THE GATHERING. PRELUDE Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 735 J.S. Bach

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1 April 1, 2012 PALM 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 Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 735 J.S. Bach The Palms Jean-Baptiste Fauré Julius Ahn, tenor O er all the way, green palms and blossoms gay Are strewn this day in festal preparation; Where Jesus comes to wipe our tears away, E en now the throng to welcome Him, prepare; Join all and sing, his name declare Let ev ry voice resound in acclamation. Hosanna! Praise ye the Lord! Bless Him who cometh to bring us salvation! Sing and rejoice, O blest Jerusalem, Of all thy sons sing the emancipation. Through boundless love the Christ of Bethlehem Brings faith and hope to Thee forevermore.

2 INTROIT Lift Up Your Heads from Messiah G.F. Handel Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in! Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in! Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory. Psalm 24:7-10 *HYMN All Glory, Laud, and Honor (vv. 1 & 2) St. Theodulph We invite you to enter into the spirit of the day by waving your palm as you sing. Refrain: All glory, laud, and honor to you, O Christ, we sing, To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring! O Promised One of Israel, of David s royal line, The one called God s beloved, of flesh and yet divine. Refrain The people of the Hebrews with palms adorned your way; Our praise and prayer and anthems we offer you this day. Refrain *THE PALM SUNDAY GOSPEL Mark 11:1-10, adapted Ron L. Buford One: Many: One: Many: One: When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them: Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, Why are you doing this? just say this: The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately. They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them What are you doing, untying the colt? They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 2 * Indicates all who are able may stand

3 Many: Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting... *HYMN All Glory, Laud, and Honor (vv. 3 & 4) St. Theodulph Refrain: All glory, laud, and honor to you, O Christ, we sing, To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring! To you, before your passion, they sang their hymns of praise; To you, now high exalted, our melody we raise. Refrain As you received their praises, receive our prayers today, Whose justice and whose mercy and sovereignty hold sway. WORDS OF WELCOME Refrain ANTHEM Antiphonal Hosanna G. Alan Smith The Children s Choir; Linda O Donnell, Director Hosanna! Blessed is the one that comes in the name of the Lord! Mark 11:10 BLESSING OF THE NEW ORLEANS MISSION TEAM Nancy S. Taylor Linh Aven, Suzanne Bacon, Ron Buford, Bob Childers, George Delianides, Brian Fluharty, Jackie Geilfuss, Katie Gerrish, Jess Jackson, Dan Leist, Caitlin Lowell, Chris Mahoney, Pierce McInturff, Scott McInturff, Caitlin Minnich, Liz Olson, Sam Ou, and Richard Spada THE MISSION SONG Erik Gustafson, music and Bettina Blake, words (Children may leave for their Church School classes.) THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Mark 14:1-11 Michael Moon 3

4 *HYMN Ride On! Ride On in Majesty The King s Majesty SERMON The Man from Kerioth John M. Edgerton *HYMN My Song is Love Unknown Love Unknown 4

5 THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER *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. (Congregation may be seated) Nancy S. Taylor PRAYER OF CONFESSION Lent is a time set aside by the church to confess our brokenness as individuals and as a community. During this time of prayer, the leader will say, Lord, have mercy. The congregation will respond in song, Christ have mercy upon us. One: Lord, have mercy. Many: SILENT PRAYER 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. OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS CALL TO THE OFFERING In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy and justice. Shawn Fiedler 5

