Sunday, Nov 27, 2022 - Order of worship at 9am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA

First Sunday of Advent - November 27, 2022

The Order of Worship at 9:00 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.

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.

WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Standing HYMN 438 My Lord What a Morning

CONFESSION

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be God’s name forever. Amen. Beloved, now is the time to wake from sleep. Let us confront our sins, and confess them to the one who is merciful and just.

Kneeling or seated God of new beginnings, we confess that we have not welcomed your holy reign. We have strayed from your paths. We prepare for war instead of peace. We dishonor one another and your creation. Purify us with your refining fire and set us again on your way of love, that we may bear fruit worthy of repentance, and welcome your coming among us. Amen.

People of God, a new thing is growing in our midst, a tender branch, a living sign. By water and the Spirit you are joined to this wonder. You have put on ☩ Christ, and your sins have been washed away. Rejoice in the way of the Lord. | Amen.

Standing BLESSING AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Advent prayer

Praise to you, O God, our salvation who is near. You hold us in our waiting and keep us awake to the world. You show up in our lives at unexpected times.

The first candle is lit.

Bless us as we light this candle to keep vigil for your arrival. We trust that even though we do not know the day or the hour, you hurry to gather all people to your peace.

O people of hope come, Let us keep awake for the Lord is near. Amen

Sung

O come, O Key of David, come, and open wide our heav'nly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. | And also with you.

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.

Please use the Prayer Request link here or on the webpage to submit your requests.

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON

Standing

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 24:36-44

Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, turbulent event that will bring about deep change to our normal, day to day lives. Therefore, he urges people to stay awake, be aware, and wait expectantly, because the Son of Man will come unannounced.

The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said to the disciples,] “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be

broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.

Seated SERMON

Standing HYMN 244 Rejoice, Rejoice Believers

Pastor

Jenny McLellan

Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

As we prepare for the fullness of Christ’s presence, let us pray for a world that yearns for new hope.

God of all, your children everywhere cry out for mercy. Awaken the global church to the urgent needs of our time. Break down barriers of culture and custom and unite people of all faiths in your redemptive and healing work.

God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

God of wonder, the earth’s beauty and abundance is your gift. Teach us your ways of sharing resources and caring for life. Guard fragile habitats, preserve the wild places, and protect endangered plants and animals. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

God of peace, you judge the nations. Beat our weapons into tools for serving the neighbor. Strengthen the resolve of all who work for an end to war. We pray for lasting peace in the land of Jesus’ birth, in Ukraine, and everywhere that violence and conflict are present. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

God of lovingkindness, you desire fullness of life for everyone. Fill those who hunger. Comfort the grieving and attend to those near death. Bring help and hope to any who are sick or needing your care (especially). God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

God of community, you are present when we gather in your name. Guide congregations in transition or conflict. Give wisdom to congregational councils, call committees, and ministry leaders. Keep us alert to unexpected opportunities for mission. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

God of promise, your goodness is everlasting. We give thanks for the lives of the faithful who now rest in you, especially…. We trust that you will bring us into the company of all the saints with rejoicing. God, in your mercy, | hear our prayer.

God of our longing, you know our deepest needs. By your Spirit, gather our prayers and join them with the prayers of all your children. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Standing PEACE

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.

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

Eternal God, you make the desert bloom and send springs of water to thirsty ground. Receive these simple gifts of bread, wine, and money, and make us messengers of your mercy and love for all in need of your healing and justice. We ask this through Christ our Savior. | 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.

We praise you, living and loving God, that you have sent your Son to this world. Christ is your Wisdom, sweetly ordering all creation, our Lawgiver, burning with justice, the Branch from Jesse’s tree, sprouting flowers from old roots, the Key of David, opening our prison doors.

And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.

We praise you, serving and saving God, that you send your Son also to this table, who on the night before he died 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.

And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.

We beg you, mighty and merciful God: send us the Spirit of your Son. Dwell in this food and in all who share it, that the earth may rejoice in your presence. In Christ, the dawn from on high, enlighten your people, reign as Sovereign to unite all, and live among us, Emmanuel, our deepest desire now and forever.

