THE GATHERING. Syracuse University Singers John Warren, conductor

Transcription

1 March 6, 2011 Transfiguration Sunday 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 Syracuse University Singers John Warren, conductor Dixit Dominus from Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, K. 330 (Psalm 110) Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen from Ein Deutsches Requiem, op. 45 (Psalm 84:1,2,4) Singet dem Herrn, BWV 225 (Psalm 149:1-3) W.A. Mozart Johannes Brahms J.S. Bach *HYMN 182 We Have Come at Christ s Own Bidding Hyfrydol * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 *CALL TO WORSHIP Elizabeth Myer Boulton One: We are met in the presence of God, Many: And we do not meet alone. One: With the angels in highest heaven, Many: We gather to worship our God. One: With the saints of every age, Many: We gather to worship our God. One: With the Church throughout the world, Many: We gather to worship our God. One: By children and babes at the breast, Many: God s holy name is praised. One: With drums, trumpets, bells and keyboard, Many: God s holy name be praised. One: In barrios and basilicas, Many: God s holy name be praised. One: And here, now, with our own hearts and voices, Many: God s holy name is praised. One: Many: We are met in the presence of God, And we do not meet alone. *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 ANTHEM Fortuna imperatrix mundi from Carmina Burana Carl Orff Amy Budka and Jack Davidson, percussionists Syracuse University Singers and Old South Choir O Fortune, variable as the moon, always dost thou wax and wane. Detestable life, first dost thou mistreat us, and then, whimsically, thou heedest our desires. As the sun melts the ice, so dost thou dissolve both poverty and power. Monstrous and empty fate, thou, turning wheel, art mean, voiding good health at thy will. Veiled in obscurity, thou dost attack me also. To thy cruel pleasure I bare my back. Thou dost withdraw my health and virtue; Thou dost threaten my emotion and weakness with torture. At this hour, therefore let us pluck the strings without delay. Let us mourn together, for fate crushes the brave. 2

3 THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Matthew 17:1-9 Catherine Allard *HYMN 184 O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair Deo Gracias (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) SERMON Trifling Quinn G. Caldwell *HYMN 451 Be Now My Vision Slane OFFERING OUR PRAYERS, OUR GIFTS AND OURSELVES *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 PASTORAL PRAYER AND SILENT PRAYERS 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 In Trutina from Carmina Burana Orff Erika Mitchell, mezzo-soprano I am suspended between love and chastity, but I choose what is before me and take upon myself the sweet yoke. CALL TO THE OFFERING Jack Davidson In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy and justice. 3

4 OFFERTORY ANTHEM The Battle of Jericho Spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan *SONG OF PRAISE Lasst Uns Erfreuen Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ the Word in flesh born low; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise Holy Spirit evermore; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen! *PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN A Repeating Alleluia Calvin Hampton *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Quinn G. Caldwell POSTLUDE Dance from Carmina Burana Orff Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Emily Click at the front of the Sanctuary. GROW: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline Sundays, March 13 - April 10 from 9:45-10:45 am OR 12:30-1:30 pm Remember to purchase your copy of Mudhouse Sabbath available at the Front Desk for $10. 4

5 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. Our Scripture Reader this morning, Catherine Allard, currently serves as Old South s Youth Worker. A student at Andover Newton Theological School, she will serve as one of two Field Education Interns next year, continuing her youth work while expanding her portfolio to include worship and other leadership. Today s flowers are given by Steve Dutton In loving memory of Valerie Papillo, March 5, 1969 to October 30, 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. 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 Minister for Discipleship Liz Myer Boulton at (617) or <ejmyer@oldsouth.org>. Audio of the service is available 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>. 5

