THE GATHERING. Gather us in, the lost and the lonely, the broken and breaking, the tired and aching, who long for the nourishment held in your hands.

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1 February 7, th Annual Meeting Sunday 10:00 am 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 Invocation, Aria, and Toccata on Slane, op. 231 Carson P. Cooman *HYMN 182 We Have Come at Christ s Own Bidding Hyfrydol Sherry Blanchette, Diane Gaucher, Tom Grant, Jake Maliel, Processional Banner Bearers *CALL TO WORSHIP One: Many: One: Many: Gather us in, the lost and the lonely, the broken and breaking, the tired and aching, who long for the nourishment held in your hands. Gather us in, the done and the doubting, the wishing and wondering, the puzzled and pondering, who long for the company held in your hands. Gather us in, * Indicates all who are able may stand Anthony T. Livolsi

2 One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: the proud and pretentious, the sure and superior, the never inferior, who long for the leveling held in your hands. Gather us in, the bright and the bustling, the stirrers, the shakers, the kind laughter makers, who long for the deeper joys held in your hands. Gather us in. From corner or limelight, from mansion or campsite, from fears and obsession, from tears and depression, from untold excesses, from treasured successes, to meet, to greet, be given a seat, be joined to the vine, be offered new wine, become like the least to be found at the feast. Gather us in! *A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION We invite you to greet those around you, wishing them peace or the peace of Christ. WORDS OF WELCOME John M. Edgerton ANTHEM Leaning on the Everlasting Arms Eric Nelson (Hymn medley based on the tunes Showalter and New Britain) Ainsley Tucker, flute; Sam Ou, cello What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms. Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, Leaning on the everlasting arms; Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day, Leaning on the everlasting arms. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms? 2

3 I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms. Elisha Albright Hoffman; John Newton THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Matthew 17:1-9 Emma Brewer-Wallin *HYMN 183 Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain Silver Spring (Children and teachers may leave for choir and childcare.) SERMON All the Talk Nancy S. Taylor *HYMN O Light of Light, Love Given Birth Elmhurst 3

4 CALL TO THE OFFERING John M. Edgerton In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy, justice, and beauty. OFFERTORY ANTHEM I Lift My Soul Emma Lou Diemer I lift my soul to You, Lord, I trust, O God, in You. Show me Your paths and guide me, teach me all I should do. Remember Your great mercy, Your everlasting love; Forgive me, God, my Savior, my guilt and sin remove. Your covenant and mercy are with me all my days To comfort and to bless me when I walk in Your ways. Whenever I look upward, I find You waiting there, To bear me and to keep me safe in yyour loving care. I lift my soul to You, Lord, I trust, O God, in You. Show me your paths and guide me, teach me all I should do. Whenever I look upward, I find You waiting there. I lift my soul to You, Lord, I trust, O God, in You. Psalm 25, para. William Miller, Jaroslav Vajda THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION BLESSING OF BREAD AND CUP Nancy S. Taylor SHARING THE FEAST We commune by intinction today. At the direction of the ushers you are invited to approach the station nearest to you (it may be behind you). Folks in the upper Galleries are invited to descend to the floor and to walk to a station at the back of the sanctuary. Take a wafer dip it in the cup, and partake. The Cups contain non-alcoholic grape juice. The wafers are free of gluten and the eight most common allergens. COMMUNION MUSIC Be Now My Vision Slane arr. Harry L. Huff Ainsley Tucker, flute; Sam Ou, cello 4

5 PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Anthony T. Livolsi *HYMN 25 O God, Our Help in Ages Past St. Anne *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Nancy S. Taylor CHORAL BENEDICTION Bless This House May H. Brahe Abra Bush, soprano Bless this house, O Lord, we pray, make it safe by night and day; Bless these walls, so firm and stout, keeping want and trouble out; Bless the roof and tower tall, let Thy peace lie over all; Bless this door that it may prove ever open to joy and love. Bless these windows shining bright, letting in God s heavenly light; Bless our hearts a blazing there, with praise ascending like a prayer; Bless the people here within, keep them pure and free from sin; Bless us all that we may be fit, O Lord, to dwell with Thee, Bless us all that we one day may dwell, O Lord, with Thee. Helen Taylor POSTLUDE Now Thank We All Our God Sigfrid Karg-Elert Members of Old South Church are invited to remain in the Sanctuary for the 346th Annual Meeting beginning at 11:15 am. The Meeting is followed by Brunch on the second floor. 5

