Fourth Sunday of Easter – April 30, 2023
The Order of Worship at 9:00 am
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.
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Standing
HYMN 369
Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Alleluia
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who creates us, redeems us, and calls us by name. | Amen.
Let us acknowledge before God and one another our need for repentance and God’s mercy. Kneeling or seated
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you and your beloved children. We have turned our faces away from your glory when it did not appear as we expected. We have rejected your word when it made us confront ourselves. We have failed to show hospitality to those you called us to welcome. Accept our repentance for the things we have done and the things we have left undone. For the sake of Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us and lead us, that we may bathe in the glory of your Son born among us, and reflect your love for all creation.
Amen.
Rejoice in this good news: In ☩ Christ Jesus, your sins are forgiven. You are descendants of the Most High, adopted into the household of Christ, and inheritors of eternal life. Live as freed and forgiven children of God. | Amen.
Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
O God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, 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.
Standing
THE HOLY GOSPEL John 10:1-10
Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] 1“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated CHILDREN’S MUSICAL
The Tale of the Three Trees
A cantata based on an American folk tale
Music by Allen Pote
Lyrics and narration by Tom S. Long
Presented by the Seraphim Choir
A Prayer for Tomorrow
High on a Hill
The Chopping Song
Trim the Branches
The Dream of the Tree Came True
Kneeling or seated
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
United in the hope and joy of the resurrection, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
You are the shepherd who gathers us in your mighty and loving arms. Help your church to listen for your voice, especially when the voices of sin, idolatry, and oppression threaten to overpower us. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
The green pastures, still waters, and dark valleys of this earth all belong to you, O Lord. Sustain your creation with a love that is both mighty and just. Where there is destruction, bring healing. Where there is desolation, bring abundance. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You proclaim shepherding love, comfort, and protection for all people and all of creation. Direct leaders in our own time to learn from your example and instruction. Give them servant hearts, that they generously seek the good of all. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
You journey with us wherever our paths may lead. We pray for those feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression or suffering in any way, especially Paul, Bob, John, Ally, Shirley, Ellen, Tina, Rose Mary, Jeff, Barbara, Sherry, Janet, Peggy, Carol, Hazel, Residents of Lutheran Towers, Eugene, Lakeisha, Tom, Clayte, David, Sally, Paul Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
You are the sheepgate that gives safety to your beloved flocks. Provide protection for refugees, victims of domestic violence, those who are imprisoned, and all people who are vulnerable to violence and mistreatment. We ask for comfort and safety for the Atlanta transgender and Jewish communities after the recent distribution of hate flyers in Atlanta neighborhoods. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
You call your sheep by name and lead them through the valley of death. We give you thanks for those who have died and now dwell in your house forever especially Liz Bair, Elaine Hull, and David Schroeder. Be with those who mourn, and give them hope in the promise of resurrection. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Rejoicing in the victory of Christ’s resurrection, we lift our prayers and praise to you, almighty and eternal God; through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. 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
Generous God, in this meal you offer your very self. We give thanks for these gifts of the earth. In the breaking of this bread reveal to us the Risen One. In the pouring of this wine pour us out in service to the world; through Christ our 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
Thanks and praise fill our hearts, Almighty God, for you are the Lord of creation and new creation, of covenant and new covenant. You brought your people out of slavery to freedom in the Promised Land, and you brought your Son from the depth of death to the glory of resurrection life.
Joy and gladness are our song, redeeming God, for in your conquest of death we see the destiny of every hope in you. Come among us in the power of your Holy Spirit,
that your children may be blessed with power and grace, and that this bread and cup may become for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ; Who on the night in which he was betrayed, 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. Great is the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Hope and glory are our breath, merciful God, for you have rolled away the stone of despair. Come among us and breathe on us your peace. Shape your church to be your risen body; make our scars beautiful like your scars, make our lives life-giving like your life, and make our communion holy with your saints, until you come again in glory and we eat with you in your kingdom, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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
Come and know Christ, broken and poured out for you. Seated
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. | Gracious God, in you we live and move and have our being. With your word and this meal of grace, you have nourished our life together. Strengthen us to show your love and serve the world in Jesus’ name. Amen
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The God of all, who raised ☩ Jesus from the dead, bless you by the power of the Holy Spirit to live in the new creation. | Amen.