6 OFFERTORY ANTHEM Christus factus est Anton Bruckner Christ became obedient for us unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name which is above every name. Philippians 2:8-9 PRAYER OF DEDICATION HYMN 219 Journey to Gethsemane (vv. 1 & 2) Redhead The congregation is invited to remain seated and join the choir in stomping on the floor. The rhythm of the stomping serves to viscerally remind us of the menacing power embodied in a crowd. Although the crowds cheered Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, they will shortly call for Jesus crucifixion. POSTLUDE Prelude in C Minor, BWV 546 J.S. Bach Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Mark Schueppert at the front of the Sanctuary. Maundy Thursday Services April 5 th, 6 PM & 8 PM Immersed in the shadows of encroaching darkness, this solemn service will serve as a meditation on Christ s rejection by humankind. Good Friday Services April 6 th, 12 PM & 6 PM A service of gentle song, prayer, silence and scripture on the most somber day of the Christian calendar. Easter Festival Worship April 8 th, 9 AM & 11 AM (identical services) Preludes begin 25 minutes before worship time. ASL. The triumph of the Christian story of resurrection informs a service of worship that is characterized by thunderous celebration. Trumpet and organ, voice and timpani combine to bring us to the tomb, to peer inside, discover it is empty and give God wild thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life. Pastries will be served between services. 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. Our Scripture Reader this morning, Michael Moon, is a Church School parent and serves as a hospitality volunteer. Today s ASL Interpreter is Gabrielle Weiler. Copies of the April Newsletter are available in the rear of the Sanctuary. 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 Today is Palm Sunday, the Christian Church s annual reenactment of Christ s triumphal entry into Jerusalem a paradoxical prologue to the events culminating in his Passion and Crucifixion. The hymn All Glory, Laud and Honor is above all others associated with this festival. Theodulph, Bishop of Orleans, is said to have written the text while imprisoned in the early 9 th century for an alleged role in a plot to overthrow King Louis I of France. Legend has it that he was inspired to compose the hymn as a Palm Sunday procession passed his dungeon window; upon hearing Theodulph s singing of the hymn to the assembled congregation, the king freed him at once. Its ritual use throughout Europe has been in connection with processions with palms; in Hereford, Tours and Rouen, it was sung at the gates of the town; elsewhere at the church door, with choir and congregation singing the refrain antiphonally. For over three centuries this beloved text has been paired with Michael Teschner s 1615 tune, Valet will ich dir geben, or St. Theodulph. Our singing of the hymn this morning will be prefaced during the prelude in a Bach fantasia, with the melody in the pedals. The prelude will also feature the singing of another musical work long associated with Palm Sunday. Jean-Baptiste Fauré ( ) was a celebrated French opera singer and composer. His Les Rameaux (The Palms) was recorded by Enrico Caruso, but owes its great popularity in this country to the perennial singing of it by the great African American baritone Harry T. Burleigh, who for 50 years was soloist at New York City s St. George s Episcopal Church. It was said to have been a frequent request of J.P. Morgan, Senior Warden of the church. The introit is Lift up Your Heads, O Ye Gates, a setting of Psalm 24:7-10, from Handel s immortal oratorio, Messiah. It is crafted in the form of a French overture, a musical device used in the Baroque era to signify royalty a fitting soundtrack for a King to enter the Holy City! Following the grand procession with palms, The Children s Choir sings their praise with an antiphonal Hosanna. Midway through the service the mood dramatically shifts from one of almost carnival atmosphere to the gloom which faces us as we enter Holy Week. The offertory anthem, Christus factus est, is a powerful a cappella motet by Austrian composer Anton Bruckner ( ), written to be sung on Maundy Thursday, and dedicated to Father Otto Loidol of the Benedictine Monastery of Kremsmünster. The postlude provides a fitting overture to the pathos of the coming week, with its crashing chords, excruciating chromaticism, and keening seufzers. Seufzer, the German word for sigh, is a twonote, strong-weak figure, which was used throughout Bach s compositions as a motive of grief. The relentless ascending half-note theme represents the agonizing march up to Calvary. As we cheer on the arrival of the Messiah with shouts of hosanna and confetti, we are mindful of the long, dark journey into despair in this coming Holy Week, yet we are confident of the return of Spring in our hearts as Christ is once again resurrected on Easter. 8 Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music

9 CALENDAR Palm Sunday Sunday, April 1 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Shawn Fiedler preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 9:45 am Palm Sunday Breakfast 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Mission Team Meeting 3:00 pm The Weckmann Project Concert Monday, April 2 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 7:00 pm Christian Service and Outreach Committee Tuesday, April 3 6:00 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 6:00 pm Christian Education Committee 6:00 pm Stewardship Committee Wednesday, April 4 7:59 am Service 759 6:30 pm Mission Team Meeting Thursday, April 5 6:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service 8:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service Friday, April 6 12:00 pm Good Friday Service 6:00 pm Good Friday Service 8:00 pm BSO Brass Quintet Concert Saturday, April 7 10:00 am OSC Choir Rehearsal Easter Sunday Sunday, April 8 9:00 am EASTER FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 10:00 am Fellowship Hour, second floor 11:00 am EASTER FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour, second floor Monday, April 9 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 9

