Second Sunday in Lent – March 1, 2026
The Order of Worship at 9:00 am Lutheran Church of the Redeemer’s Statement of Welcome
We serve a God of abundant grace and generosity. Our worship is centered on the invitation that Christ offers at the communion table: all are welcome in this place. That welcome flows through all we do and say. We open our arms to everyone who comes to share our love of God and all God’s people. We affirm and value the lives of everyone, including all who have been marginalized by ability, age, gender, gender identity and expression, mental or physical health, poverty, race, sexual orientation, or any other circumstance. Let our message be clear: all are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.
As always, we pray that worship at Redeemer is a blessing for you, even as your participation blesses us, whether we are gathering in the name of Christ in-person or online. As you are comfortable, we encourage you to sing the hymns and to sing or speak the congregational portions of the liturgy in bold type.
Please use the links available on the viewing page to let us know that you are worshiping with us, to submit any prayer requests, to let us know if you need help or are available to help a neighbor, and to continue giving financially to support the ongoing ministries of Redeemer.
This bulletin contains content protected by copyright and is provided only for you to participate in worship. Please delete or destroy any physical or digital copy of the material following the service.
PRELUDE Redeemer Jazz Quartet - Jerry Fields, Percussion; Eric Hassel, Keyboard; Bryan Lopes, Woodwinds; and Rainy Lindsey, vocalist
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Standing
HYMN 335
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin before God, who removes our guilt and blots out all offenses.
Kneeling or seated
Gracious God, have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For seeking worldly delights that deceive us and dishonor you: Gracious God, have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For desiring self-reliance instead of hungering for your word: Gracious God, have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For failing to recognize your coming reign, and for hindering the work of the Spirit: Gracious God, have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For drawing from the well of self-serving ambition, and for disdaining the living water Christ offers: Gracious God, have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
For disregarding voices from the margin, and for distrusting signs of your healing and hope in the world:
Gracious God, have mercy on us according to your steadfast love. For dwelling in tombs of self-pity and discontent, and for disregarding Christ’s call to come forth to life: Gracious God, have mercy on us according to your steadfast love.
God’s steadfast love, grace, and forgiveness abound. Through faith, the free gift of God, you have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ. In the name of ☩ Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. The Spirit of the One who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you, pours God’s love into your hearts, and gives you life and peace. | Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. O God, our leader and guide, in the waters of baptism you bring us to new birth to live as your children. Strengthen our faith in your promises, that by your Spirit we may lift up your life to all the world through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.
Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL
John 3:1-17
A curious Pharisee visits Jesus by night to learn from the teacher his friends reject. Jesus speaks to him about life in the Spirit and the kingdom of God.
Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord.
1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with that person.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him
may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ.
Seated SERMON
Standing HYMN 803
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Pastor Tim Lloyd
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Each portion of the prayers concludes: Hear us, O God. | Your mercy is great. At the conclusion of the prayers: Amen
Reconciled by God's mercy and sustained by God's presence, let us pray for the world and its needs. A brief silence.
Faithful One, you renew us by grace. As you have inspired faith through the work of church artists and hymnwriters throughout the ages — like George Herbert, whom the church remembers today — stir that same creative spirit in us here at Redeemer. Give your church everywhere the means to praise your beauty in word, song, and service. Hear us, O God.Your mercy is great.
Living One, you delight in this world. The near-spring air along our Atlanta streets, the waters of the Chattahoochee, and the steady turning of the seasons declare your goodness. Preserve this earth, and protect conservationists, scientists, and all who labor in service to creation in our city and beyond.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Ruling One, you bless us to be a blessing. Open the hearts of leaders in our city, our state, and throughout the world to seek the flourishing of every person. Lend your help to all in our midtown neighborhood and across this globe who wait for justice, deliverance, and peace.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Compassionate One, you send your Son to save. In this season of Lent, as we walk honestly with our own brokenness, declare your word of acceptance to any who feel condemned and lift up any brought low by hatred and exclusion. Tend to all who are struggling with illness or loss (especially).
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Guiding One, you watch over our going out and coming in. Bless newcomers and new members in this assembly (especially) and accompany those who have recently left our community to journey elsewhere (especially). In a neighborhood where so many are coming and going, help us to be a place of welcome and belonging for all who walk through our doors. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Eternal One, you neither slumber nor sleep. Be our keeper in life and in death. Thank you for our beloved who have died, and for your promise which saves this whole world by your love.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Receive our prayers, O God, through Jesus Christ, our strength and salvation. 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
O God, maker of heaven and earth, your steadfast love embraces all creation. You send rain and sunshine to nourish the earth and bring forth its bounty. Through these gifts of bread and wine, draw us into the death and life of your Son, who calls us to bear witness to his saving work. We ask this in Jesus’ name. | 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, Creator of our wilderness world, O God, Savior of the lost, O God, Comforter of the sick and suffering, we give you thanks for your everlasting might; we glorify you for your covenant of mercy.
