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Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 28, 2025

The Order of Worship at 11:00 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 Earth

Mindy Tanzola, flute

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING

Takatsugu Muramatsu

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

Standing

HYMN 532

Gather Us In

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

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

Mark Helsel, cantor

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.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

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

O God, rich in mercy, you look with compassion on this troubled world. Feed us with your grace, and grant us the treasure that comes only from you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | 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 Amos 6:1a, 4-7

Deborah Heller, Lector

The prophet Amos announces that Israel’s great wealth is a cause not for rejoicing but rather sorrow, because God’s people have forgotten how to share their wealth with the poor. The wealthy will be the first to go into exile when judgment comes.

1a Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria.

4 Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and lounge on their couches and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the stall,

5 who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David improvise on instruments of music,

6 who drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!

7 Therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile, and the revelry of the loungers shall pass away.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

PSALM 146

1 Hal- | lelujah!

Praise the LORD, | O my soul!

2 I will praise the LORD as long | as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I | have my being.

3 Put not your | trust in rulers, in mortals in whom there | is no help.

4 When they breathe their last, they re- | turn to earth, and in that day | their thoughts perish. R

5 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob | for their help, whose hope is in the | LORD their God;

6 who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that | is in them; who keeps promis- | es forever;

7 who gives justice to those who are oppressed, and food to | those who hunger. The LORD sets the | captive free.

8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD lifts up those who | are bowed down; the LORD | loves the righteous.

9 The LORD cares | for the stranger; the LORD sustains the orphan and widow, but frustrates the way | of the wicked.

10 The LORD shall | reign forever, your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. | Hallelujah! R

Timothy is reminded of the confession he made at his baptism and of its implications for daily life. His priorities will be different from those of people who merely want to be rich.

6 Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it, 8 but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

11 But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will bring about at the right time he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 16 It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

17 As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches but rather on God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19 thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.

Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 16: 19-31 Jesus tells a parable in which the poor one is “lifted up” and the rich one is “sent away empty.” Jesus makes it clear that this ethic of merciful reversal is not new but is as old as Moses and the prophets.

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

[Jesus said:] 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus in like manner evil things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ 27 He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house 28 for I have five brothers that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ 30 He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

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

Seated SERMON

Standing HYMN

When Our World Is Rent by Violence

Pastor Mark H. Larson

APOSTLES CREED

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

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, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen

Gracious God, we come to you in prayer for the church, the world, and all in need.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church, that it would remain faithful to the gospel, always striving to serve the needs of those who are oppressed and rejecting the complacency that comes from wealth. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We pray for creation, that the nations work together to protect and restore the earth, preserving the beauty of the planet for future generations and honoring the gift of your creation. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We pray for those in positions of authority, that they govern with justice and compassion, recognizing the dignity of all people and working to promote peace and prosperity for all. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We pray for people in any need, especially…. Give them your assurance and courage when the path forward is not clear. Liberate us from all that binds us, lift us up when we are bowed down, and show us your love. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We pray for this congregation, that we would be strengthened to build a world where all can thrive. Incite us to advocate for fair wages and just policies, and guide us in building a community of mutual support. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We remember in thanksgiving the faithful departed. Inspire us by their example to love and serve our neighbors, and bring us to eternal life. God of grace, receive our prayer.

We entrust these prayers to you, O God, in the name of Jesus Christ, our redeemer and friend. 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

MISSION MOMENT

GATHERING OF GIFTS

ANTHEM Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life Tune: KEDRON

Where cross the crowded ways of life, | where sound the cries of race and clan, | above the noise of selfish strife, | we hear your voice, O Son of Man.

In haunts of wretchedness and need, | on shadowed thresholds fraught with fears, | from paths where hide the lures of greed, | we catch the vision of your tears.

From tender childhood's helplessness, | from human grief and burdened toil, | from famished souls, from sorrow's stress, | your heart has never known recoil.

Frank Mason North

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

OFFERING PRAYER

Lord of the harvest, we return to you a portion of what you have given to us. Turn us to set our hope not on the uncertainty of riches, but on you, who richly provides for us. Multiply what we have gathered to bless all who are suffering and in need, through Jesus Christ our Lord. | 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; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us

the way of everlasting life. 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

Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory.

