Fifth Sunday in Lent – April 6, 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, 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
Standing HYMN 685
Take My Life, That I May Be
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. | Amen.
Let us return to God, confessing our sin in the assurance of God’s abiding love.
Kneeling or seated
Compassionate One, you are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, but our lives do not always reflect you and your love for the world. We do not show others the tender compassion you have shown to us. We do not welcome others with the radical hospitality you grant to all people. We oppress others, even though you have set us free again and again. We squander the abundant gifts of the earth. Transform our lives and guide us again in the way of the cross. Amen.
Beloved in Christ, God’s arms are always stretched open wide to welcome the wandering ones home. In ☩ Christ your sins are forgiven. You have a place in God’s house forever. | Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Creator God, you prepare a new way in the wilderness, and your grace waters our desert. Open our hearts to be transformed by the new thing you are doing, that our lives may
proclaim the extravagance of your love given to all through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 12:1-8
Judas willfully misinterprets as waste Mary’s extravagant act of anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume. Jesus recognizes that her lavish gift is both an expression of love and an anticipation of his burial.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson
Standing HYMN 802
Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF
INTERCESSION
Each portion of the prayers concludes: God, in your mercy, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
Led by the Spirit, let us turn to God in prayer for the church, the world, and all those in need.
A brief silence.
The church declares your praise, O God. Guide us in the example of Isaiah’s imagination, Paul’s transformed identity, and Mary’s faith and devotion; that our lives, too, may be poured out in love as we trust in your promises. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
The earth declares your praise, O God. Make a way for the planet’s future in the sea and the wilderness, the mountains and plains, the tundra and wetlands. Repair habitats and sustainable ecosystems on, above, and beneath the ground. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
The nations declare your praise, O God. Where religious differences divide, bring together those who worship you in the name of Jesus Christ and those who call to you with different names. Guide interreligious dialogue, that faith may unite rather than divide communities. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
The people declare your praise, O God. Restore those whose hope has been dampened through a health diagnosis, job or home loss, divorce, or death. Bring healing to those in need (especially). May all who weep now sing songs of joy again. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
The gifts of the Spirit declare your praise, O God. We thank you for artists who proclaim the gospel (especially Albrecht Dürer, Matthias Grünewald, and Lucas Cranach). Inspire music, poetry, and images that proclaim the new thing you are doing. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
The communion of saints declares your praise, O God. Giving thanks for those who have died, we trust in the one who has made them his own: Christ Jesus, our crucified and risen Savior. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Receive the prayers of your people and draw all things together in your love, in the name of Jesus, who leads us from death to life. 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
Gracious Provider, you set your immense treasures among us, opening your heart to the world. As we prepare to feast on your bountiful love, deepen our commitment to sharing those treasures with others, through our Savior, Jesus Christ. | 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
O God, Creator of our wilderness world, O God, Savior of the lost, O God, Comforter of the sick and suffering, we give you thanks for your everlasting might; we glorify you for your covenant of mercy.
For forty days you cleansed the earth with the waters of the flood. For forty days you illumined Moses with the words of your law. For forty years you fed your people with manna from heaven.
You became truly human in Jesus our brother.
For forty days, with fasting and prayer, he renounced the power of the devil. On the night before he died he 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.
Transform us, O God, with your lively Spirit. Make this food into manna for our journey, the body and blood of your Son. Teach us your words of wisdom and justice. Renew the whole earth with baptismal grace. At the last, lead all your pilgrim people through our wilderness to your Easter garden.
To you, O God, Creator, Savior, Comforter, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be our worship and praise, adoration and thanksgiving, 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
All who are hungry, come! The feast of grace is spread.
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. | Generous Host, you have shared your feast with us and made us new. Send us now to set tables of love and grace in our communities, that your liberating love might nourish the world into freedom, in the name of the crucified one, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
SENDING
BLESSING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
God our tender parent, God the crucified one, God the reconciling Spirit, ☩ bless you now and forever. | Amen.
HYMN
Chorus
O victory in Jesus My Savior forever He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him He plunged me to victory
Beneath the cleansing flood
1. I heard an old old story How a Savior came from glory How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me I heard about His groaning Of His precious blood's atoning Then I repented of my sins And won the victory
I Heard an Old, Old Story
2. I heard about His healing Of His cleansing pow'r revealing How He made the lame to walk again And caused the blind to see And then I cried dear Jesus Come and heal my broken spirit And somehow Jesus came and brought To me the victory
3. I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory And I heard about the streets of gold
Beyond the crystal sea
About the angels singing And the old redemption story
And some sweet day I'll sing up there
The song of victory
CCLI Song # 1259 Eugene M. Bartlett© Words: 1939 Mrs. E.M. Bartlett. Renewed 1967 Albert E. Brumley And Sons (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC) Music: 1939 Mrs. E.M. Bartlett. Renewed 1967 Albert E. Brumley And Sons (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2888121
SENDING
Go in peace. Care for others as God cares for you. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for March 30: In person: 248, Online 193 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Sixth Sunday in Lent
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING | April 27, 2025
Meeting sessions to be held live following each Sunday worship service and also via Zoom at 10am The purpose of the meetings is to approve the following motion:
The congregation council recommends that, with prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer extend to the Deacon Allison Lizdas a call to serve as Director of Congregational Care according to terms specified in the Definition of Compensation, Benefits, and Responsibilities of the Deacon.
