Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 27, 2022 The Order of Worship at 11:00 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 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. 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
WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS
Adagio in E
Frank Bridge (1879-1941)
GATHERING The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection. 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.
HYMN 316
Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair
Litany for World Peace In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Together, let us pray for peace in our world.
Kneeling or seated Remember, O Lord, the people of this world divided into many nations, religions, and tongues. Deliver us from every evil that stands in the way of your saving purpose, and fulfill the promise of peace on earth among those with whom you are well pleased; through Jesus Christ. Amen From the curse of war and the human sin that causes war, O Lord, deliver us. From self-righteousness that will not compromise, and from selfishness that glories in the oppression of others, O Lord, deliver us. From the lust for property or power that drives humanity to kill, O Lord, deliver us. From trusting in the weapons of war, and mistrusting the councils of peace, O Lord, deliver us. From hearing, believing, and speaking lies about other nations and religions, O Lord, deliver us. From groundless suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation, O Lord, deliver us. From words and deeds that encourage discord, prejudice, and hatred; from everything that prevents the human family from fulfilling your promise of peace, O Lord, deliver us. Lord of Israel, and God of all the nations: we pray for your children across the whole earth, of every land and race, that they may be strong to do your will. We pray especially for the church in the world, Give us your peace, O Lord. For the United Nations, NATO and all international federations and alliances promoting cooperation among peoples, Give us your peace, O Lord. For the President of the United States, heads of allied states, and their advisers Give us your peace, O Lord.
For those in military service, that they may be protected and live for the establishment of peace and justice, Give us your peace, O Lord. For all who in any way work or pray to further the cause of peace and goodwill, Give us your peace, O Lord. For civilians in every land, especially the people of Ukraine, that they may be shielded from the collateral damage of war. Give us your peace, O Lord. For humanitarian works who bring relief to long suffering people, Give us your peace, O Lord For those who declare themselves enemies, that at last we may find reconciliation, Give us your peace, O Lord. Eternal God: Use us, even in our ignorance and weakness, to bring about your holy will on earth. Hurry the day when people shall live together in your love; for yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen. —Adapted from The Worshipbook, Westminster, 1970
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. Holy God, mighty and immortal, you are beyond our knowing, yet we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Transform us into the likeness of your Son, who renewed our humanity so that we may share in his divinity, Jesus Christ our Lord, 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 Exodus 34:29-35 Gayle Morgan, Lector Moses’ face shone with the reflected glory of God after he received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The sight caused the Israelites to be afraid, so Moses wore a veil to mask the radiance of God’s glory, taking it off when he spoke directly with God. Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were
afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. THE SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 In his debates with the Corinthians, Paul contrasts the glory of Moses with the glory of Christ. The Israelites could not see Moses’ face because of the veil. But in Christ we see the unveiled glory of God and are transformed into Christ’s likeness. Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a] The conversation about Jesus’ suffering and death is enclosed in a dazzling foreshadowing of the resurrection. God affirms Jesus’ identity, the disciples are stunned speechless, and Jesus resumes his mission with a demonstration of his power over evil. The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. [On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.] The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON
Pastor Cory Driver
Standing HYMN 317
Jesus on the Mountain Peak
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 The Spirit of the Lord is poured out upon us in abundance; so we are bold to pray for the church, the world, and all that God has made. Transform us by your greatness, O God. Send us down the mountain to share joy with all people. Make us agents of change, confident that your hope will vanquish despair and your goodness will conquer evil. God of grace, | hear our prayer. The mountains and valleys sing your praise. Dazzle us with your presence in every landscape: bluffs built by ancient glaciers, canyons carved by flowing rivers, flat horizons with uninterrupted views, and sands shaped by ocean tides. God of grace, | hear our prayer. You love justice and establish equity. Strengthen leaders of local governments, community nonprofits, and grassroots campaigns. Bless them with gifts of integrity, creativity, and sound conscience. Build up safe and joyful communities where all people may thrive. Bring peace between warring nations, especially Russia and Ukraine. God of grace, | hear our prayer. Heal those who are in distress (especially). Give patience to those waiting for answers. Grant hope to those who have reached the limits of treatment. Give compassionate hearts to those who accompany loved ones through illness and uncertainty. God of grace, | hear our prayer. Today we shout alleluia from the mountaintop; this week we enter the wilderness of Lent. Bless all who prepare and lead us in worship during this change of season: pastors, deacons, musicians, and all who contribute to our worship life. God of grace, | hear our prayer. Blessed are they who listened to Christ’s voice in this life and now rest with him (especially). Transform us from glory into glory, and give us your peace, that we do not lose heart. God of grace, | hear our prayer.
Since we have such great hope in your promises, O God, we lift these and all of our prayers to you in confidence and faith; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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.
