May 12, 2024 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA

Seventh Sunday of Easter – May 12, 2024 The Order of Worship at 11:00 am 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.

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

Adagio from Symphony no. 6

Charles-Marie Widor

WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.

Standing HYMN 392

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus

CONFESSION 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.

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.

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 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.

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 For Christ is risen. | Christ is risen indeed.

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.

Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved world, that we may find our joy in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and 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 Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Addie Beth Dillon, Lector In the days between Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost, Peter oversees the process whereby one of the members of the community of believers is chosen to be the twelfth apostle, in order to fill the vacancy created by Judas’s treachery and death.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus—for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this

ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. THE SECOND READING 1 John 5:9-13 God has borne witness to the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Whoever believes in the Son of God believes in the witness of God and has the promise of eternal life.

If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL John 17:6-19 In this reading the church hears Jesus’ words on the night before his death—his prayer for his disciples and for all who would believe in him through their words.

Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus prayed:] “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world.

They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your

name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

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

Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 482

Pastor Mark H. Larson

I Come with Joy

Text © 1971, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. www.onelicense.net

NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Each portion of the prayers concludes: God of grace, | hear our prayer.

At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen Rejoicing that Jesus is risen and love has triumphed over fear, let us pray for the church, the world, and all those in need of good news.

We pray for the church and all ministers of the gospel, that the Spirit will empower them to be your witnesses throughout the earth. Keep all teachers and missionaries under your care and guide them as they proclaim your word to the world. God of grace, hear our prayer.

For the well-being of creation and for all your creatures: for zoos, nature preserves, and conservation organizations, for endangered species, and for those who work to protect all that you have made. God of grace, hear our prayer.

For the nations and those who govern: for all countries, regions, and people in crisis or at war.

Bring your peace on earth, in our homes, and in our hearts. God of grace, hear our prayer.

For all in any need: for exiles, refugees, and those fleeing war and poverty, for those who suffer from individual and institutionalized racism. For all those who are in need of your peace and healing, especially...

God of grace,

hear our prayer.

For this congregation and for its concerns: for visitors, for those who are absent, for those in prison, for the homebound, and for those who travel. Enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.

God of grace, hear our prayer.

In thanksgiving for all the faithful departed who now rest in you especially...

Following the example of Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, renewer of the church and hymnwriter, and all those who have died in the faith, strengthen us to share your good news in the world. God of grace, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, most merciful God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your abiding love; through Jesus Christ, our resurrected and living Lord.

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.

THANKSGIVING

Seated 2024 GRADUATE RECOGNITION Graduates will come forward to receive a blessing.

HIGH SCHOOL: Jonathan Barr Cooper Chunn Ellie Dumont Grace Franetovich Jessie Hetrick Daniel Isaacson Hollyn Kershner Weston Kershner Megan McCloskey Sam Pinyon Claire Quinn Madeline Reynolds

COLLEGE: Josephine Durdin Joseph McCloskey Claire Puckhaber Olivia Weller DOCTORATE GRADUATE: Bishop Kevin Strickland

GATHERING OF GIFTS ANTHEM

Look, Ye Saints

Arranged by Max Sinzheimer

Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious; | See the Man of Sorrows now! | From the fight returned victorious, | Every knee to Him shall bow. | Crown Him! Crown Him! | Crowns become the Victor's brow.

Crown the Savior! Angels, crown Him! | Rich the trophies Jesus brings; | On the seat of power enthrone Him | While the vault of heaven rings. | Crown Him! Crown Him! | Crown the Savior King of kings.

Sinners in derision crowned Him, | Mocking thus the Savior's claim; | Saints and angels crowd around Him, | Own His title, praise His name. | Crown Him! Crown Him! | Spread abroad the Victor's fame!

Hark, those bursts of acclamation! | Hark, those loud triumphant chords! | Jesus takes the highest station; | Oh, what joy the sight affords! | Crown Him! Crown Him! | King of kings and Lord of lords.

Thomas Kelly

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN 367

OFFERING PRAYER Risen One, you call us to believe and bear fruit. May the gifts that we offer here be signs of your abiding love. Form us to be your witnesses in the world, through Jesus Christ, our true vine. | 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, for the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, the true Paschal Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin; who in dying has destroyed death, and in rising has brought us to eternal life. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Thanks and praise fill our hearts, Almighty God, for you are the Lord of creation and new creation, of covenant and new covenant. You brought your people out of slavery to freedom in the Promised Land, and you brought your Son from the depth of death to the glory of resurrection life.

Joy and gladness are our song, redeeming God, for in your conquest of death we see the destiny of every hope in you. Come among us in the power of your Holy Spirit, that your children may be blessed with power and grace, and that this bread and cup may become for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ; Who on the night in which he was betrayed, 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.