10 OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister John M. Edgerton, Interim Associate Minister Ron L. Buford, Interim Minister for Discipleship Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music James W. Crawford, Senior Minister Emeritus Brent Damrow, Executive Assistant Minister Donald A. Wells, Theologian in Residence June Cooper, Theologian in Action Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Shawn Fiedler, Field Education Intern Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Catherine Allard, Youth Group Leader & Field Education Intern Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Jon Geldert and Laurel Leslie, Choir Directors, First Worship Willie Sordillo, Jazz Worship Music Coordinator Peter Coulombe, Director, Old South Ringers Amy Budka, Children s Music Director Linda O Donnell, Director, Children s Choir Mark Schueppert, 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 & 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 Corner of Boylston & Dartmouth Streets at the Copley T SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS April 1, 2012 (617) Have you Liked us yet? Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch TODAY EASTER FLOWERS LOWERS: TODAY is the deadline for contributions for the display of tulips and lilies on Easter Sunday. The cost is $15. Cards are included in today s bulletin and may be returned to the Front Desk. Or, when you get home, visit oldsouth.org/online-giving to submit your message and make payment. PALM SUNDAY BREAKFAST REAKFAST: 9:45-10:45 am. Join us on the second floor for our traditional breakfast with breakfast casseroles, bagels, muffins, and fresh fruit platters. All are welcome. HEALING WORSHIP ORSHIP: 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. THE WECKMANN PROJECT ROJECT: 3 pm. Join seven Boston-based musicians for their inaugural concert of 17 th century music, played on period instruments with authentic techniques. $10 suggested donation. WORSHIP FIRST WORSHIP ORSHIP: 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. FESTIVAL WORSHIP ORSHIP: 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. JAZZ WORSHIP ORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Interim Minister for Discipleship Ron Buford, 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. SERVICE 759: Wednesday, April 4, 7:59 am. Join us for the final gathering of our newest worship experience. 759: MARATHON SUNDAY UNDAY: April 15, 9 am and 11 am. On the Sunday before the Boston Marathon, the church at the finish line celebrates the international spirit of sport with a Blessing of the Athletes where we pause to acknowledge the runners, their families, and volunteers, and ask God to bless them, to keep them safe from injury and harm, exercise respect for each other, and find the stamina to endure the competition. All are welcome. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM APTISM: Those seeking Christian baptism for themselves or their children may contact one of the ministers at (617) SUNDAY FLOWERS LOWERS: Donating flowers is a special way to remember loved ones and special events. The cost is $50. In the elevator lobby, put your name by the date you want and send your bulletin message to Helen@oldsouth.org. More than one person can sign up on one Sunday. HOLY WEEK MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICES ERVICES: April 5, 6 pm and 8 pm. We will remember the Last Supper in a service combining traditional hymns with the Jazz offerings of the Willie Sordillo Trio. Immersed in the shadows of encroaching darkness, this solemn service will serve as a meditation on Christ s rejection by humankind. GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES ERVICES: April 6, 12 noon and 6 pm. A service of gentle song, prayer, silence and scripture on the most somber day of the Christian calendar. EASTER SUNDAY FESTIVAL WORSHIP ORSHIP: April 8, 9 am and 11 am identical services. Preludes begin 25 minutes before worship time. The triumph of the Christian story of resurrection informs a service of worship that is characterized by thunderous celebration. Trumpet and organ, voice and timpani combine to bring us to the tomb, to peer inside, discover it is empty and give God wild thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life. Both services will include an ASL Interpreter and feature congregational singing of the Hallelujah Chorus. Pastries will be served between services at 10 am. Childcare is available. MUSIC BSO BRASS B QUINTET UINTET: Friday, April 6, 8 pm. Praised for their rich sound and stunning virtuosity, the Brass Quintet features five of the foremost brass players in the country all principal players of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The BSOBQ performs both modern and historical compositions. Free admission.

