Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 20, 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. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is a Reconciling in Christ 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 588
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who pours love into our hearts and healing upon the earth. | Amen. 2
Confident that God justifies us by grace through faith, let us confess our sin. Kneeling or seated Compassionate God, we confess that we struggle to embody your goodness in the world and in our own hearts. Creation groans from overuse. Jealousy and bitterness strain our relationships. Indifference keeps us from seeking justice. Divisions disrupt your call to show genuine love to others. Turn our hearts back to you. Restore our world and reconcile us to one another. Renew us to live as your holy people, following the way of Jesus Christ. Amen. Hear this good news: We have peace with God through ☩ Jesus Christ, in whom there is no condemnation, but only forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. Receive freely this healing gift of grace. | Amen. Standing PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen. Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 20: 1-16 Jesus tells a parable about God’s generosity, challenging the common assumption that God rewards people according to what they have earned or deserve. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. [Jesus said to the disciples:] 1 “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around, and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9 When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” 3
After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 669
Pastor Jonathan Trapp Rise Up O Saints of God
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 Reminded of God’s gracious and abundant love, we offer our prayers, confident that God hears us. A brief silence. Hold your church accountable for our unwillingness to share your good news and our anger at your generosity to others. Nourish us by your grace to be witnesses to your love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Guide scientists and researchers studying responses to the climate crisis so that all your creation may inspire us to give thanks for your great goodness. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Show employers the benefits of equal pay standards for all their employees. Reconcile conflicts between employees. Fill places of employment with camaraderie, and bring an end to employment disparity. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
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Encourage any who cannot work or who cannot work a full day with the truth that their value comes from your everlasting love for them. Provide for those who are injured, ill, and for all in any need especially,... Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Strengthen all those in this congregation whose labor serves the needs of others in the community. Inspire all in this congregation to support community endeavors with our time and talents. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Here other intercessions may be offered. Comfort us with the promise of the resurrection as we remember all our loved ones whose desire to be with Jesus is fulfilled. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Grant the prayers we have offered, what we have forgotten to ask, and whatever else you see that we need. We ask this in Jesus’ name. 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 creation, you send rain and the earth springs forth abundantly. All blessings are from you; make us generous with what we have. Use our gifts, our abilities, and our hearts in service to you and in love to our neighbors, today and always. | Amen. GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Lift up your hearts! | We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | It is right to give our thanks and praise. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. 5
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all. 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. Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory. Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, 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 Seated Christ invites you to this table. All who are thirsty, all who are hungry, come! 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. | Sustaining God, with this bread and cup, you nourish us with mercy and abundant life. By your Spirit, send us from this table to serve a needy world. Make us living signs of your liberation, healing, and love, following the way of Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
BLESSING 6
SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
The God of love draw you into full accord and one mind, in the body of Christ Jesus. | Amen. The God of hope grant you strength and joy in all circumstances through the interceding of the Spirit. | Amen. The God of grace ☩ bless you now and forever. | Amen. HYMN
I Heard an Old, Old Story
1. I heard an old old story How a Savior came from glory How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me I heard about His groaning Of His precious blood's atoning Then I repented of my sins And won the victory Chorus O victory in Jesus My Savior forever He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him He plunged me to victory Beneath the cleansing flood
2. I heard about His healing Of His cleansing pow'r revealing How He made the lame to walk again And caused the blind to see And then I cried dear Jesus Come and heal my broken spirit And somehow Jesus came and brought To me the victory 3. I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory And I heard about the streets of gold Beyond the crystal sea About the angels singing And the old redemption story And some sweet day I'll sing up there The song of victory
