PRELUDE “The peace may be exchanged” from Rubrics David Locklair (born 1949) WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTSGATHERING
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – August 14, 2022
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection. Standing
The Order of Worship at 11:00 am We continue to monitor the latest information regarding the spread of COVID-19 in our community. 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 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.
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.
CONFESSION
How Firm a Foundation
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
HYMN 796
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
KYRIE Cynthia Reese McKersie, Cantor In peace 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.
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.
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.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, 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.
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.
Standing GREETING
Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord. HYMN OF PRAISE
WORD God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, judge eternal, you love justice and hate oppression, and you call us to share your zeal for truth. Give us courage to take our stand with all victims of bloodshed and greed, and, following your servants and prophets, to look to the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen. Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
THE FIRST READING Jeremiah 23:23 29 Jeff Guthrie, Lector Because Jeremiah preaches the unpopular message of God’s judgment, he suffers rejection. Today’s reading distinguishes between the true prophet, like Jeremiah, who speaks God’s word, and the false prophet who misleads the people through dreams. One is like wheat; the other like worthless straw. Am I a God near by, says the Lord, and not a God far off? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord. I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, “I have dreamed, I have dreamed!” How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? They plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the Lord. Is not my word like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in theYetground.allthese, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.
THE SECOND READING Hebrews 11:29 12:2
The author of Hebrews presents us with rich stories of faith. In a long list of biblical heroes, we find examples of trust in God that enabled them to face the trials of life faithfully. In addition to this “cloud of witnesses,” we have Jesus, the perfect model of faithful endurance. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 12:49 56
Jesus delivers harsh words about the purifying and potentially divisive effects of obedience to God’s call. The way of the cross often leads followers to encounter hostility and rejection, even from those they love.
The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said:] “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother in law against her daughter in law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain’; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson Standing HYMN 517 Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
APOSTLES’
Trusting in God’s extraordinary love, let us come near to the Holy One in Arise,prayer.O God, and sustain your church. We pray for all who dedicate their lives to serving your people. Renew our commitment to our siblings in faith around the globe, and bless the work of our ecumenical and interfaith partners. Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
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 Idead.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
CREED
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. Please let us know you worshiped with us today by using the I’m Worshiping link as you would the attendance pad at church.
Merciful God, | receive our prayer. Arise, O God, and sustain this assembly. We pray for this community, celebrating with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. We pray especially for… InJulie,our joy and in our tears, be near us. Merciful God, | receive our prayer. Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, we remember the saints who have gone before us, especially... May we run with perseverance the race set before us until we find our rest in you. Merciful God, | receive our prayer. Receive the prayers of your children, merciful God, and hold us forever in your steadfast love; through Jesus Christ, our holy Wisdom. Amen. Standing PEACE
Arise, O God, and sustain your creation. We pray for all places affected by natural disasters. Transform the devastation of floods and fires into fertile ground for new life and growth. Fill heaven and earth with your life giving MercifulSpirit.
God, | receive our prayer. Arise, O God, and sustain the nations. We pray for all elected officials. Kindle in them a desire to administer your justice. Strengthen their resolve to defend those who are vulnerable and to stand publicly against all forms of oppression. Merciful God, | receive our prayer. Arise, O God, and sustain those who are oppressed. We pray for people harmed by racist discrimination, ableist discrimination, and all people discriminated against based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Rescue us from all systems that degrade our fellow human beings.
The Redeemer Choir Sam Long, conducting Sing, my soul, his wondrous love, | who from yon bright throne above, | ever watchful o'er our race, | still to us extends his grace. Heaven and earth by him were made; | all is by his scepter swayed; | what are we that he should show | so much love to us below?
ANTHEM Sing, My Soul, His Wondrous Love Ned Rorem
God, the merciful and good, | bought us with the Savior's blood, | and, to make our safety sure, | guides us by his Spirit pure. Sing, my soul, adore his Name! | Let his glory be thy theme: | praise him till he calls thee home; | truth his love for all to come. Anonymous, c. 1800 Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
THANKSGIVING Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS Please use the Help and Redeemer.org/give links to support the ministry of Redeemer.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
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; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. 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:
OFFERING PRAYER God of abundance: you have set before us a plentiful harvest. As we feast on your goodness, strengthen us to labor in your field, and equip us to bear fruit for the good of all, in the name of Jesus.| Amen.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory.
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
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.
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.
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.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, now and forever. Amen. Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray…
LORD’S PRAYER
INVITATION TO COMMUNION In Christ’s presence there is fullness of joy. Come to the banquet. Seated 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 769 If You but Trust in God to Guide You
HYMN 813 Faith of Our Fathers
The God of peace, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you, comfort you, and show you the path of life this day and always. Amen. HYMN 713 O God of Every Nation
Standing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen Let us pray. | Life-giving God, through this meal you have bandaged our wounds and fed us with your mercy. Now send us forth to live for others, both friend and stranger, that all may come to know your love. This we pray in the name of Jesus. AmenSENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. FAREWELL AND GODSPEED TO SAM LONG BLESSING
SENDING Go in peace. Love your neighbor. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE Final from Symphony I Louis Vierne (1870 1937) From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. HOLY BAPTISM following worship We celebrate today with Cheryl Maier and Brendan Jackson as they bring their daughter, Laine Marie Maier Jackson for the sacrament of Holy Baptism. We celebrate today with Robin Maier and Tom Jonas as they bring their daughter, Hazel Caroline Jonas for the sacrament of Holy Baptism. We pray that God will bless these families and strengthen them in a life of faith. For those joining on Livestream click here for the bulletin, for those in person turn to Page 227 in the ELW hymnal. LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for August 7: In person:200, Livestream: 195, Facebook: 41 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER 11th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 58:9b-14, Psalm 103:1-8, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17
Family Service Sunday- TODAY! Join Children and Family Ministries today between 10 and 10:45 to help make sandwiches for The Sandwich Project, an organization that provides simple meals to people all over the Atlanta area living with food insecurity. Meet in the Reception Room (on the side of the Sims Atrium). All ages welcome! This will be our last meeting in this series. Sunday School Registration is Open!! We are very excited about opening Sunday School in in-person classrooms again for the first time since 2019. A Zoom classroom option will also be offered. We kick things off with Sing and Play on August 28, and our first day in classrooms will be September 11. You can register at this link, or speak to Deacon Mary with any questions. Sunday School is for ages 2- 5th grade. Interested in volunteering with Sunday School? Speak to Deacon Mary about volunteer opportunities.