6 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC We are pleased to welcome to Festival Worship today the Syracuse University Singers from Syracuse, NY, under the direction of Dr. John Warren. During the prelude they will offer great works from the classical canon by Mozart, Brahms and Bach. During the offertory they will sing Moses Hogan s stirring arrangement of the spiritual, The Battle of Jericho. Ash Wednesday, which occurs this year on March 9 th, is the first day of the season of Lent. In many cultures the period leading up to Lent is referred to as Carnival or Mardi Gras (literally Fat Tuesday ), an occasion for eating richer fatty foods and general raucous celebrations before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. As a nod to this popular observance the Old South Choir and the Syracuse University Singers will combine to make a joyful noise today with the opening chorus from the 1937 scenic cantata, Carmina Burana by Carl Orff ( ). The text is based on 24 of the poems found in the medieval collection of the same name. The poems were written almost entirely in Medieval Latin; a few in Middle High German, and some with traces of Old French or Provençal. They were written by Goliards (clergy and students who set up and satirized the Catholic Church), and include vagabond and drinking songs. The overall theme knitting the work together is fate and its control over our lives. The opening movement, Fortuna imperatrix mundi (Fate, Empress of the World), is immediately recognizable from countless movie soundtracks and TV commercials. The full cantata is a perennial favorite with choral societies and orchestras throughout the world. An ancient tradition precludes the singing of alleluias during the penitential season of Lent. Today the combined choirs will lead the congregation in singing Calvin Hampton s beloved A Repeating Alleluia. Next Sunday, the First Sunday in Lent, Festival Worship will begin with the Caribbean folksong, Halle, Halle, after which will follow a ritual Burying of the Alleluias the concealing of alleluia banners in a chest until Easter Sunday. Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music 6

7 CALENDAR Special Music Sunday Sunday, March 6 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 9:45 am Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser 10:00 am Coffee and Conversation with the Pastors 10:00 am Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Quinn G. Caldwell preaching 12:15 pm Diving Deeper: Reflections on the Scripture 2:30 pm Boston Choral Ensemble Concert Monday, March 7 11:00 am Active OSC Adults Group 6:00 pm Stewardship Committee 6:00 pm Music Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 7:00 pm Christian Service and Outreach Committee Tuesday, March 8 5:30 pm Handbell Rehearsal 7:00 pm Council Wednesday, March 9 12:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service 6:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service Thursday, March 10 5:15 pm Yoga for the People Class 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship 6:30 pm OSC Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Jazz Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study Friday, March 11 6:30 pm North of Boston Potluck (off site) 7:00 pm Morehouse College Glee Club Concert First Sunday of Lent Sunday, March 13 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 9:45 am Lenten Series: Grow 10:00 am HEALING Worship 10:00 am Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:30 pm Lenten Series: Grow 7

8 OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister Quinn G. Caldwell, Associate Minister Elizabeth Myer Boulton, Minister for Discipleship Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music James W. Crawford, Senior Minister Emeritus Brent Damrow, Acting Executive Assistant Minister Donald A. Wells, Theologian in Residence Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Jack Davidson, Field Education Intern Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Catherine Allard, Youth Group Leader Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool Lois Corman, Project Coordinator George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Matthew Myer Boulton, Choir Director, First Worship Willie Sordillo, Jazz Worship Music Coordinator Peter Coulombe, Director, Old South Ringers Amy Budka, Children s Music Director Will Palmer, Chime Choir Director Vard Johnson, Moderator Kate Silfen, Clerk David Vogan, Treasurer Phil Stern, Chair, Board of Trustees Jeff Makholm, Historian Candace Kosturko, Senior Deacon Vicki A. Newman, Pledge Secretary Helen McCrady, Senior Church Administrator Amy Perry, Administrator/Webmaster Rosemary Clarke, Accountant Elias Perez, Senior Sexton Ozo Nwodo & Robert Blenman, 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. 8

9 Grow: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline Sundays in Lent, March 13 - April 10 9:45-10:45 am or 12:30-1:30 pm This Lent we will prepare ourselves for the mystery of Easter by reading Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren F. Winner, Assistant Professor of Christian Spirituality at Duke Divinity School. This tender, engaging book is an invitation to a life of spiritual practices such as keeping Sabbath, fasting, hospitality, aging and prayer. You are invited to read through this book with us and take on new weekly practice. We will meet each Sunday in Lent for discussion, reflection, inspiration, and fellowship. Mudhouse Sabbath is available at the Front Desk for $10 (also available on Kindle). If the purchase price is prohibitive to you, please speak to a minister we want to make sure everyone can participate! Light refreshments will be offered at both sessions. Please RSVP by Thursday each week to reception@oldsouth.org. Childcare and children s programming are available for the 9:45 am session. Childcare is available upon request for the 12:30 pm session. Contact Tricia Hazeltine at churchschool@oldsouth.org. Grow Schedule March 13: shabbat / sabbath Read: Introduction and Sabbath March 20: kashrut / fitting food Read: Fitting Food and Fasting March 27: hachnassat orchim / hospitality Read: Hospitality and Doorposts April 3: hiddurp nai zuken / aging Read: Aging Ash Wednesday Services March 9, 12 noon and 6 pm Ash Wednesday marks our entry into the journey of Lent. At the heart of this day is a reminder of this reality: God is God, and we are not. Join us for a service of silence, prayer, scripture, song, and ashes as we begin our forty-day journey through the wilderness of Lent and into newness of life. April 10: tefillah / prayer Read: Prayer

10 The Wheel of Fortune, one of several miniatures found in the 11 th -century Bavarian manuscript Carmina Burana, on which Carl Orff based his Cantata. It illustrates the section of the manuscript from which today s opening anthem comes, and reflects medieval philosophical ideas on the nature of fate. The Latin words around the edge of the drawing read, I reign, I reigned, my reign is finished, I shall reign. The Lady Fortuna sits in the middle and spins the wheel.

