Sunday January 12, 2025 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA

Baptism of Our Lord – January 12, 2025 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.

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PRELUDE

Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam, BWV 684 Chase Peterson, organ

J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

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

Standing HYMN 311

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Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation. | Amen.

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

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We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.

Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom.

At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit.

By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.

Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. | Amen.

Standing GREETING 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.

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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

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PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you.

Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and revealed him as your beloved Son. Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God, through 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 Isaiah 43:1-7 Gayle Morgan, Lector Near the end of Israel’s exile in Babylon, God promises to bring the people home.

They need no longer be afraid, because the one who formed, created, and called 5

them by name now redeems them from all their enemies. God declares them precious and honored, and God loves them.

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.

Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life.

Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Psalm 29

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Ascribe to the | LORD, you gods, ascribe to the LORD glo- | ry and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory | due God’s name; worship the LORD in the beau- | ty of holiness.

The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of | glory thunders; the LORD is upon the | mighty waters.

The voice of the LORD is a pow- | erful voice; the voice of the LORD is a | voice of splendor. R The voice of the LORD breaks the | cedar trees; the LORD breaks the ce- | dars of Lebanon; the LORD makes Lebanon skip | like a calf, and Mount Hermon like a | young wild ox.

The voice | of the LORD bursts forth in | lightning flashes.

The voice of the LORD | shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilder- | ness of Kadesh. R The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe and strips the | forests bare.

And in the temple of the LORD all are | crying, “Glory!”

The LORD sits enthroned a- | bove the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king for- | evermore.

O LORD, give strength | to your people; give them, O LORD, the bless- | ings of peace. R THE SECOND READING Acts 8:14-17 Peter and John are sent to support the new Christians in Samaria, a group that was recently baptized after hearing the good news of Christ through the preaching of 7

Philip. Here the Samaritans receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in the laying on of hands.

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

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

THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 The reading opens with questions about the identity of the Messiah. John the Baptist insists that he is not the Messiah; instead he points ahead to one who is coming. And whether the voice of God was heard by all or only by Jesus, God settles the matter: Jesus is God’s beloved Son. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in 8

bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

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

Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 305

Pastor Mark H. Larson When Jesus Came to Jordan

APOSTLES CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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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 dead.

I 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 Each portion of the prayers concludes: God of grace, | hear our prayer.

At the conclusion of the prayers: 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 GATHERING OF GIFTS ANTHEM

I Have Called Thee

Leland B. Sateren

Fear not, fear not: for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Isaiah 43:1

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

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OFFERING PRAYER God of grace, your love reaches to the heavens, and your abundance to the depths of the seas.

Bless what we offer to your service: our gifts, our abilities, and our hearts.

Let us overflow with gratitude and generosity, 11

now and always. | 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. By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory.

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:

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER O God most mighty, O God most merciful, hear us as we praise, call us to your meal, grant us your life.

When the earth was formless and empty, you created order and beauty. When Abraham and Sarah were barren, you delivered them a child; when the Israelites 12

were enslaved, you led them to freedom; Ruth faced starvation, David fought Goliath, and the psalmists cried out for healing—with all your people we implore you to save us, and we praise you for granting us life.

You came to our world in Jesus our brother. He was born among the poor, he lived under oppression, he wept over the city. Full of compassion, he granted the people your life.

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.

Come, Breath of creation, enliven our bones. Come, living Water, replenish the earth. Come, holy Fire, make us lights in the world. Like a tree rich with fruit, nourish us with your bounty. From your throne, teach us justice. In your arms, give us peace.

Mighty God, mothering God, grant us your life, the life of the Father to the Son, the life of the Spirit of our risen Savior, life in you, 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 joy of the Lord is our strength. Come, eat this meal of gladness.

Seated 13

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 448

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This is the Spirit’s Entry Now

HYMN 455

Standing 15

Crashing Waters at Creation

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen Let us pray. | Nourishing God, at this table you have refreshed us with holy gifts of food and drink. Strengthen us for service, and send us out to embody your good news of liberation and healing for the sake of the world.

In the name of Christ we pray, Amen SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING The Spirit of the triune God ☩ bless you with joy, anoint you with compassion, and send you in love. | Amen.

HYMN 304

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Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized

SENDING Go in peace. Live in hope. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE

Fugue in B Major Chase Peterson, organ

Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)

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

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Jan 5: In person: 195, Online 153 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Second Sunday after Epiphany Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Saturday, January 18th, 2025, the Redeemer community is invited to honor the legacy of Dr. King by learning about his life and engaging in service to our community. Organized by the ELCA Southeastern Synod, all events that day will be hosted at St. John’s Lutheran Church (and Pr. Jennifer!). All ages and abilities welcome!

