sunday jan 11, 2026 - order of worship at 11 am - lutheran church of the redeemer atlanta ga USA

Second Sunday after Epiphany – January 11, 2026 The Order of Worship at 11:00 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 WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS GATHERING The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.

Standing HYMN 310

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Songs of Thankfulness and Praise

CONFESSION In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen.

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Kneeling or seated Most merciful God, | we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.

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Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen.

Standing 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.

KYRIE In peace let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.

Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.

HYMN OF PRAISE

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PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you.

O God our Father, at the baptism of Jesus you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized into Christ faithful to their calling to be your daughters and sons, and empower us all with your Spirit, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.

Please use the Prayer Request link on the webpage to submit your requests.

WORD God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.

Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON

THE FIRST READING Isaiah 42:1-9 Erica Fletcher, Lector God’s servant is endowed with God’s spirit in order to bring justice to the nations. The servant will not exercise authority boisterously or with violence, nor will weariness ever prevent the fulfilling of the servant’s task. God’s old promises have been fulfilled; the servant’s new assignment is to bring light to the nations.

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Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

2 He will not cry out or lift up his voice or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.

4 He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth, and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

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Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 5

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to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

8 I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols.

9 See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. THE SECOND READING Acts 10:34-43 Peter crosses the sharp religious boundary separating Jews from Gentiles and proclaims the good news of God’s inclusive forgiveness in Jesus’ name to Cornelius, a Roman centurion. As a result of Peter’s preaching, Cornelius and his family become the first Gentiles to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

34 Peter began to speak to [Cornelius and his household]: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every people anyone who fears him and practices righteousness is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ— he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing GOSPEL ACCLAMATION HYMN 458 Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Before the Gospel: Stanza 1 After the Gospel: Stanza 4 1

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Praise and thanksgiving be to God our maker, source of all blessing, prodigal creator.

Baptized and made your own, now we come before you, and we adore you.

Praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: one Lord, one faith, one source of ev'ry merit.

Here now renew your church through this symbol given;

grant peace from heaven.

THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 3:13-17 Before Jesus begins his ministry, he is baptized by John, touched by the Spirit, and identified publicly as God’s child.

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

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Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.”

Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

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

Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 305

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Pastor Mark H. Larson When Jesus Came to Jordan

Text © 1980 by Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.

NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again 8

in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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.

Steadfast God, give courage to your servant church. Heal our divisions and unite us in mission.

Uphold our lay leaders, missionaries, pastors, and bishops, and all who proclaim hope in a broken world.

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Restoring God, cleanse the life-giving waters of rivers, seas, and springs - we pray for the health of our Chattahoochee River, Lake Lanier, and the Georgia coastal region. Create in us an urgent desire to preserve the beauty and bounty of your good creation.

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Righteous God, you guide the nations. Reconcile warring enemies and end cycles of violent retribution. Defend the rights of prisoners, detainees, and all who flee from persecution.

Sustain international aid workers and peacemakers.

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Compassionate God, you care for all in distress. Provide safety and support for those seeking asylum or in need of shelter. Be near to the dying, and comfort all who are grieving or ill (especially).

Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Loving God, awaken the gifts of the Spirit in this congregation, that we may serve Christ by loving one another, our neighbors, and our enemies. We pray for travelers and those who are homebound.

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Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Promising God, in baptism we die and rise with Christ. We give thanks for those who have gone before us, and we trust that we will join them in your everlasting peace.

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.

THANKSGIVING Seated MISSION MOMENT William Bolick GATHERING OF GIFTS ANTHEM

The Only Son from Heaven

J. S. Bach

The only Son from heaven, | foretold by ancient seers, | by God the Father given, | in human form appears. | No sphere his light confining, | no star so brightly shining | as he, our Morning Star.

Awaken, Lord our spirit | to know and love you more, | in faith to stand unshaken | in spirit to adore, | that we, through this world moving, | each glimpse of heaven proving, | may reap its fullness there.

Elizabeth Cruciger (1500-1535) Translation by Arthur T. Russell (1806-1874) Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

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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

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ.

By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory.

And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

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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.

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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 welcome to the feast.

Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link

HYMN 448 13

This is the Spirit’s Entry Now

Text © Thomas E. Herbranson, admin. Augsburg Fortress Arr. © 2006 Augsburg Fortress

HYMN 407

Standing 14

O Living Breath of God

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 304

Christ, When for Us You Were Baptized

Text © 1985 The Church Pension Fund

Seated

SENDING Go in peace. Do justice. Love mercy. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE 15

Lobt Gott, ihr Christen allzugleich, BWV 609

J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 1/4/26: 210, In person, 210, Online 139 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Second Sunday after Epiphany FAITH FORMATION 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. You can also use the QR code to find the book.

Sundays 10 am | Room 121 | Mysteries of Faith 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. Sundays 10 am | Room 119 | Be Still and Journey Led by Pat Cornwell Mondays at 1:30 pm | Reception Room | The Seekers Bible Study led by Bill Pegram Will resume January 26th 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.

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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 cautionary tale in the face of today’s oppressive anti-trans legislation. 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 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!

KEYSTONE Kick off the New Year with Keystone!

Older adults are invited to a joyful afternoon of party bites, beverages, fellowship, and a free painting class (no artistic ability required)! Come nurture your spirit, connect with friends, and start 2026 with creativity and community.

We will meet in the Fireside room from 1:00-3:30pm on January 22nd. Please RSVP by January 12th to Deacon Allison or by scanning the QR code CHILDREN’S MUSIC IS MOVING! Beginning January 11, the Seraphim Choir is moving 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 17

Scan the QR code for registration. Please contact Sarah at shawbecker@redeemer.org with questions or for more information.

COMMUNITY Friday, January 30, 7:30 PM ORGAN ANNIVERSARY CONCERT 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.

Save the Date: 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. Mark your calendar now, and watch for more details in upcoming Redeemer communications about how to sign up and what to bring.

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!

Calendar for January 11 – January 17, 2026 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, January 11, 2026 Event Time Location 18

Worship 9:00 AM Jazz & 11:00 AM Seraphim Rehearsal 9:00 AM – 10 AM J.O.Y. Choir 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM High School Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Children’s Sunday School 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Be Still and Journey 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Mysteries of Faith 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Monday, January 12 Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Tuesday, January 13 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Wednesday, January 14 Early Birds Bible Study 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Wednesday Night Dinner 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Pastors Class 6:00 PM -7:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Thursday, January 15 Lectionary Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

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In-person/ On-Line Room 204 Room 211 Youth Lounge Various Rooms Room 119 Room 121 Hinely Music Hall Reception Room Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Sanctuary Zoom

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 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

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