THE GATHERING. PRELUDE Seasons of the Heart Karen Buckwalter Old South Ringers

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1 February 24, 2013 Second Sunday in Lent 11:00 am Welcome! Thank you for turning off cell phones, pagers and beepers, and for refraining from using flash photography. Please maintain a respectful and meditative quiet throughout the service, except of course when congregational participation is invited. THE GATHERING PRELUDE Seasons of the Heart Karen Buckwalter Old South Ringers Jerusalem, Thou that Killest the Prophets from St. Paul Rebecca O Brien, soloist Felix Mendelssohn Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, thou that stonest them which are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered unto Me thy children, and ye would not! Luke 13:34 *HYMN 1 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise St. Denio * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 *CALL TO WORSHIP John M. Edgerton One: God is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Many: God is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? One: One thing I asked of God that I will seek after: Many: To behold the beauty of God, and to inquire in God s temple. One: Come, my heart says, seek God s face! Many: Your face, O God, do I seek. One: O God of our salvation, we worship and adore you, Many: We will sing your praises forever and ever. Amen! *A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION WORDS OF WELCOME We invite you to greet those around you, wishing them peace or the peace of Christ. THE GIFT OF THE WORD ANTHEM When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Retirement Carrie Cheron, soloist arr. Alice Parker When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast Save in the death of Christ my God; All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood. Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small, Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. Isaac Watts,

3 SCRIPTURE Luke 4:16-21 Tony Rich *HYMN 224 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Hamburg (Children and teachers may leave for Church School classes.) SERMON Fear Shawn M. Fiedler *HYMN 208 God Loved the World Rockingham OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS *CALL TO PRAYER One: God be with you. Many: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts. Many: We lift our hearts to God. One: Let us pray. (The congregation may be seated.) Nancy S. Taylor ANTIPHON Christ Has Humbled Himself Harry L. Huff The Choir will sing the antiphon once, then the congregation. Philippians 2:8 PRAYER OF CONFESSION SILENT PRAYER ANTIPHON 3

4 THE LORD S PRAYER (unison) 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 debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. PRAYER RESPONSE I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Old South Ringers arr. Sondra Tucker CALL TO THE OFFERING In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy and justice. Maggie Lowe OFFERTORY ANTHEM When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Rockingham, arr. Bruce Saylor When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast Save in the death of Christ my God; All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood. See, from His head, His hands, His feet Sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e er such love and sorrow meet Or thorns compose so rich a crown. Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small, Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. Isaac Watts,

5 THE RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS Noel Billings Blair Ron Buford Caitlyn Nicole Byers Crista Jaeckel Michael Brett Jaeckel Katherine Kominis Brian Jude Robertson Jennifer Anna Robertson David Franklin Story Nathan Kyle Troup INTRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION John M. Edgerton and Nancy S. Taylor LITANY OF INTENT One: Friends in Christ, we are all received into the church through the sacrament of Baptism. These people have found nurture and support in the midst of the family of Christ. Many: They have been led by the Spirit to affirm their Baptism and to claim in our presence their covenantal relationship with Christ and the members of the Christian church. One: They are here, as we are here, to endeavor to love God with all our heart, and all our soul, and all our mind. God help us. Many: They are here, as we are here, to endeavor to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. God help us. One: Friends who are joining, we rejoice in your pilgrimage of faith which has brought you to this time and place. Many: We give thanks for every community of faith which has been your spiritual home, and we celebrate your presence in this household of faith. One: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to continue in your pilgrimage of faith, to be Christ s disciple, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able? Those joining: We promise, with the help of God. Many: Do you promise to walk with us in faithfulness and in Christian love? And do you promise, that so far as able, you will participate in the life of this church, by worshipping God with us, and offering your time, talent and means for the ministry of this church and for the larger church of which this is a part? Those joining: We promise, with the help of God. 5

6 One: *All: Will all who are able please rise, those who are not able please extend your arms as a sign of welcome. Friends, we welcome you as partners in the common life of this church and share our covenant of mission with you. I do now in the presence of God and before this assembly give myself to the One whom Jesus called Abba, Father as the God in whose love I am grounded and whose realm I serve; to Jesus Christ, God incarnate, to whom I surrender and who rules my life; to God the Holy Spirit as the One who sustains, recreates, and guides me. I will share God s everlasting covenant by loving and living responsibly in communion with this one God. *THE RIGHT HAND OF CHRISTIAN LOVE Russ Gregg, Deacon *HYMN 193 In the Cross of Christ I Glory Rathbun *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Shawn M. Fiedler POSTLUDE Allegro molto from Sonata #6, op. 65 Felix Mendelssohn Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Peter Meek at the front of the Sanctuary. 6

7 TODAY AT OLD SOUTH Welcome to Old South Church in Boston. Our faith is over 2000 years old, but our thinking is not! Old South opens its doors to the city, to tourists from near and far, to the needy, to an array of building users, and to a congregation (of members, friends, and family both the curious and the committed) who call this their church home. Join us immediately following worship for fellowship and refreshments in the Gordon Chapel. Today s Scripture Reader, Tony Rich, has served on the Finance and Leadership Committees. Today s flowers are given by Emily and Rodney Click in loving gratitude for their daughter, Amy, born today twenty four years ago. Name tags facilitate community and help newcomers feel welcomed. If you don t see a tag with your name on it, let us know. Sunday sermons and services are available as podcasts and text at If you are interested in deepening your participation, or if you just love Old South, it s time to think about CONNECTIONS CLASS. Contact one of the ministers: (617) Audio of the service is available across the Narthex in the Gordon Chapel for those who would like a place to take restless children. For LARGE print bulletins or hearing assistance devices ask an Usher. GARAGE PARKING VALIDATIONS We have arrangements for discounted parking with two nearby garages for Old South worship or church business (excluding weddings and concerts): 1. Park at the Garage@100 Clarendon (behind Back Bay Station), have your ticket validated at our Front Desk, and you pay the discounted rate of $7 for up to 3 hours. Old South bears no cost. 2. Park at the Prudential Garage for up to 3 hours, have your ticket validated at our Front Desk, and the Prudential Garage will bill Old South (costing us $15k - $20k per year). Old South is located a short walk from bus stops, subway and rail lines, cab stands, and walking/ cycling paths. Bike racks are available on Boylston Street. Find directions by transit from your address to 645 Boylston Street at To join the Old South Forum, communications@oldsouth.org. Like us: Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch. 7

8 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC One of the best-loved hymnwriters of all time was Isaac Watts ( ), recognized as the Father of English Hymnody. Born in Southampton, England, he was brought up as a committed religious Nonconformist (the polite term for a Puritan). Watts led the way in the inclusion in worship of original songs of Christian experience ; that is, new poetry. The 16 th - century Reformation leader John Calvin, who firmly believed that only the Psalms of David were worthy to be sung in Divine Worship, had initiated the practice of creating verse translations of the Psalms in the vernacular for congregational singing, hence the genesis of our own Bay Psalm Book (1640). Watts introduction of extra-biblical poetry opened up a new era of Protestant hymnody, as his hymns were the first to be universally accepted by Congregationalists both in England and in the Massachusetts Bay Colony to be sung alongside the Psalms. Watts most popular hymn texts include O God, Our Help in Ages Past, Joy to the World, Jesus Shall Reign Where er the Sun, My Shepherd Will Supply My Need, and perhaps the most poignant, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. That text will be heard in three different tunes during this morning s service. The first anthem is an arrangement of the haunting shapenote tune Retirement by Massachusetts native Alice Parker. It is taken from her cantata Melodious Accord, a collection of hymn tunes and texts found in Genuine Church Music, a hymnal edited by Joseph Funk, a Mennonite farmer, in Harrisonburg, Virginia in Prior to the sermon, we as a congregation will sing together the most familiar tune to this text, Hamburg, written in 1825 by Boston s own Lowell Mason (who was also the composer of Antioch, the tune paired with Watts Joy to the World ). During the offertory, the Choir will sing an arrangement of the text by New York composer Bruce Saylor to Rockingham, the tune most often sung by Anglican/Episcopal congregations. Rockingham is also used today as the tune for the hymn following the sermon, God Loved the World. The Old South Ringers will enhance today s service, playing selections by Karen Buckwalter and Sondra Tucker during the prelude and as the prayer response. The prelude will also include a solo from the 1836 oratorio St. Paul, op. 36 by German composer Felix Mendelssohn ( ). Jerusalem, Thou that Killest the Prophets are words from Jesus in response to some Pharisees who said to him, Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you. Jesus replied, Go tell that fox, I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal. In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! Mendelssohn is also represented today in the postlude, the final movement of a set of variations based on the Lutheran chorale Vater Unser in Himmelreich (Our Father in Heaven the Lord s Prayer). It is a fiery toccata which concludes with a re-statement of the chorale theme on full organ. 8 Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music

9 CALENDAR Second Sunday in Lent Sunday, February 24 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Shawn M. Fiedler preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Lenten Program, Jesus and the Disinherited 10:00 am Old South Knitters 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Shawn M. Fiedler preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Bagels and the Bible 12:30 pm Sunday s Bread, Saint John the Evangelist 5:00 pm Lenten Program, Jesus and the Disinherited 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Maren Batalden Monday, February 25 8:00 am Vision Working Group 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:30 pm Communications Committee 7:00 pm Membership Committee 7:00 pm Music Committee Tuesday, February 26 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 5:30 pm Trustees 7:00 pm Deacons Wednesday, February 27 6:00 pm What s Going On? Discussion Series 7:00 pm Wednesday Prayers Thursday, February 28 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Font and Table Class 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study Saturday, March 2 6:00 pm West of Boston Potluck, Newton Corner Third Sunday in Lent Sunday, March 3 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Lenten Program, Jesus and the Disinherited 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel 5:00 pm Lenten Program, Jesus and the Disinherited 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by David Vogan 9

10 OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister John M. Edgerton, Associate Minister Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music James W. Crawford, Senior Minister Emeritus Donald A. Wells, Theologian in Residence June Cooper, Theologian in Action Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Shawn Fiedler, Pastoral Fellow Maggie Lowe, Seminary Intern Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Adrienne Kisner, Youth Leader Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Laurel Leslie, Choir Director, First Worship Willie Sordillo, Music Coordinator, Jazz Worship Peter Coulombe, Director, Old South Ringers Amy Budka, Children s Music Director Linda O Donnell, Director, Children s Choir Katie Gerrish, Director, Chime Choir Mark Schueppert, Moderator Kate Silfen, Clerk David Vogan, Treasurer Phil Stern, Chair, Board of Trustees Emily Click, Historian Candace Kosturko, Senior Deacon Vicki A. Newman, Pledge Secretary Helen McCrady, Senior Church Administrator Amy Perry, Administrator & Webmaster Rosemary Clarke, Accountant Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Elias Perez, Senior Sexton Ozo Nwodo, Robert Blenman & Jahadul Islam, Sextons Corey Spence, Rubia Reyes & Jim McDonnel, Receptionists (617) A NOTE ON THE INCLUSIVE DIMENSIONS OF GOD S GRACE Old South Church in Boston, in the name of its host, Jesus Christ, and in the spirit of Christ s invitation carved into the stone of this church s portico, Behold I Set Before You an Open Door, welcomes all who seek to know God. Following the One who we believe is Sovereign and Savior, we affirm that each individual is a child of God, and recognize that we are called to be like one body with many members, seeking with others of every race, ethnicity, creed, class, age, gender, marital status, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to journey together toward the promised realm of God. We invite everyone to join in the common life and mission of our reconciling community through participation and leadership in this congregation, and by fully sharing in the worship, rites and sacraments of this church. As we all move forward with the work of this church, we commit ourselves to making justice and inclusivity a reality in this congregation and in the world. On the threshold of Christ s open door, we rely upon the healing, unconditional nature of God s love and grace to be our help and guide. 10

11 (617) Have you Liked us yet? Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch LENTEN JOURNEY: 10 am and 5 pm. Old South Church has embarked upon a Lenten journey with Howard Thurman s treatise, Jesus and the Disinherited, as our guide. Join us for facilitated conversations each week through the season of Lent. For the complete schedule, visit oldsouth.org/get-involved/lent. OLD SOUTH KNITTERS: 10 am. Join OSC s knitting ministry to practice the art of creating Prayer Shawls. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS: 12:15 pm. Join members and friends for Old South s monthly celebration of birthdays during Fellowship Hour. We will celebrate all those who are February-born with candles, cake and song. All are invited to join in the festivities. SUNDAY S BREAD: Today volunteers are preparing and serving a community meal from 12:30-4 pm at the Church of Saint John the Evangelist on Beacon Hill. If you would like to help, call Lucy Costa at FIRST WORSHIP: Sundays, 9 am. In the intimacy of the Gordon Chapel we turn our attention to God in an informal service of word and sacrament. Led by Rev. John Edgerton and Seminary Intern Maggie Lowe. FESTIVAL WORSHIP: Sundays, 11 am. Our worship is enhanced by the Old South Choir and the E.M. Skinner organ. Led by Revs. Nancy Taylor and John Edgerton, and Minister of Music Harry Huff. EVENING WORSHIP: Sundays, 6 pm. Be called into worship by the sounds of trickling water and the beauty of the flute. Our worship is a blend of ancient and new, contemplative yet bold, song and story. Led by Pastoral Fellow Shawn Fiedler and the members of Old South Church. JAZZ WORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Rev. John Edgerton, Pastoral Fellow Shawn Fiedler, and the Holy Spirit are your guides as you move through a rhythm of music, silence, and spoken word that will freshen the faith of longtime Christians and invite new ones to deeper discipleship. HEALING WORSHIP: Sunday, March 10, 10 am. Tap into God s healing love with a gentle service of prayers and reflection led by Rev. Ken Orth, a pastoral counselor and spiritual director. WEDNESDAY PRAYERS: Wednesdays, 7 pm. Join Old South Church s Sanctuary in the City Task Force for a time of reflection, meditation, and prayer. Erinhull@gmail.com SPRING WORSHIP HOSPITALITY: We are seeking volunteers for April, May, and June. Visit OldSouth.org/ get-involved to fill out a form. Forms are also available at the Front Desk. The deadline is TODAY. EASTER FLOWERS: Contributions for the display of tulips and lilies for Easter Sunday are now being accepted. The cost is $15. Visit oldsouth.org/online-giving to submit your message and make payment. Cards are available at the Front Desk and may be returned to the attention of Helen McCrady. The deadline is Sunday, March 24. SUNDAY FLOWERS: The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2013 is up in the first floor elevator lobby. April 21 is still available. The cost is $50. Put your name by the date you want and send the message you wish to appear in the bulletin to helen@oldsouth.org. Please note that more than one person can sign up for any one Sunday. Last Sunday we used the UCC Statement of Faith as a responsive Call to Worship. As part of studying and preparing for confirmation in my home church, the confirmands memorized the UCC Statement of Faith (the UCC was all of 6 years old when I was confirmed). In the original version the pronouns used were in the third person: he, him, and his. Today the Statement uses the second person: you and your. Having memorized it at one time, it flows rather smoothly for me and I enjoy so many of its phrases. I ve been thinking, though, that the you and your pronouns are rather odd usage for a statement of faith. You can find the statement in The New Century Hymnal, #885. In checking this reference, I noticed the statement is labeled as a statement in the form of a doxology (a hymn of praise). By giving the statement the context of a doxology rather than a pronouncement, the change from third to second person is more palatable for me. Regardless of the pronouns used, it is an informative, succinct and useful statement. I hope you make the time to read and ponder it now and again.

12 CHORUS PRO MUSICA: Sunday, March 10, 3 pm. CPM presents Four Weddings and a Funeral. J.S. Bach s timeless expression of consolation and even joy in the face of death is joined with mostly modern choral masterpieces, with organ and string accompaniment, proclaiming the joy of life and eternal love. Tickets $ ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: We are collecting canned fruit to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Next month we will collect cereal. Donation baskets in stone entryway of the church. YOUNG ADULTS GROUP BOOK DRIVE: Through March 3. Help spread the word through the world. YAG is seeking your used books to donate to Prison Book Program and More Than Words. Donations can be brought to Sunday Fellowship Hour or left with the front desk during the week. CHURCH WORLD SERVICE COLLECTION: During Lent, the Church School is collecting items for Church World Service Emergency Cleanup Buckets. To view the complete list of items, visit oldsouth.org/get-involved. MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISING: In April and June, Old South Church will send two groups of missionaries to New Orleans to work with the St. Bernard Project on rebuilding one family s home. This year is unique in that Old South Church will also fund $20,000 of the material costs. To give, visit missions.oldsouth.org. WEST OF BOSTON POTLUCK: Saturday, March 2, 6 pm, Uno Chicago Grill, Newton Corner. The menu will include appetizers, thin crust pizza, salad, and soft drink plus good fellowship and laughs. $15 per person to cover the cost plus tip. To RSVP and receive directions, rwyeo@comcast.net. RETIRED AND READY: Monday, March 4, 11 am. Join Old South Church s active adults for a tour of the John Adams Library Collection at the BPL s Rare Books Department. We will meet inside of the Boylston Street entrance (across from Old South Church) at 10:50 am. An optional lunch will follow at the Map Room Café onsite. Space is limited. RSVP to mghunter@webtv.net. LENTEN JOURNEY: Sundays through March 10, 10 am and 5 pm. Old South Church will embark upon a Lenten journey with Howard Thurman s treatise, Jesus and the Disinherited, as our guide. Our two books Jesus and the Disinherited and 40-Day Journey with Howard Thurman are available at the Front Desk for $15 for both. THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP: Mondays beginning February 25, 6 pm. Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of Revelation by Elaine Pagels. The Book of Revelation, the most controversial book in the New Testament, was written as a polemic against the Roman Empire but was later used by some to damn heretics and infidels. Join us in reading Pagels' insightful book. Copies are available at the Front Desk for $20. Led by Theologian in Residence Donald Wells. Granwell@comcast.net WHAT S GOING ON? Wednesday, February 27, 6 pm. Join The Urban Body of Christ of our Faith at the Crossroads Task Force for the last gathering in this discussion series using the music of Marvin Gaye as the backdrop. RSVP to reception@oldsouth.org. DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY: Thursdays, 7-9 pm. Join us for a 34-week study on the entire Bible, following the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem. Commitment of regular weekly attendance and daily homework and prayer. RSVP to roryrazon@yahoo.com. FONT AND TABLE: Thursdays, February 28; March 7, 14, 21; April 11, 18, 25, 7 pm. This eight-session conversation will focus on deepening discipleship through the Sacraments. Commitment to a minimum of six sessions and weekly readings. Dinner included. Led by Rev. J. Mary Luti. RSVP to mfsablove@gmail.com. CHILDREN AND YOUTH: The Old South Church School offers programming for children, infant through high school. Infant, toddler, and preschool care is offered 8:30 am - 12:15 pm. Elementary aged children are invited to a multi-age class during First Worship. Graded classes (through seventh grade) and a Confirmation Class (for eighth through tenth graders) are offered during Festival Worship. A variety of enrichment activities are available between services. The High School Youth Group meets at 9:45 am. Churchschool@oldsouth.org SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY & BREAKING (GOOD) NEWS: On hiatus through Easter. Resume Sunday, April 7, 10 am. BAGELS AND THE BIBLE: Second & fourth Sundays, 12:30 pm. Join the Sanctuary in the City Task Force for a no-commitment, homework-free discussion on that Sunday morning s Bible passage. Decapoevans@gmail.com