Second Sunday of Advent – December 5, 2021 The Order of Worship at 9:00 am We continue to monitor the latest information regarding the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We continue to exercise the same care that has protected us through the past year: limiting the size of indoor gatherings, the duration of the service, and providing safe seating. At the same time, we will continue to stream our services live for those who cannot be present. At this time, we ask that face coverings be worn at all times while on the Redeemer property, regardless of vaccination status. 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. As always, we pray that worship at Redeemer is a blessing for you, even as your participation blesses us, whether we gathering in the name of Christ inperson 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. 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.
WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS Standing Fully vaccinated congregants in the sanctuary are encouraged to sing while masked. Those who are not fully vaccinated should “sing in spirit” reading the words to our hymns and liturgy as they are sung by the choir/musicians. 1
HYMN 264
Prepare the Royal Highway
CONFESSION Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who alone does wonders, who lifts up the lowly, who fills the hungry with good things. | Amen. Let us confess our sin, trusting in the tender mercy of our God.
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Kneeling or seated
God for whom we wait,| in the presence of one another, we confess our sin before you. We fail in believing that your good news is for us. We falter in our call to tend your creation. We find our sense of self in material wealth. We fear those different from ourselves. We forget that we are your children and turn away from your love. Forgive us, Blessed One, and assure us again of your saving grace. Amen. God, in Christ Jesus, has looked with favor upon you! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, ☩ your sins are forgiven. You are children of the Most High, inheritors of the eternal promise, and recipients of divine mercy. God strengthens you anew to follow the way of peace. | Amen. BLESSING AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Advent prayer Blessed are you, God of hope, for you promise to bring forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse who will bring justice to the poor, who will 3
deliver the needy and crush the oppressor, who will stand as a signal of hope for all people. Two candles are lit. As we light these candles, turn our wills to bear the fruit of repentance, transform our hearts to live in justice and harmony with one another, and fix our eyes on the root of Jesse, Jesus Christ, the hope of all nations. O people of hope, come, let us rejoice in the faithfulness of the Lord. Amen. Sung
O come, O Branch of Jesse, free your own from Satan's tyranny; from depths of hell your people save, and give them vict'ry o'er the grave. Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests. Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 3:1-6 John the Baptist is a herald of Jesus, whose way is prepared by “repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord. The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the 4
word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ” The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated
SERMON
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Standing
HYMN 249
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On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry
Kneeling or Seated
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION In this season of watching and waiting, let us pray for all people and places that yearn for God’s presence. You send messengers into the world to proclaim the day of your coming. Make our bishops, pastors, deacons, and lay preachers confident in their preaching, that their words and our lives witness to your grace. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. Send your Spirit to all living creatures that are endangered. Provide them with shelter and care, and bring us into right relationship with the earth that you create and call good. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. Send leaders to our nations, cities, schools, and businesses to work on behalf of those who have lost parents, spouses, and loved ones; immigrants; the imprisoned; those living in poverty; and all who are oppressed. Make them bold in their commitments to justice and reconciliation. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. Send your servants to care for those who suffer. Use our ministries and our lives to reach out with compassion to those who are hungry, oppressed, lonely, or ill (especially). Grant them healing and wholeness. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. Send prophets to speak difficult truths, even when they are poorly received. Embolden those who ask hard questions and challenge accepted ways. Instill in youth and elders alike a passion for pointing to Jesus in all things. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great.
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We remember your saints, both those publicly celebrated and those more humbly remembered. Confident that your work will be completed, we live in faith until the day of your coming. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. God of new life, you come among us in the places we least expect. Receive these prayers and those of our hearts, in the name of Jesus. Amen. Standing
PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshippers while maintaining proper distancing.
