Baptism of Our Lord – January 12, 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 423 Shall We Gather at the River
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, our creator, our protector, our wellspring of life. | Amen.
Trusting that God receives our words and the meditations of our hearts, let us confess our sin.
Kneeling or seated
Merciful God, you speak blessing and compassion into the world. Forgive us for the ways we act with judgment, cruelty, or indifference. We ignore the needs of our neighbors; we resist your call to oppose injustice; we give in to scarcity and fear; we assume the worst about one another. Cleanse us from our faults and release us from their grasp. Show us your lovingkindness. Restore our hearts and repair your world, that we may live in Christ’s ways. Amen.
God proclaims these words of assurance: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by name. You are mine.” In ☩ Christ, you are forgiven. In the Spirit, you are made free. Refreshed by the waters of mercy, live anew as beloved children of God. | Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and revealed him as your beloved Son. Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God, 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 3:15-17, 21-22
The reading opens with questions about the identity of the Messiah. John the Baptist insists that he is not the Messiah; instead he points ahead to one who is coming. And whether the voice of God was heard by all or only by Jesus, God settles the matter: Jesus is God’s beloved Son.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
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.”
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing
Pastor Mark H. Larson
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
With the Spirit of Christ shining upon us, let us boldly pray for the church, the world, and all of creation.
A brief silence.
You call us by name and form us. We give thanks for the gift of baptism. Nurture the baptized and equip people sent to proclaim the good news, especially Young Adults in Global Mission and international congregations. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Your voice sounds over the waters. Speak words of healing over the rivers and lakes, seas and oceans (local bodies of water may be named). Heeding your voice, lead us to care for water, and the land and creatures it nourishes. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
You give strength to your people. Uphold all who serve the common good. Guide federal and state legislators, city and county officials, judges and juries. Strengthen our resolve to serve all in need. God of grace, hear our prayer.
You are with us in challenging times. Draw near to all who are ill, undergoing treatment, or recovering from surgery (especially). Accompany individuals and families affected by addiction or mental health challenges. Uphold each person as your beloved. God of grace, hear our prayer.
You draw us into community. Embolden ministries of racial reconciliation, nurture work on behalf of immigrants and refugees, and equip each to use their gifts for the sake of neighbors near and far. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
You grant us peace. Comfort all who grieve. Dwell with us in this life and, at the last, join us with the saints whom you have created, formed, and named. God of grace, hear our prayer.
We entrust our prayers to you, O God, in the sure and certain hope that your promise is revealed among the people.
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 grace, your love reaches to the heavens, and your abundance to the depths of the seas. Bless what we offer to your service: our gifts, our abilities, and our hearts.
Let us overflow with gratitude and generosity, now and always. | 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
O God most mighty, O God most merciful, hear us as we praise, call us to your meal, grant us your life.
When the earth was formless and empty, you created order and beauty. When Abraham and Sarah were barren, you delivered them a child; when the Israelites were enslaved, you led them to freedom; Ruth faced starvation, David fought Goliath, and the psalmists cried out for healing with all your people we implore you to save us, and we praise you for granting us life.
You came to our world in Jesus our brother. He was born among the poor, he lived under oppression, he wept over the city. Full of compassion, he granted the people your life.
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.
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.
Come, Breath of creation, enliven our bones. Come, living Water, replenish the earth. Come, holy Fire, make us lights in the world. Like a tree rich with fruit, nourish us with your bounty. From your throne, teach us justice. In your arms, give us peace
Mighty God, mothering God, grant us your life, the life of the Father to the Son, the life of the Spirit of our risen Savior, life in you, 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
The joy of the Lord is our strength. Come, eat this meal of gladness. 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. | Nourishing God, at this table you have refreshed us with holy gifts of food and drink. Strengthen us for service, and send us out to embody your good news of liberation and healing for the sake of the world. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The Spirit of the triune God ☩ bless you with joy, anoint you with compassion, and send you in love. | Amen.
HYMN 677
This Little Light of Mine
SENDING
Go in peace. Live in hope. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
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LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Jan 5: In person: 195, Online 153 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Second Sunday after Epiphany
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
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
Our monthly Young Adult lunch after the 11:00 service on Jan. 19. Join us for some casual conversation and fellowship!
Lunch Together
Sunday, January 19 after the late service we will meet in the Sims Atrium and walk somewhere in midtown for sustenance and conversation. All are welcome!
YOUTH
High School & Beyond parents’ group is starting up January 26 at 10am in room 103! Come for a time of connection, sharing, and mutual support.
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.
Tuesdays 5 pm | Zoom
Join Pr Jonathan for a discussion of the The Rev Elizabeth Edman's book, 'Queer Virtue.' Rev Edman is an Episcopal priest whose book posits that Christianity, at its scriptural core, incessantly challenges its adherents to rupture false binaries, to “queer” lines that pit people against one another.
As always, reading is optional, we are glad to be able to create a space for everyone to learn and grow together. If you have any questions, please email Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org
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 12 – January 18, 2025
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Event Time Location Worship
HS Faith Formation
Be Still & Journey
Children’s S School
Jesus for Everyone Family Pool Party
Monday, January 13
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM -10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 1:30 PM
The Seekers Bible Study Carillon Ringers 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday, January 14
Morning Bible Study Pr. Jonathan Book Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, January 15
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers Worship
Thursday, January 16
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
In-person/ On-Line
Youth Lounge Room 119 Fireside Room 121 Off site
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Reception Room Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary
Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom
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
Allison Lizdas ................................... Director of Congregational Care, ext. 224
Larry Lowe .................................................................................. Security Officer
Stacey Williams ........................................................................ Head of Security