Saturday update 1.17.26

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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.

MLK Day of Service

Start your new year by serving your Atlanta neighbors! On Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Redeemer's Community Engagement team is organizing a variety of service projects to honor Dr. King's legacy of compassionate action.

Opportunities include helping residents at Lutheran Towers with apartment needs, supporting repairs and landscaping at Grace House at Georgia Tech, writing encouragement cards for the women at Wellspring Living, and beautifying our neighborhood through trash pickup around Redeemer and along Peachtree Street. Family-friendly options will be available for all ages.

Lunch will be provided at Redeemer following the morning of service. Here is the signup form https://forms.gle/BkaKSoRqhVkhEnuEA

SUNDAY

Link to: Submit prayer requests

Livestream

Zoom Communion following postlude

Join us for Worship this Sunday | 9:00 am & 11:00 am

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Pastor Mark H. Larson, preaching

The theme of the Day

Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.

Faith Formation

Join us for a study of Charles Murray’s 2025 book, ”Taking Religion Seriously”. This is Murray’s autobiographical account of the decades-long evolution in his stance toward the idea of God in general and Christianity in particular He argues that religion is something that can be approached as an intellectual exercise. His account moves from the improbable physics of the Big Bang to recent discoveries about the nature of consciousness, from evolutionary psychology to hypotheses about a universal Moral Law. His exploration of Christianity delves into the authorship of the Gospels, the reliability of Biblical texts, and the scholarship surrounding the resurrection story. ”Maybe God needs a way to reach over-educated agnostics and that’s what I stumbled into, ” Murray writes. ”It’s a more arid process than divine revelation but it has been rewarding. And, if you’re like me, it’s the only game in town” ALL ARE INVITED.

Adult Sunday School Class with Pastor Ron Bonner!

Join Pastor Ron on January 25 from 10am-11am in the Reception Room for a discussion on his new book “Making it Plain.” The kindle version of the book is currently on sale for $0.99 here and is listed as the #1 best seller in Sociology of Race Relations.

Sundays 10 am | Room 119 | Be Still and Journey, Open to anyone interested

Led by Pat Cornwell

Mondays at 1:30 pm | Reception Room | The Seekers Bible Study led by Bill Pegram

Next Class Jan 26 We continue digging deep into the Gospel of Matthew

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!

Tuesdays 5 pm | Zoom

Join us on Zoom at 5pm for fellowship and learning as we start a new book, The Intermediaries: A Weimar Story Set in interwar Germany, The Intermediaries tells the forgotten story of the Institute for Sexual Science, the world’s first center for homosexual and transgender rights. Headed by a gay Jewish man, Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, the institute aided in the first gender-affirming surgeries and hormone treatments, acting as a rebellious base of operations in the face of rising prejudice, nationalism, and Nazi propaganda.

The Intermediaries charts the relationships between nascent sexual science, queer civil rights, and the fight against fascism. It tells riveting stories of LGBTQ pioneers―a surprising, long-suppressed history―and offers a perspective into the plight of trans people as we think about our society As always, reading is encouraged but not required! If you have any questions, please reach out to Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org

Calling all women in their 30’s & beyond. Is your kiddo in Sunday School and you’re looking for something to do? Come join us for a Women’s Bible Study the first Sunday of the month during the Sunday school hour Questions-see Robin Maier (Robin.maier@gmail.com) or Laura Hansen (Hansen.laura.m@gmail.com ).

Children and Family

Rejoicing Spirits Spring Schedule

What better way to kick off the new year than with your Rejoicing Spirits friends! Mark your calendar for January 25, February 22, March 22, and April 19.

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!).

Pool Party at GA Tech

The Redeemer CFM families are making a splash at the GA tech pool again this year. February 1st from 1:30-3:30 we will enjoy fellowship together at the pool and remember our baptisms! No RSVP required. Friends and neighbors welcome.

Summer Service Trip: We are planning to do our summer service trip with Appalachian Service Project the week of July 12. See the link in the e-newsletter to let us know if you will be coming. For adults, we will be needing extra chaperones this year because of the type of work involved, so also please let Pepper know you would like to join us!

Children's Music

If you have felt left out because Wednesdays were impossible for your family’s participation, please join us in the new year! We are also expanding the age limit, allowing Kindergartners and 1st graders. Our ensembles are open to all, with no experience required. Joining voices in fellowship and praise, you will make friends and memories while serving God, our congregation and community Sunday mornings, beginning January 11:

· J.O.Y. Choir, grades 6-12. 9:00-9:45 Seraphim Choir, grades K-5. 9:00-10:00

Please contact Sarah at shawbecker@redeemer.org with questions or for more information.