Please let us know you worshiped with us today by using the I’m Worshiping link as you would the attendance pad at church. Seated
GATHERING OF GIFTS Please use the Help and Give links to support the ministry of Redeemer. MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio Standing
OFFERING PRAYER God of our waiting and watching, we offer the gifts of our hearts and our lives to the service of all your people. Prepare the way before us as we meet you in this simple meal, through Christ Jesus, our pathway and our peace. | 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. 7
Covenant God, in the beginning you called your creation good and flooded it with beauty and bounty, with goodness and grace. In the days of Noah you drowned your creation to wash away sin and draw your own sons and daughters to yourself. Through your covenant with Israel your promises flowed to all nations and in Jesus Christ you drew us out of our waywardness into the relentless flood of your mercy. Peacemaking God, in Christ you made an ending of the life of spears and sword, and came to us with plowshares and pruning hooks that we might be fed. In him you showed us how to study war no more, how to lay down our swords and shields, and how to feast with the Prince of peace. 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. As you came to us to be our very food and drink, send your Holy Spirit upon this bread and cup and make them be for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Stir you church with a wakening hope, that soon and very soon we are going to see our king. Take our foolishness and bend us toward faith. Take our hostility and refashion us for love. Quicken our spirits with trust in that day when we who have been blessed with such hope will gather around your throne with saints of every age, in praise and thanksgiving to you, one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray… 8
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 Come to Christ’s banquet. Feast on God’s gift of grace. 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. | Most High God, you have come among us at this table. By the Spirit’s power, form us to be bearers of your word, sharing gifts of mercy and grace with all, through Christ Jesus, our host and our guest. Amen.
SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. BLESSING The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Christ Jesus for whom we wait. | Amen. 9
HYMN 239
Hark! The Glad Sound
SENDING Go in peace. Christ is near. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Worship attendance for November 28: In person 104; Livestream 197; Facebook live, 46 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Third Sunday of Advent
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OFFICIAL NOTICE OF A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING | December 12 | 12:30 PM Webinar (link will be sent Saturday, December 11) The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2022 budget. If you were unable to attend the November 28th Listening Post, we will convene an additional Listening Post on Sunday, December 5th at 12:30 PM in Rudisill or via Zoom. Members of the Church Staff, the Church Council and the Finance Team will be on hand to review the document and answer questions. The link can be found in your weekly email from Redeemer. We look forward to your participation.
FEATURED EVENTS Holiday Horn Concert Sunday, December 5, 2:00 pm The Redeemer Concert Series continues with a performance by the Kennesaw State University Horn ensemble, under the direction of Richard Williams. Enjoy some holiday favorites, including cookies and hot chocolate following the concert. Keystone 65+ Wellness Series—Growing Into Abundant Life Monday, December 6 | 4:30 PM | Zoom Join us as we explore “healthy aging”. Pastor Jenny will facilitate a panel discussion with Lois Ricci, Ed Scherlacher, Joan Vernor. Here are some of the topics to be covered: —attributes, lifestyle habits, and practices that enable one to stay involved in life and keep a positive attitude. —personal stories of our panelists regarding how they have dealt with health issues and the loss of friends or family —for older persons, is life in your 70s the new 60s? —do others have pre-conceived notions about age? They will be time for discussion and questions. Please join us! Wellspring Living Virtual Angel Tree Send the girls on a shopping spree! 11
For the 10th year, Redeemer members will have the opportunity to support the girls of Wellspring Living – children (ages 12 – 17) who have been sexually trafficked and who are on a path of restoration. This year, each girl will receive a $50.00 Visa gift card which allows them to go shopping and to select their own gifts – making them feel special. It is easy! Order are due by December 15!
Go to www.wellspringliving.org Scroll down to the Gift Giving box and click on Learn More See the details under “Sponsor a Participant” and click on “Gift a Participant Shopping Spree” o Complete the ordering instructions for the $50.00 Visa gift card(s) which will include a purchase fee by December 15. o Select the Girls Residential Program or one of the other programs if you wish. Questions? Contact Redeeming Grace amy.carpenter@comcast.net or 404-5503314. Goshen Valley Gift Drive Ends December 19 Join us in making Christmas merry and bright for the foster kids living in the care of Goshen Valley Ranch and Goshen Homes! This includes both boys and girls, ages infant to 18. You can purchase items through this Amazon list and they will go directly to the Goshen Valley office. Get your whole family involved! Find a devotion here to help you share the meaning behind your gifts. Quilt Auction to Benefit Wellspring Living! This Advent, place your bid for a one-of-a-kind quilt! Redeemer member Sharon Jeffries has created the stunning quilt entitled “Lutheranch Leaves.” She has donated the quilt for silent auction to benefit the girls of Wellspring Living. The winning bid will support the girls (ages 12-17) in Wellspring Living’s Girls Residential Program. Email your bid to Charissa Schultz at csdesign925@gmail.com. Bidding begins November 28 and ends on December 12 at noon. Redeemer’s Keystone Ministry Invites Members and Friends to our 2021 Christmas Dining Celebration! December 11 | 4 PM 12