11 Corner of Boylston & Dartmouth Streets at the Copley T SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS March 6, 2011 (617) TODAY S GATHERINGS (For Church School see Shaping Up ) FIRST WORSHIP CHOIR REHEARSAL EHEARSAL: Sundays at 8:30 am in the Gordon Chapel. Under the direction of Matthew Myer Boulton, the choir provides music for 9 am First Worship no experience necessary! PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER UNDRAISER: 9:45-10:45 am in the fourth floor Guild Rooms. The Church School and Youth Group invite you for homemade pancakes in support of the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Suggested donation is a box of wholesome cereal, hot or cold, or $5 per person; $10 maximum per family. BIBLE STUDY TUDY: Sundays at 10 am in the Sam Johnson Room. Prepare to experience worship more deeply by studying and reflecting on the preaching text(s) for the day. Led by members and Old South clergy. COFFEE & CONVERSATION C WITH THE PASTORS ASTORS: 10 am in the fourth floor Tower Room. If you re new to Old South Church and have questions about joining this community of faith or simply want to engage our pastors in conversation, please join us. DIVING DEEPER EEPER: : REFLECTIONSR ON THE SCRIPTURE CRIPTURE: 12:15-1:15 pm in the Sam Johnson Room. Join us for a facilitated conversation and reflection time regarding Sunday morning scripture. YOUNG ADULTS GROUP ROUP: 12:30 pm. We will meet at the chancel in the Gordon Chapel following Festival Worship and then head over to the Prudential Food Court to eat, commune, and build fellowship. BOSTON CHORAL ENSEMBLE NSEMBLE: 2:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Inspired by the finest twentieth-century British choral music, BCE presents Door to Paradise, a thematic program that explores different perspectives on death and life after death. Voluntary offering accepted. For more information, visit < LOOKING UP (WORSHIP) FIRST WORSHIP ORSHIP: Sundays at 9 am in the Gordon Chapel with communion. In the intimacy of the Gordon Chapel we turn our attention to God in an informal service of word and sacrament. Led by Rev. Elizabeth Myer Boulton and Choir Director Matthew Myer Boulton. FESTIVAL WORSHIP ORSHIP: Sundays at 11 am in the Sanctuary. Gathered in Old South s grand Sanctuary, our worship is inspired by the Old South Choir and the E.M. Skinner organ. Led by Revs. Nancy Taylor, Quinn Caldwell, and Elizabeth Myer Boulton and Minister of Music Harry Huff. JAZZ WORSHIP ORSHIP: Thursdays at 6 pm in the Gordon Chapel, with weekly communion. Candle-lit and bathed in jazz, the familiar Gordon Chapel becomes as mysterious and beckoning as the Gothic cathedrals it emulates, and the story of our faith is made new through intimate, eclectic, full-body worship. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Associate Minister Quinn Caldwell, 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 ORSHIP: Sunday, March 13 at 10 am in the Children s Chapel. Tap into God s healing love with a gentle service of prayers and reflection led by the Rev. Ken Orth, a pastoral counselor and spiritual director. ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES ERVICES: March 9 at 12 noon and 6 pm. These are simple services of prayer, silence, confession and the imposition of ashes to mark our entrance into the reflective and somber season of Lent. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM APTISM: Those seeking Christian baptism for themselves or their children may contact any one of Old South s ministers at (617) CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP Here s what God asks of us: a % a fraction. Okay, so the Bible is actually more specific than that. The Bible says 10%. Off the top, mind you. Some of us do. Then there s the modern tithe at 5%. Some of us do that. Here s what we ask you to ponder, grapple with and to pray about: Giving a % of your income, rather than an arbitrary or flat amount; Giving until it makes GOD smile (You ll know when); Giving until YOU feel generous about the % you are giving. Deep peace. Nancy S. Taylor for the Stewardship Committee