In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.

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.

Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory.

Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, now and forever.

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

Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. Come to this meal of mercy. 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 479

We Come to the Hungry Feast

HYMN 712

Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service

Standing

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

Let us pray. | O God, through this meal you have strengthened us and appointed us to be your servants. Send us to do good and to share our possessions with all in need. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

SENDING

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

BLESSING

The God of righteousness, who gives justice to the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry, who sets the prisoners free, ☩ bless you now and forever. | Amen.

SENDING

Go in peace. Do not lose heart.| Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

Toccato

Florence Price (1887-1953)

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 9/21/25: In person 206, Online 102 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday School Registration is Open!!

We can’t wait to learn and grow in faith with your family this year!! We kick things off with Sing and Play for all ages today and our first day in classrooms will be September 14. You can register at this link, scan the code, or speak to Deacon Mary with any questions. Sunday School is for ages 2- 5th grade. Interested in volunteering with Sunday School? Speak to Deacon Mary about volunteer opportunities.

Third Grade Faith Stepping Stone

The Bible is not only the word of God, but it shares stories of the people of God on their journey of faith. Third graders and their parents or caregivers (at least one) are invited to start a Bible Adventure together! September 21, 28 and October 5: 10:00- 10:45; October 5: Blessing in 11:00 service.

YOUTH

Youth Forms: If you haven’t done so already, make sure your 2025-2026 youth forms are in! Confirmation (6th-8th grade) 9:45 – 10:45 am: This week we’ll be talking about the Book of Exodus with Deacon Allison.

High School Faith Formation in the Youth Lounge (10:00-10:45). This week we will meet in the youth lounge. This week’s lesson: “Why We Do What We Do: How Theology and Values are Reflected in Worship”

Save the dates:

• Fall Faith Formation Fieldtrips (All youth, plus parents are invited!)

o NorthPoint church visit Oct. 5 (departing Redeemer @ 10:00 am)

o Jewish Synagogue visit Dec. 13 (service is 10:30-noon)

• High School Social Event 9/28: Join us for Fright Nights at Six Flags Over Georgia from 6-9 p.m. See the youth e-newsletter for full details and signup link.

• Atlanta United 10/18, Signup link is live on the youth e-newsletter!

• Middle School Lock-in Nov. 1-2. Fun, fellowship, and celebrating All Saints Day!

FAITH FORMATION

Sunday September 28 and Oct 5 | Rudisill Hall | Pastors Class

Join Pr. Mark for a recap of his Wednesday evening class, “Shared Stories, Rival Tellings”

Sundays 10 am | Room 121 | Mysteries of Faith

Join the study of Materiality as Resistance: Five Elements for Moral Action in the Real World, based on the 2020 book of the same name by the late Prof. Walter Brueggemann of Columbia Theological Seminary. Prof. Brueggemann was the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary and was an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ.

Sundays 10 am | Room 119 | Be Still and Journey, Open to anyone interested

Led by Pat Cornwell

Our Fall book selection will be Amy Jill Levine’s book, Sermon on the Mount

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

We continue digging deep into the Gospel of Matthew.

Tuesdays 5 pm | Zoom

Join Pr Jonathan on Tuesday nights at 5:00pm via zoom for a discussion of John Fugelsang’s new book, The Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds. Fugelsang was raised in the Catholic Church and in his book he offers practical advice on how we can fight for the love, mercy, and service that are at the heart of Christianity. As always, reading is encouraged but is optional! If you have any questions, contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org

Tuesdays 7 am Morning Bible Study | Reception Room and Zoom

Led by David Ott & Don Noland

We are now studying Corinthians. 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 are from 7:30 - 8:30 am. Please join us any Tuesday morning!

Wednesdays 4 pm | Early Bird Bible Study | Reception Room

Led by David Ott

Wednesdays 6 pm | Pastors Class | Rudisill Hall/Zoom

“Shared Stories, Rival Tellings” Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are considered kindred religions-holding ancestral heritages and monotheistic belief in common-but there are definitive distinctions between these "Abrahamic" peoples. Early on, each tradition took a unique approach to the shared stores of Cain/Abel, Sarah and Hagar, Joseph, and others. As we look at the variations in interpretations, we can see the issues that still divide, and sometimes unite, these "Religions of the Book."

