God’s word, proclaimed and reflected upon, and the prayer it calls forth from us are the heart of this contemplative service. Every Wednesday we will turn aside from our busy routine day to worship our triune God together, alongside faithful women and men of the past: apostles, martyrs, renewers of the church and society those whom we call saints.
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.
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INTRODUCTION
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.
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.
The Order of Worship at 7:00 pm
We continue to monitor the latest information regarding the spread of COVID 19 in our community.
Where God’s rule has penetrated man’s heart and life, so that the divine love and righteousness become the main factor, we speak of a saint….Here I give my only definition: a saint is he who reveals God’s might. Saints are such as show clearly and plainly in their lives and deeds and in their very being that God lives.
Contemplation with the Saints – September 14, 2022
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Nathan Sӧderblom, The Living God
Through the service, there will be periods of silence. Silence makes room to breathe deeply, time to still the heart and quiet restless thoughts. Some times of silence will last no longer than a deep breath; some will be more spacious. A bell will be rung to mark the completion of the silent period. Before worship begins, keeping silence invites the community into the unhurried pace of prayer. May this be a place for you to listen and rest in the presence of God, “like a child upon its mother’s breast” (Psalm 131:2).
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
HYMN In God Alone
The Holy Spirit gathers us into a community of prayer.
Welcome. We gather this evening in silence. Please prepare your heart, body, and mind for worship. Release the day; receive what God is prepared to give you.
Please us this prayer request link to submit your prayers or use the prayer card in your pew.
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GATHERING
PROPERS
PASTORAL RESPONSE
Let us pray, Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. | Amen.
COMMENTARYSILENCE
If you are worshiping online, you may share your reflection here
• What has the cross meant in your life of faith? Or, What do you see when you look at it?
After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.
The divine love of God, the enduring peace of Jesus Christ, and the abounding joy of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
SCRIPTURE READING
INVITATION FOR PERSONAL RESPONSE
WORD
We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died
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Written by Pastor Tim Brown, Writer and Director of Congregational Stewardship for the ELCA*
• What is something God has redeemed and used for good?
John 12:31-36a
Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."
God speaks to us in scripture reading, silence, reflection, and song.
HYMN
ON HOLY CROSS
GREETING
Deacon Mary Houck
SILENT REFLECTION
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The Holy Spirit prays with us and through us.
PRAYER
Following each bidding prayer, you may speak aloud or silently your own prayers before the sung response.
In Christ Jesus we meet the God who knows our weakness and bears the wounds of the world. Therefore, let us be bold as we pray, trusting that God draws near to those in any kind of need.
Sung Response
For the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and for the Christians of differing traditions worshiping there…prayers may be spoken…let us sing,
For the gift of hope for all who bear the cross…prayers may be spoken…let us sing,
Sung response
LORD’S PRAYER
For grace to choose the way of the cross …prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response
For humility before God…prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response
For the knowledge that suffering can be redemptive…prayers may be spoken…let us sing, Sung response
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
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O loving God, you know the needs of all the world. By your Spirit, grant that we, having turned to you in prayer, now might turn to one another in peace, tend and keep what you have made, and love our neighbor with the love of Jesus, in whose name we pray. | Amen
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.
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THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
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SENDING
May Christ Jesus dwell richly in your hearts through faith as you are being rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus, strengthened by the Spirit, and filled with the enduring peace of God.
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Sarah Hawbecker........................................................Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206 Deacon Mary Houck & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227 Jennifer Isaacson Information Director, ext. 237 Hillary Nelson Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Stacey Williams Head of Security
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God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world with Christ, to enter more fully into God’s love for and work in the world. This is our prayer “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Kate Elkins Preschool Director, ext. 252 Kira Garvie Scholar, kgarvie@redeemer.org David Hansen Adult Choral Director, ext. 236
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The Rev. Jonathan Trapp Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233
The Rev. Jenny McLellan Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224
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STAFF
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The Rev. Dr. Ronald Bonner Pastor for Community Engagement, ext. 203
Let us go in peace, sharing a sign of divine peace with one another and all whom we meet this week.
BLESSING
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*Pastor Tim Brown used Philip H. Pfatteicher's New Book of Festivals & Commemorations for historical references.
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
Bob Boyd Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232 Kofi Broadnax Property Administrator, ext. 210 Alexa Brooks Receptionist, ext. 200 Seth Brown Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218 Michael Clarke LCFM Chef, mclarke@redeemer.org Robin Durdin Office Administration Director, ext. 204