Sat Aug 14, 2021 - Memorial Service for Pastor Robert Sims - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta

A Celebration of Resurrection The Rev. Dr. Robert F. Sims Memorial Service

August 14, 2021, 11:00 AM

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER Atlanta, Georgia

IN CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF The Rev. Dr. Robert F. Sims Even at the age of seventeen Robert F. “Butch” Sims knew his intended path. In response to an English assignment to write your own obituary, he wrote, “The Reverend Dr. Robert Frederick Sims died today.” On August 4, 2021, those prophetic words became reality.

Son of the late Joe L. and Hester Moser Sims, Bob was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on November 6, 1936, grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina, and graduated from LenoirRhyne College in 1958, where he was a pitcher for the baseball team.

At Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, where he graduated in 1961, Bob was honored as Scholar of New Testament Excellence. Ordination followed in June. He began his parish ministry in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina, where, in 1978, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree.

In his early years of ministry Pastor Sims was voted Young Man of the Year for his work in human relations averting racial strife in Shelby, NC. Newberry College awarded Bob an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1991. His service to the church continued at Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, Georgia from which he retired as Pastor Emeritus in 2006. Upon his retirement Redeemer honored him by naming their fellowship space Sims Atrium. For the next several years, Pastor Sims served parishes as Interim pastor. Along with several of his friends, he launched 100 People of Faith with the goal of interfaith cooperation.

His dear friend Richard Mueller marked Bob’s 80th Birthday with the creation of The Sims Cottage on the campus of Goshen Valley Boys Ranch in Waleska, Georgia, ministering to foster youth.

From sports to drama to the written word, Bob shared his enthusiasm for life. He authored two books, one of which compiled many of his sermons, for which he was well known and widely admired. His column “Here I Stand,” was a fixture in the weekly Shelby, NC newspaper. His passion for the competitive sports of basketball, tennis, and golf continued into his retirement.

Bob was a life-long advocate for social ministry causes benefitting his communities’ most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents, including youth, elderly, and the homeless. His ability to engage effectively and respectfully with people from all walks of life to achieve goals changed dreams into reality. He was an extraordinary preacher and teacher of the word of God. His relatable personal stories and sense of humor provided hope to many. He was a pioneer in using broadcast media to spread the word, including the first televised Lutheran Christmas Eve Service in Columbia, SC, and the regular broadcasting of Redeemer’s services in Atlanta, GA. He had a joyful heart and a calming spirit, walking thousands of people over five decades of ministry through the best and worst times of their lives.

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Bob was devoted to his family and was a blessing and inspiration to each of them. He took great pride in the legacy his parents began when they formed The Sims Foundation. This fourth-generation family-led foundation funds many philanthropic needs, both locally and globally.

Pastor Sims is survived by his wife, Suzanne; sister, Eleanor Sims Andrews, Salisbury, NC; sister-in-law, Barbara Sims, Salisbury, NC; daughters, Cammie Sims Tomsic (Randy), Wilmington, NC and Scottie Sims Dye, Columbia, SC; and son, Christian Sims, Columbia, SC; stepdaughters, Nikki Chunn (Kevin), Suwanee, GA; Deana Palmieri, Greenville, SC and Laney Palmieri, Powell, TN; 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Joseph Ivan Sims.

Memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, or The Sims Foundation, 1475 Corriher Springs Rd., China Grove, NC 28023.

PRELUDE GATHERING Welcome in the name of Jesus the Savior, who died and was raised to new life by the grace of God. We are gathered here to worship, to remember before God our brother Bob, to give thanks for his life, to commend him to our merciful redeemer, and to comfort one another in our grief.

Standing THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM When we were baptized in Christ Jesus, we were baptized into his death. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Eternal God, maker of heaven and earth, who formed us from the dust of the earth, who by your breath gave us life, we glorify you. | We glorify you.

Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who suffered death for all humanity, who rose from the grave to open the way to eternal life, we praise you. | We praise you.

Holy Spirit, author and giver of life, the comforter of all who sorrow, our sure confidence and everlasting hope, we worship you. | We worship you.

To you, O blessed Trinity, be glory and honor, forever and ever. | Amen.

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HYMN 504

A Mighty Fortress is Our God* *Or as Pastor Sims named it, The Lutheran Fight Song

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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.

PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. O God of grace and glory, we remember before you today our brother Bob. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Illumine our lives, so we may see in death the gate to eternal life, that we may continue our course on earth in confidence until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before us; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen.

Seated PERSONAL GREETINGS AND REMEMBRANCES The Rev. Kevin Strickland Bishop of the Southeastern Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Mr. Richard Mueller Member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, long-time friend Mr. Paul Rosser Member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, long-time friend The Rev. David Smedley Senior Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, Ellijay, GA, former Associate Pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer WORD

FIRST READING - Isaiah 40:27-31 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’?

Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint, 5

The Rev. Jenny McLellan Associate Pastor for Congregational Care

and strengthens the powerless.

Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Word of God, Word of Life | Thanks be to God Read responsively PSALM 23

The Rev. Ronald S. Bonner Associate Pastor for Community Engagement

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

SECOND READING - 2 Timothy 4:1-8

The Rev Jonathan Trapp Associate Pastor for Faith Formation

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and 6

wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Word of God, Word of Life | Thanks be to God MUSIC

Let All Things Now Living Jonathan Fuller, Cello Josie Durdin, Violin

Duane Funderburk

Standing GOSPEL - John 1:1-5; 14-18 The Holy Gospel according to St. John, the first chapter | Glory to you, O Lord In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

The Gospel of the Lord | Praise to you, O Christ Seated SERMON

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The Rev. Mark H. Larson Senior Pastor

Standing HYMN 618

Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer* *Or as Pastor Sims named it, Redeemer's Alma Mater

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

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Almighty God, in holy baptism you have knit your chosen people together into one communion of saints in the body of Christ. Give to your whole church in heaven and on earth your light and your peace.

