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Seventh Sunday after Epiphany – February 23, 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 Rainey Lindsey, vocalist

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Standing HYMN 608

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, our creator, our protector, our wellspring of life. | Amen.

Trusting that God receives our words and the meditations of our hearts, let us confess our sin.

Kneeling or seated

Merciful God, you speak blessing and compassion into the world. Forgive us for the ways we act with judgment, cruelty, or indifference. We ignore the needs of our neighbors; we resist your call to oppose injustice; we give in to scarcity and fear; we assume the worst about one another. Cleanse us from our faults and release us from their grasp. Show us your lovingkindness.

Restore our hearts and repair your world, that we may live in Christ’s ways. Amen.

God proclaims these words of assurance: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine.” In ☩ Christ, you are forgiven. In the Spirit, you are made free. Refreshed by the waters of mercy, live anew as beloved children of God. | Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you. | And also with you.

O Lord Jesus, make us instruments of your peace, that where there is hatred, we may sow love, where there is injury, pardon, and where there is despair, hope. Grant, O divine master, that we may seek to console, to understand, and to love in your name, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON

Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 6:27-38

Jesus continues to address a crowd of his disciples. He invites his followers to shower radical love, blessing, forgiveness, generosity, and trust even on enemies and outsiders. Living in harmony with God’s intent brings the reward of overflowing blessing.

Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus said:] “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he

is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.

Seated SERMON Pastor Mark H. Larson

Standing HYMN 708 Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with your Love

Kneeling or seated

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Each portion of the prayers concludes: God of grace, | hear our prayer. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen

With the Spirit of Christ shining upon us, let us boldly pray for the church, the world, and all of creation. A brief silence.

Surprising God, you call us to love our enemies and to show kindness in the face of cruelty. Let our actions be a shining witness of your overwhelming grace for all. God of grace, hear our prayer.

As animals hibernate and fields lay dormant, let them be a reminder that life and faith are not static but always changing and growing. May we, with all creation, trust that the ending of one thing promises life in a new way. God of grace, hear our prayer.

We pray for leaders and policymakers who work to reduce violence in our nations, cities, and towns. Give your wisdom and discernment amid heated arguments and differing viewpoints. God of grace, hear our prayer.

We pray for the victims of abuse and violence. Provide safe shelter and new beginnings to those experiencing domestic violence and dangerous situations. Grant safety, compassion and understanding to law enforcement, social workers, and shelters who respond to domestic violence. Enfold with love all who seek your healing care, especially God of grace, hear our prayer.

Empower our faith communities to be signs of your gracious love. Bless local ministries of nursing and caregiving, that they will be a voice for those in need in our communities. Bring to our attention all who are in need of care. God of grace, hear our prayer.

We give thanks for the enduring witness of those who have died before us, especially May their lives in you provide a witness of your everlasting grace. God of grace, hear our prayer.

We entrust our prayers to you, O God, in the sure and certain hope that your promise is revealed among the people. 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

1 This little light of mine, I'm goin'-a let it shine; this little light of mine, I'm goin'-a let it shine; this little light of mine, I'm goin'-a let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

2 Ev'rywhere I go, I'm goin'-a let it shine; ev'rywhere I go, I'm goin'-a let it shine; ev'rywhere I go, I'm goin'-a let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

3 Jesus gave it to me, I'm goin'-a let it shine; Jesus gave it to me, I'm goin'-a let it shine; Jesus gave it to me, I'm goin'-a let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Standing OFFERING PRAYER

God of grace, your love reaches to the heavens, and your abundance to the depths of the seas. Bless what we offer to your service: our gifts, our abilities, and our hearts. Let us overflow with gratitude and generosity, now and always. | 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

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Come, eat this meal of gladness. 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. | Nourishing God, at this table you have refreshed us with holy gifts of food and drink. Strengthen us for service, and send us out to embody your good news of liberation and healing for the sake of the world. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen

SENDING

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING

The Spirit of the triune God ☩ bless you with joy, anoint you with compassion, and send you in love. | Amen.

