Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost – October 4, 2026 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. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is a Reconciling in Christ 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 Quartet - Jerry Fields, Percussion; Eric Hassel, Keyboard; Bryan Lopes, Woodwinds; and Rainy Lindsey, Vocalist WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS Standing HYMN
Jesus in the Morning
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who pours love into our hearts and healing upon the earth. | Amen. Confident that God justifies us by grace through faith, let us confess our sin. Kneeling or seated Compassionate God, we confess that we struggle to embody your goodness in the world and in our own hearts. Creation groans from overuse. Jealousy and bitterness strain our relationships. Indifference keeps us from seeking justice. Divisions disrupt your call to show genuine love to others. Turn our hearts back to you. Restore our world and reconcile us to one another. Renew us to live as your holy people, following the way of Jesus Christ. Amen. Hear this good news: We have peace with God through ☩ Jesus Christ, in whom there is no condemnation, but only forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. Receive freely this healing gift of grace. | Amen. Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Beloved God, from you come all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance, help us to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen. Seated THIRD GRADE FAITH STEPPING STONE BLESSING CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing 2
THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 21:33-46 Jesus tells a parable to the religious leaders who are plotting his death, revealing that their plans will, ironically, bring about the fulfillment of scripture. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said:] 33 “Listen to another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went away. 34 When the harvest time had come, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his produce. 35 But the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other slaves, more than the first, and they treated them in the same way. 37 Then he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.’ 39 So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’? 43 “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces its fruits. 44 The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. 46 They wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as a prophet. After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 803
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Pastor Mark H. Larson When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
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 Seeking the Spirit of God who makes all things new, we pray for the church and the world. A brief silence. God of every generation, we give thanks for all who have sought to renew and transform your holy church (especially Theodor Fliedner, renewer of society). Inspire us to follow their example in our own day. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of every creature, bless and protect the earth and all those who dwell within it. We give thanks for those who have helped us to see your Spirit in creation (especially Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of every tribe and nation, restore peace to the world’s conflict zones (regions in crisis may be named), and shelter those who live within them. We pray especially for the safety of displaced people and refugees. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of every comfort, you made us in your own image. Grant healing and relief to all who are sick or suffering (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. God of every truth, you draw us nearer to you through your holy word. We give thanks for teachers of the faith (congregational formation ministries may be named). Fill their hearts with your Spirit, that they inspire others with your truth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. 4
Here other intercessions may be offered. God of every soul, you are the one who calls us home. We give thanks for all the saints who have been restored to perfect unity with you (especially). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Trusting in your boundless grace, O God, we lift up these spoken prayers and those in our hearts; 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 MISSION MOMENT: Blessed to Be a Blessing, Alisa Norvelle GATHERING OF GIFTS MUSIC by Redeemer Jazz Trio Standing OFFERING PRAYER God of creation, you send rain and the earth springs forth abundantly. All blessings are from you; make us generous with what we have. Use our gifts, our abilities, and our hearts in service to you and in love to our neighbors, today 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. 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: 5
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 Christ invites you to this table. All who are thirsty, all who are hungry, come! 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. | Sustaining God, with this bread and cup, you nourish us with mercy and abundant life. By your Spirit, send us from this table to serve a needy world. Make us living signs of your liberation, healing, and love, following the way of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. BLESSING The God of love draw you into full accord and one mind, in the body of Christ Jesus. | Amen. The God of hope grant you strength and joy in all circumstances through the interceding of the Spirit. | Amen. The God of grace ☩ bless you now and forever. | Amen. HYMN 595
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Jesus Loves Me
SENDING Go out in joy. Be led forth in peace. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Quartet From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER 20h Sunday after Pentecost LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER attendance: in person 210, online 132 LCFM served: 837 meals; Food donations: GA Tech: 243 lbs, Toco Hills: 184 lbs Be a Friendly Face on Peachtree Redeemer will host welcoming tables outside the church on Sunday, October 11, during the Atlanta Pride Parade.
Council Elections – Nominees Needed – Deadline TODAY by 12:30 PM On Saturday, September 26, voting members of Redeemer received an email regarding the upcoming Council elections, including a request for nominations.
