Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost – November 16, 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
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Faithful God, you have shown us the ways of your heart, yet we stray from your paths. We are stuck in sinful systems of oppression and do not embrace the freedom of your faithful promises. We ignore our neighbors. We exploit the earth. We reject your abundance, trusting our impulses instead of your steadfast love. Repair our relationships, restore what we have broken, renew our hearts, and bring us to new life. Amen.
Hear the good news: God the Faithful One loves you, ☩ in Christ Jesus your sins are forgiven, and by the power of the Holy Spirit you are set free. | Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without you nothing is strong, nothing is holy. Embrace us with your mercy, that with you as our ruler and guide, we may live through what is temporary without losing what is eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL
Luke 21:5-19
As history moves toward God’s fulfillment there will be frightening signs and events. Before the end, believers will draw strength from their relationship to God and will be given the words they need to testify and to endure without fear.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, [Jesus] said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”
7 They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray, for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them.
9 “When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and plagues, and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
12 “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ
Seated
SERMON
Standing HYMN 597
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
Pastor Mark H. Larson
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
Gathered with one voice, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all who are in need. A brief silence.
God of roots and branches, defend the leaders of your church as they proclaim the gospel using discernment, wisdom, and brave testimony. Bless the work of mission start congregations across the ELCA. Keep all the baptized on righteous paths in response to Christ’s call. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of roaring seas, in a world of earthquake, famine, and plague, use your mighty power to nurture the land and all that lives upon it. Restore peoples and places experiencing natural disasters, especially Strengthen organizations who provide aid to any in crisis. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of victory, guide quests for power in government, courts, law enforcement agencies, and the military. Turn them from self-aggrandizement, war and violence to actions of care that build up the common good. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of healing, where injustice and exploitation result in populations that are marginalized or underserved, accompany those harmed by neglect, indifference, violence or oppression. Care for all who are ill, anxious, or in pain of any kind, especially Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of new songs, in a congregation of faithful believers, energize us for compassionate service and delight us through worship and inspired prayer. Encourage your people in building an equitable community where all are valued. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
God of every generation, we remember the saints with steadfast love and faithfulness, especially Confident in Christ’s victory over death, may we be inspired by the example of the faithful. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We offer these and all our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your grace and unyielding love; through Jesus Christ, our 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.
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio
Standing OFFERING PRAYER
God of healing and hope, you bless those who are hungry, promising to fill them with good things. Fulfill that promise through us and these your gifts. Nourish us with the abundance of your feast and unite us into the blessed body of Jesus Christ our Savior, now and forever. | 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
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal: you we praise and glorify, you we worship and adore.
You formed the earth from chaos; you encircled the globe with air; you created fire for warmth and light; you nourish the lands with water. You molded us in your image, and with mercy higher than the mountains, with grace deeper than the seas, you blessed the Israelites and cherished them as your own.
That also we, estranged and dying, might be adopted to live in your Spirit, you called to us through the life and death of Jesus.
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.
With this bread and cup we remember your Son, the first-born of your new creation. We remember his life lived for others, and his death and resurrection, which renews the face of the earth. We await his coming, when, with the world made perfect through your wisdom, all our sins and sorrows will be no more.
Holy God, holy and merciful, holy and compassionate, send upon us and this meal your Holy Spirit, whose breath revives us for life, whose fire rouses us to love. Enfold in your arms all who share this holy food. Nurture in us the fruits of the Spirit, that we may be a living tree, sharing your bounty with all the world.
Holy and benevolent God, receive our praise and petitions, as Jesus received the cry of the needy, and fill us with your blessing, until, needy no longer and bound to you in love, we feast forever in the triumph of the Lamb: through whom all glory and honor is yours, O God, O Living One, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, 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
There is a place for you at the table of God. Come, receive the food that does not perish, a taste of life eternal.
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. | God of field and flower, wheat and grape, you have nourished us with the bread of heaven that gives life to the world. Strengthened by the body and blood of your Son, send us out to gather your good gifts for all who hunger and thirst, and embolden us to love and serve in Christ’s name. Amen
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The love of God the Sovereign strengthen you, God the Son save you, and God the Holy Spirit anoint you for the work ahead. The holy Trinity bless you ☩ and grant you a faithful and courageous heart now and forever. | Amen.
