Fourth Sunday after Epiphany – February 1, 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.
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 Give Thanks
Text and music © 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/ASCAP. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Word who spoke life into being, the Wind stirring the waters. | Amen. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Kneeling or Seated
Mighty God, lover of justice, | you call us to life in community, but we have served our own interests at the expense of our neighbors. We have sown deceit where honesty was needed. We say the right words, but our hearts are far from you. Turn us to seek your face. Knit us together and give us the mind of Christ, that we may do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.
The former things have passed away, and new things God now declares: Like a spring of water that never fails, God covers you in the righteousness of Christ, and forgives your sin
in ☩ Jesus’ name. May the Spirit give you strength to live for others, and bless you with the gift of peace. | Amen.
Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Holy God, you confound the world’s wisdom in giving your kingdom to the lowly and the pure in heart. Give us such a hunger and thirst for justice, and perseverance in striving for peace, that in our words and deeds the world may see the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.| Amen.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
THE READING
Micah 6:1-8
With the mountains and the foundations of the earth as the jury, God brings a lawsuit against Israel. God has “wearied” Israel with a long history of saving acts. God does not want or expect lavish sacrifices to attempt to earn divine favor. Rather God empowers the people to do justice, to love loyalty to God, and to walk shrewdly in God’s service.
1 Hear what the Lord says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice.
2 Hear, you mountains, the case of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth, for the Lord has a case against his people, and he will contend with Israel.
3 “O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me!
4 For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
5 O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”
6 “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God.
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount by naming those who are blessed in the reign of God.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he began to speak and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ
Seated
SERMON
Standing HYMN 726
Light Dawns on a Weary World
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Text © 2002, GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Music © 2000 William P. Rowan, admin. GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Each portion of the prayers concludes: Merciful God, | receive our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
As God’s beloved children united in Christ, let us pray for the church, the whole human community, and the well-being of the earth, our home. A brief silence.
God our wisdom, renew the church in the power of the Spirit, that it may do justice, love kindness, live humbly, and boldly proclaim Christ crucified. We pray for social justice and humanitarian aid ministries (faith-based organizations may be named). Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God our source, we honor you by caring wisely for your creation. We pray for the health of old growth forests, ice caps, and ocean currents. Preserve the diversity of life on earth. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God our righteousness, raise up visionary leaders who serve with integrity and respect human rights. Increase freedom in every nation. Protect educators, journalists, artists, and religious activists who are reviled for speaking truth. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God our advocate, you give hope to all who suffer because of persecution, poverty, or war. Reunite separated families and bring orphaned children to safety. Comfort any who grieve or suffer in any way (especially). Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God our blessing, we pray for the children and youth of this congregation, and for parents, grandparents, mentors, teachers, and youth ministers who model love for their neighbor and care for others. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God our joy, we give thanks for the lives of those before us who journeyed humbly with you. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Confident that the Holy Spirit receives our prayers and answers us, we commend all for whom we pray to God’s loving-kindness made known to us in Christ Jesus our Savior. 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 Quartet
Standing OFFERING PRAYER
God of majesty, no eye has seen, no ear has heard what you have prepared for those who love you, yet in this meal you reveal the wideness of your mercy. Use what we have gathered to feed us with the reign of God come near, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | 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 most mighty, O God most merciful, hear us as we praise, call us to your meal, grant us your life.
When the earth was formless and empty, you created order and beauty. When Abraham and Sarah were barren, you delivered 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 with all your people we implore you to save us, and we praise you for granting us life.
You came to our world in Jesus our brother. He was born among the poor, he lived under oppression, he wept over the city. Full of compassion, 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.
Come, Breath of creation, enliven our bones. Come, living Water, replenish the earth. Come, holy Fire, make us lights in the world. Like a tree rich with fruit, nourish us with your bounty. From your throne, teach us justice. In your arms, give us peace
Mighty God, mothering God, grant us your 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
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
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Come to the table; taste and see. 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. | Radiant God, we have seen your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. In the sacrament of his body and blood you have drawn us to your heart. Send us from this table with delight, that our lives may reflect the beauty of your love, and bear witness to all we have seen and heard, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
May the triune God, who has put a new song in your mouth and tuned your heart for praise ☩ bless you now and forever. | Amen.
HYMN 669
Rise Up, O Saint of God
SENDING
Go in peace. Do justice. Love mercy. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Quartet
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fifth Sunday after Epiphany LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER attendance: in person, online
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.
FAITH FORMATION
Sundays 10 am | Room 121 | Mysteries of Faith
Please join us this Sunday, February 1, as we commence study of the book ”The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage”, the latest (2025) book authored by globally recognized Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher, Richard Rohr, whose work bears witness to the deep wisdom of Christian mysticism. The book addresses several questions: How do we live compassionately in a time of violence and despair? What can we do with our private disappointments and the anger we feel in such an unjust world? Rohr turns to the writings of the Jewish prophets, revealing how some of the lesser read books of the Bible offer us a crucial path forward today.