HYMN 764
Have
No Fear Little Flock
Text and music © 1973 Concordia Publishing House onelicense.net #A725004
SENDING
Go in peace. Serve the Risen One. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Trio
The Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in remembrance of Janet Adrian, who joined the Church Triumphant on April 19th, by her husband Rob, son Nathan and his wife Megan, and her grandsons Gabriel and Daniel.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for April 23: In person 201: Livestream: 156
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fifth Sunday of Easter
Fifth Grade Faith Stepping Stone Blessing
Sunday, April 30th our fifth graders will receive a blessing at the 11:00 service. The Faith Stepping Stone program is one of the ways our faith community keeps the promises we make to children in baptism. These fifth graders have been growing, learning, worshiping, and contributing their gifts to this and other faith communities since they were baptized, and this is our chance to acknowledge and celebrate their growth and maturity. They started their 5th grade Faith Stepping Stone last fall with a lock in where they learned about Spiritual Gifts, and now we will bless them and send them off to the next phase of faith formation: confirmation instruction which they will start in the fall.
COMMUNITY
At-Home Pastoral Visit
If you or a loved one would like to receive a pastoral visit with communion at your home or residence, please contact Pastor Jenny McLellan at 404-874-8664 ext. 224 or jmclellan@redeemer.org
VBS Needs You!
June 5-9 here at Redeemer our kids will gather for Changemakers Lab, an interactive Vacation Bible School where children learn that everyone can make a difference in the world! WE NEED YOUR HELP this year as we return to a more ‘normal’ version of this powerful faith formation program. Whether you can help now or during the actual event, whether you want to be on stage or behind the scenes or just want to help us shop for supplies, everyone has something they can offer to make VBS a success! Please speak to Deacon Mary if you have questions, or fill out this form if you are ready to sign up. Ages 6th-grade to adult are eligible to volunteer.
Musicians Needed for Redeemer's Front Porch Summer Band
Redeemer’s Community Engagement ministry voted to organize a band for a summer concert series to bring attention to Redeemer; we are looking for musicians. Sally Rosser and Pastor Bonner are proposing that on select Friday evenings during the summer, the band would play from the front porch of Redeemer. This is an evangelism effort to get people to notice our church and not just hurry by us on their way to work, home, or play. For more details, contact Pastor Bonner at rbonner@redeemer.org.
Midtown Assistance Center (MAC)
Thank you to all of you who supported the MAC coat drive in Dec. and January. It was a huge success. May is coming soon and that is when we focus on MAC with the annual food drive and 5K.
The Midtown Race for MAC 5K returns to Piedmont Park on May 13, 2023! By joining Redeemer – Team Katy, you will be supporting the Midtown Assistance Center’s mission to prevent homelessness and hunger in our community. Whether you're a serious runner or just looking for a fun day out with your family and furry friends, the Midtown Race for MAC 5K is a great way to get active and support a worthy cause! If you have questions
feel free to contact Richard Mauney, richardemauney@gmail.com or 404-7753359. Thank you for you continued support.
https://www.active.com/atlanta-ga/running/distance-running-races/9th-annual-midtownrace-for-mac-5k-run-walk-2023?int=72-4-A4
Grace Houses End of Year Celebration
Sunday, May 7 at 1pm | 182 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Come and celebrate the transformation God has done through Lutheran Campus Ministry at Georgia Tech's Grace House this past school year! RSVP at gracepeople.org/celebrate or give us a call at 404.500.6233.
YOUTH
Thank you all so much for donating and helping us raise funds for our High School Mission Trip to Arecibo, Puerto Rico. We reached our Fundraiser goal!! Our High School Mission Trip will be June 11-17. Please stay tuned for updates on our experience. You can still donate at this time. Thank you for your support!