HYMN 773

Chorus

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Lord take my hand and lead me on let me stand I am tired I am weak I am worn

Through the storm through the night

Lead me on to the light

Take my hand precious Lord lead me home

Verse 1

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near

When my life is almost gone

Hear my cry hear my call

Hold my hand lest I fall

Take my hand precious Lord lead me home

Verse 2

When the darkness appears and the night draws near

And the day is past and gone

At the river I stand guide my feet and hold my hand

Take my hand precious Lord lead me home

CCLI Song # 7205306

Thomas Andrew Dorsey

CCLI License # 2888121

SENDING

Go in peace. Live in hope. | Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for Feb 16: In person: 248, Online 180

NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Transfiguration of Our Lord

CONGREGATIONAL

MEETING | March 02, 2025

Meeting sessions to be held live following each Sunday worship service and also via Zoom at 10am

This meeting will serve as the Annual Meeting of the congregation. There will be one motion from the council to be voted on and approved: Approval of the 2024 Annual Report

Lenten Small Groups

We are currently recruiting small group leaders for our annual Lenten small groups! This year we will be reading 'Belonging' by The Rev Dr Karoline Lewis, a Lutheran pastor and professor at Luther Seminary. The book helps readers to understand and live out Christian discipleship in a way that is most deeply authentic for themselves. Pastor Lewis structures it around the story of the Samaritan woman

at the well and guides the reader to discover deep connection with biblical characters who lead to self-discovery. If you are interested in leading a small group, please contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org.

Rejoicing Spirits turns FIVE! Special Event TODAY

The Rejoicing Spirits community has been worshiping joyfully together since February of 2020. We have a lot to celebrate!! Please join us for worship on February 23 in Rudisill Hall from 10:15- 10:45. Also, look forward to a mission moment in worship all about how to be a friend and ally to our Rejoicers, and celebratory cupcakes in the Sims Atrium!

This special worship service is designed to be accessible to people of all abilitiesyes, 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!)

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.

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.

FAITH FORMATION

Sundays, 10 am | Room 121 | through 2/23/25 Led by Ed Scherlacher “Jesus for Everyone” - based on Amy-Jill Levine’s book.

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, selfcompassion 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 | Luke’s Jesus

Sundays | 10 am | Room 207/Zoom & Wednesdays | 6 pm | Rudisill Hall/Zoom

As we begin a new church year during which most of our gospel readings will come from our third gospel, let’s explore together what makes Luke’s gospel unique. St. Luke tells the story of Jesus in clear, dramatically compelling, and humanly moving terms. His Jesus is a man of great power, a deep sense of mission, and profound compassion for those on the outskirts of society. And Luke's Gospel has the best stories--that is, parables--including a number that are unique to this gospel.

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 the The Rev Elizabeth Edman's book, 'Queer Virtue.' Rev Edman is an Episcopal priest whose book posits that Christianity, at its scriptural core, incessantly challenges its adherents to rupture false binaries, to “queer” lines that pit people against one another. As always, reading is optional, we are glad to be able to create a space for everyone to learn and grow together. 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!

YOUTH

Information Meeting for Summer High School Service Trip

An information session will be held for parents and youth after the 11 a.m. service about the summer high school service trip. Youth will work through Lutheran Disaster Response to help Hurricane Helene victims, and will be based out of Lutheridge in North Carolina. Pizza will be available for those in-person and a link will be provided for online participants. Please contact Nate for a location or consult the weekly youth eNewsletter.

Middle School Parents Meeting

Middle school parents meet the fourth Sunday of every month in the library to discuss the confirmation curriculum and to catch up with other middle school parents. The next one is this Sunday, Feb. 23. Contact Hallie Dillon at halliedillon@me.com.

High School & Beyond Parents Group

This group will meet the second Sunday of each month, and the next one is March 9. Please contact Lisa (lisa_bastin@hotmail.com) or Herb (herbbastin@gmail.com) Bastin for details.

Confirmation and High School Faith Formation

Confirmation classes meet most Sundays for middle school youth and high school youth meet in the youth lounge during the faith formation hour. Please contact Nate Humpherys at nhumpherys@redeemer.org for more information, or check the Youth eNewsletter for specifics.

YOUNG ADULTS

COMMUNITY

Choral Festival Concert – Sunday, February 23 at 4:00 pm Lutheran Church of the Redeemer will host ”Convocation 2025,” celebrating 40 years of Festival Singers tradition. This free concert features the William Baker

Festival Singers, the New South Festival Singers, and the Georgia Youth Choir. All are welcome!

Bach Birthday Bash – Friday, March 21 at 7:30 pm

All are invited to Redeemer’s annual concert celebrating the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. This year’s program will feature Lauda Musicam, with vocalist Adrin Akin; The Carillon Ringers; Karen Anderson, violin; Christine Drescher-Jones, harp; Sarah Hawbecker, organ and piano; Chase Petersen, violin and organ; Kate Tanzola, trumpet; and Minday Tanzola, flute. Audience participation is a part of the concert, and the reception following the concert includes the singing of “Happy birthday” to Herr Bach. Invite a friend and join us!

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer - Prayer Wall Re-Dedication

My House will be called a House of Prayer for all Nations (Isaiah 56:7)

Prayers written on Redeemer’s Prayer Wall during Lent by our Midtown neighbors have invoked both the fears and struggles, as well as the praises and hopes of people that place their trust and hope in God. These prayers written in chalk will be recorded each day and incorporated within the Prayers of the Church.