God of mercy | hear our prayer.

Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection may die to sin and rise to share the new life in Christ.

God of mercy | hear our prayer.

Give courage and faith to all who mourn, and a sure and certain hope in your loving care, that, casting all their sorrow on you, they may have strength for the days ahead.

God of mercy | hear our prayer.

Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that, where this world groans in grief and pain, your Holy Spirit may lead us to bear witness to your light and life.

God of mercy | hear our prayer.

Help us, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting.

God of mercy | hear our prayer.

God of all grace, we give you thanks because by his death our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed the power of death and by his resurrection he opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

Make us certain that because he lives we shall live also, and that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, will be able to separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.

Standing PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you.

Seated ANTHEM

Lord, In All Love The Redeemer Choir

Arranged by John Ferguson

Lord, in all love, my heart sincere | Begs you, most kind and good keep near | me with your joyful blessings. | I neither care for earth nor sky, | If you are mine and stay close by | the world’s not worth possessing. | When my heart breaks, worn thin with grief, | You shall be there, my sure relief, | My comfort and my future good, | who have redeemed me 9

with your blood. | Lord Jesus Christ, my Lord and God deliver me, | From sin and shame forever free.

Lord Jesus Christ, my Lord and God! When I face death | Be there to soothe my anxious breath!

Then send your angels where I lie: | To raise me up and I'll defy Death and the grave, in God's name! | Take me to live in joy with you, | My soul and body bright and new, my face no longer tear-stained! | I have been saved, the sacrifice | Of Jesus opened paradise, | I do believe through Jesus' blood | I shall know love, I shall see God. | Lord Jesus Christ!

With all the saints in earth and heaven, | I'll praise your name: Amen! Amen!

Martin Schalling Translation by Madeleine Marshall Standing OFFERTORY PRAYER Jesus, Bread of life, you have set this table with your very self, and called us to the feast of plenty. Gather what has been sown among us, and strengthen us in this meal. Make us to be what we receive here, your body for the life of the world. | Amen.

GREAT THANKSGIVING

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy... join their unending hymn:

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You are holy, O God of majesty, and holy is your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

He lived as one of us, and knew our joy, our pain and sorrow, and our death.

By his death on the cross you revealed that your love has no limit.

By raising him from death you conquered the last enemy, crushed all evil powers, and gave new life to the world.

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 your gracious acts in Jesus Christ, we take from your creation this bread and wine and joyfully celebrate his death and resurrection, as we await the day of his coming.

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Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, and upon these gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.

By your Spirit unite us with the living Christ and with all who are baptized in his name.

Remember our brother Bob, whose baptism is now complete in death.

Bring him into your eternal joy and light, together with all who have died in the peace of Christ; through whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty God, now and forever. | Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us...

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 Seated COMMUNION

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HYMN

Come, O God, our Heavenly Father The text of this hymn was written by Pastor Robert F. Sims for Redeemer’s centennial anniversary in 2003.

Come, O God, our heavenly Father, fill our hearts with love and peace.

You have made us in your image, you have called us to your feast.

In your mighty arms you hold us, in your tender care we rest.

As we seek to share your story, make us strong to face the test.

Come, Thou Christ, our gracious Savior, our redemption let us see.

Draw us near by your good pleasure, from our sins, O set us free.

You have saved us for your glory.

You have freed us from our chains.

Come, Thou Christ, our great Redeemer, in your grace we shall remain.

Holy Spirit, by your power you have led us through the years.

You have helped us in this hour.

You have freed us from our fears.

You have called us as your servants.

You have blessed us on our way.

Hear our song of joy and gladness, hear our hymn of prayer and praise.

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NETTLETON

HYMN 787

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On Eagle’s Wings

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

Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love you have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet.

Grant that this sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction 15

and a pledge of our inheritance of life eternal where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen.

SENDING COMMENDATION Let us commend Bob to the mercy of God, our maker and redeemer.

Silence is kept.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Bob Sims.

Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. | Amen.

BLESSING Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. | Amen HYMN

Peace I Leave With You This song was composed by Rich Jones for the Redeemer Jazz Service.

Let us go forth in peace. | In the name of Christ. Amen.

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POSTLUDE The committal in the Redeemer Columbarium and a reception in the Sims Atrium follow the service.

Those who are worshiping online are invited to a Zoom gathering for sharing and Holy Communion. Link OFFICIANTS Presiding Minister The Rev. Kevin Strickland Bishop of the Southeastern Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Assisting Ministers The Rev. Jenny McLellan Associate Pastor for Congregational Care

The Rev. Ronald S. Bonner Preaching Pastor The Rev Mark H. Larson Senior Pastor Lutheran Church of the Redeemer

Associate Pastor for Community Engagement

The Rev. Jonathan Trapp Associate Pastor for Faith Formation

The Rev. David Smedley Senior Pastor, Hope Lutheran Church, Ellijay, GA

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS Organist | Sarah Hawbecker Cello | Jonathan Fuller Violin | Josie Durdin Vocalist | William Bolick Crucifer | Tanner Chunn, grandson Acolyte | Cooper Chunn, grandson

The Redeemer Choir Director | David Hansen Redeemer Jazz Trio Keyboard | Eric Hassel Drums | Jerry Fields Saxophone | Brian Lopes

MEMORY BOOK Susan Cordell and Sally Rosser HOSPITALITY AND USHERS Members of the current church council of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer MEMORIALS in honor of Pastor Sims may be made to:  Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308,  Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, or  The Sims Foundation, 1475 Corriher Springs Rd., China Grove, NC 28023 17