It’s time to pre-order Lilies in honor/memory of family or friends to visually enhance our Easter worship. In addition, professional brass quartet and timpani will be here so you are also encouraged to make donations to the special musician’s fund which will also be listed in the Easter bulletin in honor/memory of family or friends along with the flowers.
To order use an envelope that is available in the pew racks. Please drop envelopes at the Welcome desk in the Sims Atrium. All donations are due by Sunday, April 6.
Singers wanted for the Easter Vigil Choir! The Vigil of Easter is the culmination of the service of the Three Days, which begins on Maundy Thursday. This dramatic service, held at 7:00 pm on Saturday, April 19, is a journey from darkness to light, and is the first of our resurrection celebrations. All ages are welcome to sing in the Vigil Choir! The only rehearsal is at 5:30 preceding the 7:00 service. Please RSVP by contacting Sarah at shawbecker@redeemer.org.
Easter Service Greeters Needed!
As we “watch and pray” and await the glorious resurrection of our Lord, It’s time to assemble a greeting ambassador team to enthusiastically welcome our members and visitors on Easter Sunday at one of our four services (7:00, 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30).
We are looking for volunteers to supplement our current ambassador team. If you are interested in providing a friendly welcome at one of our entrances, and want to “RISE UP” to help us, please let John Garrigan, our very own, “Professor of Greetology” by emailing him at johnmgarrigan@gmail.com or you can call John at 404-840-7852. Many thanks for your consideration!
VBS - Volunteers Wanted!
For VBS 2025 we are ‘hitting the road’ together with Road Trip: On the Go with God! VBS will be June 2-6 from 9-12:30 each day. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen and grow your own faith as you nurture the faith of our kids. Ages 6th grade (completed) through adult are encouraged to apply. There are a variety of roles that fit all ages, abilities, time commitments, and personalities. We will work with you to find the best fit! Find more information about volunteering and register by scanning the code.
Supplies
Needed
The CFM team is gearing up for our annual Family Easter Vigil and Celebration! We need your help to provide treats for our Easter egg hunt and supplies for a special service project: providing Birthday party supplies to Inspiritus host homes for adults with disabilities. Please follow the code to see our Amazon list. Items will be sent directly to the church. Thank you for your generosity!
CHILDREN AND FAMILY
VBS Registration is Open!!
For VBS 2025 we are ‘hitting the road’ together with Road Trip: On the Go with God! VBS will be June 2-6 from 9-12:30 each day, with after care from 12:30-6 pm. All are welcome; invite a friend! Find more information and registration for participants by scanning the code.
Family Easter Vigil and Celebration
Saturday, April 19 from 10- 12:30 is our annual Easter festival for all ages including live animals, face painting, a family photo booth, and more! Then go with us on a journey from the somber atmosphere of Holy Week to the joy of Easter in an Easter Vigil service specially designed for families. After the service, we will head back outside for an egg hunt. In the case of inclement weather, we will move indoors. No RSVP is required; don’t forget to invite a friend!
Music and Arts Camp – “Sailing the High Seas” – June 9-13
Register now using the QR code. Rising kindergarteners through 6th graders will experience music, art, and drama all based on this year’s pirate theme! The camp is from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, with free before and after-care. Tuition for the week is $175 and includes all activities, snacks, and a T-shirt. Sibling discounts apply, and financial need-based scholarships are available. All are welcome, so tell your friends and neighbors. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Sarah Hawbecker at 404-874-8664, ext. 206 or shawbecker@redeemer.org.
FAITH FORMATION
Sunday, April 13 we are joined via Zoom by The Rev. Dr. Karoline M. Lewis, author of “Belonging” our Lenten study book. 10 AM | Rudisill Hall
Sundays, 10 am | Room 121 | through 4/27/25 | “Jesus for Everyone” - based on Amy-Jill Levine’s book. Led by Ed Scherlacher Learn of Jesus' historic and cultural influence makes him fascinating, provocative, and relevant for everyone, not only Christians.
