Third Sunday after Epiphany – January 26, 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.
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.
PRELUDE
Two Settings of "Thaxted"
Robert Farlee (born 1950)
Brenda Portman (born 1980) WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Standing HYMN 314
Arise, Your Light Has Come!
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.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the
church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | 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.
Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. | 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
Deborah Heller, Lector
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
The exiles have returned and rebuilt Jerusalem. Now Ezra, the priest, reads the law of Moses to them in the public square. When they hear it, they weep for their sins and for the long years in exile, but Ezra reminds them that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
All the people [of Israel] gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to
the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
The apostle and pastor Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to describe how intimately connected we are in the church. For this struggling congregation in Corinth, Paul delivers a vital message of unity that is a mark of the church today.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Luke 4:14-21
Near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, he visits his hometown of Nazareth. In the words of Isaiah, he states and claims his identity, purpose, and mission.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Standing HYMN 710
Let Streams of Living Justice
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.
As your word is opened in our midst, we give thanks for all who share scripture: for parents, grandparents, and godparents; teachers and mentors; deacons, pastors, bishops, and scholars. Inspire passion for the stories of faith. God of grace, hear our prayer.
As heavens declare your glory and the sky proclaims your work, we lift our voices in awe of quarks and atoms, vast stars and solar systems. Guide us to speak on behalf of your handiwork. God of grace, hear our prayer.
As Jesus proclaimed life and freedom in his community, energize communities and nations to eliminate poverty, engage in prison ministry and transformative justice, and envision new ways of working together for your promised reign. God of grace, hear our prayer.
As your word and presence revive the soul, accompany all experiencing depression, anxiety, or eating disorders; be a source of strength for all affected by memory loss and their caregivers; draw near to all undergoing medical treatment or surgery. Today we pray especially for, God of grace, hear our prayer.
As we are made one body in baptism, strengthen all who serve. Renew and inspire all who use their gifts in this congregation, community, and the world especially our volunteers in food ministry, gardening, worship, member care, council, and ministry team members. God of grace, hear our prayer.
As our faith is strengthened by saints who have gone before us, we remember leaders of the early church especially Timothy, Titus, Silas, Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, and beloved friends and family who have died especially, 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
Their Sound is Gone Out from Messiah G. F. Handel The Redeemer Choir
Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world.
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, now and always. | Amen
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
576 We All Are One in Mission
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 668
O Zion, Haste
SENDING
Go in peace. Live in hope. | Thanks be to God.
Allegro con brio from Sonata no. 4 Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Jan 19: In person: 215, Online 161 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Presentation of Our Lord
Congratulations to our 2025 Executive Committee elected by the Congregation Council on January 21. They are Jeff Guthrie, President; Janet Preston, VicePresident; John Thomas, Secretary; Whitney Ludvigsen, member-at-large; Doug Dumont, member-at-large; Frank Hull, Treasurer; Alisa Norvelle, Financial Secretary; and Dewey Ingham, Memorial Funds Secretary
Camp Sunday
We welcome Deacon Macy Bakken from Novus Way today to tell us what is coming up at Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Luther Springs. She will offer a Mission Moment during both worship services, spend time in our children’s Sunday School, and be available to answer questions in Sims Atrium.
Rejoicing Spirits- new date, February 2
Due to staffing needs, Rejoicing Spirits has been moved to February 2. We get another week to look forward to being together 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: Camp Sunday!
We will meet in the Fireside room from 10-10:45 am to learn about and celebrate all the ways that camp helps us grow in faith. We welcome Deacon Macy Bakkan from Novus Way, and the Dad Band!
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.
Family Retreat Registration is Open!
March 14-16 we are headed to Lutheranch for our annual Family Retreat. This year, we are especially encouraging families with kids of all ages to participate! You won’t want to miss s’mores around the campfire, growing in faith together, our fan-favorite talent show, and worship together on Sunday morning. Scan the code to register online, or find the link in your newsletter or CFM emails.
YOUTH
High School & Beyond parents’ group is starting up today at 10am in room 103! Come for a time of connection, sharing, and mutual support.
FAITH FORMATION
Sundays, 10 am | Room 121 | 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
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 | Reception Room/Zoom | beginning February 2 & Wednesdays | 6 pm | Rudisill Hall/Zoom | beginning January 29
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!
January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. Visit the display in Sims Atrium from January 19 through February 9 and learn about Wellspring Living which gives transformative care to survivors of child sex trafficking. You can help by writing notes of encouragement to a child in the Girls Residential Program (ages 12 – 17). Note cards, Bible verses and suggestions are provided at the display. Questions? Contact Redeeming Grace members Charissa Schultz or Amy Carpenter via Realm.
Calendar for January 26 – February 1, 2025
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Event Time Location Worship
J.O.Y. Choir
HS Faith Formation Be Still and Journey
Sing & Play
HS & Beyond Parents
Jesus for Everyone
Monday, January 27
Seekers Bible Study
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, January 28
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, January 29
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Thursday, January 30
Tolkien Group
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00
AM Organ & Choir
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 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
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
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Youth Lounge Room 119
Various Rooms Room 103 Room 121
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Reception Room Zoom
Reception/Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom
Friday, January 31
Borromeo concert 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Sanctuary
Saturday, February 1
Liabastre Memorial 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Sanctuary
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
Allison Lizdas ................................... Director of Congregational Care, ext. 203
Larry Lowe Security Officer
Stacey Williams ........................................................................ Head of Security