For forty days you cleansed the earth with the waters of the flood. For forty days you illumined Moses with the words of your law. For forty years you fed your people with manna from heaven.
You became truly human in Jesus our brother. For forty days, with fasting and prayer, he renounced the power of the devil. On the night before he died he 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.
Transform us, O God, with your lively Spirit. Make this food into manna for our journey, the body and blood of your Son. Teach us your words of wisdom and justice. Renew the whole earth with baptismal grace. At the last, lead all your pilgrim people through our wilderness to your Easter garden.
To you, O God, Creator, Savior, Comforter, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be our worship and praise, adoration and thanksgiving, 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
Come to the table. Feast on God’s goodness and mercy. 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. | God of our salvation, we give you thanks for this meal that restores our souls, reconciles us to you, and strengthens us for the journey. Through the body and blood of your Son, may we become Christ’s body in the world, bearing witness to your love for all creation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
Receive the blessing of the holy Trinity: God, who calls all things into existence, Jesus Christ, who redeems us, and the Holy Spirit, whose breath sustains creation, ☩ bless you now and always. | Amen.
Text and music © 1974 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Onelicense.com #A724005
SENDING
Go in peace. Believe the good news. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Quartet
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Third Sunday in Lent
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER attendance: 211 in person, 169 online
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING | March 15, 2026
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 two motions from the council to be voted on and approved: 1. Approval of the 2025 Annual Report 2. Approval of Changes to ELCR Constitution. Council will host Listening Posts on Sunday, March 8, following each worship service in the Library to discuss the motions. There will also be Zoom options for both sessions. Please also feel free to reach out directly to any Council members with questions.
Hope is Here! Lenten Take Home Kits
This Lent, we invite you to stay connected to God and our community during the week with a Hope Is Here Lenten Kit. Kits are available in Sims Atrium take one home and discover hope, again and again.
FAITH FORMATION
Sundays 10 am | Room 121 | Mysteries of Faith
Please join us, for our Lenten Book Study, “Hope is Here”.
Sundays 10 am | Room 119 | Be Still and Journey
Led by Pat Cornwell
Podcast Series: The Way of Love is a Way of Life: it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It's a commitment to follow Jesus ways to grow spiritually deepening our love of God and neighbor. Bishop Budde shares how we can come to know--to receive--Jesus more deeply in practicing the Way of Love. Through the seven practices that have been put before us: to turn, to learn, to pray and to worship, to bless, to go, and to rest, she will share biblical stories, wisdom from the Christian tradition, and her own personal stories of spiritual growth. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the bishop and spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and the Washington National Cathedral. Pat Cornwell, Facilitator Contact information: jpcorn90@gmail.com
Mondays at 1:30 pm | Reception Room | The Seekers Bible Study led by Bill Pegram
We continue digging deep into the Gospel of Matthew.
Tuesdays 7 am Breakfast Bible Study | Reception Room and Zoom
Led by David Ott & Don Noland
We are now studying Galatians. Everyone is welcome either 1/ in person in the Reception Room with a full breakfast serving from 7 am, or 2/ via ZOOM link found on the Redeemer website each Tuesday. Our study and discussion is from 7:30 - 8:30 am. Please join us any Tuesday morning!
Tuesdays 5 pm | Zoom
Led by Pastor Jonathan Join us for fellowship and learning, Starting Tuesday, the 3rd of March, Pr Jonathan’s Tuesday Night Book Study will begin reading, Bring Back Your People: Ten Ways Regular Folks Can Put A Dent In Christian Nationalism by Aaron Scott. This offers practical, but loving, advice for people trying to talk with friends and relatives who have succumbed to the false narratives of Christian Nationalism. As always, reading is optional, we are more interested in your presence with us. Contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org with any questions.
Wednesdays 4 pm | Early Birds Bible Study | Reception Room/Zoom
Led by David Ott | Study on 1 and 2 Chronicles
Wednesdays 6 pm | Pastors Class | Rudisill Hall/Zoom
Please join us for our Lenten Book Study, “Hope is Here”.
Thursday 5 pm | Zoom
Please join us for our Lenten Book Study, “Hope is Here”.
Led by Pastor Jonathan Trapp
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Family Retreat Registration is open!
