PRELUDE Dawn Hymn Alan(1911Hohvaness-2000)
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – August 28, 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. At this time, the wearing of face coverings onsite is optional and left to personal preference. Knowing that individuals and families have varying needs at this time, the balcony is reserved as a mask required area.
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTSGATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
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.
Standing HYMN 641 All Are Welcome
Kneeling or seated
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.
Standing GREETING
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.
CONFESSION
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen.
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.
KYRIE Cynthia Reese McKersie, Cantor In peace let us pray to the Lord. For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
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 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.
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.
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.
HYMN OF PRAISE
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.
O
The
PRAYER OF THE DAY
WORD
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SERMON THE FIRST
Please
The Lord be with you. And also with you. God, you resist those who are proud and give grace to those who are humble. Give us the humility of your Son, that we may embody the generosity of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen. use the Prayer Request link here or on the webpage to submit your requests. God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached. Seated CHILDREN’S READING Proverbs 25:6-7 Charissa Schultz, Lector book of Proverbs is part of a collection of writings known as wisdom literature. Wisdom literature gave directions to Israel’s leaders and people for the conduct of daily life. Today’s reading is about humility.
THE SECOND READING Hebrews 13:1 8, 15 16
Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great; for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to WordGod.of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
The conclusion of the letter to the Hebrews contains suggestions for the conduct of a holy life, all of which are shaped by God’s love toward us in Jesus Christ. Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”
Seated SERMON
THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 14:1, 7-14
On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.
Pastor Jenny McLellan
The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Standing HYMN 532 Gather Us In
Jesus observes guests jockeying for position at the table. He uses the opportunity to teach his hearers to choose humility rather than self exaltation. Jesus also makes an appeal for hosts to imitate God’s gracious hospitality to those in need.
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.
For the well-being of creation and its inhabitants, we pray. Stir in us reverent awe for the beauty of the natural world, for oceans and lakes, rivers and streams, forests and deserts, especially the Chattahoochee, Ocmulgee, Etowah rivers. Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
For the nations and peoples of the world, we pray. Sustain the efforts of those who pursue justice and equity for all. Guide and bless the work of Inspiritus and accompany all immigrants and refugees and all who are persecuted for their ethnic origin or religious beliefs. Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
Awaken in your church a spirit of invitation that reaches ever outward.
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
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
Trusting in God’s extraordinary love, let us come near to the Holy One in Forprayer.the church and its leaders, we pray. Uphold all deacons, pastors, and bishops who serve and teach your people, especially our bishops Elizabeth and Kevin.
For all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, we pray. Be present with those who live in isolation or fear, especially those who are incarcerated or detained. Comfort all who are sick or grieving (especially). Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
Merciful God, | receive our prayer.
For this congregation and its ministries, we pray. Prepare children, teachers, and youth ministry directors for a new year of learning. Bless the residents and staff at Goshen Valley. Embolden our witness to invite others to the table.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
THANKSGIVING Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS Please use
ANTHEM Let
Please
God invites all the poor and hungry | to the banquet of justice and good | where the harvest will not be hoarded | so that no one will lack for food. May we build such a place among us | where all people are equal in love. | God has called us to work together | and to share everything we have. GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago IL 60638 www.giamusic.com 800.442.3358 All rights reserved. Used by permission
Let us go now to the banquet | to the feast of the universe | the table’s set and a place is waiting. | come, everyone, with your gifts to share. I will rise in the early morning; | the community’s waiting for me. | With a spring in my step I’m walking | with my friends and my family.
The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for let us know you worshiped with us today by using the I’m Worshiping link as you would the attendance pad at church. the Help and Redeemer.org/give links to support the ministry of Redeemer. Us Now Go to the Banquet Guillermo Cuellar The Redeemer Choir
Text and Music © 1994, 1996
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN
For all the saints who confessed God’s name (especially Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, and Moses the Black), we give thanks. May we cling to the promise of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. 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. PEACE
Amen. Standing
you. Please
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. 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; 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:
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.
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.
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.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory.
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;
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.
In Christ’s presence there is fullness of joy. Come to the banquet. Seated
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
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… PRAYER
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
LORD’S
HYMN 461 All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly HYMN 468 Around You, O Lord Jesus
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 547 Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
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. BLESSING
SENDING Go in peace. Love your neighbor. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE Holy, Holy, Holy Robert J. (1916Hughes1999) From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for August 21: In person: 218, Livestream: 268, Facebook: 57 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER 13th Sunday after Pentecost
On Sunday, September 11, our Middle School and High School Youth will head to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to work the afternoon shift (1:30 pm-4:30 pm). Volunteers must be 12 years and up. Volunteering is a great opportunity, and you can earn service hours! Please get in touch with Hillary if you can help, and she will send you the volunteer information. Please RSVP before September 4.