Great is the mystery of faith.

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Hope and glory are our breath, merciful God, for you have rolled away the stone of despair. Come among us and breathe on us your peace. Shape your church to be your risen body; make our scars beautiful like your scars, make our lives life-giving like your life, and make our communion holy with your saints, until you come again in glory and we eat with you in your kingdom, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, 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 The risen Christ is made known to us in the breaking of the bread. Come and eat at God’s table.

Seated All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are welcome to the feast.

Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link

HYMN 494

For the Bread Which You Have Broken

Text © 1925 Robert Jeffreys Jr., admin. Augsburg Fortress

HYMN 478

Father, We Thank You

Text © Church Pension Fund www.onelicense.net #A725004

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

Let us pray. | Shepherding God, you have prepared a table before us and nourished us with your love. Send us forth from this banquet to proclaim your goodness and share the abundant mercy of Jesus, our redeemer and friend.

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

BLESSING Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

The God of resurrection power, the Christ of unending joy, and the Spirit of Easter hope ☩ bless you now and always. | Amen.

HYMN 662

Christ is the King!

Text from Songs of Praise, Enlarged Edition, © Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress

SENDING Alleluia! Go in peace. Rejoice and be glad. | Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

POSTLUDE

Gigue in A Minor

Neil Harmon

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for May 5: In person: 203, On-line 177 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER – Day of Pentecost

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New Member Class at 10 AM in the Reception Room All those interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, the history of Redeemer, and joining Redeemer are invited to join Pr. Jennifer and others for a 6-week class. For more information or to RSVP, please email Pr. Jennifer at jroberts@redeemer.org.

Music and Arts Camp – “Step Right Up!” – June 10-14 Registration is now open. Rising kindergarteners through 6th graders will experience music, art, and drama all based on this year’s circus theme! The camp is from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, with free before and after-care. Tuition for the week is $165 and includes all activities, snacks, and a T-shirt. Sibling discounts apply, and financial need-based scholarships are available. All are welcome, so tell your friends and neighbors. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Sarah Hawbecker at 404-874-8664, ext. 206 or shawbecker@redeemer.org. Follow the camp and share our posts on Facebook at facebook.com/RedeemerMusicCamp/ VBS Supply Drive- Ends Today You can help us out with VBS from the comfort of your own home! We have listed items we need for VBS on this Amazon Wish List (scan the code).

Once you order them, they will be delivered directly to the church and your job is done! If you prefer to shop in stores, contact Deacon Mary and we will give you a list. Thank you for your generosity!

YOUTH Our chalice was made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Colin Cooperider.. Our wafer plate was also made by one of our 8th grade Confirmation students, Hanna Cramer. Each 8th grade Confirmation student had to answer the question of “What does Communion mean to you?” This is Colin’s interpretation: “To me, Communion is like family. It makes me happy. We are together and it fills us with joy.” This is Hanna’s interpretation: “To me communion is something that brings people together. I value communion because it's been the same communion no matter the time period or year. Everyone is welcome at the table because God welcomes everyone.”

THANK YOU for supporting our youth and our Fundraiser! With our Kringles and Offering Envelope Fundraisers, we have raised over $7,000 towards our trip to the ELCA Youth Gathering that will be held in New Orleans. If you would like to still donate, you can do so via this link: https://form.jotform.com/240633324188152.

Our Middle School Parents Gathering will meet today from 10:00 AM-10:45 AM. Save the date-our 8th graders will be confirmed on Sunday, May 19 during the 11 AM service.

A cake reception will follow the service in Sims Atrium. Congrats to our Confirmands!

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CHILDREN AND FAMILY Vacation Bible School Registration is Open!

June 3-7 our kids will gather for Camp Firelight, an interactive Vacation Bible School where children will go on a summer camp adventure with God, right here at Redeemer! VBS is 9 AM- 1 PM each day, including time for participants to eat lunch. We are excited to offer Before-care (8-9 am) and After-care (1-6 pm) options again this year for families who need a full day of child care. Parents and youth, we will need your help! We will work with you to find a role that fits your interests and availability. To register a youth (6th grade and up) or adult as a volunteer, find the code in the announcement above: VBS Needs You! Link: https://form.jotform.com/240165495570156 ADULT FAITH FORMATION Consider the Birds Led by Ed Scherlacher | Sundays | 10 am | Room 121 “Consider the Birds” is an inspirational study of the meaning and symbolism of birds found in the scriptures and ancient world.