Redeemer’s Lenten Prayer Wall along our Peachtree Street sidewalk will be reDedicated at 5:00 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, by Pr. Mark to again serve the prayer needs of our Midtown neighbors.

Please join us at this Re-Dedication for prayer, to engage with our neighbors and offer thanks for our Christian community.

Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity

This Lent, join us in making a lasting impact by participating in the 2025 Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Lenten Build! We’re partnering with Kendra and three other Atlanta-area churches to build a new home, and we need YOU to help make it happen.

By working with Atlanta Habitat, we’re not only building a home, but also contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods and creating lasting opportunities for families to thrive. Together, we can transform lives and live out our faith in action.

How You Can Help:

We’ll be building a home for Kendra and her daughter over the course of 7 Saturdays starting February 15th. We invite all members of our congregation, ages 16 and older, to volunteer no prior experience is needed. Whether you’re an expert or a first-time builder, your hands and heart will make a difference.

Important Details:

• Dates: Saturdays, February 15th through April 5th, 7:30 am – 3:30 pm

• To Volunteer: Sign up in the Sims Atrium starting January 5th or use the QR code below. Registration closes 1 week before each build date, and all volunteers must register individually through our online registration link. Have Questions? Contact:

• David Barnes at David.R.Barnes@gmail.com

• Dana Norden at DNorden3@gmail.com

Countdown to Hunger Walk Run 2025

The Atlanta Community Food Bank’s annual Hunger Walk Run is less than a month away and now is the perfect time to register as a Team Redeemer walker or runner. Stop by the Hunger Walk table in the Sims Atrium to pick up information about the event or to register using the new QR code. Ready to register today? Click on http://engage.acfb.org/goto/TeamRedeemer2025, which will take you directly to Team Redeemer’s dedicated page on the Hunger Walk Run website. As a reminder, the registration rate for walkers is $30 and for runners is $40, and includes a Hunger Walk Run t-shirt. If you can’t come to the Home Depot Backyard on March 9, you can register as a virtual participant and still receive a tshirt!

Did you know that a portion of the funds raised through Team Redeemer’s participation in the Hunger Walk supports the Lutheran Community Food Ministry? Every step we take helps LCFM provide services to our Midtown neighbors who face food insecurity and/or unstable housing options. Team Redeemer’s goal for 2025 is to raise $3,000 to support LCFM, as well as the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Inspiritus.

If you have any question or need assistance, please contact Lorraine Dorough, team captain, at ledorough@gmail.com. And thank you to everyone who has already signed up!

Hope thru Soap Volunteer Opportunity:

The Community Engagement Ministry has partnered with Hope thru Soap to host their Mobile Showers on select Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in 2025. We are seeking volunteers to assist with setup, distribution, serving coffee, and providing warm, friendly conversations with our guests.

Hope thru Soap provides mobile outreach to individuals among us currently unsheltered with less than sustainable resources in Metro Atlanta, by offering mobile showers, haircuts, clothing, food, and social service resources. This initiative goes far beyond meeting basic needs, by fostering a fun “Block Party” atmosphere, providing guests with a sense of family, friendship, hope, and dignity.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact: Don Cornwell, Don.Cornwell@emory.edu Or Curt Stamp, curtwstamp@gmail.com

Thank you for considering your support to this valuable and meaningful ministry.

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 February 23 – March 1, 2025

Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Event Time Location Worship

J.O.Y. Choir

HS Faith Formation

Children’s SS

Be Still and Journey

Jesus for Everyone

Luke’s Jesus

Rejoicing Spirits Festival Singers concert

Monday, February 24

Seekers Bible Study

Carillon Ringers

Tuesday, February 25

Morning Bible Study

9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00

AM Organ & Choir

9:00 AM – 9:30 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 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Pr. Jonathan Book Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Wednesday, February 26

In-person/ On-Line

Room 211

Youth Lounge Various Rooms Room 119 Room 121

Reception room Rudisill Hal Sanctuary

Reception Room Hinely Music Hall

Reception Room Zoom

Early Birds Bible Study 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Reception/Zoom

Wednesday Night Dinner

Seraphim Choir

Pastors Class

Redeemer Ringers

Worship

Thursday, February 27

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

6:00 PM -7:00 PM

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Sims Atrium Room 204

Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Room 202 Sanctuary

Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom

Saturday, March 1

Kolpatzki Funeral 11:00 AM Sanctuary

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

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

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

Nate Humpherys ........................................................... Youth Director, ext. 230

Allison Lizdas ................................... Director of Congregational Care, ext. 203

Larry Lowe .................................................................................. Security Officer

Stacey Williams ........................................................................ Head of Security