12 GROW: AN INVITATION TO A LIFE OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE Sundays in Lent, March 13 - April 10 from 9:45-10:45 am OR 12:30-1:30 pm This Lent we will prepare ourselves for the mystery of Easter by reading Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren F. Winner, Assistant Professor of Christian Spirituality at Duke Divinity School. This tender, engaging book is an invitation to a life of spiritual practices such as keeping Sabbath, fasting, mourning, hospitality, prayer, aging, and candle-lighting. We re asking you to read through this book with us and take on a new weekly practice. We will meet each Sunday in Lent for discussion, reflection, inspiration, and fellowship. Light refreshments will be offered at both sessions. Please RSVP by Thursday each week to <reception@oldsouth.org>. Childcare and children s programming are available for the 9:45 am session. Childcare is available upon request for the 12:30 pm session. Contact Tricia Hazeltine at <churchschool@oldsouth.org>. Mudhouse Sabbath is available at the Front Desk for $10 (also available on Kindle). If the purchase price is prohibitive to you, please speak to a minister we want to make sure everyone can participate! WELCOMING IN OSC PICTURE P DIRECTORY IRECTORY: Families and individuals who had their photograph taken in the fall may pick up a directory at the Front Desk. Please limit one directory per household. If you did not have your photo taken you can purchase a directory for $1. These directories are to be used only for the purposes of communication with, and caring for, the members of our community. They are not to be used in any solicitation or promotion efforts or distributed beyond our own community. SHAPING UP (SPIRITUALITY & STUDY) CHURCH SCHOOL CHOOL: Church School offerings include classes during both Sunday worship services; informal arts, crafts and fellowship opportunities between the services for children; and discussion, reflection and fellowship time for high schoolers. Music offerings include the Chime Choir, Beginner Bell Choir, Gospel Group and vocal and percussion opportunities. Infant, toddler and preschool care is provided from 8:30 am - 12:15 pm. For more information, contact Tricia Hazeltine at <churchschool@oldsouth.org> or (617) THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP ROUP: Mondays beginning March 14 at 6 pm in the Sam Johnson Room. The Theological Book Group meets each week to discuss the text that the group has chosen. The texts have varied from dense theological writings to simple memoirs. Members take turns facilitating the discussion of the week s reading. MUSIC AT OLD SOUTH MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB LUB: Friday, March 11 at 7 pm. Renowned for their spirit and talent, the Morehouse College Glee Club, a distinguished all-male chorus, promises to deliver a wonderful, sell-out event. Visit < MEETING UP YOGA FOR THE PEOPLE EOPLE: Thursdays from 5:15-6 pm. Classes are multi-leveled (suitable for all fitness levels). Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring your own mat; $10/class. For information, <jsgirvin@msn.com>. ACTIVE OSC ADULTS A DULTS: Monday, March 7 from 11 am - 12:30 pm. We are gathering together a group of lively, older adults for fun, fellowship, and the possible formation of a new small group at Old South Church whose mission will include activities, spiritual refreshment, and service. A light lunch will be provided (please bring a $5 donation to offset the cost). To RSVP, contact Charlotte Simpson at <simpsoncha@aol.com>. Get in on the ground floor to form this energetic group to fulfill your needs and desires! NORTH OF BOSTON POTLUCK OTLUCK: Friday, March 11 at 6:30 pm in North Reading. This month the group will gather at the home of John and Mary Ann Lape in North Reading. Please bring food for six people and a beverage. Newcomers are especially welcome. (You need not live north of Boston.) For more information or to RSVP, <northofboston@oldsouth.org>. FAITH ON TAP AP: Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30 pm at McGreevy s Pub. For March, we will be led in discussion by member Kate Silfen on the topic What is behind the Lord s Prayer? For more information, contact Alliea Groupp at <aegroupp@yahoo.com>. CARITAS DINNER INNER: Sunday, March 20 from 5-8 pm in the Back Bay. Caritas offers an opportunity to meet for a meal and fellowship, and is a great way for people who are new to Old South to meet others in the church. For more information or to RSVP, Mark Schueppert at <mschueppert@jri.org>. SOUTH OF BOSTON POTLUCK OTLUCK: Sunday, March 20 from 5-8 pm in Dorchester. Bring a dish for six and an appetite for good food, good conversation and good fun. For more information, contact Diane Gaucher at <dgauchr@gmail.com>. REACHING IN/OUT ROLLING FOOD DRIVE RIVE: This month we are collecting canned tuna to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Place your donation in the basket under the greeter table in the stone entryway.