6 On Sunday, February 14, we will begin our Lenten series during 10 am Community Hour. We will learn about Sabbath practices, and decide how to deepen our own practices in order to build relationships intentionally. We will be trying on imaginary glasses in order to see the Sabbath in new ways. You will meet with others who have decided to focus on one "lens" through which to view the Sabbath. The "frames" will all include something about relationships. For example, you might choose to deepen your relationship to neighbors in need through engaging acts of charity and mercy. Or you might choose to deepen your family relationships by developing family traditions with your young children. You will receive a small booklet which includes inspirational quotes and suggestions for developing a deeper sense of joy on the Sabbath. Come ready to commit to deepening your joy through practices of Sabbath. You are welcome to attend all of the sessions, but each will stand independently so you may come to any 6 single session.

7 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. Our scripture reader, Emma Brewer-Wallin, is a sophomore at Wellesley College and the new Climate and Justice Intern with the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. 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. SUNDAY FLOWERS The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2016 is up in the first floor elevator lobby on the bulletin board. APRIL 17 AND 24TH STILL AVAILABLE! 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. Name tags facilitate community and help newcomers feel welcomed. If you don t see a tag with your name on it, let us know. Parents are free to wander when restless. Audio of the service is available across the Narthex in the Gordon Chapel. 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 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). 7

8 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC The last Sunday after the Epiphany is the traditional commemoration of the Transfiguration the occasion when Christ revealed His glory on the holy mountain. The Gospel states that His face shone like the sun and His garments became intensely white as light. With Him during that supernatural occurrence were His disciples Peter, James, and John, as well as two significant figures from the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah, who had passed from the earth many centuries earlier. This is also Old South Church s 346 th Annual Meeting Sunday, 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. Thus, today we embrace in Christian love our contemporaries, as well as the many who have gone before us in this venerable community. For the first anthem, members of Old South s First Worship and Gospel Choirs join the Festival Choir in a sublime setting of the beloved hymn Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, with a brief interpolation of the third verse of Amazing Grace. This anthem was written in 2015 in memory of James T. Bell and his years of faithful service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lilburn, Georgia by Eric Nelson, Director of Choral Studies at Emory University in Atlanta. The lyrical piano accompaniment is enhanced by the soaring lines of flute and cello obbligati. Cello pizzicato and glittery flute roulades weave and sparkle around Emma Lou Diemer s setting of the cherished Swedish folk tune Bred Dina Vida Vingar ( spread your holy wings ), sung as the offertory anthem. I Lift My Soul, a paraphrase of selected verses from Psalm 25, was written in 2009 for Rev. Richard Collman and the St. Cecilia Trio. Dr. Diemer, who is Professor of Composition Emeritus at the University of California, was born in 1927, the year that Bless This House was published. That song, with words by Englishwoman Helen Taylor and music by her Australian friend May Brahe, will serve as a special choral benediction to prepare our hearts and minds for the important work of the Annual Meeting to follow. It is sung today by Choral Fellow Abra Bush, who will be leaving her position as Director of the Music Division at Boston Conservatory to accept a new post as Senior Associate Dean of Institute Studies at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. We give thanks for Abra s service in the Old South Choir and wish God s richest blessings on this new chapter in her life and career. Since the launch of the church s Vision for the 21 st Century in 2010, the hymn Be Now My Vision has been a recurring mantra. Its tune, the ancient Celtic melody Slane, will be with us to help frame today s service, even as we commune with the ancient spirits of our past. Slane will be heard as an organ voluntary for the prelude, and as a flute, cello and piano trio during the distribution of Communion. 8 Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music