8th Grade Chalice Usage
On Sunday, January 8, we started using the chalices made by our 8th graders at 9 AM worship. Each 8th-grade Confirmation student had to answer, "What does Communion mean to you?" From 4/23-5/7, the chalice used was painted by Lars Peterson. This is Lars’ interpretation: “Communion means fellowship, and a time for everyone to get together. No matter how great the divides between us, we can always sit down, and share a simple meal together. It is a reminder that there is good in everyone.”
Middle School Parents Gathering will meet on Sunday, May 21. High School Parents and College Parents Gathering will meet Sunday, May 7
ELCA Youth Gathering Informational Interest Meeting
Today after the 11 AM Service or via Zoom at 6 PM Join us for an informational interest meeting to discuss about the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, July 16-20, 2024 in New Orleans. This meeting is for current 7th graders to current 11th graders. To find out more information about the ELCA Youth Gathering, you can go here.
There will also be a Zoom session at 6 PM on Sunday, April 30 for those that can't make it in-person.
On Sunday, May 7 graduates will receive a blessing during 11:00 worship, followed by a reception in Sims Atrium. We congratulate graduates of all degrees and ages – high school, college, and even doctoral grads! Graduates should contact Hillary (hnelson@redeemer.org) no later than May 3 to be listed in the bulletin. Congratulations graduates!
End-of-Year Youth Party | Sunday, May 7 | 12:30 – 2:30 PM
We'll have food, games, and lots of fun! Take a break from studying and hang out! Please try to RSVP to Hillary by Sunday, April 30 for food ordering purposes. You can show up the day of, but we want to make sure we have enough food for everyone.
Save the date-our Confirmation Service will be on Sunday, May 14 during the 11 AM service with a reception after.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Vacation Bible School Registration is Open!
Join us June 5-9 here at Redeemer for Changemakers Lab, an interactive Vacation Bible School where children learn that everyone can make a difference in the world! Find more details and register at this link, or speak to Deacon Mary. To register a youth (6th grade and up) or adult as a volunteer, please use this form.
MUSIC
Music and Arts Camp – “Carnival of the Animals” – June 12-16 Registration is now open. Rising kindergarteners through 6th graders will experience music, art, and drama all based on this year’s animal theme! The camp is from 9:00 am4:00 pm, with free before and after-care. Tuition for the week is $165 and includes all activities, snacks, and a T-shirt. Sibling discounts apply, and financial need-based scholarships are available. All are welcome, so tell your friends and neighbors. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Sarah Hawbecker at 404-874-8664, ext. 206 or shawbecker@redeemer.org. Follow the camp and share our posts on Facebook atfacebook.com/RedeemerMusicCamp/
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Sundays through May 21 | 10 am | Room 211
Join Don Noland and Pr Jonathan for a six-week study of a proposed new social statement for the ELCA. This is your opportunity to let your voice and input be made to churchwide and to help create the statements that we present to the world. The ELCA is developing a social statement on government, civic engagement, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The task force now offers a six-session study curriculum for use throughout our congregations. It provides a guide into the issues and invites participant feedback for the task force. For more information, click on this link: https://elca.org/civicsandfaith
FINAL WEEK of class: "Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts." Now that you know your spiritual gifts, how are you going to share the gifts that God has entrusted you with the church, your family, and your community? Missed the first class? No problem, join Pastor Jenny McLellan, Jeff Guthrie, and Alisa Norvelle This Sunday, April 30 at 10 am in room 121 and on zoom link
Sunday | 10 am | Reception
Come hear about the Bishop’s pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine attended by fourteen Redeemer members.
April 30: From Jerusalem to Petra
Pastor Jonathan Book Study
Tuesdays | 5 PM
Study of 'The Warmth of Other Suns' by Isabel Wilkerson.
Calendar for April 30 – May 6, 2023
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, April 30, 2023