PRELUDE
WELCOME
Service of Holy Communion with the Rite of Ordination and Installation To the Ministry of Word and Service of Allison Jean Lizdas
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, May 10, 2025, 11 am
Ein Feste Burg ist unser Gott
J.S. Bach (chorale from Cantata 80) arr. Gerald Near
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
Standing THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness. Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.
Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons, making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.
We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.
To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. | Amen.
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
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, through the ages you have called from among your people those who will carry out the ministry of word and service in the church. Let your blessing rest now on all who and answer that call. Grant that Allison, now to be ordained to this ministry, may carry out the ministry of word and service faithfully in the power of your spirit. Give her understanding of the gospel, sincerity of purpose, diligence in ministry, and the beauty of life in Christ, that many people will be served and your name be glorified; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.
Seated
THE FIRST READING Ruth 1:1-19a
Sue Tyler, Lector
In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had considered his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in- law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back each of you to your mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The LORD grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband." Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. They said to her, "No, we will return with you to your people." But Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the LORD has turned against me." Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.
So she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law." But Ruth said, "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge, your people shall be my people, and your God my God.
Where you die, I will die — there will I be buried.
May the LORD do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!" When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.
So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
THE SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
Matteus Lizdas, Lector
If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing GOSPEL PROCESSIONAL
Before the Gospel: Stanza 1
After the Gospel: Stanza 4
HYMN 864 Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
John 15:1-8
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.
The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON
The Rev. David Helfrich
Standing HYMN 574
Here I Am, Lord
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
THE RIGHT OF ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION
Seated PRESENTATION
I present for ordination to the ministry of word and service Allison Jean Lizdas who has been prepared, examined, and approved for this ministry and who has been called by the church to this ministry through Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. | Thanks be to God.
ADDRESS
All baptized Christians are called to share in Christ’s ministry of love and service in the world, to the glory of God and for the sake of the human family and the whole creation. You have been called as a minister of word and service to give leadership in the church’s mission to proclaim the gospel through word and deed. You are now to be entrusted with the ministry of word and service in the one holy catholic church by the laying on of hands and by prayer.
A reading from Luke: Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19) – Rev. Jamie Witt
A reading from First Corinthians: There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) – Rev. Jonathan Trapp
A reading from Second Corinthians: The love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:14-17) – Dn. Mary Houck
QUESTIONING
Before almighty God, to whom you must give account, and in the presence of this assembly, I ask: Will you accept this ministry, believing that the church’s call is God’s call to the ministry of word and service?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
The church in which you are to be ordained confesses that the holy scriptures are the word of God and are the norm of its faith and life. We accept, teach, and confess the Apostles’, the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds.
We also acknowledge the Lutheran confessions as true witnesses and faithful expositions of the holy scriptures.
Will you therefore carry out your ministry in accordance with the holy scriptures and these creeds and confessions?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
Will you be diligent in your study of the holy scriptures and faithful in your use of the means of grace?
Will you pray for God’s people, encourage and support them as they worship and grow in faith, and lead them by your own example in faithful service and holy living?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
Will you give faithful witness in the world through word and deed, that God’s love may be known in all that you do?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, graciously give you the strength and compassion to perform them. | Amen.
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Each portion of the prayers concludes: God of mercy, | hear our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
With the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, let us pray for the church, those in need, and all of God’s creation.
9
For the holy catholic church, that, filled with your love, it may hunger for truth and thirst after righteousness: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
For all members of the church, that they may serve you in true and godly lives: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
For Allison, called to the ministry of word and service in the church, that, sustained by your Holy Spirit, she may carry out this ministry with joy and a spirit of bold trust, serve your people, build up your church, and glorify your name: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
For all ministers of word and sacrament; for all ministers of word and service; for Elizabeth and Kevin, our bishops; that, together with all those responsible for the care and nurture of your people, they may support one another in serving Christ: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
For the peace of the church, that our divisions may be overcome, so that, united in Christ, we may serve the world and bear witness to the good news: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
For the mission of the church, that in faithful witness it may proclaim the gospel and in humble love serve all in need: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
For the nations of the world and their leaders, that they may work for justice and promote the dignity and freedom of every person: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
For the whole creation, that everything you have made may fulfill your purpose and that we may exercise care for your diverse gifts: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, the lonely, the forgotten, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
For the glorious company of all the saints, those who have died in faith and those who live in certain hope, we praise you. That their witness may give us courage until the day of Jesus Christ: God of mercy, hear our prayer.
Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Standing HYMN 577
Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who proclaimed your gracious reign in words and in deeds of service to the poor and the suffering; who humbled himself, taking on the form of a servant; and who showed us that the one wishing to be great must be servant of all. We praise you for the many ministries in your church, and especially this day for calling people to the ministry of word and service: to proclaim your life-giving word in faithful and diverse ways, to equip all the people of God for their work of ministry, and to serve a world in need.
The presiding minister lays both hands on the head of the candidate. All ministers are invited to participate.
Eternal God, through your Son, Jesus Christ, pour out your Holy Spirit upon Allison and fill Allison with the gifts of grace for the ministry of word and service. Send your power and blessing, that Allison may carry out this ministry with faithfulness and perseverance. Let your servant’s life and teaching so reflect your grace that many may come to know you and love you through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.