Add a healthy dose of Fellowship to your season by joining us at Benihana Alpharetta! 2365 Mansell Road | Alpharetta, GA 30022 https://www.benihana.com/locations/alpharetta-ga-al/ 678.461.8440 Live Nativity@ Bethlehem Village December 18 | 1 – 4 PM How can you help to celebrate Christmas for our neighbors and have fun at the same time? By filling a costumed role as a 1st-century Bethlehem citizen the day after Jesus was born. Help our neighbors imagine the wonder of it all! We are still in need of some shepherds and Pharisees, Wise Men and Centurions, Roman and village officials, carolers and musicians, as well as villagers and helpers for many tasks. Setup will begin on Friday, December 17th on Redeemer Green and continue into Saturday morning. Come for a few hours or for the day. Our Nativity and Village with live animals and reenactors amid an inn and stable, artisans’ tents, and period costumed reenactors has attracted many visitors wanting to experience this greatest gift of all. Still unsure? Stop by the Welcome Center in the Sims Atrium on Sunday, December 5 for more information and for costume assignments. In the meantime, please let Don Noland dfnoland@gmail.com or Janet Preston, janethaury@gmail.com know if you want to participate or have questions. Blue Christmas Service of Lament, Healing, and Hope Sunday, December 19 | 5:30 pm | In-person and Livestream Is the holiday cheer missing this year for you? Then join us for a Blue Christmas service with Holy Communion led by the Jazz Trio.
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Calendar for December 5 – December 11, 2021
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, December 5, 2021 Event
Time
Location
Redeemer Worship High School Sunday School Confirmation Large Group Confirmation Small Group Facilities Committee Listening Post Advent Small Group w/ Pr. Ron Advent Small Group w/ Joe Lukas Be Still and Journey Advent Virtual Pilgrimage Through Palestine Children’s SS, Sing & Play Hybrid Redeemer Choir Rehearsal / Service HS & College Parents Middle School Parents Communion Communion 2022 Budget Session #2 Youth Christmas Party College Group KSU Horn Choir Concert
9 am & 11 AM 9:30 - 10:45 AM 9:30 – 10:00 AM 10:00 – 10:45 AM 10:00 – 10:45 AM 10:00 - 10:45 AM 10:00 – 10:45 AM 10:00 – 10:45 AM 10:00 – 10:45 AM
Sanctuary/ Livestream Youth Lounge/Zoom Zittrouer Hall / Zoom Various Rooms/ Zoom Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 121/ Zoom Room 211/Zoom Zoom Zoom
10:00 – 10:45 AM 10:00 - 12:30 PM
Lower parking lot/ Zoom Hinely Hall
10:00 – 10:45 AM 10:00 – 10:45 AM 10:00 - 10:30 AM 12:00 - 12:30 PM 12:30 – 1:30 PM 12:30 – 2:30 PM 1:30 – 2:30 PM 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Library/Zoom Room 103/Zoom Zoom Zoom Rudisill Hall/Zoom Fireside/Lower parking lot Playground/Zoom Sanctuary
Monday, December 6, 2021 Keystone Wellness Series Carillon Ringers
4:30 – 5:30 PM 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Zoom Hinely Music Hall
7:30 - 9:30 AM 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Zoom Zoom
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 Tuesday Morning Bible Study Pastor Jonathan’s Book Study 14
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 Seraphim Cherubim Pastor’s Class Redeemer Ringers Advent Evening Prayer Choir Rehearsal
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6:00 – 6:45 PM 6:15 -6:45 PM 6:00 – 7:00 PM 6:45 – 7:15 PM 7:00 – 7:30 PM 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Redeemer Outdoors Redeemer Outdoors Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary Hinely Hall
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. Ronald Bonner ................................... Pastor for Community Engagement, ext. 203 The Rev. Jonathan Trapp ................................................. Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233 The Rev. Jenny McLellan......................................... Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224 STAFF Bob Boyd ........................................................... Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232 Seth Brown................................................................... Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218 Michael Clarke ............................................................... LCFM Chef, mclarke@redeemer.org Robin Durdin ............................................................ Office Administration Director, ext. 204 Kate Elkins .................................................................................... Preschool Director, ext. 252 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 Jennifer Isaacson ........................................................Financial Information Director, ext. 237 Sam Long ........................................................................ Organ Scholar, slong@redeemer.org Hillary Nelson ............................................................ Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Tawanda Searcy ................................................ Receptionist and Wedding Director, ext. 200 Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security
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