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Council will host a Listening Post TODAY! after each service in the Library. We encourage you to attend and bring your questions! There will also be a Zoom link (provided on October 3) to join the sessions virtually, as needed. As always, please reach out to any Council members with questions or comments. Jazz Concert at 2:00 pm TODAY! The Redeemer Concert Series will open its 2026-27 season with “Fugues, Blues, and Bolling,” a jazz concert featuring music from the Suites for Flute and Cello by Claude Bolling. Anchored by Redeemer’s own jazz percussionist Jerry Fields, the other performers are Congcong Bi, cello; Teodora Stoyanova, flute; Brian Parks, piano; and Chris Riggenbach, bass. The concert will take place in Sims Atrium, followed by a reception. Donations will be accepted at the door. All are welcome! Monster Mash Candy Drive We are gearing up for Halloween fun again this year! You can help us provide this safe and fun Halloween event for children and their families by donating candy and party favors from now to October 18th. Please choose only from the Amazon list at this link, which will be shipped directly to the church. See Deacon Mary with questions. Monster Mash and Pipe Screams- Friday, October 23 Mark your calendar for Friday, October 23 from 5:45-8:30 pm for some Halloween fun! We will start with carnival games outside (or inside depending on weather), dinner in Sims Atrium (pizza), and then head to the sanctuary for the Pipe Screams concert. After the concert, we will go back outside for music, bubbles, and of course, CANDY! Costumes are encouraged for all ages but not required. A donation of about $5 per person is appreciated to cover food. RSVP is not required. Bring a friend! Friday, October 23, 2026 – 7:00 pm “PipeScreams” Organ Concert All ages are invited to this free family-friendly 30-minute concert of spooky music performed by organists Sarah Hawbecker and Katie Nail. Costumes are encouraged! You can attend as part of Redeemer’s “Monster Mash” event or independently. Whether you’ve attended a hundred organ concerts, or this is your first one, it will be a howling good time! Taste & See: Celebration of Ministries | Sunday October 18 | 5:30 PM Join us as we celebrate all that God is doing through Redeemer and the generosity of our congregation. Enjoy an evening of fellowship, delicious food, drinks, and inspiring stories, followed by recognition of our volunteers and a special message from Bishop Kevin Strickland. Childcare provided. Please RSVP. FAITH FORMATION Sundays | 10 am Reception Room Fall Adult Forum Series: “Living the Faith: Christian Discipleship in a Complex World" Join us this fall for a 12-week Adult Forum series, Living the Faith: Christian Discipleship in a Complex World. 8
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Unit One: Following Jesus Today, led by Deacon Allison - Sept 13-Oct 4
Sundays 10 am | Room 119 | Be Still and Journey Led by Karen Medford, Kristin Guthrie, & Pat Cornwell Join us this fall as we dive into TheoTalks—short, thought-provoking presentations on theology in the spirit of TED Talks. Each week we’ll discuss a talk, reflect on the speaker’s message, and share our own experiences and ideas in an open, welcoming discussion. Want to watch this week’s video or learn more? Contact Kristin Guthrie at kristinguthrie@bellsouth.net. Sundays 10 am | Room 121 | Mysteries of Faith Please join us this Sunday as we embark on our study of the book, ”Unseen Existences : Of Heaven, Earth, and the Divine Mystery in All Things”, the latest (2026) book authored by pastor and theologian Brian Zahnd. The notion, let alone the hope of heaven has disappeared from most of our theology. In Unseen Existences, Zahnd offers cynical and materialistic people a path to reclaiming and reimagining heaven as well as all that was and will be. The book is deeply comforting without being fuzzy or saccharine or easily cross-stitched on a pillow. It’s the kind of hope that generations of fellow Christians know well and held in trust for our generation now. Hopeful and filled with wonder, Zahnd offers a beautiful theology of life as pilgrimage with a home waiting for us at the end. No book purchase is required. All are welcome to join in a lively discussion of refashioning timeless truths into an even truer beauty. Mondays at 1:30 pm | Reception Room | The Seekers Bible Study Class Led by Bill Pegram | Study on Matthew Tuesdays 7 am Breakfast Bible Study | Reception Room and Zoom Led by David Ott & Don Noland We are now studying Matthew. 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! Tuesdays 5 pm | Zoom Led by Pastor Jonathan Join Pr Jonathan for a weekly book study as they begin reading a new book, The Future of Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon. Sarah and Inon take readers on a transformative weeklong journey across a sacred and bloodstained land. Facing competing narratives, they explore how compassion and unity can pull humanity back from the precipice of blind hatred. Throughout their travels, they have been constantly asked: In the face of so much loss, how can we ever find hope? Their answer is always the same. One cannot find hope. We must create it. As always, reading is optional, we are more interested in your presence. If you have questions, please contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org. Wednesdays 4 pm | Early Birds Bible Study | Reception Room/Zoom Led by David Ott | Study on Genesis Wednesdays 6 pm | Pastors Class | Rudisill Hall/Zoom 9