Seated
GIVING OF A STOLE
Given by Dan Lizdas
Receive this stole as a sign of your work, and live in obedience to the Lord Jesus, serving his people and remembering his promise: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
CHARGE
Hear the words of the apostles: Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called. (1 Timothy 6:11-12) Rev. Justin Eller
RITE OF INSTALLATION
Seated PRESENTATION
Having been authorized by the church to install Deacon Allison, our co-worker in the gospel, as the Director of Congregational Care. I now ask for certification of this call.
Jeff Guthrie, Council President
After prayerful deliberation, we, of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer have called Allison Jean Lizdas to serve as a minister of word and service in the position of Director of Congregational Care.
I present Allison Jean Lizdas and this letter certifying the call.
ADDRESS AND QUESTIONS
Our Lord, who came among us as a servant, calls us to faith and a life of loving service to our neighbor. You come among us as one called and set apart for the ministry of word and service, a gift from God to inspire us to love and service to Christ.
Allison, in the presence of this assembly will you commit yourself to this new trust and responsibility, in the confidence that it comes from God through the call of the church? I will, and I ask God to help me.
Will you carry out this ministry in accordance with the holy scriptures and with the confessions of the Lutheran church and in harmony with the constitutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
Will you be diligent in your study of the holy scriptures and faithful in your use of the means of grace?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
Trusting in God’s care, will you witness to Jesus Christ in word and deed, pray for God’s people, seek to grow in love for those you serve, strive for excellence in your skills, and adorn the gospel of Jesus Christ with a godly life? I will, and I ask God to help me.
Will you give faithful witness in the world, that God’s love may be known in all that you do? I will, and I ask God to help me.
Almighty God, who has given you the will to do these things, graciously give you the strength and compassion to perform them. | Amen.
Standing
People of God, will you receive Allison into this ministry as one called and sent to serve all people in Christ’s name? We will, and we ask God to help us.
Will you pray for Allison?
Will you help and honor Allison in carrying out this ministry? In all things, will you strive to live together in the peace and unity of Christ? We will, and we ask God to help us.
Allison, the ministry of Director of Congregational Care is now committed to you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen.
PRAYER
Let us pray. Gracious God, as you have called workers to varied tasks in the world and in your church, so you have called Allison to this ministry. Grant to your servant joy and a spirit of bold trust, that this work may stir up each of us to a life of fruitful service; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.
BLESSING
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do God’s will, working in you that which is pleasing in God’s sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. | Amen.
People of God, I present to you Deacon Allison your Director of Congregational Care. Let us welcome Allison in the name of Christ.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you.
MEAL
Seated
GATHERING OF GIFTS
Lutheran Community Food Ministry
ANTHEM
We Are All One in Mission setting by Joel Martinson
Standing OFFERTORY HYMN 181 Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray, God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you, and you open your hand in blessing. Fill us with good things at your table, that we may come to the help of all in need, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer and Lord. | Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
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
O God most mighty, O God most merciful, O God our rock and our salvation, hear us as we praise, call us to your table, grant us your life.
When the earth was a formless void,
you formed order and beauty. When Abraham and Sarah were barren, you sent them a child; When the Israelites were enslaved, you led them to freedom. Ruth faced starvation, David fought Goliath, and the psalmists cried out for healing, and full of compassion, you granted the people your life.
You entered our sorrows in Jesus our brother. He was born among the poor, he lived under oppression, he wept over the city. With infinite love, he granted the people your life.
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 his death, we cry out Amen. Celebrating his resurrection, we shout Amen. Trusting his presence in every time and place, we plead Amen.
O God, you are Breath: send your Spirit on this meal.
O God, you are Bread: feed us with yourself.
O God, you are Wine: warm our hearts and make us one.
O God, you are Fire: transform us with hope.
O God most majestic, O God most motherly, O God our strength and our song, you show us a vision of a tree of life with fruits for all and leaves that heal the nations.
Grant us such life, the life of the Father to the Son, the life of the Spirit of our risen Savior, life in you, now and forever. Amen.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray…
LORD’S PRAYER
Standing
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
| Amen
HYMN 207
Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise
Let us pray. | We thank you, almighty and gracious God, that you have fed us with heavenly food, the body and blood of your Son, uniting us through him in the communion of the Holy Spirit. As you have again raised up among us faithful servants for the ministry of word and service, grant that we, with Allison may joyfully serve you all our days and finally rejoice in your glory; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
May God bless you with discomfort, at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears, to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor. In the name of the Triune God, | Amen.
HYMN 733
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
SENDING
Go in peace. Serve the Lord. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Trumpet Tune in D David N. Johnson
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #21979.
Please join us for a reception in Deacon Allison’s honor in the Sims Atrium following service.
WORSHIP LEADERS
Officiants: The Rev. Dr. Kevin Strickland, Bishop Southeastern Synod; The Rev. David Helfrich, Interim Pastor Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta, GA; The Rev. Mark Larson, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer; The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Trapp, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer; Dn. Mary Houck, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer; The Rev. Justin Eller, Assistant to the Bishop for Care and Community; The Rev. Nancy Christensen, Retired; and The Rev. Ruth Hamilton, Retired
Congregational Representative: Jeff Guthrie, Council President Musicians: David Hansen, Director, Redeemer Choir and Sarah Hawbecker, Organist
Crucifer:
Communion Assistants:
Bible:
Banner: