Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 27, 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 531 The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing Verse 1 The trumpets sound the angels sing The feast is ready to begin The gates of heav'n are open wide And Jesus welcomes you inside
Verse 2 Tables are laden with good things O taste the peace and joy He brings He'll fill you up with love divine He'll turn your water into wine Chorus Sing with thankfulness Songs of pure delight Come and revel in Heaven's love and light Take your place at the Table of the King The feast is ready to begin The feast is ready to begin Verse 3 The hungry heart He satisfies Offers the poor His paradise Now hear all heaven and earth applaud The amazing goodness of the Lord Bridge Jesus (Jesus) We thank You (we thank You) For Your love (for Your love) For Your joy (for Your joy) Jesus (Jesus) We thank You (we thank You) For the good things (for the good things) You give to us (You give to us) CCLI Song # 190672 Graham Kendrick © 1989 Make Way Music For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2888121
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who pours love into our hearts and healing upon the earth. | Amen. 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.
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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. God of love, giver of life, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them, keep us from those things that harm us, and guide us in the way of salvation, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen. Seated CHILDREN’S SERMON THE READING Philippians 2:1-13 As part of a call for harmony rather than self-seeking, Paul uses a very early Christian hymn that extols the selflessness of Christ in his obedient death on the cross. Christ’s selfless perspective is to be the essential perspective we share as the foundation for Christian accord. 1
If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9
Therefore God exalted him even more highly and gave him the name that is above every other name, 10 so that at the name given to Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work on your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 3
Word of God, word of life. | Thanks be to God. Standing THE HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 21:23-32 After driving the moneychangers out of the temple (21:12), Jesus begins teaching there. His authority is questioned by the religious leaders, who are supposed to be in charge of the temple. Before the reading: The Holy Gospel according... | Glory to you, O Lord. 23
When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” And they argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why, then, did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for all regard John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 28 “What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He answered, ‘I will not,’ but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same, and he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and even after you saw it you did not change your minds and believe him.” After the reading: The Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to You, O Christ. Seated SERMON Standing HYMN 807
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Pastor Mark H. Larson Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
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. Center your church in humility as we strive to follow in your way. Help us listen to the cries of those who have been unfairly hurt by the church and dare to name difficult truths. Show all your love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. You call us to care for your creation. Lead us into your promise of a better world through sustainable practices and respect for your handiwork. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Inspire all in positions of authority to act honorably. Remind them of their call to use their authority for the sake of the common good. Give them the gift of humility. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Comfort those who come before you in fear and trembling. Calm troubled hearts with your forgiveness. Help all those in need (especially). Grant us your salvation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. 5
Change this congregation’s heart when we say no to your call. Open us to courageous learning and service in our community, especially in new or challenging places. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. Here other intercessions may be offered. Your steadfast love holds all the saints who have finished their work and are at rest. As we grieve, remind us of your mercy so we may also give thanks. 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. 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. 6
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. SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING 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 535 7
Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises
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 19h Sunday after Pentecost LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER attendance: in person 242, online 138 LCFM served: 855 meals; Food donations: GA Tech: 323 lbs, Toco Hills: 258 lbs