“We Make the Road by Walking” by Brian McLaren Study led by Pastor Jonathan | Sundays 10 am | Reception Room Opportunity each week to look at a scripture reading and, using reflection, present an introduction/re-orientation to the Christian Faith.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study Led by David Ott & Don Noland | Tuesdays | 7 AM | Reception Room and Zoom Currently studying Luke, to be followed by Acts of the Apostles. Everyone is welcome either 1/ in person in the Reception Room with a full breakfast serving from 7 am, or 2/ via ZOOM link found on the Redeemer website each Tuesday. Our study and discussion is from 7:30 - 8:30 am. Please join us any Tuesday morning!

Book Study with Pastor Jonathan Tuesdays | 5 PM Join Pr Jonathan on Zoom as the group discusses 'The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory' by Tim Alberta. Alberta is a practicing Christian and the son of an evangelical pastor, paints an expansive and profoundly troubling portrait of the American evangelical movement. Through the eyes of televangelists and small-town preachers, celebrity revivalists and everyday churchgoers, Alberta tells the story of a faith cheapened by ephemeral fear, a promise corrupted by partisan subterfuge, and a reputation stained by perpetual scandal. Reading is always encouraged but not required, your presence is enough!

Early Bird Bible Study led by David Ott Wednesdays | 4 PM | Reception | Study on 1 Samuel 16

Thursday afternoon Bible Study Thursdays | 3 – 4:00 PM | Reception Room/ Zoom The Tolkien group is moving on to our next adventure, The Fall of Númenor. TFoN is the tale of the Second Age and a bridge from The Silmarillion to The Lord of the Rings. Come join us! Knowledge of The Silmarillion is helpful, but not necessary. The topics and conversation in this group are adult in nature and not suitable for children. We gather for fellowship at 6:30 p.m. and begin reading at 7:30 p.m. Write Alisa Norvelle at anorvelle@mac.com to be included in the conversation. Namárië!

KEYSTONE 5/16: Movie Matinee – Steel Magnolias (1 PM in Rudisill Hall) 5/23: Monthly Lunch Bunch – Longhorn Steakhouse in Tucker (12PM) COMMUNITY The community at Redeemer will have the opportunity to help support those in need during the challenging transition as schools close for the summer. As families face the added burden of providing meals without the support of school programs, we will begin to collect food donations to assist the MAC organization. Your generosity has always shone brightly, and now, more than ever, your contributions can significantly impact those struggling with the rising costs. Look out for the bins in the Sims Atrium, where you can drop off food items and grab a flyer to spread the word. If you have any queries or wish to learn more about how you can help, feel free to reach out to Nathan Miller at nathanmiller1977@gmail.com. Your support, no matter how big or small, will be truly valued by MAC and those they serve.

Midtown Lutheran Preschool Open Enrollment – Spread the Word!

We are excited to announce that our preschool is currently enrolling’s for the Fall semester and space is still available for the current Spring semester. If you know any families looking for a half-day preschool program that runs from 9AM to 1PM Monday through Friday, please encourage them to consider MTLPS Church Preschool.

Visit our website www.mtlps.org for more information, including details about our curriculum, faculty, and enrollment process.

THE ATLANTA BOY CHOIR PRESENTS SPRING CONCERT Join The Atlanta Boy Choir for an unforgettable evening of choral music on Friday, May 17, 7:30 PM at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. This in-person event promises to be a delightful experience for all ages. The concert is free with donation suggested.

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Calendar for May 12 – May 18, 2024 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, May 12, 2024 Event Time Location Worship 9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM In-person/ On-Line Organ & Choir Confirmation Large Group 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM Rudisill Hall HS Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Youth Lounge Pr. Jonathan Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Conference Room Consider the Birds 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 Children’s Sunday School 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Rudisill Hall New Member class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Reception Room Middle School Parents 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Library Confirmation Small Groups 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Monday, May 13 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, May 14 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Rudisill Hall/Zoom Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Wednesday, May 15 Early Birds Bible Study 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Reception Room/Zoom Thursday, May 16 Keystone Movie Matinee 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Rudisill Hall Bible Study 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Reception Room Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom Friday, May 17 Atlanta Boy Choir Concert 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Sanctuary Saturday, May 18 Confirmation Banquet 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sims Atrium

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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. Jonathan Trapp .......................................... Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233 The Rev. Jennifer Roberts ........................... Interim Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224 STAFF Kofi Broadnax........................................................................ Property Administrator, ext. 210 Seth Brown................................................................... Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218 Brandon Davis ................................................... Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232 Robin Durdin ............................................................ Office Administration Director, ext. 204 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 Michele Miller ...........................................................Financial Information Director, ext. 237 Kisha Johnson .................................................................. Interim Preschool Director, ext. 252 Larry Lowe........................................................................................................Security Officer Hillary Nelson ............................................................ Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Chase Petersen ......................................................... Organ Scholar, cpetersen@redeemer.org Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security

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