How the Bible Actually Works by Peter Enns How should we read the Bible in a world shaped by science, history, and modern questions? What do we do when Scripture seems confusing, contradictory, or difficult to reconcile with our expectations? This fall, join Pastor Mark for a thoughtful and engaging study of Peter Enns' How the Bible Actually Works. Enns invites readers to see the Bible not as a rulebook or answer key, but as a living story of God's relationship with humanity—a collection of ancient writings that continues to shape faith today. CHILDREN & FAMILY Children’s Sunday School TODAY: Sunday School in classrooms plus Third Grade Faith Stepping Stone Class. Sunday School for ages Zero- Fifth Grade is held most Sundays during the school year. You can register at this link, scan the code, or speak to Deacon Mary with any questions. We can’t wait to learn and grow in faith with your family this year!! NEW CLASS-Bible Storytime classroom for children ages 0-2 WITH at least one parent (all parents are welcome, but one is required). This will be a fun and casual time to engage our littlest members in faith and get to know each other. YOUTH Save the dates: The Gathering is happening next year! Start planning now to reserve the dates on your calendar: June 28 - July 2, 2027 See the weekly Youth e-newsletter for more events and details! YOUNG ADULTS 2nd Wednesdays beginning October 14 at 6 PM | New Bible Study opportunity! Young adults are welcome to join in the youth lounge for a movie-themed Bible Study. Join us for dinner upstairs or bring your own to the event. We'll watch a short portion of a movie and then do a Bible study about it. First up is Spiderman Homecoming. On 10/18, Redeemer Young Adults will do a lunch meet-up following 11 am worship. KEYSTONE Beginning at 5:45pm, our older adults are getting in on the Monster Mash and Pipe Screams fun! Join Keystone in Rudisill Hall for some festive crafts, snacks, and a viewing of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. At 7pm, we will head into the sanctuary for a free family-friendly 30-minute concert of spooky music performed by organists Sarah Hawbecker and Katie Nail. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Please sign up using this link or scanning the QR code to ensure we have enough food and craft supplies. See Deacon Allison with questions. COMMUNITY Reformation Concert | Friday, October 30, 2026, 7:30 pm The Redeemer Concert Series continues with Echoing Air, an Indianapolis-based vocal ensemble with Baroque instruments. “A Mighty Fortress” is an inspiring concert of music showcasing the music of 16th- to early 18th century Lutheran composers. This program vividly portrays the 10
Lutheran ideals of forging a personal connection with God and the growing prominence of the German vernacular language in sacred music. Join us as we bring to life the works of Heinrich Schütz, Johannn Schein, Dieterich Buxtehude, Vincert Lübeck, Johann Rosenmüller, Johann Fischer and Dietrich Becker in a harmonious celebration of this rich musical tradition. Donations to the Friends of Music will be accepted at the door. Join the Diversity and Justice Team The Diversity and Justice Team are looking for new members as we seek to refresh our ministry and help Redeemer engage with our partners working in the areas of diversity and justice. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org. 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 and John Garrigan for a one day New Member Class on Saturday, October 17th from 9am-12 pm. Breakfast will be served! You can reserve your spot using this link, scanning the QR code, or speaking with Deacon Allison. 2026 HAT & SCARF CHALLENGE: Faithful Hands and Sacred Makers Calling all Knitters, Weavers, and Crocheters! The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites everyone to knit, weave, or crochet hats and scarves for those in need, to be distributed during the Lutheran Community Food Ministry Holiday Meals. Items can be dropped off in Room 119. Scarves should be at least 60" long; Superwash yarn is preferred. Free yarn is available. Interested in learning to knit or crochet? Just let us know. Contact: Jpcorn90@gmail.com Calendar for October 4 – October 9, 2026 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, October 4, 2026 Event Time Location Worship 9:00 AM Jazz & 11:00 AM In-person/ On-Line Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Hinely Music Hall Seraphim Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Room 204 J.O.Y. Choir 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM Room 211 High School Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Youth Lounge Children’s Sunday School 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Confirmation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Youth Parents Group 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Library Mysteries of Faith 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 121 Be Still & Journey 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Room 119 Living the Faith Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Reception Room Listening Post 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM Library Jazz Concert 2:00 PM Sims Atrium 11
Monday, October 5 The Seekers Carillon Ringers Tuesday, October 6 Morning Bible Study Pr Jonathan Book Study Worship Team Mtg Wednesday, October 7 Wednesday Night Dinner Early Birds Bible Study Pastor’s Class Evening Worship Redeemer Choir Thursday, October 8 Tolkien Group Friday, October 9 Saturday, October 10 -
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Reception Room Zoom Reception Room
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 4:00 PM – 3:00 PM 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sims Atrium Reception/Zoom Rudisill Hall Sanctuary Hinely Music Hall
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 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 Deacon Allison Lizdas .......................................... Director of Congregational Care, ext. 203 Katie Nail .........................................................................Organ Scholar, knail@redeemer.org Roel Salinas ............................................................ Pastoral Intern, rsalinas@redeemer.org Dani Vogel ...............................................................Youth & Young Adults Director, ext.230 Stacey Williams .......................................................................................... Head of Security
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