sunday may 25, 2025 - order of worship at 9am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta, GA USA by redeemeratl

Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 25, 2025

The Order of Worship at 9:00 am Lutheran Church of the Redeemer’s Statement of Welcome

We serve a God of abundant grace and generosity. Our worship is centered on the invitation that Christ offers at the communion table: all are welcome in this place. That welcome flows through all we do and say. We open our arms to everyone who comes to share our love of God and all God’s people. We affirm and value the lives of everyone, including all who have been marginalized by ability, age, gender, gender identity, mental or physical health, poverty, race, sexual orientation, or any other circumstance. Let our message be clear: all are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.

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 Redeemer Jazz Trio - Jerry Fields, Percussion; Eric Hassel, Keyboard; Bryan Lopes, Woodwinds; and Rainy Lindsey, vocalist

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Standing

HYMN

There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, creator of darkness and light, word of truth, wind sweeping over the waters. | Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. God, our rock and refuge, we pour out our hearts before you. We have known you but have not always loved you. We have wounded one another and sinned against you. We have not always recognized the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us. Remember your covenant. Renew your creation. Restore us, that we might proclaim your good news to all. Amen.

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. God has spoken: The time of grace is now. In Jesus, the reign of God has come near. By the authority of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. You are God’s beloved. | Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Bountiful God, you gather your people into your realm, and you promise us food from your tree of life. Nourish us with your word, that empowered by your Spirit we may love one

another and the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.

Seated

CHILDREN’S SERMON

Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL

John 14:23-29

As Jesus talks of returning to the Father, he promises to send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will teach Jesus’ followers and remind them of all that Jesus taught. Even more, those in whom God makes a home will experience a peace that overcomes fear.

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

Jesus answered [Judas (not Iscariot),] “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.”

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

Seated

SERMON

Standing

HYMN

Deacon Allison Lizdas

God Sent His Son

Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Each portion of the prayers concludes: Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen God of resurrection and new life, we come before you in prayer for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

Unite your people with communities of faith throughout the world. Further cooperation between people of different faith traditions and bless our non-Christian neighbors, that we learn and grow in deeper relationship. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Bless the earth with fresh water, clean air, and rich soil. Nurture growing crops and encourage communities developing sustainable farming practices. Help us to live in balance and harmony with your good creation. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Reconcile nations and communities suffering from violence and conflict. Protect refugees, asylum-seekers, and all who flee their homes seeking safety and security. Make all nations safe for both migrants and residents. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

Sustain all who are in need, especially individuals and families struggling with trauma or addiction. Support caregivers, especially nurses, doctors, counselors, and social workers. Come alongside all who are ill or struggling. We especially pray for…

Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

This Memorial Day weekend, we remember all who have died in military service. Soothe loved ones who mourn, and strengthen support systems for veterans and their families. Bring peace among nations, that war and conflict around the world might cease. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great

We give you thanks for all your saints raised to new life in Christ especially…

Gather us, with them, into the peace only you can give. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting that you are always with us; in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Savior. 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.

Seated MISSION MOMENT – Growing God’s Garden Alisa Norvelle

GATHERING OF GIFTS

MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio

Standing OFFERING PRAYER

Risen One, you have gathered us around your table of grace along with these gifts we bring. Come among us again, breathe your life into us, and enliven us with this meal, that we may live as your risen body in the world. | 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.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

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

Seated

Come to the table of grace. Receive the gift of new life. 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. | Living One, in this feast you have made yourself known to us. Send us now to tell of your wonders, sing of your glory, and proclaim your risen life to a wounded and weary world. Amen

SENDING

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

BLESSING

The triune God, who was, who is, and who is to come, Sovereign, ☩ Savior, and Spirit, light your way with resurrection dawn, now and always. | Amen.