9 CALENDAR Annual Meeting Sunday Sunday, February 7 9:00 am Adult choirs rehearse 10:00 am ALL CHURCH WORSHIP Godly Play classes 11:00 am Children s choirs rehearse 11:15 am 356th ANNUAL MEETING 12:30 pm ALL CHURCH BRUNCH following Annual Meeting Monday, February 8 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:30 pm Congregational Care and Support Committee Tuesday, February 9 5:30 pm Membership Committee 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 7:00 pm Church Council Wednesday, February 10 12:00 pm ASH WEDNESDAY Service 6:00 pm ASH WEDNESDAY Service 7:00 pm Music Committee Thursday, February 11 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Lenten Love Feast 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Young Adult Book Group 7:00 pm Through the Whole Bible Book Group Friday, February 12 6:00 pm Parents Night Out Sunday, February 14 8:30 am First Worship Choir, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am HEALING Worship 10:00 am Community Hour: Sunday Morning Bible Study Godly Play Lenten Series Choir Rehearsal 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 12:30 pm Valentine s Dance 9 12:30 pm Gospel Choir Rehearsal

10 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 Kate Nintcheu, Director, Children and Family Ministries Donald A. Wells, Theologian in Residence June Cooper, Theologian in the City Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Jackie Geilfuss, Youth Leader Amelia Nugent, Field Education Intern Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool George Sargeant, Associate Organist and Choirmaster Laurel Leslie, Choir Director, First Worship Willie Sordillo, Music Coordinator, Jazz Worship Peter Coulombe, Director, Old South Ringers Amy Budka, Children s Music Leader Linda O Donnell, Director, Children s Choirs Timothy Harbold, Director, Gospel Choir Deb Washington, Moderator Lisa Mahnke, Clerk David Vogan, Treasurer Phil Stern, Chair, Board of Trustees Emily Click, Historian Debbie Leonard, Senior Deacon Vicki A. Newman, Pledge Secretary Helen McCrady, Senior Church Administrator Amy Perry, Communications Rebecca Bowler, Administrative Assistant Linda Van Praet, Accounting and Human Resources Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Elias Perez, Senior Sexton Ozo Nwodo and Oppong Serebour, Sextons Corey Spence, Rubia Reyes, and Lena Rojas 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. 10

11 ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY AT OLD SOUTH: February 7, 2016 ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY 10:00 am All Church Worship (Sanctuary) 11:15 am 346th Annual Meeting (Sanctuary) with a performance by a combined children s choir Following Annual Meeting All Church Brunch (second floor) Childcare will remain available uninterrupted beginning at 8:40 am through Annual Meeting on the third floor. Godly Play will be held at 10 am as usual, plus a s p e c ial c hildre n s activity will follow at 11 am on the third floor. VALENTINE S DAY DANCE You are invited to kick up your heels (or subtly shift side to side) on Sunday, February 14th following Festival Worship to help celebrate that which makes Old South Church different - the LOVE! We will gather in Mary Norton Hall from 12:30-2:30 pm for a Valentine s Dance with LIVE music, snacks, and excellent fellowship. This will be a party fo r the ages! And fo r all ages! Please bring a picture of your loved ones be they two-legged, furry, or stuffed to help decorate our space. To help with refreshments, Kate Nintcheu at children@oldsouth.org. PARENTS NIGHT OUT Parents: mark your calendars for Friday, February 12th and get those restaurant reservations made! Parents Night Out is a monthly offering by Old South Church. While parents treat themselves to a night on the town, children are treated to a night of fun and games with Children s Ministries staff and volunteers. Drop off begins at 5:50 pm, pick up by 10 pm. To register, children@oldsouth.org. Cost: $20 for 1 child; $30 2 children; $40 3 children.

