Link to: submit prayer requests
Livestream Zoom Communion following postlude
Join us for Worship this Sunday | 9 am & 11 am
Face coverings are optional and left to personal preference. Masks are required to sit in the balcony
Second Sunday of Advent Pastor Mark H. Larson, preaching
The theme of the Day:
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases, we turn toward the approaching light of Christ For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
Christmas Program- You’re Invited!
Our Children's Christmas Program is back! This year it will be held on Sunday, December 4th at 10 am in the sanctuary. After the program, there is brunch in the Sims Atrium for the whole congregation and Advent activities for kids and their families. Please plan to attend the program and support our kids as they tell this ancient and beautiful story in their own way.
Sunday, December 4
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
December 11th following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services
The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2023 Proposed Budget.
Please also join us following the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Worship Services Sunday for a Listening Post to discuss the 2023 Proposed Budget. Members of the Church Council, the Finance Team, and the Church Staff will be on hand to review the document and answer questions. You can attend in person in Rudisill Hall or feel free to join the conversation online via Zoom.
The 2023 proposed budget vote is on December 11th, 2022. The vote will be held live following the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Worship services with an additional Zoom only meeting at 10:30 AM.
Master Planning Update
We Heard You! Thank you for sharing your dreams for Redeemer’s future with us We heard you and are excited to share the Visioning Summary Report produced by our consultants Lord Aeck Sargent with
you This summary is the culmination of our original nine Subject Area Group (SAG) Visioning Sessions and the additional gatherings that were added to reach even more of our congregation. Multiple communication modes were used to make these sessions accessible to a wide range of members, offering meetings on weekdays and weekends, both in person and online. We believe this summary is a comprehensive overview of the many ideas brought forth during this visioning phase
Three major themes emerged from our SAG sessions: Centrality of Worship, A Deep Passion for Service, and A Desire to Build Stronger Relationships. These themes show remarkable connectivity to the goals of our Strategic Plan Now we are applying these goals to our facilities We are thankful to so many that helped make this part of the Campus Master Planning process a success our Management Team, Support Team, Council, Staff, Consultants and YOU! Your ideas and participation have motivated us to continue living out our vision that “Through Redeemer, the world will see Jesus.” We hope you enjoy reading these results and see your ideas represented as we take faithful steps together to boldly imagine Redeemer’s next century.
We will be in Sims Atrium following both worship services this Sunday, December 4th to answer any questions you may have about this summary.
God’s Peace, Janet Preston & Jay Puckhaber, Co Chairs Campus Master Planning Management Team
CHILDREN & FAMILY Ministry
Family Christmas Eve Service
At 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve we are excited to return to our in person Family Christmas Eve service! We love to have our kids help out and lead this special service for their friends, families, and our visitors. Please fill out this short form to express interest if you would like to help. Deacon Mary will then work with you to find the right role for your child
Christopher’s Haven Service Opportunity
Christopher's Haven is a non profit that provides housing for children with cancer and their families while they are in treatment at the Proton Therapy Center just down the street from Redeemer. We are developing a partnership so that Redeemer families can support them, starting in your own kitchen! Find more information on how to provide a meal or a sweet treat on the form. CLICK HERE to see the Sign Up form
YOUTH Ministry
Confirmation Large Group Session Fireside Room, 9:30 10:100
High School Sunday School Youth Lounge, 9:45 10:45
Confirmation Small Group Sessions, 10:00 10:45
6th Grade Fireside or Room 103
7th Grade Fireside or Room 103
8th Grade Pastor Mark’s Office
High School Youth Christmas Party 12:30 3 in Youth Lounge
Youth Holiday Event @ Lutheran Towers
Mark your calendars as we will be heading to Lutheran Towers on Sunday, December 11 from 2:00 pm 4:00 pm to do a holiday party with the residents
We will be doing:
· Christmas carols and sing along Cookie decorating contest
· Christmas card writing and decorating
· And more!
If your youth or youth and family are interested in being a part of this event, please contact Paul Isaacson *service hours can be obtained
High School Parents meet for their monthly gathering on Sunday, December 4 from 10:00 am-10:45 am in the Library.
Middle School Parents will meet for their monthly gathering on Sunday, December 11 from 10:00 am 10:45 am in the Library.
Our Post High School and College Youth will be getting lunch together on Sunday, December 18 after 11 AM service We will head to Melton's in Decatur. Give Hillary a heads up if you plan on attending!
The Kringles are here to pick up! Come pick them up on Sunday, December 4 to December 18 from before 9 AM to after 11 AM. Thanks for supporting our Summer 2023 Middle School and High School Mission Trips We will have a few extra limited quantity Kringles purchase that will be available to purchase It will be based on a first come basis. You can use the QR code to donate!
ADULT Faith Formation
Mindfulness, Prayer, and Meditation Conference room/ Zoom | 10 am
Join Ed Scherlacher to study spiritual practices that can help draw us together and see how God works in our lives
Young Adults Small Group
10:00 AM 10:45 AM | Katie's Corner
Book discussion on Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan, led by group member Robert Boyd. Reading in advance is not required. Join any week!