CCLI Song # 1259 Eugene M. Bartlett© Words: 1939 Mrs. E.M. Bartlett. Renewed 1967 Albert E. Brumley And Sons (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC) Music: 1939 Mrs. E.M. Bartlett. Renewed 1967 Albert E. Brumley And Sons (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2888121
SENDING Go out in joy. Be led forth in peace. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE by Redeemer Jazz Quartet From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER 18h Sunday after Pentecost LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER attendance: 266 in person, online 171 LCFM served: 682 meals; Food donations: GA Tech: 345 lbs, Toco Hills: 328 lbs Rejoicing Spirits is Back!! Rejoicing Spirits is back after our summer break! Creation in Christ is an exciting new worship festival that our other services will celebrate on September 6. In Rejoicing Spirits, we will celebrate the beauty and abundance of God’s creation and how we can all care for it. We can’t wait to rejoice with you. This special worship service is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities- yes, that means you! We are all beloved children of God with strengths and weaknesses. People with disabilities and their caregivers need the support of their faith 7
community. We all need to be reminded that whatever our abilities, we are enough. Come be a friend and make some amazing new friends! On September 20, October 18, November 15, and December 13 from 10:15 - 10:45, you can come to Rudisill Hall (before or after your usual service, if you wish) or participate online: scan the code or follow this link. Mark your calendars! Be a Friendly Face on Peachtree Redeemer will host welcoming tables outside the church on Sunday, September 27, during Atlanta Streets Alive, and Sunday, October 11, during the Atlanta Pride Parade. We’ll offer activities for kids, a pet blessing, giveaways, and information about Redeemer. Most of all, we need friendly volunteers to welcome and connect with our Midtown neighbors. Sign up for a two-hour shift, help with setup or cleanup, or volunteer both days. Sign up to volunteer for one or both Sundays Questions? Contact Pastor Timothy, tlloyd@redeemer.org Taste & See: Celebration of Ministries | Sunday October 18 | 5:30 PM Join us as we celebrate all that God is doing through Redeemer and the generosity of our congregation. Enjoy an evening of fellowship, delicious food, drinks, and inspiring stories, followed by recognition of our volunteers and a special message from Bishop Kevin Strickland. Childcare provided. Please RSVP. FAITH FORMATION Sundays | 10 am Reception Room New Fall Adult Forum Series: “Living the Faith: Christian Discipleship in a Complex World" Join us this fall for a 12-week Adult Forum series, Living the Faith: Christian Discipleship in a Complex World. • Unit One: Following Jesus Today, led by Deacon Allison - Sept 13-Oct 4 Sundays 10 am | Room 119 | Be Still and Journey Led by Karen Medford, Kristin Guthrie, & Pat Cornwell Join us this fall as we dive into TheoTalks—short, thought-provoking presentations on theology in the spirit of TED Talks. Each week we’ll discuss a talk, reflect on the speaker’s message, and share our own experiences and ideas in an open, welcoming discussion. Want to watch this week’s video or learn more? Contact Kristin Guthrie at kristinguthrie@bellsouth.net. Sundays 10 am | Room 121 | Mysteries of Faith Please join us this Sunday as we embark on our study of the book, ”Unseen Existences : Of Heaven, Earth, and the Divine Mystery in All Things”, the latest (2026) book authored by pastor and theologian Brian Zahnd. The notion, let alone the hope of heaven has disappeared from most of our theology. In Unseen Existences, Zahnd offers cynical and materialistic people a path to reclaiming and reimagining heaven as well as all that was and will be. The book is deeply comforting without being fuzzy or saccharine or easily cross-stitched on a pillow. It’s the kind of hope that generations of fellow Christians know well and held in trust for our generation now. Hopeful and filled with wonder, Zahnd offers a beautiful theology of life as pilgrimage with a home waiting for us at the end. No book purchase is required. All are welcome to join in a lively discussion of refashioning timeless truths into an even truer beauty. 8
Mondays at 1:30 pm | Reception Room | The Seekers Bible Study Class Led by Bill Pegram | Study on Matthew Tuesdays 7 am Breakfast Bible Study | Reception Room and Zoom Led by David Ott & Don Noland We are now studying Matthew. 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 Pr Jonathan for a weekly book study as they begin reading a new book, The Future of Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon. Sarah and Inon take readers on a transformative weeklong journey across a sacred and bloodstained land. Facing competing narratives, they explore how compassion and unity can pull humanity back from the precipice of blind hatred. Throughout their travels, they have been constantly asked: In the face of so much loss, how can we ever find hope? Their answer is always the same. One cannot find hope. We must create it. As always, reading is optional, we are more interested in your presence. If you have questions, please contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org. Wednesdays 4 pm | Early Birds Bible Study | Reception Room/Zoom Led by David Ott | Study on Genesis Wednesdays 6 pm | Pastors Class | Rudisill Hall/Zoom How the Bible Actually Works by Peter Enns How should we read the Bible in a world shaped by science, history, and modern questions? What do we do when Scripture seems confusing, contradictory, or difficult to reconcile with our expectations? This fall, join Pastor Mark for a thoughtful and engaging study of Peter Enns' How the Bible Actually Works. Enns invites readers to see the Bible not as a rulebook or answer key, but as a living story of God's relationship with humanity—a collection of ancient writings that continues to shape faith today. CHILDREN & FAMILY Sunday School We can’t wait to learn and grow in faith with your family this year!! We have classes for ages 0-fifth grade. You can register at this link, scan the code, or speak to Deacon Mary with any questions. NEW CLASS- we are opening a Story Time classroom for children ages 0-2 WITH at least one parent (all parents are welcome, but one is required). This will be a fun and casual time to engage our littlest members in faith and get to know each other. Ages 3-5th grade will have classes with our amazing teachers, as usual. Interested in volunteering with Sunday School? Speak to Deacon Mary about volunteer opportunities. 9