Wednesdays at Redeemer

Wednesday Night Dinner begins at 5:00 pm and concludes at 6:30 PM.

This week’s meal will be provided by the Lutheran Community Food Ministry, allowing us to offer a free (or smalldonation) nutritious dinner to anyone who wishes to join us.

Lately, donations have slowed, and many of our neighbors—including residents of Lutheran Towers—are unable to contribute.

If you’re able, would you consider giving a little extra to help cover the cost for those who can’t? Your generosity makes it possible for everyone to share in this meal.

4:00 PM Early Birds Bible Study | Reception Room/Zoom | Study on 1 and 2 Chronicles

5:00 PM Dinner | Sims Atrium 6:00 PM Pastor's 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’S MUSIC has moved!

Beginning this Sunday, January 11, the Seraphim Choir has moved to Sunday mornings. If you have felt left out because Wednesdays were impossible for your family’s participation, please join us in the new year! We are also expanding the age limit, allowing Kindergartners and 1st graders. Our ensembles are open to all, with no experience required. Joining voices in fellowship and praise, you will make friends and memories while serving God, our congregation and community Sunday mornings, beginning January 11:

· J.O.Y. Choir, grades 6-12. 9:00-9:45

· Seraphim Choir, grades K-5. 9:00-10:00 Link for registration. Please contact Sarah at shawbecker@redeemer.org with questions or for more information.

Community

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness about how to identify warning signs, support survivor recovery, and strengthen community resilience to prevent exploitation. This national emphasis began in 2010. In 2011, Redeemer formed Redeeming Grace to create awareness, serve as advocates, and play a role in the restoration of the lives of the children (ages 12 to 17) in the Girls Residential Program of Wellspring Living. Please see the display in Sims Atrium on January 11, 18 and 25 and learn about Redeemer’s involvement. The most recent involvement is the donation of over $2,800 in gift cards for the Wellspring Living girls for use in 2026! Northside Circle has also donated birthday and gift cards for each Wellspring Living girl for this year! Friday, January 30, 7:30 PM

The Redeemer Concert Series and the Atlanta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists present Nathaniel Gumbs in a free concert as we celebrate Redeemer’s 73-rank Létourneau pipe organ. Dr. Gumbs serves as Director of Music at The Riverside Church in New York City and maintains a vibrant performing career, appearing at many distinguished venues in the U.S.A. and abroad. Consistently gathering new followers, Dr. Gumbs presents his concert programs with energy and always makes a compelling connection with his audiences through his own vitality and music that inspires. The Friends of Music will host a reception in Sims Atrium following the concert.

Hope is Here!

2026 Lenten Small Groups

We are seeking leaders for our Lenten Small Group Book Discussion. This year we will be discussing Hope is Here! Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community by Cander emeritus professor Luther E. Smith Jr. Focusing on five spiritual practices, Smith promises that hope provide the inner resources needed to live the fulfilling life that God dreams for us. If you are interested in leading a small group, please contact Pastor Mark at mlarson@redeemer.org Small group sign ups will begin Feb. 1 and meetings will begin the week of Ash

Wednesday

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunity

This Lent, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer will be participating in the 2025 Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Lenten Build, and we need YOUR help! This year, we will be working alongside Jasmine and several other Atlanta area churches to build a new home. By partnering with Atlanta Habitat, we become a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization, building quality, affordable homes while creating lasting opportunities for families to thrive far beyond the build.

Join Us!

Over the course of 7 Saturdays, starting February 7th, we will come together to build a home for Jasmine and her family. We encourage all members of our congregation 16 and older to volunteer, no matter your skill level! It’s an incredible opportunity to serve our community, help a family, and live out our faith in action.

Questions?

Contact David Barnes (David.R.Barnes@gmail.com) or Dana Norden (DNorden3@gmail.com)

To Volunteer:

● Dates: Saturdays, February 7th through March 28th from 7:30am – 3:30pm

● No experience required — just a willing heart and hands ready to serve!

Let’s come together and make a meaningful difference in Jasmine’s life and the lives of others. Sign up in the Sims atrium beginning January 5. Registration closes 1 week prior to each build date and each volunteer must register themselves through our registration link.

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