I’ve Got Peace Like a River

HYMN

Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Go in peace. In Christ you are made new. Alleluia! Alleluia! Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio

AT REDEEMER Attendance for May 18: In person: 202, Online 187 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Seventh Sunday of Easter

Women's Retreat

Our annual Women's Retreat will be October 3-5 at Camp Mikell in Taccoa, GA (northeast of Atlanta). You can give yourself or someone you love the gift of time for self-care and spiritual refreshment! Scholarships will be available. Scan the code or speak to Deacon Allison or Deacon Mary about registration. If you're not ready to register, there's still plenty of time- mark your calendar now!

CHILDREN AND FAMILY

VBS is Almost Here!

For VBS 2025 we are ‘hitting the road’ together with Road Trip: On the Go with God! VBS will be June 2-6 from 9-12:30 each day, with after care from 12:30-6 pm. All are welcome; invite a friend! Find more information and registration for participants by scanning the code.

Music and Arts Camp – “Sailing the High Seas” – June 9-13

Register now using the QR code. Rising kindergarteners through 6th graders will experience music, art, and drama all based on this year’s pirate theme! The camp is from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, with free before and after-care. Tuition for the week is $175 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.

FAITH FORMATION

Sundays 10 am | Room 121 | “Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus” | through July 27

Led by Ed Scherlacher | Based on the book by Reggie L. Williams

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, self-compassion 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.

Mondays at 1:30 pm | Reception Room | The Seekers Bible Study led by Bill Pegram

The class will resume June 2 (Fireside Room during VBS week) We continue digging deep into the Gospel of Matthew.

Tuesdays 5 pm | Zoom

Join Pr Jonathan for a discussion of Edwidge Danticat's book, 'Brother, I'm Dying', a story of Haitian refugees to the US told from the perspective of a woman who lived the experience as she worried about her family still in Haiti. If you have any questions, please email Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Led by David Ott & Don Noland | Tuesdays | 7 AM | Reception Room and Zoom

We are now studying the Gospel of John. 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!

Wednesdays 2 pm | Early Bird Bible Study

Led by David Ott | Reception Room

YOUTH

Summer High School Service Trip

High school youth - please join us! Our high school youth will have the opportunity to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina, July 13-18. Attendees will stay at Lutheridge and will participate in different disaster relief projects, in partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response. Questions? Please contact Nate. Scholarships are available. Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/250565139755161.

Sundays during the Summer

While formal faith formation is on summer break, the Youth Lounge will be open throughout the summer for all youth who would like to gather between services for conversation and fellowship.

COMMUNITY

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

We are reminded of the importance of accessible, compassionate mental health support — not just for those experiencing mental illness, but also for the family members and caregivers walking alongside them. Whether you're looking for your own care or supporting someone else, understanding the mental health system can make all the difference.

Redeemer Food Drive for MAC

Thank you for working in collaboration with Midtown Assistance Center to prevent hunger and homelessness in our community. Donation barrels will be located in the Sims Atrium throughout May.

Join the Redeemer Team for Atlanta Streets Alive!

Be part of a special opportunity to connect with our community during Atlanta Streets Alive on Sunday, June 22, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. We’ll be stationed at the sidewalk steps of Redeemer on Peachtree Street—greeting neighbors, handing out water and snacks, and sharing friendly smiles with those passing by. Interested in helping? Sign up at the information table in the Sims Atrium on Sundays, May 11 through June 22.

Calendar for May 25 – May 31, 2025

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

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Event Time Location Worship

HS Faith Formation

Black Jesus, Class

Monday, May 26

9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM

Organ & Choir

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

In-person/ On-Line

Youth Lounge Room 121

Church Office closed - -

Tuesday, May 27

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study

Wednesday, May 28

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Reception Room Zoom

Early Birds Bible Study 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Reception/Zoom

Thursday, May 29

Pr. Jonathan Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom

Friday, May 30 - - -

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

Deacon Allison Lizdas ...................... Director of Congregational Care, ext. 203

Larry Lowe .................................................................................. Security Officer

Stacey Williams ........................................................................ Head of Security