12 SEASON OF LENT THURSDAY LOVE FEASTS We invite all friends and members of the community who are able to fast (refrain from eating) each Thursday in Lent and then break the fast together in special love feast services at 6 pm in place of Jazz Worship, as we worship the way the first Christians did: at table, over a shared meal. As you can imagine, preparing these meals will be a labor of love. Would you consider volunteering a little of your time? Here s how you can lend a hand: Meal Captain: Choose the recipe, create a list of ingredients, and run the meal preparation on one of six Sunday afternoons. Grocery Shop: Old South Church bears the cost. You commit only to shop for and cart the groceries needed for one of the six weekly meals. Kitchen Help: Arrive between 12:30 and 2:30 pm on any Sunday in Lent to chop, dice, sauté, or stir as instructed. Beginners are welcome. Thursday Set Up: Arrive by 4 pm on any Thursday in Lent to help set tables, heat the meal, and prepare the buffet spread. To volunteer, Amelia Nugent, amelia@oldsouth.org. COMMUNITY HOUR SERIES In this season of spiritual deepening, Old South Church will practice the ancient discipline of Sabbath-keeping. Beginning next Sunday, February 14th, Rev. Emily Click will facilitate 10 am Community Hour sessions, and with her, we will choose new ways to practice Sabbath. This will enable us to unpack our preconceptions about Sabbath does it mean more than simply not doing something? and wonder together how we might enrich our regular rhythms of Sunday worship and rest. ASH WEDNESDAY Simple services of prayer, silence, confession, and the imposition of ashes will be held February 10th at 12 noon and 6 pm. Clergy will be available for the imposition of ashes from 8 am - 8 pm, outdoors, except during worship time.

13 COMMUNITY HOUR, Sundays am FOR CHILDREN Infants through grade 2 are welcome in our childcare ministries beginning at 8:40 am. Today, care is available uninterrupted through Annual Meeting. Our Montessori-style Godly Play program invites children to see themselves as active participants in the story of faith. Today s story for the Preschool and Early and Older Elementary Classes: Mystery of Easter. FOR YOUTH The Youth Group for students in grades 7-12 explores issues of life and faith Sundays with Youth Leader Jackie Geilfuss, jackie@oldsouth.org. Today, the youth are attending All Church Worship and Annual Meeting, and helping in the Transition Team between times. PROGRAMMING FOR ADULTS RESUMES NEXT WEEK Study and reflect on the day s preaching text at Sunday Morning Bible Study at 10 am in the fourth floor Sam Johnson Room. On February 14th, we begin our Lenten journey on Sabbath-keeping. Details page 2. FELLOWSHIP GROUPS The North of Boston Potluck Lunch & Tea group will gather February 20th from 1-4 pm at the restored historic home of Ruth Purtilo and Vard Johnson in Ipswich. You are invited to bring a light lunch salad or small plate of tea sandwiches or other tea delights and refreshments to share. To receive directions, RSVP to northofboston@oldsouth.org. Christians in Boston (formerly North of 35) will gather February 11th for 6 pm dinner, an 8 pm performance at Boston Symphony Orchestra featuring the music of Dvorák, Tsontakis, and Tchaikovsky, followed by drinks. RSVP to ekurbatzky@gmail.com.

14 SERVICE The Rolling Food Drive is collecting m ic ro w ave ab le meals and s ide dishes to be distributed in special motel families baskets by the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Collection in the stone entryway. BOOK GROUP Contemplative Prayer Book Group continues. In our world of noise, screens, and ever multiplying tasks it can be difficult to find time to center, slow down, and reconnect with ourselves and God. Join in reading Thomas Merton s short book Co ntemplative Prayer, and then spend the first part of each Thursday gathering at 7 pm discussing the book followed by 20 minutes of contemplative prayer and meditation. For details, Amelia Nugent, amelia@oldsouth.org. WORSHIP The week of February 8th - Rev. Anthony Livolsi preaching Thursday and Sunday Jazz Worship: Thursdays, 6 pm. With soul and sax. First Worship: Sundays, 9 am. Informal and vibrant. Festival Worship: Sundays, 11 am. Our signature service - grand and expressive. Healing Worship: 2nd Sundays, 10 am. Gentle and tender. NOTICES 1) 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. 2) Please do not leave bags unattended in the building, including in the Sanctuary, for any length of time. Old South Church in Boston Boylston & Dartmouth Sts. at the Copley T (617) OldSouth.org