Young Adult Christmas Party
Saturday, December 10 at 7 pm | Alexis Myrick's Home Alexis has generously volunteered to make a generous amount of lefse for us! If you don't know what lefse is, you will be glad you came to find out The rest of the food will be potluck RSVP at this link, where you can also indicate what dish you will bring. We will have a white elephant gift exchange with items up to $15 Come relax and enjoy some good food and holiday cheer with us!
Advent Book Study
Reception Room | 10:00 AM 10:45 AM
Join Pr Jonathan for a discussion around 'The First Advent in Palestine' by Kelley Nikondeha. Her book offers an opportunity for us to look at how the advent experience in the first century Palestine still has ramifications for us today. Reading the book along with the class is great, but it is not a necessity!
Week of December 5
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Tuesday | 7:30 am | Rudisill Hall / Link to Join Bible Study returns on Tuesday mornings in Rudisill Hall and via ZOOM A light breakfast will be available beginning at 7 a.m. and the study beginning at 7:30 a m until 8:30 a m Our study is on The Acts of the Apostles. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Book Study with Pastor Jonathan Tuesday | 5 pm | Link to Join
We are currently reading Born a Crime by Trevor Noah in which he tells stories about growing up in Apartheid South Africa in a very engaging way
This book study is open to anyone who is interested If you have any questions, please email Pr. Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org
Wednesdays at Redeemer
Early Bird Bible Study
Wednesday | 4 pm | Reception room /Zoom Link
Join David Ott as he leads a study and discussion of Genesis.
Dinner served at 5:00 PM
Adult meal, $9 00/person Seniors (over 65) and children (12 and under), $6.00/person.
Children and Youth MusicMinistries
Seraphim 6 7 PM Room 204
Cherubim 6:15 6:45 PM Room 203
Redeemer Ringers 7 7:30 PM Room 202
6:00
PM Pastor's Class | Rudisill Hall & Zoom
New Study: Freeing Jesus, by Diana Butler Bass
Join Pastor Mark as we journey through Advent with our theme, "Now in Flesh Appearing." We ask, "How does Jesus appear to you?"
Worship "Praying with the Saints" Livestream
Even as we look to Christ as our light, breaking through the darkness of these often cold and weary days, we can also see that light reflected however imperfectly in the lives of ordinary people May this great cloud of witnesses inspire our prayer as we prepare to receive in faith what they see face to face
Thursday
Lectionary Study
Thursday | 5 PM | Zoom Link
Join Pastor Jonathan to discuss the worship texts for the upcoming week! The readings can be found at the following site: https://lectionary library vanderbilt edu/
Liberation Thoughts
Thursday | 6 PM | Zoom Link
Join Pr Ron for a more in depth study of various works related to Liberation Theology and why it is so important for us to continue to understand its value in the world today
Angel Trees - November 13 to December 11
Inspiritus Gift Drive
Once again, Redeemer members will have the opportunity to provide gifts for new arrivals through Inspiritus and their outreach ministry. These gifts either through Amazon gift cards, or direct requests will be for children and adults.
In person Angel Tree in Sims Atrium
On the back of each ornament will be a suggested gift card. Gift cards in any amount will be used for these families as they resettle here in the Atlanta area Write the value on your gift cards and place them in the box by the tree. The Amazon wish list will be provided by November 13th for your ease of use.
From the Inspiritus family, thank you, Redeemer.
Goshen Valley Gift Drive
Help us create a Merry Christmas for the girls and boys living under Goshen Valley’s care. You can donate items in two ways:
· donate gifts using the Amazon list, which will ship items directly to Goshen Valley
· donate household items using tags on the giving tree in Sims Atrium and bring the items to church with you
This drive is hosted by the Children and Family Ministries Team. Speak to Dn Mary with questions
Wellspring Living
For the 11th year, Redeemer members will have the opportunity to shop for the girls of Wellspring Living children (ages 12 17) who have been sexually trafficked and who are on a path of restoration. There are two ways to make Christmas a little brighter!
In person Angel Tree in Sims Atrium Online Amazon Wish List
Please let us know if you purchase a gift by this method by sending an email to amy.carpenter@comcast.net.
Looking Ahead
Advent Lessons and Carols
The 11:00 am service on Sunday, December 11th will be a service of Lessons and Carols led by Redeemer’s children and adult choirs Forming the structure for the service are the “O Antiphons,” ancient sung refrains which eventually became the beloved Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” There will not be a sermon, but there will be Holy Communion Join us in this beautiful service in which we hear hope proclaimed through scripture and music.
Keystone Senior Christmas Celebration Thursday December 15 12 2 pm
Celebrate the Christmas season by praising God, singing carols, and dinning with friends at Redeemer. Worship with communion begins at 12 pm in the sanctuary and will be followed by a festive and formal lunch. Please register so we can plan your lunch. Register by clicking HERE by December 8th.
VOLUNTEER: We are looking for volunteers of all ages to help host this Christmas celebration for Redeemer’s seniors. You can help in the following ways:
Call and invite seniors to attend
Provide transportation
Set up and decorate the Sims atrium
Serve lunch
Clean up dishes after lunch
Worship and eat together with Keystone Seniors
Donate to Keystone Ministry
If you are able to volunteer for Keystone Senior Christmas Celebration, please sign up through the registration here or email Pastor Jenny jmclellan@redeemer org
