Third Sunday of Advent – December 12, 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 267
Joy to the World
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 might and majesty, for you promise to make the desert rejoice and blossom, to watch over the strangers, and to set the prisoners free. 3
Three candles are lit. As we light these candles, satisfy our hunger with your good gifts, open our eyes to the great things you have done for us, and fill us with patience until the coming of the Lord Jesus. O ransomed people of the Lord, come, let us travel on God’s holy way and enter into Zion with singing. Amen. Sung O come, O come, O Lord of might, as to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times you gave the law in cloud, and majesty, and awe. Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests. Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing
THE READING Zephaniah 3:14-20 The prophet Zephaniah’s message is mostly one of judgment for sin. This reading, however, which comes from the conclusion of the book, prophesies joy for Judah and Jerusalem. Judgment has led to repentance, and God’s salvation is at hand. Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; 4
you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Seated
SERMON
Pastor Jenny McLellan
Standing
HYMN 242
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Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn
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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. Holy God, renew your church and raise up leaders who announce your good news. Grant peace to congregations and seminarians in the midst of transition. Guide the work of candidacy and call committees. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. Creating God, your Spirit brought forth the earth and all that is in it. Breathe life into us, that we are inspired to live in harmony with one another and the planet. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. Shepherding God, you lead your people in paths of righteousness. Raise up prophets in our own day who warn against captivity to greed and point us to the freedom found in generosity. May our hearts be gentle and filled with love so that we will treat all with love. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. Nurturing God, you come near in times of worry and need. Cradle us in your arms, that we trust you and are not afraid, relieve our anxiety about what the future will hold for us. Attend to all who are hungry, imprisoned, or ill this day (especially). Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. Rejoicing God, you exult over us in singing. Enliven the song of this assembly and bless the ministry of church musicians (especially). With instruments and dance, join our voices to the song of all creation. Let us lift up joyful noises of praise to you. Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. 7
Here other intercessions may be offered. We give you thanks for your servants who showed us your goodness and grace (especially). The families of those who have lost their lives to violence, including school children and police officers. By the power of your Spirit, keep us steadfast in faith until we make our home with you. 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 8
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. 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. 9
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… 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. 10
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. HYMN 248
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People Look East
SENDING Go in peace. Christ is near. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Marie S. Hall and Elena Mitkin by David Hall.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Worship attendance for December 5: In person 118; Livestream 255; Facebook live, 58 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday of Advent It’s time to pre-order poinsettias in honor/memory of family or friends to visually enhance our Christmas worship. In addition, professional brass quartet and timpani will be here at 8:00 and 11 pm on Christmas Eve, so you are also encouraged to make donations to the special musician’s fund which will also be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletin in honor/memory of family or friends along with the flowers. To order online click HERE or you can use an envelope that is available in the pew racks. Please drop envelopes at the Welcome desk in the Sims atrium. All donations are due by Sunday, December 19. OFFICIAL NOTICE OF A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING | December 12 | 12:30 PM Webinar and In Person The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2022 budget.
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FEATURED EVENTS Wellspring Living Virtual Angel Tree Send the girls on a shopping spree! 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! Extended until December 18! 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 13
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 began November 28 and ends on December 18 at noon. Are you ready for Christmas carols? The Redeemer Brass will again be playing carols on our front porch/steps and are inviting all who want to sing! This year, the caroling event (12:30-4:30 p.m.) with join the live nativity (1:00-4:00 p.m.) on December 18. Music with the brass will be from 12:30-1:30, 2:15-3:15, and 3:45-4:30 p.m. The carolers will be on the porch and also can move near the live nativity on the Redeemer Green to sing. Come and join us for all or part of the time! 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. 14
Thanks for all the support of our Youth Fundraiser! We sold 149 Kringles! This will be great to help with our Summer 2022 Mission Trips. Kringles will be available for pickup on Sunday, December 12 and Sunday, December 19 from before 9 am worship to after 11 am worship. Missed the Kringles sale or need to purchase more? We will have a few flavors (Almond, Pecan, and Apple Cinnamon) available to get on those days. Thanks again for supporting our youth!
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Calendar for December 12 – December 18, 2021
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, December 12, 2021 Event
Time
Location
Redeemer Worship High School Sunday School Confirmation Large Group Confirmation Small Group Advent Small Group w/ Pr. Ron Advent Small Group w/ Joe Lukas Be Still and Journey Advent Virtual Pilgrimage Through Palestine Children’s Sunday School Redeemer Choir Rehearsal / Service Communion Communion Congregational Meeting
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
Sanctuary/ Livestream Youth Lounge/Zoom Fireside / Zoom Various Rooms/ Zoom Room 121/ Zoom Room 211/Zoom Zoom Zoom
10:00 – 10:45 AM 10:00 - 12:30 PM
Zoom Hinely Hall
10:00 - 10:30 AM 12:00 - 12:30 PM 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Zoom Zoom Zoom
Monday, December 13, 2021 Quilters Carillon Ringers Pandemic Grief Support Group YA Bible and Brew
10:00 – 2:00 PM 7:00 – 8:30 PM 7:00 – 8:00 PM 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Fireside Hinely Music Hall Zoom Zoom
7:30 - 9:30 AM 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Zoom Zoom
4:00 – 5:00 PM 6:00 – 6:45 PM 6:15 - 6:45 PM 6:00 – 7:00 PM 6:45 – 7:15 PM
Zoom Redeemer Outdoors Redeemer Outdoors Rudisill Hall/Zoom Room 202
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 Tuesday Morning Bible Study Pastor Jonathan’s Book Study
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 Early Birds Bible Study Seraphim Cherubim Pastor’s Class Redeemer Ringers 16
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 Advent Evening Prayer Choir Rehearsal
7:00 – 7:30 PM 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Sanctuary Hinely Hall
9:30 - 11:30 AM 1:00 – 4:00 PM
On site On site
Saturday, December 18, 2021 Redeeming Gardeners Live Nativity!
Christmas Eve Worship Schedule 11:00 am German Church Livestream Link & In person *1:00 pm Organ and Bell led Christmas Eve Worship The service of traditional carols and Holy Communion will feature a prelude beginning at 12:30 PM by the Carillon Ringers.
Livestream Link & In-person | Make Your Reservation Here *3:00 pm Organ led Christmas Eve Worship The service of traditional carols and Holy Communion.
Livestream Link & In-person | M a k e y o u r R e s e r v a t i o n H e r e 2:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Worship This Zoom service of songs and message is especially for families of all ages. Zoom Link
*6:00 pm Christmas Eve Worship with the Jazz Trio This Jazz Trio led service with Holy Communion will begin with prelude music at 5:30 PM.
Livestream link & In-person | Make Your Reservation Here 17
*8:00 & *11:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Our candlelight service of traditional carols and Holy Communion will begin 30 minutes prior to the above times with prelude music by our senior choir, brass and organ.
Livestream Link & In-person | 8:00 Make Your Reservation Here 11:00 Make Your Reservation Here If you have any difficulty in reserving space for you and your family, please contact rdurdin@redeemer.org *RSVP required. Visit www.Redeemer.org
Sunday, December 26th Worship at 11 am ONLY
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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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