And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus, with your Father and your Spirit, to the church, and receive our praises, 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

Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, who has come to save you.

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

Standing

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen

Let us pray. | Faithful God, in this meal you have remembered your mercy, bringing heaven to earth in the body and blood of Christ. As we wait for the day when all your promises will be fulfilled, sustain us and strengthen us by this holy mystery. Guide us toward your promised future, coming to birth in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen

SENDING

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING

God the eternal Word, who dwells with us in Jesus, and who holds us in the grace of the Holy Spirit, ☩ bless you now and forever. | Amen.

HYMN 266 All Earth is Hopeful

Spanish text and tune © 1993 and tr. © 1995 Centro de Pastoral Litúrgica, admin. OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. Used by permission onelicense.net #A 725004

SENDING

Go in peace. Christ is near. | Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Nov 20: In person: 179, Livestream: 174, Facebook 19

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Second Sunday of Advent

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

December 11th following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2023 Proposed Budget.

Please also join us following the 9:00 AM and 11:00AM Worship Services on Sunday, November 27th for Listening Posts to discuss the 2023 Proposed Budget. Members of the Church Council, the Finance Team and the Church Staff will be on hand to review the document and answer questions. You can attend in person in Rudisill Hall or feel free to join the conversation online via Zoom. The link can be found in your Saturday update email from Redeemer.

If you are unable to attend the November 27th Listening Posts, we will convene additional Listening Posts on Sunday, December 4th following both services in Rudisill or via Zoom.

We look forward to your participation in one or both of these Listening Posts and to vote upon the budget in the Congregational Meeting on December 11th , 2022. The vote will be held live following the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Worship services with an additional Zoom-only meeting at 10:30 AM.

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 11

Master Planning Update

Thank you to those who came by to meet our architects in Sims Atrium. Your continued engagement in the Master Planning process keeps us taking Faithful Steps forward together as a congregation. Members of our Management Team are working hard with our consultants to bring together a comprehensive and accurate summary of the dreams we visioned together for Redeemer’s future. We appreciate your patience as we strive for excellence in our duty to represent all the voices that were heard. Our next step is to thoughtfully review the data and summary compiled by our consultants and share that information with Redeemer’s Council and Congregation. Members of our Management Team will also be sharing an overview of the prevalent visioning themes identified in our last phase during Ministry Team meetings in the next couple months. We hope to see you at your next meeting!

TODAY Sunday, November 27

Thank you to our Nomination Committee for their leadership through the 2022 election process and to those willing to be nominated: your fellow members indeed value your gifts. Congratulations to the following Redeemer members on their election to our Congregation Council beginning in 2023: Jeff Guthrie, Alisa Norvelle, Doug Dumont, John Thomas, and Leith Fitch They will be installed Sunday, December 4. We thank God for blessing Redeemer with these committed leaders and ask for your prayers and support for them as they work on your behalf.

Angel Tree for the Girls of Wellspring Living

For the 11th year, Redeemer members will have the opportunity to shop for the girls of Wellspring Living children (ages 12 17) who have been sexually trafficked and who are on a path of restoration. Please take an ornament from the Angel Tree in Sims Atrium and return a gift card in the box provided. Please see the emailed Weekly Updates for the on line gift option. Questions? Contact amy.carpenter@comcast.net.

Goshen Valley Gift Drive

Help us create a Merry Christmas for the girls and boys living under Goshen Valley’s care. From November 13 December 11, you can donate items two ways:

• donate gifts using the Amazon list, which will ship items directly to Goshen Valley

• donate household items using tags on the giving tree in Sims Atrium and bring the items to church with you.

This drive is hosted by the Children and Family Ministries Team. Speak to Dn. Mary with questions.

Inspiritus Angel Tree

Once again, Redeemer members will have the opportunity to provide gifts for new arrivals through Inspiritus and their outreach ministry. These gifts either through Amazon gift cards, or direct requests will be for children and adults.

