Third Sunday after Epiphany – January 25, 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 Trio - Jerry Fields, Percussion; Eric Hassel, Keyboard; Bryan Lopes, Woodwinds; and Rainy Lindsey, vocalist
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Standing HYMN 696
Jesus Calls Us Oe’r the Tumult
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. Lord God, your lovingkindness always goes before us and follows after us. Summon us into your light, and direct our steps in the ways of goodness that come through the cross of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Matthew 4:12-23
Jesus begins his public ministry shortly after John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod. He proclaims the nearness of God’s reign and calls four fishermen to be his first disciples.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles—
16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishers. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
23 Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ
Seated
SERMON
Standing
HYMN 841
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Pastor Tim Lloyd
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.
Holy One, you entrust the message of the cross and the mission of the gospel to the church in every land. Guide the newly baptized, those preparing for baptism, and deepen the faith of all who follow Christ. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Holy Creator, you lavish creation with splendor, and we praise you for the gift of life. Teach us to live as wise stewards, sharing the earth’s resources with all its inhabitants. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Holy Judge, your power is love, and you judge the nations by the measure of Christ. Free any who are unjustly accused or wrongly condemned. We pray for those in authority including judges, prosecutors, wardens, guards, and courthouse staff. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Holy and loving God, you care for vulnerable young children, frail elders, and any who are sick, especially We pray for all who are affected by natural disasters (individuals or situations may be named). Provide for their needs and relieve their suffering. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Holy Giver, you gather, forgive, and shape us as disciples of Christ. Nurture in us a spirit of patience and respect, that we may love one another as you love us. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Holy Savior, you free us from the power of death. We lift up to your care all those who have died, especially…
Lead and guide us until we come at last into the communion of all your saints in light. 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 Trio
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 674
Let us Talents and Tongues Employ Text and music © 1975 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
SENDING
Go in peace. Do justice. Love mercy. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday after Epiphany LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER attendance: 204 in person, 168 online
Congratulations to our 2026 Executive Committee elected by the Congregation Council on January 20. They are Janet Preston, President; Pat Cornwell, Vice-President; Anne Ridenhour, Secretary; Dana Norden, member-at-large; Mindy Tanzola, member-at-large; Frank Hull, Treasurer; Kevin Chunn, Financial Secretary; and Dewey Ingham, Memorial Funds Secretary
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
Adult Sunday School Class with Pastor Ron Bonner!
Join Pastor Ron Today 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. Zoom Link
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 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 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!
Check the weekly youth e-news for details about upcoming events, including All-Georgia (Feb. 20-22), the field trip to Ebenezer Baptist Church (Mar. 1), and much more!
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
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.
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!
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
Calendar for January 25 – January 30, 2026
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Event Time Location Worship
Seraphim Rehearsal
J.O.Y. Choir
Redeemer Choir Rehearsal
High School Faith Formation
Children’s Sunday School
Confirmation
“Making it Plain” Study
Mysteries of Faith
Rejoicing Spirits
Monday, January 26
Quilters
The Seekers
Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, January 27
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 – 11:00 AM
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
In-person/ On-Line Room 204 Room 211 Hinely Music Hall
Youth Lounge Various Rooms Room 107
Reception Room Room 121 Rudisill Hall
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Fireside Room
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Reception Room
Wednesday, January 28
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Pastors Class
Worship
6:00 PM -7:00 PM
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Thursday, January 29
Lectionary Study
Tolkien Group
Friday, January 30
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Sanctuary Hinely Music Hall
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom Zoom
Organ Anniversary Concert 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Sanctuary
Saturday, January 31
Jenny Borchers Memorial 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Sanctuary
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