February 2, 2014, 11:00 am 344th Annual Meeting Sunday

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2 February 2, 2014, 11:00 am 344th Annual Meeting Sunday Warning! To enter into the life of this people of God is to encounter God s soul-challenging, life-changing, radicalizing love. Will you join us? Do you dare? THE GATHERING PRELUDE Fugue in Eb (St. Anne), BWV 552 J.S. Bach *HYMN O God, Beneath Thy Guiding Hand Duke Street 2

3 *CALL TO WORSHIP One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: In the presence of God whose Word has called the earth and the stars into being, We stand in awe. In the presence of God whose arms have held children, We stand in trust. In the presence of God whose breath has stirred within us and caused our hearts to thirst for justice, We stand in need. Before You, Giver of Life, we come in faith, in search of love and wholeness. We stand ready to worship You, Creator of the Universe, with our whole selves. Anthony T. Livolsi *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. ANTHEM Circle Round the Moon from Reflections of Y outh Mark Hierholzer The Children s Choir; Linda O Donnell, Director Circle round the moon invites me to stay out in the winter time. Crystals in the air suggest that I prepare for the cold night air. High above the trees you will make me see that with such a sight Sheer delight is hidden everywhere for those who care to see. Caverns down below invite me to come down on the slippery rock. Icicles of stone and horrid mountain gnomes hidden in the dark. In the ground below you will make me know that with such a sight Sheer delight is hidden everywhere for those who care to see. 3

4 What great mind behind it dreamed it and designed it? Pale moons, cavern tombs, starry, starry sky. Flurry blizzard snow, watch it as it blows in the blue gray skies. Sandy summer beach, hear the seagulls screech in the hot dry air. What great mind behind it dreamed it and designed it? Snowy night, summer flight, painful beauty in my sight Making me long for you. Mark Hierholzer THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Matthew 25:31, Deborah Washington One: Jesus taught His disciples, saying: When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. Many: Then the King will say to those at his right hand, One: Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry Many: and you gave Me food, One: I was thirsty... Many: and you gave Me something to drink, One: I was a stranger Many: and you welcomed Me, One: I was naked Many: and you gave Me clothing, One: I was sick Many: and you took care of Me, One: I was in prison Many: and you visited Me. One: Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when was it that we saw You hungry and gave You food, Many: or thirsty and gave You something to drink? One: And when was it that we saw You a stranger and welcomed You, Many: or naked and gave You clothing? One: And when was it that we saw You sick or in prison and visited You? And the King will answer them, Many: Whatever kindness You extended, to even the least of My family One: whether nourishment or welcome, shelter or visitation, clothing or healing Many: that very same kindness you extended to Me. 4

5 *HYMN O Where Are Kings and Empires Now Tallis Third Tune (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) THE STATE OF THE CHURCH Whatever kindness Nancy S. Taylor *HYMN 401 O God in Whom All Life Begins Noel OFFERING OUR PRAYERS, OUR GIFTS, OURSELVES *CALL TO PRAYER One: God be with you. Many: And also with you. One: May the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts. Many: Christ is our peace, our light and our hope. One: Let us pray. (The congregation may be seated.) John M. Edgerton PASTORAL PRAYER 5

6 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 O How Amiable Are Thy Dwellings Ralph Vaughan Williams O how amiable are Thy dwellings: Thou Lord of hosts! My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord: My heart and my flesh rejoice in the Living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, And the swallow a nest where she may lay her young: Even Thy altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: They will be always praising Thee. The glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us: Prosper Thou the work of our hands upon us. O prosper Thou our handywork, O prosper Thou our handywork. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home. Psalms 84 and 90 CALL TO THE OFFERING In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy, justice, and beauty. 6

7 OFFERTORY ANTHEM Jubilate Deo William Walton O be joyful in God, all ye lands: Worship God with gladness, and come before the presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Sovereign is God: It is God that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are God s people, and the sheep of God s pasture. O, go your way into the gates with thanksgiving, and into the courts with praise: Be thankful to the Maker and speak good of God s Name. For God is gracious, God s mercy is everlasting: And God s truth endureth from generation to generation. Glory to the Creator, and to the Christ: and to the Holy Spirit; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: World without end. Amen. Psalm 100 PRAYER OF DEDICATION Anthony T. Livolsi *HYMN 372 God, You Have Set Us National Hymn *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Nancy S. Taylor POSTLUDE Gloria Tibi from Mass Leonard Bernstein Following worship, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Peter Meek at the front of the Sanctuary. 7

