First Sunday of Advent – November 30, 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 and expression, 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
Rejoice, Rejoice Believers
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose home is heaven and earth, whose salvation is sure. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Long-expected God, we confess that we look to ourselves for the peace and security only you can provide. We reach for swords and spears, reluctant to release our grip on the ways of war. We become impatient while waiting and weary of keeping awake. Free us from self-reliance, and teach us to live in harmony with our neighbors. Increase our trust in God’s timing, and awaken us to your advent among us, that we may abound in the hope you have promised. Amen.
God judges us not as we deserve, but according to God’s own righteousness. ☩ You are freed and forgiven, saved by grace, and ready to welcome the Savior. | Amen.
Standing
At every beginning there is a yearning for the one who is coming. O Emmanuel, Wake us up to your coming.
We gather together to expect the unexpected and imagine the unimaginable. O Emmanuel, Wake us up to your coming.
We wait for the day when God will recycle tanks into tractors and transform minefields into soccer fields. O Emmanuel, Wake us up to your coming.
We stay awake by telling stories that offer a glimmer of a future and agitate dormant hope within us. O Emmanuel, Wake us up to your coming.
Jesus, we welcome your presence now with the lighting of this candle, whose flame brings warmth to winter and fills this place with the glow of hope. Amen.
The first candle is lit.
Sung O come, O come, O Lord of might, as to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times you gave the law in cloud, and majesty, and awe. Refrain
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection save us from the threatening dangers of our sins, and enlighten our walk in the way of your salvation, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.
Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 24:36-44
Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, turbulent event that will bring about deep change to our normal, day-to-day lives. Therefore, he urges people to stay awake, be aware, and wait expectantly, because the Son of Man will come unannounced.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said to the disciples,] 36 “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ
Seated SERMON
Standing HYMN
Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning
Pastor Mark H. Larson
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.
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio
Standing
OFFERING PRAYER
Nourishing God, you are water in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Through this meal, satisfy our parched places, that we may rejoice and be for the world signs of your kingdom come. | 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 One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets' hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary's openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
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 Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, 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
Here is life. God is with us. Come, receive what God has promised. 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 our host, at this table you have fed us with joy and gladness. Send us forth, eager to share the feast, welcome the stranger, and bear good fruit in the name of Jesus. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. BLESSING
May God who comes among us, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, grant you patience in waiting, peace in the darkness, and good news to share today and always. | Amen.
HYMN 259
Fling Wide the Door
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.
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 11:00 AM Worship Services on Sunday, 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.
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.
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 | Rudisill Hall and Zoom | “A Child is Born”
While we associate the Nativity Story with the birth of Jesus, the Bible has numerous chapters that could be titled “A Child is Born.” Join our ministers as we explore the other nativity stories in the Old Testament as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth this Advent season. Pastor Larson will repeat each session in his Wednesday class at 6 PM.
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
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
Pastor Larson repeats each Sunday session, “A Child is Born” on Wednesday.
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Family Worship Day- No Children’s Sunday School
Sunday School is canceled today. We hope you had a wonderful holiday full of quality time with friends and family! We can’t wait to hear all about it next week at the Christmas Program and Advent Celebration.
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.
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.
Rejoicing Spirits- Sunday, December 14
Christmas Extravaganza!! Rejoicing Spirits gets to have a ‘Christmas preview’ in the middle of Advent, since this is our only December worship service. Come get your fix of carols and Christmas joy a little early. 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 December 14, January 25, February 22, March 22, and April 19. Mark your calendars!
Family Christmas Eve Service
At 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve we will hold our annual Family Christmas Eve service! We love to have our kids help out and lead this special service for their friends, families, and our visitors. Please fill out this short form to express interest if you would like to help. Deacon Mary will then work with you to find the right role for your child (you can also work as a team if your child needs help with the role).
COMMUNITY
The Redeemer Brass Ensemble invites you to join in an afternoon of Holiday Music & Caroling. Saturday December 13 | 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Welcome the Seasonal Spirit with Traditional & Contemporary Music on the front steps of Redeemer on Peachtree Street. Plus, an opportunity to join in singing Carols at 5:00 pm for 30-45 minutes, followed by Brass Ensemble music through the remainder of the Event, while sipping Hot Apple Cider.
Anyone interested in singing at 5:00 pm or volunteering to hand out cider to passersby are encouraged to email Todd Larsen at todd@larsenfirm.com for further information or questions.
Nordic Lodge 708 will host its annual Sankta Lucia (Saint Lucia) celebration on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. This free, candlelit
event features traditional and modern Swedish Christmas music performed in both Swedish and English by a community choir directed by Mia Peters.
The celebration highlights the Swedish Saint Lucia tradition, including a procession led by a young woman dressed as Lucia, followed by handmaidens and star boys. After the program, guests are invited to a reception with coffee and sweets. Admission is free; donations are welcome.
Calendar for November 30 – December 6, 2025
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Event Time
Worship
J.O.Y. choir
Confirmation
Mysteries of Faith
Be Still & Journey
HS Faith Formation
Monday, December 1
The Seekers
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, December 2
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, December 3
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Redeemer Ringers
Worship
Thursday, December 4
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
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
Location
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Room 107
Room 121
Room 119
Youth Lounge
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Reception Room Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary
- - -
Friday, December 5
Memorial Helen Frenette 11:00 AM Sanctuary
Saturday, December 6
Christmas Program Rehearsal 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM Sanctuary
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