Scan the code or contact Pr. Jonathan Hemphill to register (jhemphill@elca-ses.org).

11 am- 12 pm: Brunch and Learn 12 -1 pm: Service projects 2-3:30 pm: Festival worship Rejoicing Spirits- January 26th What better way to kick off the new year than with your Rejoicing Spirits friends!

As much of our culture is pressuring us to ‘optimize’ our bodies and minds, let’s stop and celebrate what they can already do, and how we are already bringing our best to the people and world around us.

This special worship service is designed to be accessible to people of all abilitiesyes, that means you! We are all beloved children of God with strengths and weaknesses. People with disabilities and their caregivers need the support of their faith community. We all need to be reminded that whatever our abilities, we are enough. Come to be a friend and make some amazing new friends! Meet in Rudisill Hall from 10:15 - 10:45 (before or after attending your usual service!)

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Pool Party at GA Tech The Redeemer CFM families are making a splash at the GA tech pool again this year. February 2nd from 1:30-3:30 we will enjoy fellowship together at the pool and remember our baptisms! No RSVP required. Friends and neighbors welcome.

YOUNG ADULTS Our monthly Young Adult lunch after the 11:00 service on Jan. 19. Join us for some casual conversation and fellowship!

Lunch Together Sunday, January 19 after the late service we will meet in the atrium and walk somewhere in midtown for sustenance and conversation. All are welcome!

YOUTH High School & Beyond parents’ group is starting up January 26 at 10am in room 103! Come for a time of connection, sharing, and mutual support.

FAITH FORMATION Sundays, 10 am | Room 121 | From 1/5/25 through 2/23/25 Led by Ed Scherlacher “Jesus for Everyone” - based on Amy-Jill Levine’s book.

Learn of Jesus' historic and cultural influence makes him fascinating, provocative, and relevant for everyone, not only Christians.

Sundays 10 am | Chapel | through May 25 Mindful Meditation Practices Led by Pastor Dorothea Lotze Mindfulness meditations are an ancient spiritual practice. In our time together, we will integrate the Christian contemplative practice of heart prayer with the mindfulness practices of deep breathing, body relaxation, loving kindness, selfcompassion and compassion for others. Come and join our weekly practicing while strengthening our mental, emotional and spiritual health in difficult political and global times. The meditation practices will be in English.

Tuesdays 5 pm | Zoom Join Pr Jonathan for a discussion of the The Rev Elizabeth Edman's book, 'Queer Virtue.' Rev Edman is an Episcopal priest whose book posits that Christianity, at its scriptural core, incessantly challenges its adherents to rupture false binaries, to “queer” lines that pit people against one another.

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As always, reading is optional, we are glad to be able to create a space for everyone to learn and grow together. If you have any questions, please email Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org Friday, January 31, 2025 – 7:30 pm Borromeo String Quartet in concert The Friends of Music at Redeemer are thrilled to announce that the Redeemer Concert Series will present one of the premiere string quartets in the world – the Borromeo String Quartet. Invite a friend to this free concert of music by the masters as well as living composers, performed in our beautiful space by stellar musicians.

Following the concert, enjoy a reception in Sims Atrium.

For twenty-five years, the Borromeo String Quartet has been ensemble-in-residence at both the New England Conservatory and Taos School of Music, and quartet-inresidence at the Heifetz International Music Institute. Their many honors include the 2007 Avery Fisher Career Grant; Lincoln Center's Martin E. Segal Award, and the Cleveland Quartet Award. With their “edge-of-the- seat performances,” the Boston Globe called the ensemble “simply the best.”

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Calendar for January 12 – January 18, 2025 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, January 12, 2025 Event Time Location Worship 9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 In-person/ On-Line AM Organ & Choir HS Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Youth Lounge Be Still & Journey 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 119 Children’s SS 10:00 AM -10:45 AM Various Rooms Jesus for Everyone 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 Family Pool Party 1:30 PM Off site Monday, January 13 The Seekers Bible Study 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Reception Room Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall Tuesday, January 14 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Reception Room Pr. Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom Wednesday, January 15 Early Birds Bible Study 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Reception/Zoom Wednesday Night Dinner 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Sims Atrium Seraphim Choir 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Room 204 Pastors Class 6:00 PM -7:00 PM Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Redeemer Ringers 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Room 202 Worship 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sanctuary Thursday, January 16 Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom

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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 STAFF 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 Nate Humpherys ........................................................... Youth Director, ext. 230 Allison Lizdas ................................... Director of Congregational Care, ext. 224 Larry Lowe .................................................................................. Security Officer Stacey Williams ........................................................................ Head of Security

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