No book purchase is required. We warmly welcome ALL members and guests of Redeemer to this important study.
Sundays 10 am | Room 119 | Be Still and Journey
Led by Pat Cornwell
Podcast Series: The Way of Love is a Way of Life: it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It's a commitment to follow Jesus ways to grow spiritually deepening our love of God and neighbor. Bishop Budde shares how we can come to know to receive Jesus more deeply in practicing the Way of Love. Through the seven practices that have been put before us: to turn, to learn, to pray and to worship, to bless, to go, and to rest, she will share biblical stories, wisdom from the Christian tradition, and her own personal stories of spiritual growth.
Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the bishop and spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Pat Cornwell, Facilitator Contact information: jpcorn90@gmail.com
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 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
Led by Pastor Jonathan
Join us for fellowship and learning as we start a new book, The Intermediaries: A Weimar Story on January 6th. 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 genderaffirming 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, longsuppressed 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.
Wednesdays 6 pm | Pastors 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 & FAMILY
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.
YOUTH
Summer Service Trip: We’ll have some folks from Appalachia Service Project, our partner for this summer’s service trip coming to visit us Feb. 8! We’ll meet after the 11:00 service in the Reception Room. We’re working to make sure we’ll have Zoom available as well. RSVP to Pepper so we know how many box lunches to order!
Second Sunday at the High on Feb. 8th: Visit to the High Museum after the summer service project Q & A. Take in some art on your Super Bowl Sunday. We’ll be back at 3:00 so you’ll still have plenty of time for grillin’ and chillin’ before the game! RSVP to Pepper so we can easily manage carpool logistics!
HS Lock-in RESCHEDULED for March 7-8! All the fun we had planned for last weekend but none of the freezing.
All-Georgia registrations are due by the end of next week (2/6), so let Pepper know if you’re planning on coming ASAP!
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
Scan the QR code for registration. Please contact Sarah at shawbecker@redeemer.org with questions or for more information.
COMMUNITY
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 church atrium beginning January 5 or use the QR code below. Registration closes 1 week prior to each build date and each volunteer must register themselves through our registration link.https://vhub.at/redeemer
The Hope thru Soap mobile outreach program aims to make someone’s day better than the day before by meeting the immediate needs of those living unsheltered. On Saturday, February 7th, 2026 Redeemer will be hosting Hope Thru Soap from 11:00 AM –1:00 PM in the 4th Street Parking Lot. The Community Engagement Committee is seeking volunteers to help with this event. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Don Cornwell, Don.Cornwell@Emory.Edu
Protect Yourself and Those You Love Against Scams
Keystone is hosting a scam prevention workshop on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10am in Rudisill Hall. The North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force will educate us on how to identify and verify scam tactics. All are welcome to attend but we are requesting you register to attend. You can register via this link or by using the QR code. Reach out to Deacon Allison with questions.
Sunday Funday Save the Date!
Our next Sunday Funday will be Spring Fling on the Green! Join us for picnic food, music, and games right after the 11am service on April 19, 2026. More details will be available soon!
Labyrinth Available Ash Wednesday
Our labyrinth will be available on Ash Wednesday in Rudisill Hall as a quiet space for reflection and prayer. All are invited to walk the labyrinth at their own pace as part of this Lenten beginning.
Calendar for February 1 – February 7, 2026
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Event Time Location
Worship
Seraphim Rehearsal
J.O.Y. Choir
Redeemer Choir Rehearsal
High School Faith Formation
Children’s Sunday School Confirmation
Mysteries of Faith Be Still and Journey
HS & Beyond Parents
Pool Party
Monday, February 2
The Seekers
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, February 3
Morning Bible Study
Pr Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, February 4
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner Pastors Class
Worship
Redeemer Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, February 5
Lectionary Study
9:00 AM Jazz & 11:00 AM
9:00 AM – 10 AM
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
1:30 PM -3:30 PM
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 – 8:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Tolkien Group 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday, February 6
In-person/ On-Line
Room 204
Room 211 Hinely Music Hall
Youth Lounge
Various Rooms
Room 107
Room 121
Room 119
Room 103 GA Tech
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Reception Room Zoom
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Sanctuary Hinely Music Hall
Zoom Zoom
Fifth Grade Lock In 6:00 PM -
Saturday, February 7
Hope thru Soap 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 4th Street Lot
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
Pepper Humpherys.............................................................................. Youth Director, ext. 230
Deacon Allison Lizdas ............................................ Director of Congregational Care, ext. 203
Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security