8 WELCOME TO OLD SOUTH CHURCH Welcome to Old South Church in Boston. We are a progressive Christian church first gathered in The Church played a significant role in early American history. Today, Old South Church continues to outfit itself for mission and ministry in the 21st century as a thriving urban church in the heart of Boston. Join us immediately following worship for fellowship and refreshments in the Gordon Chapel. Today s scripture reader, Deborah Washington, serves as co-chair of the Faith at the Crossroads Task Force and designed and led the What s Going On? series investigating the issue of race in America through the music of Marvin Gaye. Today s flowers are given by Larry Bowers in thanksgiving for the ministries of Nancy S. Taylor, John M. Edgerton, Anthony T. Livolsi, the staff of Old South Church, and in grateful memory of Elsbeth Melville Percy, who for many years gave flowers in recognition of the ministerial staff on Annual Meeting Sunday. Today s ASL Interpreter is Gabrielle Weiler. Name tags facilitate community and help newcomers feel welcomed. If you don t see a tag with your name on it, let us know. 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. Visit OldSouth.org for audio and a transcript of today s sermon. GARAGE PARKING VALIDATIONS We have arrangements for discounted parking with two nearby garages for Old South Church 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 5 hours on Saturday or Sunday, have your ticket validated at our Front Desk, and the Prudential Garage will bill Old South (costing us $15k - $20k per year). 8

9 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC On the evening of Sunday, the 26 th of October, 1884, special services were held at the Old South, in memory of the men for whom the tablets had been erected. The services were conducted by the pastor, the Rev. George A. Gordon, who, after the singing of an anthem by the choir, read part of the seventh chapter of the Book of Revelation. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Edmund K. Alden, D.D., and the congregation united with the choir in singing Dr. Bacon s hymm So read the account as published by David Clapp & Son, 283 Washington Street, on the occasion of the dedication of the four memorial plaques in the rear of our Sanctuary two of red marble, bearing the names of the congregation s ministers from 1670 to 1882; and two of red slate, commemorating two distinguished laymen, Samuel Sewell and Samuel Adams. Today is Old South Church s 344th Annual Meeting, a time to honor our illustrious past and the communion of saints that have so ably and nobly served in this congregation, as well as the many gifted and devoted lay leaders and volunteers that ensure Old South s position at the very vanguard of mercy, justice and beauty today. We will begin our service this morning by singing Dr. Bacon s hymn, O God beneath Thy Guiding Hand, and we will also sing another hymn from that evening in 1884: O Where Are Kings and Empires Now. The first hymn speaks of the great heritage of our ancestors who crossed the sea, and with prayer and psalm they worshipped Thee. The second hymn assures us that, despite all the kings and empires of old that went and came, the church is praying yet, a thousand years the same. Another popular hymn with similar themes, O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, will serve as an underlying framework for this service that celebrates the past, present and future of our congregation. The organ prelude, Fugue in Eb (BWV 552), actually contains three separate fugues, and has long been considered to be a paean to the Holy Trinity. The subject of the first fugue should be immediately familiar as William Croft s 1708 tune which is sung to Isaac Watt s immortal O God, Our Help in Ages Past ; hence this fugue often bears the moniker of St. Anne, the tune name honoring Croft s English parish church. That tune and text will be heard at the conclusion of the anthem during the prayer response, O How Amiable, a setting of Psalm 84 by Ralph Vaughan Williams ( ), the father of the English pastoral school of composition. 9

10 The offertory anthem is a jubilant setting of the traditional canticle Jubilate Deo (Psalm 100) by Sir William Turner Walton ( ). It was written for the English Bach Festival and first performed on April 22, 1972 in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, England. We are delighted to welcome The Children s Choir under the direction of Linda O Donnell to Festival Worship today. They will sing a magical wintry anthem by Texas composer Mark Hierholzer. The postlude is an organ transcription of the choral Gloria Tibi from MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers, commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, written by Leonard Bernstein, and premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music 10

11 CALENDAR Sunday, February 2 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Sunday Morning Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in the Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm 344th Annual Meeting of the Members 3:00 pm Hammond Performing Arts Series Concert 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Bob Kosturko Monday, February 3 6:00 pm Stewardship Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 7:00 pm Christian Service and Outreach Committee Tuesday, February 4 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal Thursday, February 6 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal Friday, February 7 6:00 pm North of 35, Museum of Fine Arts Saturday, February 8 3:00 pm Les Bostonades Concert Sunday, February 9 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Believe Belong, session 1, Bible 10:00 am HEALING Worship 10:00 am Sunday Morning Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in the Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Mission Working Group 12:30 pm Young Adults Group 12:30 pm Restored Vision Project 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection Stephanie LaShoto Monday, February 10 9:00 am Treasurer s Meeting 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:00 pm Vision Working Group 6:30 pm Congregational Care and Support Committee 7:00 pm Sanctuary in the City Task Force Tuesday, February 11 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 7:00 pm Church Council Thursday, February 13 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal Friday, February 14 6:30 pm North of Boston Potluck, Melrose 11