THANKSGIVING Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS Please use the Help and Redeemer.org/give links to support the ministry of Redeemer. ANTHEM
And the Glory of the Lord from Messiah The Redeemer Choir
George F. Handel
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:5 Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
OFFERING PRAYER Blessed are you, O God, Sovereign of the universe. You offer us new beginnings and guide us on our journey. Lead us to your table, nourish us with this heavenly food, and prepare us to carry your love to a hungry world, in the name of Christ our light. 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. 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:
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. Seated INVITATION TO COMMUNION Come to God’s table. There is a place for you and enough for all 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
HYMN 867
In Thee is Gladness
HYMN 838
Beautiful Savior
Standing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen Let us pray. | We give you thanks, gracious God, for we have feasted on the abundance of your house. Send us to bring good news and to proclaim your favor to all, strengthened with the richness of your grace in your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
FAREWELL TO ALLELUIA As we transition this week into the season of Lent, today we “bury" the alleluia. HYMN 318
Alleluia, Song of Gladness (Stanzas 1 and 3)
BLESSING May Christ, the wisdom and power of God, and the source of our life together, accompany you these forty days of Lent. Grant us, blessed Trinity, that at the end of our life’s journey, we be blest to keep the eternal Easter with all the faithful saints on high; singing our joyful alleluias forever. | Amen. SENDING Go with Christ into a weary world. Share the good news.| Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE
Finale from Sonata no. 6
Domenico Gabrielli
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Worship attendance for February 20: In person 163; Livestream 224; Facebook live, 48 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER First Sunday in Lent Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 Meet our Author in person Pastor Cory Driver joins us today as a guest preacher at our services and presenter at a special hybrid Adult Forum at 10 AM. Adult Faith Formation Join us today for, "Sermon Talkback" following the 11 AM service. One of our pastoral staff will "interview" Pastor Driver on how the sermon came together, what was the inspiration, and what was left on the "cutting room floor." Then the conversation will open up for anyone to offer his or her insights and questions. This will be a hybrid event, so you can join us in person or online via Zoom for the conversation.
FEATURED EVENTS Lent 2022 Lenten Small Group Sign-Up Congregational book study during Lent is Life Unsettled: A Spiritual Journey for Wilderness Times by Pastor Cory Driver How Do I Join a Group? Go to https://www.redeemer.org/faith-formation/lenten-small-groups/ review the group meeting days and times and decide which one works best for you, click on the link to fill out and submit the registration form. Groups will begin meeting the first full week of Lent, which starts Sunday, March 6th. Coffee with Council Congregation Council members will be available immediately following each Sunday worship service from Feb. 20 – March 20, both in-person in the Sims Atrium, as well as via ZOOM. Come learn about the next set of strategic goals we are exploring for 2022, including a campus master planning process. We look forward to a conversation about our future and to hearing your input, ideas, and questions. Shrove or Fat Tuesday Tuesday, March 1st Redeemer will again celebrate by engaging with our Midtown neighbors with New Orleansstyle music and snacks fit for the occasion from our Front Porch along Peachtree. Led by our Community Engagement Team, members will offer Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Coca-Colas, and Mardi Gras beads to neighbors and passersby from 4 pm - 6 pm. Members are invited to join us in this outreach to our neighbors. Our Prayer Wall will also be in place until Easter as
we again invite the prayers of our neighbors, which we will incorporate into our own prayer lives. Come and help us celebrate with our neighbors as we prepare for the season of Lent. Wednesday, March 2 Ash Wednesday services Noon and 7 pm | In-person and via Livestream
Hunger Walk Run 2022 March 6, 2022 | In-person and virtual The Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Hunger Walk Run is a celebrated annual event and community energizer, bringing people together in solidarity with a collective goal to end hunger. Team Redeemer has come together to raise funds through the Hunger Walk Run on March 6 to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Inspiritus, and the Lutheran Community Food Ministry. This year, Hunger Walk Run will be a hybrid event, which means it will take place everywhere—on every sidewalk, track, and trail in your own neighborhood, and at the Home Depot Backyard next to Mercedes Benz Stadium! Walk or run wherever you are most comfortable gathering. Festivities at the Home Depot Backyard kick off at noon with onsite registration and entertainment. The 5K Fun Walk and Run starts at 2 p.m. and the event ends at 4 p.m. The Hunger Walk Run takes place rain or shine but please know that the Atlanta Community Food Bank is closely monitoring conditions that could impact safely holding an in-person event. If you prefer not to walk at home or at the Home Depot Backyard, consider walking in prayer for all who face hunger, poverty, and food insecurity. Register today at http://engage.acfb.org/goto/Redeemer22! You can also make a donation to support Team Redeemer, and the first $250 donated will be matched 1:1. Last year we raised $1,555; can we double it this year to $3,000? Knowing the generosity of our congregation, this should be an easy goal to reach! Thank you for your support, and please contact Lorraine Dorough, team captain, at ledorough@gmail.com for assistance in registering or for more information.
Calendar for February 27 – March 6, 2022 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, February 27, 2022 Event Worship Confirmation Large Group High School SS Be Still and Journey Family Retreat Worship Confirmation Small Group Gift Class Keystone Wellness Series Liberation Theology Study Choir Rehearsal/Service Adult Forum w/ Pr. Driver German Church Atlanta “Sermon Talkback” Middle School Group College Group Monday, February 28 Quilters Carillon Ringers Young Adult Bible & Brew Tuesday, March 01 Morning Bible Study Shrove Tuesday Event Pastor Jonathan Bible Study Wednesday, March 02 Ash Wednesday Service Early Birds Bible Study Pastor’s Class Seraphim Cherubim Redeemer Ringers Ash Wednesday Worship Choir Rehearsal Thursday, March 03 Redeeming Bloomers Tolkien group
Time 9 am (Jazz) and 11:00 am 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM 9:30 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 – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location In-person/ Livestream Fireside/Zoom Youth Lounge/Zoom Room 119/Zoom Livestream from Retreat Various Rooms/Zoom Room 211 Room 121/ Zoom Zoom Hinely Hall/Sanctuary Rudisill Hall Chapel Rudisill Hall Off site Playground/Zoom
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fireside Room Hinely Hall Zoom
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Zoom Front Porch & Sidewalk Zoom
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM 6:45 PM – 7:15 PM 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In-person/Livestream Zoom Rudisill Hall/Zoom Hinely Hall Room 204 Room 202 In-person/Livestream Hinely Hall
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Church Grounds Zoom
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 Kofi Broadnax........................................................................ Property Administrator, ext. 210 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