HYMN 785 When Peace Like a River
SENDING
Go in peace. Share the harvest. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 11/9/25: In person 223, Online 183 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER
ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN HELP FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR ���� Scan the QR code for more information on all the ways to give:
Redeemer:
• Lutheran Community Food Ministry
• Wednesday Night Community Meals
• Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
Local Partners:
• Midtown Assistance Center
• Inspiritus
*Within the individual flyers you can click on the QR codes. Printed flyers are available at the Welcome Desk.
The Council Nominating Committee would like to thank those of you who submitted names for consideration and to those of you who expressed an interest in serving Redeemer. This year’s Council nominees are: Mike Bell, Kathy Carpenter, Rick Farris, Mark Helsel, Todd Larsen, Leslie Misch, Dana Norden, Jenny Peterson, Mindy Tanzola, and Jana Thomas. Ballots were sent via Simply Voting on November 1 (due November 16 by 12:30 PM) and hardcopies (due November 14 by 5:00 PM). Contact Robin Durdin, rdurdin@redeemer.org or 404.874.8664 x204 if you need assistance.
Official Notice of CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:
December 14 following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services with an online option at 10:15 am
The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2026 Proposed Budget. Please also join us following the 9:00 AM and 11:00AM Worship Services on Sunday, Nov. 16., Nov. 23, or Dec. 07 for Listening Posts to discuss the 2026 Proposed Budget. Members of the Church Council, the Finance Team and the Church Staff will be on hand to review the document and answer questions. You can attend in person in the Library or feel free to join the conversation online via Zoom. The link can be found in your Saturday Nov.15 update email from Redeemer.
Rejoicing Spirits- Sunday, November 16
This month, we celebrate abundance. We have so much to be thankful for- including each other! This special worship service is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities- yes, 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!) on September 14, October 19, November 16, and December 14. Mark your calendars!
Christmas Program- You’re Invited!
Our Children's Christmas Program is back! This year it will be held on Sunday, December 7th at 10 am in the sanctuary. After the program, there is brunch in the Sims Atrium for the whole congregation and Advent activities for kids and their families. Please plan to attend the program and support our kids as they tell this ancient and beautiful story in their own way.
Growing in Grace
We are asking every family to return their pledge of support to Redeemer’s ministries through our website, email, or by returning your pledge card in the mail or in-person.
Printed stewardship materials have been mailed; hopefully, you have received your packet. If you have not, a limited number of packets will be available at the Welcome Desk in the Sims Atrium.
Kringle Sales:
Help fund our youth service trip next summer! We’re in conversations about partnering with Appalachian Service Project and will have more details to announce soon in the meantime, stop by our table in the Sims atrium to order some delicious treats just in time for Christmas! Your support means a lot to our youth and their ministry. Prices: 1 for $20 or 3 for $55. Final sale day TODAY.
Pick-up dates: Dec 7 and 14
For the Girls of Wellspring Living : our 14th Angel Tree : Sims Atrium
November 23 through December 14
Once again, we have the opportunity to shop for the girls of Wellspring Living – children (ages 12 – 17) who have been trafficked and who are on a path of restoration. Please take an ornament for your own tree and return a gift card. On each ornament are gift card suggestions. Gift cards in any dollar value will be used for the girls’ school and craft supplies, meals, clothing, or special events. Write the value on your gift cards and place them in the box by the tree. If the tree is not attended by a Redeeming Grace volunteer, please note the special instructions posted. Thank you Kathy Hill and the women of Northside Circle for the creation of the ornaments. Questions? Contact Charissa Schultz or Amy Carpenter via Realm.
Inspiritus Hope Tree
Each year, Inspiritus resettles a significant number of refugees as they begin their journey from surviving to thriving, and our Hope Tree campaign is the opportunity for us to give the gift of warmth to refugee and immigrant families. Our goal is to provide each of the 600+ clients we resettled this year with a warm coat for the winter, and this is made possible by the generosity of those who donate coats and monetary gifts to purchase coats. If you would like to donate a coat, you can do so in the Sims Atrium. If you would like to donate so we can purchase coats, you can do so online at www.weinspirit.org/give-financially (Select Hope Tree from the drop down) Each year, we are humbled and grateful to bring smiles to the faces of those who have faced significant challenges in adjusting to their new lives.
Goshen Valley Giving Tree | November 16 - December 14
Help us create a Merry Christmas for the foster boys and girls living under Goshen Valley's care!
You can donate items in two ways:
• donate gifts using the Amazon list, which will ship items directly to Goshen Valley
• donate household items using tags on the giving tree in Sims Atrium, and bring the items to church with you.