Master Planning Update
Upcoming Subject Area Gatherings: Music: Sunday, August 14, 1 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom
Worship: Sunday, August 28, 1 PM Community Outreach, Sunday, September 11, 1 PM
Our ministry teams and staff have been busy meeting with our Master Planning consultants completing an analysis of the current use of our facilities. Now that the analysis work is done, it is time to begin the creative, imaginative part of our planning. In the next few months, our consultants will lead us through discerning how we can best develop our campus to enhance our ministries, strengthen our financial future, and enlarge our impact in this community and region.
Meet in Sims Atrium near the red doors after the 11:00 service to walk to lunch somewhere in the neighborhood. This is a casual time to catch up with each other and get to know other young adults at Redeemer. Come join us!
Three-Year-Old Faith Stepping Stone
On August 28, children who have turned three by August 1 and their parents are invited to a Faith Stepping Stone event called Welcome to Worship from 10-10:45. We will talk about what
The first in a series of nine Subject Area Group gatherings have been scheduled. While our Ministry Teams have already been invited to take part, everyone in the congregation is encouraged to attend any of the gatherings that interest them. These two-hour gatherings will be in person and online, and the insights and results will be posted on a special page on our website.
Congregational Care, Sunday, September 25, 1 PM Please Click Here to sign up for any gathering if you have not already expressed interest. Featured Events
Young People: Wednesday, August 17, 5:30 PM | Rudisill Hall & Zoom
Young Adult Lunch Together- TODAY!
Confirmation “Stump the Pastor | 10:00 am-10:45 am in Fireside.
High School Sunday School-Bible Trivia and Hangout | 10:00 am-10:45 am in Youth Lounge.
Come ask questions and see if you got what it takes to stump Pastor Jonathan!
Over 25 Redeemer Ministries and 11 Community Partners will fill the Sims atrium at the Fall Kick-Off Ministry Fair! Iced coffee provided by Java Joy on the front porch with Redeemer council members. Visit tables to meet the people behind the various ministries of Redeemer and collect stickers and signatures in your "Redeemer Ministry Passport Book." The first 50 people to collect at least six stickers will receive a gift at the Welcome Center. Come to church on Sunday morning, August 21st, and discover there is a place for you to serve Jesus through Redeemer.
Come see how well you know the Bible and have fun hanging out with other High School Youth.
Middle School and High School Youth Pool Party | Sunday, August 21 from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
ELCA Southeastern Synod | Guardian Angel Training Saturday, September 17, 2022 | 9:30 am- 1:30 pm | St. John’s Lutheran Church
Goshen Valley Day of Service
Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation, and Opportunities Free registration at https://se-reg.brtapp.com/gatraining
Fall Kick-Off Ministry Fair on Sunday August 21st 10 am—1 pm
worship is and give both kids and parents tools for worshiping together. Join us for opening songs at Sing and Play behind the Fireside Room, after which three-year old families will move to a separate area.
On August 27th, from 9:30-1:00, you are invited to serve your neighbors! Goshen Valley is a foster care organization northwest of Atlanta that serves children of all ages and genders who are in need of a safe, healthy home. At their facility known as Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, boys age 9-17 live in a group home setting. Goshen Valley began with the vision and generosity of a Redeemer member, John Blend, and our connection to their ministry remains strong. On the 27th, we will help them with some maintenance and repair tasks, have lunch at the Ranch, and hear more about everything they do to support foster kids and young adults who are making their way in the world alone. Please RSVP at this link or speak to Deacon Mary for more information; all ages and abilities are welcome. Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, August 24th.
Come hang with other youth and get ready as we have fun kicking off another year together! Please respond to Hillary (hnelson@redeemer.org) by Friday, August 19 for planning purposes. You can show up the day of, but we want to make sure we have enough food for everyone.
Calendar for August 14 – August 20, 2022 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, August 14, 2022 | Event Time Location Worship 9 am (Jazz) and 11:00 am In person/ Livestream Young Adult Small ConfirmationGroup Family service project Choir RejoicingMusicRehearsalMtgSpirits 10:00 AM 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:00 PM Room ReceptionFireside121 Room Hinely RudisillRudisillHallHall/ZoomHall/Zoom Monday, August 15 Tuesday, August 16 Morning Bible Study Pr Jonathan book study 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Council Mtg 6:00 PM 8:00 PM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Wednesday, August 17 First Day of Preschool! Early Birds Bible Study Young People Mtg Choir rehearsal 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM HinelyZoom Hall Thursday, August 18 Tolkien Group 7:30 PM 9:00 PM Zoom Saturday, August 20 Stephen Ministry Retreat Redeeming Gardeners Diversity & Justice day at the Museum 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Reception Rm/Zoom Church Grounds HCRM Atlanta
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. 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 Stacey Williams Head of Security