YOUTH Save the dates: The Gathering is happening next year! Start planning now to reserve the dates on your calendar: June 28 - July 2, 2027 See the weekly Youth e-newsletter for more events and details! COMMUNITY Join the Diversity and Justice Team The Diversity and Justice Team are looking for new members as we seek to refresh our ministry and help Redeemer engage with our partners working in the areas of diversity and justice. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org. Women’s Retreat- Registration open until Sunday, September 20 This year’s retreat will be a ONE day event right here in the Atlanta area! We will meet on October 3rd on the beautiful campus of Columbia Seminary in Decatur (near Agnes Scott) from 9 am- 4 pm. We’ll pack a lot of faithful learning and great conversations into those hours. You won’t want to miss it! Our theme this year is Deeply Rooted, Joyfully Sent: rooted in our identity as children of God and members of our faith community, how are we sent to be God’s hands and feet in the world? Our Speaker is Janjay Innis: a public theologian who preaches, teaches, and facilitates conversations nationally on the most pressing social issues of our time, calling individuals and communities to work together for equitable, lasting change. Jazz Concert at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 4th The Redeemer Concert Series will open its 2026-27 season with “Fugues, Blues, and Bolling,” a jazz concert featuring music from the Suites for Flute and Cello by Claude Bolling. Anchored by Redeemer’s own jazz percussionist Jerry Fields, the other performers are Congcong Bi, cello; Teodora Stoyanova, flute; Brian Parks, piano; and Chris Riggenbach, bass. The concert will take place in Sims Atrium, followed by a reception. Donations will be accepted at the door. All are welcome! 2026 HAT & SCARF CHALLENGE: Faithful Hands and Sacred Makers Calling all Knitters, Weavers, and Crocheters! The Prayer Shawl Ministry invites everyone to knit, weave, or crochet hats and scarves for those in need, to be distributed during the Lutheran Community Food Ministry Holiday Meals. Items can be dropped off in Room 119. Scarves should be at least 60" long; Superwash yarn is preferred. Free yarn is available. Interested in learning to knit or crochet? Just let us know. Contact: Jpcorn90@gmail.com Calendar for September 20 – September 26, 2026 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, September 20, 2026 Event Time Location
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Worship 9:00 AM Jazz & 11:00 AM Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Seraphim Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM – 10:00 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 Confirmation 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Mysteries of Faith 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Be Still & Journey 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Living the Faith Class 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Rejoicing Spirits 10:15 AM – 10:45 AM Ministry Team Leaders 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM Monday, September 21 The Seekers 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Carillon Ringers 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Tuesday, September 22 Morning Bible Study 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM Pr Jonathan Book Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Wednesday, September 23 Wednesday Night Dinner 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Early Birds Bible Study 4:00 PM – 3:00 PM Pastor’s Class 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Evening Worship 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Redeemer Choir 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Thursday, September 24 Tolkien Group 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Friday, September 25 Saturday, September 26 Hope Thru Soap 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
In-person/ On-Line Hinely Music Hall Room 204 Room 211 Youth Lounge Various Rooms Various Rooms Room 121 Room 119 Reception Room Rudisill Hall Zittrouer Hall Reception Room Hinely Music Hall Reception Room Zoom Sims Atrium Reception/Zoom Rudisill Hall Sanctuary Hinely Music Hall Zoom 4th Street Lot
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 11
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 Deacon Allison Lizdas .......................................... Director of Congregational Care, ext. 203 Katie Nail .........................................................................Organ Scholar, knail@redeemer.org Roel Salinas .............................................................Pastoral Intern, rsalinas@redeemer.org Dani Vogel ...............................................................Youth & Young Adults Director, ext.230 Stacey Williams .......................................................................................... Head of Security
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