Second Sunday after Epiphany – January 19, 2025
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 Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
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.
God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith. | 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.
KYRIE
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.
HYMN OF PRAISE
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.
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
Niall Slater, Lector
Isaiah 62:1-5
The people’s return to Judah after the exile was marred by economic and political troubles. Nevertheless, the prophet declares, Jerusalem and Judah will be restored. God will rejoice over Jerusalem as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, and the people are called to the celebration.
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Psalm 36
Your love, O LORD, reaches | to the heavens, and your faithfulness | to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the strong mountains, your justice like | the great deep; you save humankind and ani- | mals, O LORD. R
How priceless is your | love, O God!
All people take refuge under the shadow | of your wings. They feast upon the abundance | of your house; you give them drink from the river of | your delights.
For with you is the | well of life, and in your light | we see light.
Continue your lovingkindness to | those who know you, and your favor to those who are | true of heart. R
THE SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
The congregation at Corinth experienced division as people were comparing their spiritual gifts, thinking some to be superior to others. Paul invites this fractured
community to trust that God’s Holy Spirit has gifted them all perfectly for their mission together.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL John 2:1-11
Turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana is described as the first of Jesus’ signs. Through many such epiphanies, Jesus reveals that he bears God’s creative power and joyful presence into the world.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON Pastor Jonathan Trapp
Standing HYMN 312 Jesus, Come! For We Invite You
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: 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.
Giver of gifts, you form each member of the church to serve. Inspire us to boldly use gifts of welcome and healing, service and teaching, leading and preaching, for the sake of your work in the world. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Refuge of creatures, you place all the living under the shadow of your wings. Lead us in ways that tend to the needs of wild and domestic animals, creatures threatened by extinction, and the environment we share. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Voice of the oppressed, you call prophets throughout time. We remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a voice for racial and economic justice and for peace. Guide our nation in continuing to heed your prophetic call. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of steadfast love, as Jesus celebrated at Cana, nurture marriages and relationships in mutual care; in times of separation or divorce hold tenderly broken hearts and broken dreams. Be present to all who are sick, grieving or in any need (especially). God of grace, hear our prayer.
Spirit of peace, celebrating this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we pray for neighboring congregations and ministry sites especially our fellow congregations in the Southeastern Synod. Nurture our shared commitment to embody Jesus’ love, justice, and healing. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Wellspring of life, in living and dying we trust in you. We give thanks for the saints. Guide us in our living until, at last, we rest in you. 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 MISSION MOMENT
GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM
THANKSGIVING
Thanks be to God Marty Haugen The Redeemer Choir
Thanks be to God when people care, thanks be for friends and loved ones, Thanks be to God, thanks be to God forever and ever. Thanks be to God for food and home, thanks be for health and laughter, Thanks be to God, thanks be to God forever and ever. Thanks be to God when hatred ends, thanks be for peace and safety, Thanks be to God, thanks be to God forever and ever. Teach us the way of your peace, kindle your fire within us, Give us a vision of a world where people care for each other We shall overcome, we shall overcome someday. Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe that we shall overcome someday.
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
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,
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. By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory. 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:
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
The joy of the Lord is our strength. Come, eat this meal of gladness. 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. | 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 310 Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
SENDING Go in peace. Live in hope. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE In dir ist Freude, BWV 615 J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Jan 12: In person: 129, Online
272
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Third Sunday after Epiphany
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!
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 | Room 119 | continues Jan. 26
Be Still and Journey, Open to anyone interested
Led by Pat Cornwell
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.
Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark | Luke’s Jesus
Sundays | 10 am (beginning January 26) | Reception Room/Zoom & Wednesdays | 6 pm | Rudisill Hall/Zoom
As we begin a new church year during which most of our gospel readings will come from our third gospel, let’s explore together what makes Luke’s gospel unique. St. Luke tells the story of Jesus in clear, dramatically compelling, and humanly moving terms. His Jesus is a man of great power, a deep sense of mission, and profound compassion for those on the outskirts of society. And Luke's Gospel has the best stories--that is, parables--including a number that are unique to this gospel.
Mondays at 1:30 pm | Reception Room
The Seekers Bible Study led by Bill Pegram
We continue digging deep into the Gospel of Matthew.
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
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Led by David Ott & Don Noland | Tuesdays | 7 AM | Reception Room and Zoom
We are now studying 1 & 2 Samuel. Everyone is welcome either 1/ in person in the Reception Room with a full breakfast serving from 7 am, or 2/ via ZOOM link found on the Redeemer website each Tuesday. Our study and discussion is from 7:30 - 8:30 am. Please join us any Tuesday morning!
COMMUNITY
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.”
Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity
This Lent, join us in making a lasting impact by participating in the 2025 Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Lenten Build! We’re partnering with Kendra and three other Atlanta-area churches to build a new home, and we need YOU to help make it happen.
By working with Atlanta Habitat, we’re not only building a home, but also contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods and creating lasting opportunities for families to thrive. Together, we can transform lives and live out our faith in action.
How You Can Help:
We’ll be building a home for Kendra and her daughter over the course of 7 Saturdays starting February 15th. We invite all members of our congregation, ages 16 and older, to volunteer no prior experience is needed. Whether you’re an expert or a first-time builder, your hands and heart will make a difference.
Important Details:
• Dates: Saturdays, February 15th through April 5th, 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
• To Volunteer: Sign up in the Sims Atrium starting January 5th or use the QR code below. Registration closes 1 week before each build date, and all volunteers must register individually through our online registration link. Have Questions? Contact:
• David Barnes at David.R.Barnes@gmail.com
• Dana Norden at DNorden3@gmail.com
Sign up today and be a part of this meaningful project! https://vhub.at/redeemer
Many Thanks to all those that knitted or crocheted hats and scarves to hand out at the Food Ministry Holiday Meals. At last count, right before Christmas, there were over 100 items to hand out. The Tradition lives on!! A big THANK YOU to Kathy Buechner and Gayle Morgan who really did an outstanding job knitting the majority of the scarves. Please say thanks when you see them. Future opportunities to learn how to knit and or crochet are being considered, possibly at the church, but also at someone’s home!
Calendar for January 19 – January 25, 2025
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Event Time Location Worship
HS Faith Formation
Children’s SS
Jesus for Everyone
Monday, January 20
MLK Day
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
In-person/ On-Line
Youth Lounge Various Rooms Room 121
Church office closed - -
Tuesday, January 21
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council
Wednesday, January 22
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
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
Reception Room Zoom Hybrid
Reception/Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 204
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Thursday, January 23
6:00 PM -7:00 PM
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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. 203
Larry Lowe .................................................................................. Security Officer
Stacey Williams ........................................................................ Head of Security