Upcoming Subject Area Gatherings:
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.
Featured Events
Master Planning Update
Worship: Sunday, August 28, 1 PM | Rudisill Hall/Zoom
Our Confirmation students are invited to attend our Fall Confirmation Retreat from Friday, September 23 to Sunday, September 25. Our theme is "The Sacraments." We'll live out that theme through worship, team-building activities, fellowship time, and more! You won't want to miss this fun and faith-filled weekend! Please get in touch with Hillary to get signed up by Sunday, September 18. Our High School Youth Camping Trip is from Friday, September 23 to Sunday, September 25 at Lake Hartwell State Park. This will be a fun and faith filled time with lots of fellowship in Pleasestore. RSVP by Sunday, September 18, for planning purposes to Nikki Chunn.
YOUTH
Please Click Here to sign up for any gathering if you have not already expressed interest.
Community Outreach, Sunday, September 11, 1 PM/Zoom Financial Development, Wednesday, September 14, 6:30 PM Reception Room/Zoom
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.
Youth Synod Events and Summer Opportunities
Meeting
We are excited to open Sunday School to 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 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. Are you interested in volunteering with Sunday School? Speak to Deacon Mary about volunteer opportunities.
FAITH
• Liberation Thoughts Pr. Bonner leads a weekly discussion on the works of theologians who help us understand better how the Kingdom of God promises liberation for all people.
ADULT FORMATION
ELCA Southeastern Synod Training
Parents and youth are invited to come to our Youth Synod Events and Summer Opportunities meeting. This meeting will give a preview into what is going on for Summer 2023 and for our synod youth events.
Join Ed Scherlacher for study in spiritual practices that can help draw us together and see how God is working in our lives.
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
Free
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Beginning Sunday, September 11
Saturday, September 17, 2022 | 9:30 am- 1:30 pm | St. John’s Lutheran Church
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 am. 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. We will talk about worship and give kids and parents tools for worshiping together.
Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation, and Opportunities registration at https://se-reg.brtapp.com/gatraining
• Be Still & Journey
Our women’s group continues and will, as always, read thought provoking and important books that help us incorporate our faith into our daily lives.
• Mindfulness, Prayer, and Meditation
Sunday, August 28 after 11 AM service in Reception Room
Three-Year-Old Faith Stepping Stone Today!
| Guardian Angel
Our Redeemer Youth and families will be heading to the Braves game on Sunday, October 2. The game is at 1:35 pm vs the Mets. Come hang with other Redeemer youth and their families for the last Braves game of the season! Please email Hillary to get the link to sign up and reserve your tickets by September 2.
Sunday School kick-off today with Sing and Play
• Coffee with the Pastor Ever had any questions for the pastor who was preaching that day? This is your opportunity to ask them! Join the preaching pastor in Sims Atrium for coffee and conversation following the 11am service. • Keystone: Evangelical Lutheran Worship Break out your red hymnals and join Dr. Michael Bell for a three-week look at the music and liturgy of the ELW. Calendar for August 21 – August 27, 2022 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, August 28, 2022 | Event Time Location Worship 9 am (Jazz) and 11:00 am In person/ Livestream Choir Rehearsal Young Adult Small Group ConfirmationTrainingLeaders Sing and Play Summer Youth Interest Mtg Worship SAG Mtg 10:00 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM Hinely Hall Room Reception121 Room Lower parking lot Reception Rudisill/ZoomRoom Monday, August 29 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM 8:30 PM Hinely Hall Tuesday, August 30 Morning Bible Study Pr Jonathan book study 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Wednesday, August 31 Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday night dinner Faithful RedeemerPastor’sHandsClassSerephimCherubimWorshipJO.Y.RingersChoirrehearsal 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM HinelyRoomRoomSanctuaryRoomRoomRudisillRoomSimsReception/ZoomAtrium119Hall204203211202Hall Thursday, September 1 Liberation Thoughts II Tolkien Group 6:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM ZoomZoom Saturday, September 3 Hope thru Soap 8:00 AM 2:00 PM 4th street lot
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 Kira Garvie ...................................................................Organ Scholar, kgarvie@redeemer.org 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 Hillary Nelson ............................................................ Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security