On the back of each ornament will be a suggested gift card. Gift cards in any amount will be used for these families as they resettle here in the Atlanta area Write the value on your gift cards and place them in the box by the tree.

The Amazon wish list will be provided on Sunday for your ease of use. From the Inspiritus family, thank you, Redeemer.

Lutheran Towers 50th Anniversary!

The 50th anniversary continues through the month of November.

You can help our Lutheran Towers neighbors by donating much needed items in boxes provided in the Sims Atrium. Check out the wish list below or go to https://www.lutherantowers.org/resident-wishlist/:

Household Items

Blankets

Sheet Sets (All sizes Twin Queen

Pillow and pillowcases

Towel and wash cloth sets

Throw/Lap Blankets

Toilet Tissue/ Paper Towels / Trash Bags

Dish Sets

Pots and pan sets

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning Dusting Kit with Extendable

Handle

Laundry detergent Dish washing soap

Personal Items

Tooth paste & Toothbrush Body wash Pull-Ups Adult Diapers Slippers with Non-Skid Slippers Reading Glasses (various strengths)

Gift Cards

VISA Gift Cards Kroger

Publix Trader Joes

Miscellaneous Walking Canes Grabber Tool

Personal Buggy/ Shopping Carts

YOUTH

Our Kringles will be distributed on Sunday, December 4 through Sunday, December 18. You can also stop by the table to donate or do it online. Thanks for supporting our youth for their Summer 2023 Middle School Mission Trip and High School Mission Trip.

Our High School Youth will gather TODAY after 11 AM service to help decorate the Youth Lounge together for Christmas. Please give a heads up to Hillary if you plan on attending.

Youth Christmas Party

Youth grades 6-12 are invited to our annual Youth Christmas Party! Please join us in the Youth Lounge on Sunday, December 4 from 12:30pm-3:00pm for lunch and a whole bunch of Christmas fun! Lunch will be from Panda Express. Bring a wrapped gift ($10 or less) for our non gag gift exchange. RSVP to Hillary by Wednesday, November 30 for food ordering purposes and further details.

Youth Holiday Event @ Lutheran Towers

Mark your calendars as we will be heading to Lutheran Towers on Sunday, December 11 from 2:00 pm 4:00 pm to do a holiday party with the residents We will be doing:

• Christmas carols and sing along

• Cookie decorating contest

• Christmas card writing and decorating

• And more!

If your youth or youth and family are interested in being a part of this event, please contact Paul Isaacson.

Save the date-our High School Parents will meet for their monthly gathering on Sunday, December 4 from 10:00 am-10:45 am in the Library.

Save the date our Middle School Parents will meet for their monthly gathering on Sunday, December 11 from 10:00 am 10:45 am in the Library.

YOUNG ADULTS

Young Adult Small Group

Our fall series continues with the book Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan, led by group member Robert Boyd. We meet from 10 10:45 in Katy’s Corner (corner of the upstairs hallway near the front elevator with comfy chairs). Reading in advance is not required. Join any week!

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Advent Celebration

On December 4th, after the Christmas Program, please plan on staying for brunch in the atrium and activities to help your family prepare for a meaningful Advent season. We will have cookie decorating, a service project for Christopher’s Haven, advent wreath making, and more! No RSVP required.

Family Christmas Eve Service

At 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve we are excited to return to our in person Family Christmas Eve service! We love to have our kids help out and lead this special service for their friends, families, and our visitors. Please fill out this short form to express interest if you would like to help. Deacon Mary will then work with you to find the right role for your child.

Christopher’s Haven Service Opportunity

Christopher's Haven is a non profit that provides housing for children with cancer and their families while they are in treatment at the Proton Therapy Center just down the street from Redeemer. We are developing a partnership so that Redeemer families can support them, starting in your own kitchen! Find more information on how to provide a meal or a sweet treat on the form. CLICK HERE to see the Sign Up form.

Children’s Christmas Program be prepared!

