lord
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Saturday, January 18th, 2025, the Redeemer community is invited to honor the legacy of Dr. King by learning about his life and engaging in service to our community. Organized by the ELCA Southeastern Synod, all events that day will be hosted at St. John’s Lutheran Church (and Pr. Jennifer!). All ages and abilities welcome!
Scan the code or contact Pr. Jonathan Hemphill to register (jhemphill@elca-ses.org).
11 am- 12 pm: Brunch and Learn
12 -1 pm: Service projects
2-3:30 pm: Festival worship
Rejoicing Spirits- January 26th
What better way to kick off the new year than with your Rejoicing Spirits friends! As much of our culture is pressuring us to ‘optimize’ our bodies and minds, let’s stop and celebrate what they can already do, and how we are already bringing our best to the people and world around us.
This special worship service is designed to be accessible to people of all abilitiesyes, that means you! We are all beloved children of God with strengths and weaknesses. People with disabilities and their caregivers need the support of their faith community. We all need to be reminded that whatever our abilities, we are enough. Come to be a friend and make some amazing new friends! Meet in Rudisill Hall from 10:15 - 10:45 (before or after attending your usual service!)
CHILDREN AND FAMILY
Sing and Play today!
Children’s Sunday School resumes today with Sing and Play in the Fireside Room. Next week, we return to our normal classrooms. Please see your Sunday School schedule, CFM emails, or contact Deacon Mary with questions.
Pool Party at GA Tech
The Redeemer CFM families are making a splash at the GA tech pool again this year. February 2nd from 1:30-3:30 we will enjoy fellowship together at the pool and remember our baptisms! No RSVP required. Friends and neighbors welcome.
YOUNG ADULTS
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).
FAITH FORMATION
Sundays, 10 am | Room 121 | From 1/5/25 through 2/23/25
Led by Ed Scherlacher
“Jesus for Everyone” - based on Amy-Jill Levine’s book.
Learn of Jesus' historic and cultural influence makes him fascinating, provocative, and relevant for everyone, not only Christians.
Sundays 10 am | Chapel | through May 25
Mindful Meditation Practices
Led by Pastor Dorothea Lotze
Mindfulness meditations are an ancient spiritual practice. In our time together, we will integrate the Christian contemplative practice of heart prayer with the mindfulness practices of deep breathing, body relaxation, loving kindness, selfcompassion and compassion for others. Come and join our weekly practicing while strengthening our mental, emotional and spiritual health in difficult political and global times. The meditation practices will be in English.
Friday, January 31, 2025 – 7:30 pm
Borromeo String Quartet in concert
The Friends of Music at Redeemer are thrilled to announce that the Redeemer Concert Series will present one of the premiere string quartets in the world – the Borromeo String Quartet. Invite a friend to this free concert of music by the masters as well as living composers, performed in our beautiful space by stellar musicians. Following the concert, enjoy a reception in Sims Atrium.
For twenty-five years, the Borromeo String Quartet has been ensemble-in-residence at both the New England Conservatory and Taos School of Music, and quartet-inresidence at the Heifetz International Music Institute. Their many honors include the 2007 Avery Fisher Career Grant; Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award, and the Cleveland Quartet Award. With their “edge-of-the- seat performances,” the Boston Globe called the ensemble “simply the best.”
Calendar for January 5 – January 10, 2025
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Event Time
Worship
J.O.Y. choir
Pr. Jonathan Class
Be Still & Journey
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
Location
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Conference Room Room 119
and Play 10:00 AM -10:45 AM
Monday, January 6
The Seekers Bible Study Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, January 7
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, January 8
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers Worship
Thursday, January 9
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
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 Hinely Music Hall
Reception Room Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204 Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary
YA Bonfire Tolkien Group 7:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Off site 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