12 SUPPORT THE MISSION TEAM EAM: In only 15 days Old South Church s Mission Team leaves for New Orleans to rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina. How can you help? 1. Purchase With String & Pipe, Sam Ou and Harry Huff s recent collaboration, at the Front Desk. All proceeds between now and the fifteenth go toward the mission trip. 2. Become a stock share donor. Donate between $5 - $250, the costs of sandpaper to roofing materials. Find a mission team member today during Early Café or Fellowship Hour. 3. Visit oldsouth.org/online-giving to securely make your donation online. CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP Continuing our series Writing Your Money Autobiography : Do you have any compulsive behaviors with money? I usually find myself being very careful with where my money goes but I do have a few spendthrift moments. I don t buy many books as I love my public library and take out armloads of books regularly. I try to buy the cheapest brands at the grocery store and forgo recipes with expensive ingredients. I research diligently before buying household items to find the best deal with the best rating. But sometimes I find myself buying something I just have to have. Usually it is something that inspires me, such as a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the spring for my windowsill or a surprise treat for my children from a local (and expensive) baker. Since these are wonderful things to feed the soul I don t feel so guilty. Old South Church has taught me that generosity can feel good so I look for these little ways to splurge. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the Stewardship Committee, pamela.holland@verizon.net. Pam Holland, Stewardship Committee SERVE ROLLING FOOD DRIVE RIVE: We are collecting dry pasta and rice to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation baskets in the stone entryway. CHURCH WORLD SERVICE HYGIENE KIT DRIVE RIVE: During Lent the Church School collected a different hygiene item each week. In order to meet our goal 90 completed kits the drive has been extended through April 15. Please bring in a new nail clipper or wide-tooth comb. Marked donation basket in the stone entryway. PRISON BOOK PROGRAM ROGRAM: Saturday, April 21, 10 am - 1 pm, Quincy. Prison Book Program is in its 40 th year of sending free books to prisoners. Help by picking books to fulfill requests, wrapping and addressing book packages, and sorting book donations. PBP is located at United First Parish Church in Quincy Center, just steps from the Quincy Center red line. To volunteer, servewithosc@gmail.com or call (617) LEARN CHILDREN AND YOUTH OUTH: The Old South Family welcomes your family. We offer childcare and programming for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, from 8:30 am - 12:15 pm; classes for older children during both Sunday worship services; Confirmation class during FESTIVAL Worship; 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, Children s Choir, Gospel Group and vocal and percussion opportunities. churchschool@oldsouth.org or visit oldsouth.org. THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP ROUP: Mondays, 6 pm. When Bad Things Happen to Good People: Author Rabbi Kushner wrote this straightforward, elegant contemplation of the doubts and fears that arise when tragedy strikes. John@oldsouth.org. RAFFICKING: : A MODERN M ENDING SEX TRAFFICKING ODERN SLAVERY LAVERY: Wednesdays, April 11 - May 16, 6 pm. Slavery in the 21 st century? In Boston? OSC member Camille Gianaris, a UCC pastor and Clinical Social Worker, and representatives from the MA Attorney General s Office will explore the issue of sex trafficking in an intense, high expectation, 6-week course requiring commitment and action. Limited class space. RSVP to camille.gianaris@gmail.com. Co-sponsored by the Minister for Discipleship s Office and Sanctuary in the City. GROWING DEEPER EEPER: Thursdays, April 19 - May 10, 7 pm. Are you looking to grow in your faith and in your relationship with other Old Southers? In this 4-week class, we will reflect on our faith journeys, read foundational biblical stories, and build connections with other members as we seek to more fully live Christian lives. Dinner included. RSVP to avpape@gmail.com. MEET NORTH OF BOSTON POTLUCK OTLUCK: Friday, April 13, 6:30 pm, North Reading. Join us at the home of John and Mary Ann Lape. All members and friends of Old South Church are invited no matter where you live. Bring food for six people and a beverage. To receive directions, RSVP to northofboston@oldsouth.org. SOUTH OF BOSTON POTLUCK OTLUCK: Sunday, April 15, 5 pm, Quincy. Join us at the home of Bill and Marilyn Adams. All members and friends of Old South Church are invited no matter where you live. Bring food for six people and a beverage. To receive directions, RSVP to marilynjacksonadams@gmail.com.