Presentation of Our Lord – February 2, 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 Walk in the Light Anna Laura Page Carillon Ringers
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.
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
Sheila Brock, cantor
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 and ever-living God, your only-begotten Son was presented this day in the temple. May we be presented to you with clean and pure hearts by the same Jesus Christ, our great high priest, 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 Malachi 3:1-4
Gayle Morgan, Lector
This reading concludes a larger section (2:17 3:5) in which the prophet speaks of the coming of the God of justice. Malachi looks for that day when the wondrous power of God will purify the priestly descendents of Levi who minister in the temple at Jerusalem.
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING Hebrews 2:14-18 Jesus shared human nature fully so that his death might be for all humans a liberation from slavery to death’s power. Here the writer uses the image of priestly
service in the temple as a way of describing the life and saving death of the Lord Jesus. He is the high priest who offers his life on behalf of his brothers and sisters.
Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, [Jesus] himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Luke 2:22-40
This story is a study in contrasts: the infant Jesus with the aged prophets; the joy of birth with the ominous words of Simeon to Mary; the faithful fulfilling of the law with the presentation of the one who will release its hold over us. Through it all, we see the light of God’s salvation revealed to the world.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, [Mary and Joseph] brought [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated
SERMON
Standing
HYMN 417 In His Temple Now Behold Him
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Redeemer's Second Grade class has spent the past few weeks learning about the Apostle's Creed and discussing what it means to believe, how we express our beliefs, and how we relate to people with different beliefs. Today, they will share what they've learned by leading the congregation in the Apostle's Creed. Please join in saying it quietly along with them.
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.
God of generations, you instilled in Anna and Simeon faith, dreams, and the welcome of a child. Bless elders who embody faith and hope; bless the newly baptized. Energize us to share faith from generation to generation. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of creation, in you the sparrow finds a home and we find lush valleys and living water. Bless the birds of the air, the animals of the valley, and renew our stewardship of this bountiful creation. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of the nations, strengthen our resolve to care for all children and strive for peace among nations. Refine our nation where we have failed to root out racism especially as we honor Black History Month and guide us in truth-telling and reconciliation. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of hope, many long to see your presence revealed amid challenging circumstances. We hold in prayer all longing for sustainable housing, secure employment, access to medical care, and health and wellness especially...
God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of the people, you are made known in caring ministries. Bless those who serve as communion servers, homebound visitors, baptismal sponsors, confirmation
mentors, and as prayer support. Reveal yourself in the neighborly care we give and receive. God of grace, hear our prayer.
God of life, we thank you for Jesus’ life and for his death that has destroyed death. We remember the dearly departed especially…, as they dwell with you in your holy courts now and forever. 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.
THANKSGIVING
Seated
GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM Nunc Dimittis in C, Opus 115 Charles Villers Stanford The Redeemer Choir
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:29-32
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
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
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 313 O Lord, Now Let Your Servant
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Jan 26: In person: 267, Online
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Please join us for a Council and Master Planning Listening Post TODAY! Sessions will be held following both worship services in Rudisill Hall and via Zoom. Our consultants have been hard at work since our Master Planning Workshop this past May. We are excited to share an update with you as we continue to take Faithful Steps together toward Redeemer's future!
Rejoicing Spirits- Today
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 the Reception Room 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. Today 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. Registration deadline February 16.
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 | 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 | Room 207/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!
YOUTH
The Super Bowl of Caring is around the corner! Bring some extra cash to cheer on your favorite team while raising funds for the Lutheran Food Ministry!
High School & Beyond Parent’s Group
Thanks to all who helped things start off with success! The next meeting will be Feb. 9 at 10:00 (room TBD), with the initial goal of meeting monthly. See Lisa and Herb Basin for details.
YOUNG ADULTS
After Service Lunch: Join us for lunch and casual fellowship after the 11:00 service on Feb. 9th!
February Outing: We’ll be meeting at Sceptre Brewing Arts (in Oakhurst neighborhood) at 7:00 on Thursday, Feb. 13th!
COMMUNITY
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
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 February 2 – February 7, 2025
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Event Time
Location Worship
J.O.Y. Choir
HS Faith Formation
Be Still and Journey
Children’s SS
HS & Beyond Parents
Jesus for Everyone
Master Planning
Listening Post
Luke’s Jesus
Rejoicing Spirits
Listening Post
Family Pool Party
Monday, February 3
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 10:00 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 12:00 PM 1:30 PM
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Youth Lounge Room 119
Various Rooms
Room 103 Room 121
Rudisill/Zoom Room 207
Reception Room/Zoom
Rudisill/Zoom Off site
Seekers Bible Study 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Reception Room
Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall
Tuesday, February 4
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, February 5
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers Worship
Thursday, February 6
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 Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202
Sanctuary
Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom
Friday, February 7 - -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