COMMUNITY

Sign up for a Small Group Gathering in October

As part of our annual Stewardship Drive, during the month of October, we will once again be gathering in small groups at church, in people's homes, and in local gathering spots for fellowship, relationship building, prayer, and dreaming about the future of our congregation.

Keystone presents Embodied Movement Lunch and Learn!

Thursday, October 2, 2025, 11am in Sims Atrium

Join Sister D’Etta Broam of the ELCA Deaconess Community and certified yoga therapist for some breathing and balancing, stretching and strengthening to take care of your mind, body, and spirit so you can do the work God is calling YOU to do in the world! Wear comfortable clothing, bring your open heart and mind, and be ready to explore some self care strategies. We will lunch and learn together! Everyone is welcome. Reach out to Deacon Allison with any questions.

Blessing of the Pets

Join us on Saturday, October 4 at 1 PM on the Redeemer Green. All are Welcome!

Celebrate National Coming Out Day

Join us on Sunday, October 5 at 5:00 PM at 7 Stages Theater in Little Five Points as we come together to honor and celebrate National Coming Out Day.

This special event is a time to show support, share stories, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. ✨ 100% of the evening’s offerings will benefit Georgia Equality, supporting their important work for equality and justice. All are welcome—come as you are and be part of this meaningful celebration!

Mark Your Calendar for our First Sunday- Funday!

October 19 following the 11 a.m. worship service 12:00- 3:00 pm | Sims Atrium

Dust off your dancing shoes and join the fun as we celebrate! Oktoberfest!

Great German Food and Beer- along with Kid friendly choices! Music by The Atlanta German Band Dancing, Games, and lots of Fun!

Donations will be accepted for Food and Beverages (including Beer) German dress welcomed!

“PipeScreams” Concert - Saturday, October 25 at 5:30 pm. All ages are invited to this free family-friendly 30-minute concert of spooky music performed by organist Sarah Hawbecker. Costumes are encouraged! You can attend as part of Redeemer’s “Monster Mash” event or independently. Invite a friend to this howling good time!

Pitts Theology Library

Join us on Thursday, October 30 for Reformation Day as we explore the topic: "Reforming Intelligence: New Technology and the Legacy of the Reformation." Register today at http://pitts.tl/reformationday2025

New Member Class

Are you interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, the history of Redeemer, and becoming a member of Redeemer? If so, you are invited to join Deacon Allison Lizdas a one day New Member Class on Saturday, October 11 from 9am12pm. Breakfast will be served! You can reserve your spot using this link, scanning the QR code, or speaking with Deacon Allison.

Calendar for September 28 – October 4, 2025

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

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Event Time Location

Worship

J.O.Y. choir

Confirmation

Mysteries of Faith

Be Still & Journey

Children’s Sunday School

HS Faith Formation

Pastor’s Class

Monday, September 29

The Seekers

Carillon Ringers

Tuesday, September 30

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study

Wednesday, October 1

Early Birds Bible Study

Wednesday Night Dinner

Seraphim Choir

Pastors Class

Redeemer Ringers

Worship

Thursday, October 2

Keystone Lunch & Learn Tolkien Group

Friday, October 3

9:00 AM Jazz & 11:00 AM

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

6:00 PM -7:00 PM

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

In-person/ On-Line Room 211

Various Rooms Room 121 Room 119 Rooms 201, 203, 205,207

Youth Lounge Rudisill Hall

Reception Room Hinely Music Hall

Reception Room Zoom

Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204

Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary

Sims Atrium Zoom

Women’s Retreat begins - Off Site

THE

EVANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308

The Rev. Mark H. Larson ...................................................................... Senior Pastor, ext. 201

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Trapp .......................................... Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233

The Rev. Timothy Lloyd ............................................................................................................

..................................... Associate Pastor for Evangelism & Mission Development, ext. 224 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

Pepper Humpherys.............................................................................. Youth Director, ext. 230

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

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