March 20-22 we are headed to Camp Mikell in Toccoa, GA for our annual Family Retreat. This year, we are especially encouraging families with kids of all ages to participate! You won’t want to miss s’mores around the campfire, growing in faith together, our fan-favorite talent show, and a special worship service together on Sunday morning. Scan the code to register online, or find the link in your newsletter or CFM emails. Registration deadline March 1.
Easter Drive
The CFM team is gearing up for our annual Family Easter Vigil and Celebration! We need your help to provide treats for our Easter egg hunt and supplies for a special service project: providing Birthday party supplies to Inspiritus host homes for adults with disabilities. Please follow the code to see our Amazon list. Items will be sent directly to the church. Thank you for your generosity!
YOUTH
Save the dates:
• Ebenezer Baptist Church field trip March 1
o A note about March’s "Coffee Shop Sundays" for high school faith formation we’ll be doing it March 15 because the first Sunday of the month is our field trip to Ebenezer.
• HS Lock-in RESCHEDULED for March 7-8! All the fun we had planned in January, but none of the freezing.
• March 20-22: Family Retreat with CFM!
For those who have a confirmation age youth this summer, don’t forget that Kairos Camp is June 21-25 at Lutheridge this summer!
COMMUNITY
Looking for a fun way to connect outside of Sunday morning? We’re forming a coed kickball team for Sunday afternoon games, followed by a social gathering, everyone over 21 is welcome, no elite athletic skills required! If you’re interested, let Anne or Jeff know! anridenhour@gmail.com / jrelkins@gmail.com
Bach Birthday Bash – Friday, March 20 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 The Redeemer Choir; The Carillon Ringers; Jonathan De Loach and Jody Miller, alto recorders; Christine Drescher-Jones, harp; Gay Lyn Ferry, organ; Sarah Hawbecker, organ, harpsichord, and piano; and Rob Tanzola, alto saxophone. 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!
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
Protect Yourself and Those You Love Against Scams
Keystone is hosting a scam prevention workshop on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10am in Rudisill Hall. The North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force will educate us on how to identify and verify scam tactics. All are welcome to attend but we are requesting you register to attend. You can register via this link or by using the QR code. Reach out to Deacon Allison with questions.
Sunday Funday Save the Date!
Our next Sunday Funday will be Spring Fling on the Green! Join us for picnic food, music, and games right after the 11am service on April 19, 2026. More details will be available soon!
Mark Your Calendars for Hunger Walk 2026!
The Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Hunger Walk Run is a celebrated annual event and community energizer, bringing people together in solidarity with a collective goal to end hunger. On March 15, Team Redeemer will walk (or run!) to benefit our Lutheran Community Food Ministry, as well as the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Inspiritus. Stop by the Hunger Walk table in the Sims Atrium on Sunday, February 22, to learn more about the 5K walk/run, and all the festivities planned by the Atlanta Community Food Bank at the Home Depot Backyard.
This year we have a QR code to make registration for the event even easier. You can also register any time at http://engage.acfb.org/goto/TeamRedeemer2026. The online registration rate for walkers is $30 and for runners is $40. And everyone who registers to walk or run gets a special Hunger Walk Run T-shirt.
You can also support Team Redeemer by donating to the team at http://engage.acfb.org/goto/TeamRedeemer2026, and as an added incentive, the first $250 in donations will be matched 1:1. Last year we raised $3,139, which placed Redeemer in the top ten of the Lutheran Hunger Walk Run teams for 2025. Let’s see if we can reach $3,200 in 2026!
Thank you for your support, and please contact Lorraine Dorough, team captain, at ledorough@gmail.com for assistance in registering or for more information.
Calendar for March 1 – March 6, 2026
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Event Time Location
Worship
Seraphim Rehearsal
J.O.Y. Choir
Redeemer Choir Rehearsal
Youth & HS Trip
Children’s Sunday School
Mysteries of Faith Be Still and Journey
Redeemer Ringers
Ministry Team Leaders Luncheon
Monday, March 2
The Seekers Carillon Ringers
Tuesday, March 3
Morning Bible Study Pr Jonathan Book Study
Wednesday, March 4
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Pastor’s Class
Lenten Worship
9:00 AM Jazz & 11:00 AM
9:00 AM – 10 AM 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
In-person/ On-Line Room 204 Room 211 Hinely Music Hall
Ebenezer Baptist Room 201, 203, 205, 207 Room 121 Room 119 Room 202
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Reception Room Zoom
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
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
Thursday, March 5
Reception/Zoom Sims Atrium Rudisill/Zoom
Sanctuary Hinely Music Hall
Lenten Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom
Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom
Saturday, March 7
Keystone Scam Prevention 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Rudisill Hall
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