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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 Council Elections – Nominees Needed On Saturday, September 26, voting members of Redeemer received an email regarding the upcoming Council elections, including a request for nominations. Please submit your nominees by Sunday, October 4. If you did not receive the email, please contact Robin Durdin at rdurdin@redeemer.org. Monster Mash Candy Drive We are gearing up for Halloween fun again this year! You can help us provide this safe and fun Halloween event for children and their families by donating candy and party favors from now to October 18th. Please choose only from the Amazon list at this link, which will be shipped directly to the church. See Deacon Mary with questions. Monster Mash and Pipe Screams- Friday, October 23 Mark your calendar for Friday, October 23 from 5:45-8:30 pm for some Halloween fun! We will start with carnival games outside (or inside depending on weather), dinner in Sims Atrium (pizza), and then head to the sanctuary for the Pipe Screams concert. After the concert, we will go back outside for music, bubbles, and of course, CANDY! Costumes are encouraged for all ages but not required. A donation of about $5 per person is appreciated to cover food. RSVP is not required. Bring a friend! Friday, October 23, 2026 – 7:00 pm “PipeScreams” Organ Concert All ages are invited to this free family-friendly 30-minute concert of spooky music performed by organists Sarah Hawbecker and Katie Nail. Costumes are encouraged! You can attend as part of Redeemer’s “Monster Mash” event or independently. Whether you’ve attended a hundred organ concerts, or this is your first one, it will be a howling good time! 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 9
Sundays | 10 am Reception Room 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. 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. 10
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 TODAY: Sunday School in classrooms plus Third Grade Faith Stepping Stone Class. Sunday School for ages Zero- Fifth Grade is held most Sundays during the school year. You can register at this link, scan the code, or speak to Deacon Mary with any questions. We can’t wait to learn and grow in faith with your family this year!! 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. 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! YOUNG ADULTS Redeemer Young Adults will meet up for lunch today following the 11 am service. We will walk to a local restaurant and then return to Redeemer to help set up or attend Streets Alive. 2nd Wednesdays beginning October 14 at 6 PM | New Bible Study opportunity! Young adults are welcome to join in the youth lounge for a movie themed Bible Study. Join us for dinner upstairs or bring your own to the event. We'll watch a short portion of a movie and then do a Bible study about it. First up is Spiderman Homecoming. On 10/18 Redeemer Young Adults will do a lunch meet up following 11 am worship. COMMUNITY 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! 11
Reformation Concert | Friday, October 30, 2026, 7:30 pm The Redeemer Concert Series continues with Echoing Air, an Indianapolis-based vocal ensemble with Baroque instruments. “A Mighty Fortress” is an inspiring concert of music showcasing the music of 16th- to early 18th century Lutheran composers. This program vividly portrays the Lutheran ideals of forging a personal connection with God and the growing prominence of the German vernacular language in sacred music. Join us as we bring to life the works of Heinrich Schütz, Johannn Schein, Dieterich Buxtehude, Vincert Lübeck, Johann Rosenmüller, Johann Fischer and Dietrich Becker in a harmonious celebration of this rich musical tradition. Donations to the Friends of Music will be accepted at the door. 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. New Member Class Are you interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, the history of Redeemer, and becoming a member of Redeemer? If so, you are invited to join Deacon Allison Lizdas and John Garrigan for a one day New Member Class on Saturday, October 17th from 9am-12 pm. Breakfast will be served! You can reserve your spot using this link, scanning the QR code, or speaking with Deacon Allison. 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 27 – October 3, 2026 Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, September 27, 2026 Event Time Location Worship 9:00 AM Jazz & 11:00 AM In-person/ On-Line Redeemer Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Hinely Music Hall Seraphim Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Room 204 J.O.Y. Choir 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM Room 211 High School Faith Formation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Youth Lounge Children’s Sunday School 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Confirmation 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Various Rooms Youth Parents Group 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Library 12
Mysteries of Faith Be Still & Journey Living the Faith Class Streets Alive Pet Blessing Monday, September 28 The Seekers Carillon Ringers Tuesday, September 29 Morning Bible Study Pr Jonathan Book Study Wednesday, September 30 Wednesday Night Dinner Early Birds Bible Study Pastor’s Class Evening Worship Redeemer Choir Thursday, October 1 Community Engagement Tolkien Group Friday, October 2 Saturday, October 3 Women’s Retreat
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Room 121 Room 119 Reception Room
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Reception Room Zoom
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 4:00 PM – 3:00 PM 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sims Atrium Reception/Zoom Rudisill Hall Sanctuary Hinely Music Hall
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Zoom Zoom
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9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Off Site
Redeemer Green
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 Deacon Allison Lizdas .......................................... Director of Congregational Care, ext. 203 Katie Nail .........................................................................Organ Scholar, knail@redeemer.org Roel Salinas .............................................................Pastoral Intern, rsalinas@redeemer.org 13
Dani Vogel ...............................................................Youth & Young Adults Director, ext.230 Stacey Williams .......................................................................................... Head of Security
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