If your family is participating, we have one more rehearsal during Sunday School on November 27, with a required Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, December 3: 9:30-11:00 am. Parents- on dress rehearsal day you will sign in your kids and help them pick out their costume, label it with their name, and put it in their SS classroom for the next day. Then, you are free to go until pick up time or stay and help out. The performance will be Sunday, December 4: 10 am (9:30 'call time' for performers).

CONGREGATIONAL CARE Keystone Senior Christmas Celebration Thursday December 15 12-2 pm

Celebrate the Christmas season by praising God, singing carols, and dinning with friends at Redeemer. Worship with communion begins at 12 pm in the sanctuary and will be followed by a festive and formal lunch. Please register so we can plan your lunch. Register by clicking HERE by December 8th.

VOLUNTEER: We are looking for volunteers of all ages to help host this Christmas celebration for Redeemer’s seniors. You can help in the following ways:

• Call and invite seniors to attend

• Provide transportation

• Set up and decorate the Sims atrium

• Serve lunch

• Clean up dishes after lunch

• Worship and eat together with Keystone Seniors

• Donate to Keystone Ministry

If you are able to volunteer for Keystone Senior Christmas Celebration, please sign up through the registration here or email Pastor Jenny jmclellan@redeemer.org

COMMUNITY

Christmas Program- You’re Invited!

Our Children's Christmas Program is back! This year it will be held on Sunday, December 4th at 10 am in the sanctuary. After the program, there is brunch in the Sims Atrium for the whole congregation and Advent activities for kids and their families. Please plan to attend the program and support our kids as they tell this ancient and beautiful story in their own way.

Live Nativity@ Bethlehem Village

Sunday, December 11 | 1 4 PM

Get ready! LiveNativity@BethlehemVillage will again be our gift to our Midtown friends and neighbors. The people of Redeemer will again re enact what life might have been like in Bethlehem the day after Jesus was lowly, yet heavenly born in their midst. Presented on Redeemer Green, Costumed Redeemer artisans, musicians, shepherds, angels, Pharisees, Wise Men, Roman soldiers, census takers and townspeople will tell this story to our neighbors through their everyday village activities.

Please consider volunteering a specific skill or role, or just to lend a hand to share your joy with our neighbors. For more information contact Don Noland dfnoland@gmail.com or Janet Preston janethaury@gmail.com

Calendar for November 27 December 3, 2022

Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Event Time Location

Worship

High School SS

Budget Information Session

Prayer, Mindfulness Sing and Play YA Small Group Be Still and Journey Coffee with Pastor

Budget Information Session

High School Youth

9 am (Jazz) and 11:00 am

9:45 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

12:30 PM

12:30 PM 1:30 PM

12:30 PM 2:00 PM

In-person/ Livestream Youth Lounge

Rudisill Hall Room 121

Fireside

Katy’s Corner Room 119 Sims Atrium

Rudisill Hall Youth Lounge

Monday, November 28

Quilters

Carillon Ringers

Tuesday, November 29

9:30 AM 12:30 PM 7:00 PM 8:30 PM

Fireside Hinely Music Hall

Rudisill Hall/Zoom Zoom Wednesday, November 30

Morning Bible Study

Pr Jonathan book study 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM

Early Birds Bible Study Wednesday night dinner Pastor’s Class Seraphim Cherubim Worship Redeemer Ringers

Thursday, December 1

4:00 PM 5:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:15 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

Reception/Zoom

Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall Room 204 Room 203 Sanctuary Room 202

Lectionary Study

Liberation Thoughts II Tolkien Group

Zoom Zoom Zoom Friday, December 2

5:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:00 PM

Saturday, December 3 Children’s Dress Rehearsal 9:30 AM 11:00 AM Sanctuary

The Rev. Mark H. Larson Senior Pastor, ext. 201 The Rev. Dr. Ronald Bonner

The Rev. Jonathan Trapp

The Rev. Jenny McLellan

Pastor for Community Engagement, ext. 203

Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233

Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224