FAITH FORMATION
Sundays 10 am | Room 121 | Mysteries of Faith
Join the study of "Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God": "Fire and brimstone" sermons were a part of growing up for many. Fear of "eternal damnation" evoked an "angry, wrathful God"
watching our every move. Along with Christian pastor & author Brian Zahnd, we'll contrast the Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount and Matt 25 with the thousand-year portrayal of anger that continues to afflict many. Please join us. No need to read the book. Email dfnoland@gmail.com to join the weekly commentary. All are welcome!
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
Hospice 101: Facts, Myths, and Sacred Space
Sunday, November 23,2025 9:45-10:45, Reception Room
Join us for a conversation led by Autumn Martin, Family Nurse Practitioner and owner of Seasons Elder Care Solutions. Autumn provides home healthcare to vulnerable populations, has extensive knowledge of palliative and hospice care and is dedicated to partnering with patients and their families to navigate the complexities of our healthcare system.
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 Breakfast Bible Study | Reception Room and Zoom
Led by David Ott & Don Noland
We are now studying Galatians. 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 4 pm | Early Bird Bible Study | Reception Room
Led by David Ott
Wednesdays 6 pm | Pastors Class | Rudisill Hall/Zoom
The book of Joshua is theologically powerful, characterizing the covenant people as eager to obey Yhwh and showing their God as one who is mighty to save. It also espouses appalling support for unbridled militarized violence by Israel against inhabitants of Canaanite territories, which still provides legitimation for the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel today. Let us journey together to discover what fruits we can harvest from this often disturbing book.
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Children’s Christmas Program
Stars! Angels! Shepherds! Kings! (and all royalty!) We are preparing again for our children’s Christmas Program this year with our favorite songs and costumes! This is a meaningful way for our kids to make the good news of this ancient and beautiful story fresh each year.
Rehearsals will be during Sunday School on Oct. 19, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, with a Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, December 6: 9:30-11:00 am. The performance will be Sunday, December 7: 10 am (9:30 'call time' for performers). Ages 2- 5th
grade are welcome. If you have already registered for Sunday School, no additional registration is needed. Speak to Dn Mary with questions.
COMMUNITY
Redeemer’s Harvest Home Concert will be held Tonight, at 7 p.m. This year’s concert theme explores hope and human connection, celebrating family, feast, harvest, and home as expressions of gratitude and shared belonging. Free to the community, the concert welcomes all and will be livestreamed at Redeemer.org and HarvestHomeConcert.org, with a dessert reception following.
Redeemer Day at the Ranch
As a founding partner, you hold a special place in Goshen’s story—and we would love to celebrate with you! You’re invited to Redeemer Day at the Ranch to see the recent renovations at the Sims Cottage and rejoice in God’s continued faithfulness.
���� Date: November 22
���� Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
☕ Details: Light refreshments and a guided tour of the Ranch
We hope you’ll join us for this special time of fellowship, service, and gratitude as we continue building on the foundation you helped create.
Scan the QR code to RSVP
Calling all Faithful Hands and Sacred Makers | Join us Nov 23 for a Blessing of the Hats & Scarves during 9 & 11 am worship services | 2025 Hat & Scarf Challenge
The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites everyone to knit or crochet hats and scarves for those in need, to be distributed during the Lutheran Community Food Ministry Holiday Meals. Scarves should be at least 60" long; superwash yarn is preferred. Drop completed items in the Fall 2025 Challenge box in Room 119, where free yarn is available. We also have yarn and patterns for prayer shawls, and can teach anyone who wants to learn. For questions or pattern ideas, contact Pat Cornwell at jpcorn90@gmail.com.
Calendar for November 16 – November 22, 2025
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Event Time Location
Worship
J.O.Y. choir
Confirmation
Mysteries of Faith Be Still & Journey
Children’s Sunday School
HS Faith Formation
Rejoicing Spirits
Budget Listening Posts
Harvest Home Concert
Monday, November 17
The Seekers
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, November 18
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, November 19
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Thursday, November 20
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
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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
In-person/ On-Line Room 211 Room 107 Room 121 Room 119
Upstairs Hallway Youth Lounge
Rudisill Hall Library Sanctuary
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Reception Room Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary
Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom
Friday, November 21
- - -
Saturday, November 22
Redeemer at the Ranch 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Goshen Valley
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. 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