Sundays, 10 am | Room 119 | Be Still and Journey, Open to anyone interested Led by Pat Cornwell
Sundays 10 am | Chapel | through May 25 \ Mindful Meditation Practices
Led by Pastor Dorothea Lotze
Mindfulness meditations are an ancient spiritual practice. In our time together, we will integrate the Christian contemplative practice of heart prayer with the mindfulness practices of deep breathing, body relaxation, loving kindness, self-compassion and compassion for others. Come and join our weekly practicing while strengthening our mental, emotional and spiritual health in difficult political and global times. The meditation practices will be in English.
Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark | Belonging Sundays | 10 am | Rudisill Hall/Zoom & Wednesdays | 6 pm | Rudisill Hall/Zoom
Mondays at 1:30 pm | Reception Room | The Seekers Bible Study led by Bill Pegram We continue digging deep into the Gospel of Matthew.
Tuesdays 5 pm | Zoom
Join Pr Jonathan for a discussion of Edwidge Danticat's book, 'Brother, I'm Dying', a story of Haitian refugees to the US told from the perspective of a woman who lived the experience as she worried about her family still in Haiti. If you have any questions, please email Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Led by David Ott & Don Noland | Tuesdays | 7 AM | Reception Room and Zoom
We are now studying the Gospel of John. 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!
The Tolkien group is starting a new adventure! On Thursday, April 3, we began the tale of Beren and Lúthien Buy your copy now! Join us as we appreciate themes of faith and courage in times of trouble and doubt. Contact Alisa Norvelle (anorvelle@mac.com) for more information, or just click the link on Redeemer’s calendar page. We are a welcoming group who can help new fans negotiate the sometimes weird and intimidating names in Tolkien's greater works. Also, you don’t have to pre-read the books we do that together. We have several non-Redeemer members, so spread the news your non-Redeemer Tolkien nerd friends!
YOUTH
Confirmation and High School Faith Formation
Confirmation and High School Faith Formation will not meet this Sunday, thanks to Spring Break in most counties. We will resume on April 13.
Summer High School Service Trip
High school youth - please join us! Our high school youth will have the opportunity to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina, July 13-18. Attendees will stay at Lutheridge and will participate in different disaster relief projects, in partnership with Lutheran Disaster
Response. Questions? Please contact Nate. Scholarships are available. Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/250565139755161.
Graduate Sunday
Graduate Sunday is May 11 and we look forward to honoring all of our graduates in both services. If you have a high school, college or grad school graduate this year, we would like to join you in celebrating them! Please send us:
• A picture of your graduate
• The school from which they are graduating and degree (if college or grad school)
• Their plans after graduation, such as the school they will attend or career plans
• A favorite Redeemer memory
Please send these items to Mindy Tanzola at mindytanzola@gmail.com no later than April 30, 2025.
COMMUNITY
Inspiritus Afghan Refugee Specific Need
Great news, the Afghan family we’ve been supporting has welcomed a baby girl, born just last week! As they continue to settle in, they are still in need of an electric washer and dryer. This would greatly assist them. If you’re able to contribute or know someone who can, it would be greatly appreciated by the family. Contact: Jeff Linman, jlinman320@gmail.com
Inspiritus – Refugee families still need your Help
You may have heard that some federal funding impacting nonprofits has been lifted. Unfortunately, the primary source of federal government to support refugee families invited to the US remains frozen. Refugee families still need your help. Now, more than ever, your support is essential in ensuring that newly arrived families have the resources they need to thrive: weinspirit.org/donate
Calendar for April 6 – April 12, 2025
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, April 6, 2025
Event Time Location Worship
J.O.Y. Choir
Be Still and Journey Pastors Lenten Study
Jesus for Everyone
9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM
Organ & Choir
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
In-person/ On-Line
Room 211
Room 119
Rudisill Hall Room 121
Monday, April 7
Seekers Bible Study
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, April 8
Morning Bible Study
Pr. Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, April 9
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Pastors Lenten Study
Evening worship
Friday, April 11
Hope thru Soap
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 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Wedding Rehearsal 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Saturday, April 12
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Reception Room Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium
Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Sanctuary
Lower Parking Lot Sanctuary
Wedding 5:00 PM Sanctuary
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE | In-Person and On-Line
APRIL 16 HEALING SERVICE | 7:00 PM
APRIL 17 MAUNDY THURSDAY | 12:00 Noon & 7:00 PM
APRIL 18 GOOD FRIDAY | 12:00 Noon Stations of the Cross & 7:00 PM Choral Tenebrae
APRIL 19 HOLY SATURDAY | 10:00 AM Family Easter Vigil & Celebration
Easter Vigil Worship | 7:00 PM
Easter CELEBRATION
APRIL 20 | Festival Worship | 7:00, 8:30 & 11:30 AM Choir, Organ and Brass
10:00 AM Jazz
Breakfast served 7:30 - 11:30 AM | Zittrouer Hall