12 OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music John M. Edgerton, Associate Minister Anthony T. Livolsi, Associate Minister James W. Crawford, Senior Minister Emeritus Donald A. Wells, Theologian in Residence June Cooper, Theologian in the City Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Kate R. Rogers, Field Education 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, Receptionists CCLI License # 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. Old South Church 645 Boylston Street, Copley Square Boston, MA (617) OldSouth.org 12

13 Boylston & Dartmouth Streets at the Copley T Sunday Announcements February 2, 2014 Like us! Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch Worship services and events at Old South Church are sometimes photographed and videotaped to document the vibrant life of our church. If you do not wish to be included in these recordings, please notify an usher. TODAY SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 10 am, fourth floor Sam Johnson Room. Study and reflect on the day s preaching text. Led by BU M.Div. candidate and Field Education Intern Kate Rogers. 344TH MEETING OF THE MEMBERS: 12:30 pm, second floor. Members will elect Officers, Council members, Chairpersons of Standing Committees, Deacons, and Trustees for the ensuing year, and transact such other business as may properly come before it. WORSHIP 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 Field Education Intern Kate Rogers. FESTIVAL WORSHIP: Sundays, 11 am. Our worship is enhanced by the Old South Choir. Led by Revs. Nancy Taylor, John Edgerton, and Anthony Livolsi, 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 Rev. Nancy Taylor and members of Old South Church. JAZZ WORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Rev. Anthony Livolsi, and the Holy Spirit are our guides as we move through rhythms of music, silence, and spoken word to freshen the faith of longtime Christians and invite new ones into discipleship. HEALING WORSHIP: Sunday, February 9, 10 am, Children s Chapel. 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. SUNDAY FLOWERS: The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2014 is up in the first floor elevator lobby. Donating Sunday flowers is a special way to remember loved ones and special events. 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. CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP Kurt Gaertner, Stewardship Committee Today is Annual Meeting Sunday and a new year begins in the life of the Church. Here are a few Bible verses to express appreciation to my fellow Stewardship Committee members for their service and to the Old South congregation for its generosity: May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done. (Ruth 2:12); May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. (2 Samuel 2:6)

14 SERVE Old South Church offers thanks to the 20+ individuals providing hospitality today. Their service is crucial to our Open Door welcome. If you would like to be part of this crucial ministry, contact Candace Kosturko at For more information, visit oldsouth.org/get-involved. ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: We are collecting crackers to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation baskets in the church entryway. PRISON BOOK PROGRAM: Saturday, February 15, 10 am 1 pm. Help PBP sort and pack books requested by the incarcerated. PBP is located in United First Parish near the Quincy Center T stop on the Red Line. A refection will be held during lunch afterwards. Six volunteer spots available. bethj4013@gmail.com. LEARN 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 eighth grade 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 THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP: Mondays, 6 pm. We will begin a new book on February 10th: Anne Lamott s Stitches. Lamott asks, what sustains us when life gets out of balance and when evil and catastrophe seem inescapable? Books are available at the Front Desk for $11. Led by Theologian in Residence Donald Wells, granwell@comcast.net. BELIEVE/BELONG: Sundays, February 9 - March 16, 10 am. This six-session series, held between First and Festival Worship, is an opportunity for the Old South community to gather around the big ideas of progressive Christianity and grow in faith and friendship. We ask prospective members to select and attend a minimum of three sessions. FILM SCREENING AND DISCUSSION: Tuesday, February 25, 7 pm. Join the Restored Vision Project for a free screening of the documentary film The House I Live In a penetrating look inside America's criminal justice system, revealing the profound human rights implications of U.S. drug policy. We will be joined by guest speakers. An opportunity for discussion will follow the film. MEET NORTH OF 35: Friday, February 7, 6 pm. Join Old South 35+ crowd for MFA First Fridays - fine art and music, and signature cocktails and tapas available for purchase. Purchase your ticket in advance online or that evening. ekurbatzky@gmail.com NORTH OF BOSTON VALENTINE S DAY POTLUCK: Friday, February 14, 6:30 pm. Join us at the home of Adriana Repetto and Jeffrey Mead in Melrose. Bring food for six people (sorry, no microwave available for warming) and a beverage. For directions or transportation from the Oak Grove T stop, RSVP your yes to northofboston@oldsouth.org. YOUNG ADULTS GROUP: Sunday, February, 12:30 pm. Join Old South s college students, grad students, and young professionals for our monthly lunch. Etoppedisano@gmail.com MUSIC FIRST WORSHIP CHOIR: Sundays, 8:30 am. Each week our pick-up choir rehearses one song to sing during 9 am First Worship. No experience is necessary. You are invited to sing as often as you like. GOSPEL CHOIR: Be a part of Old South s newest choir, singing Gospel music monthly. Led by Old South member Tim Harbold. Next rehearsal dates are February 16 at 12:30 pm and February 20 at 5 pm for Jazz Worship that evening. tharbold@wheatoncollege.edu.