THE GATHERING. PRELUDE Prayer for Humanity Linda Lamb Old South Ringers; Peter Coulombe, Director

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1 February 21, 2016 Second Sunday in Lent 11:00 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? * Indicates all who are able may stand THE GATHERING PRELUDE Prayer for Humanity Linda Lamb Old South Ringers; Peter Coulombe, Director *HYMN 22 Sing Praise to God, Who Has Shaped Lobe den Herren *PRAYER OF CONFESSION Nancy S. Taylor Gracious God, from boredom and from busyness, from labor and from leisure, You beckon us to share with You in a sweeter, richer time that is beyond all time. You give us the Sabbath and bid that we savor the holiness of the day. Yet we are so devoted to commitments high and worthy, that we do not enjoy the rest You desire for us. Ever striving, we refuse the respite You offer, and forfeit the peace You promise. Such toil takes a toll on our spirits, our bodies, our families, and our friendships. Forgive our unwitting neglect of the things and people we love the most. Slow us down. Still our frenzy. Restore us to the rhythms of work and play and worship that bring wholeness. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

2 *ASSURANCE OF GOD S GRACE AND MERCY *A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION WORDS OF WELCOME ANTHEM Kyrie from Mass in B Minor J.S. Bach THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Psalm 27 Debbie Leonard *HYMN 472 Precious Lord, Take My Hand Precious Lord (Children and teachers may leave for choir and childcare.) SERMON No Matter What John M. Edgerton *HYMN 489 I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say Evan 2

3 OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS *CALL TO PRAYER One: God be with you. Many: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts Many: We lift our hearts to God. One: Let us pray. (The congregation may be seated.) Anthony T. Livolsi PASTORAL PRAYER AND 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. PRAYER RESPONSE Herzlich tut mich verlangen, BWV 727 Bach CALL TO THE OFFERING In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy, justice, and beauty. OFFERTORY MUSIC Within the Darkest Night Derek Hakes Old South Ringers PRAYER OF DEDICATION Nancy S. Taylor *HYMN 439 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Ein Feste Burg *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION John M. Edgerton POSTLUDE Prelude in B Minor, BWV 544 Bach 3

4 During 10 am Community Hour through Lent, we invite you to learn about Sabbath practices, and decide how to deepen your own practices in order to build relationships intentionally. We are 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 4 stand independently so you may come to any single session.

5 WELCOME TO OLD SOUTH CHURCH Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Liz Morgan at the front of the Sanctuary. 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, Debbie Leonard, serves as Senior Deacon of Old South Church. She is also a board member of common cathedral, an outdoor ministry for people experiencing homelessness. The flowers today are given by Bob Ross Bless this house and all who dwell within and on our doorsteps. And by Kim Nicoll with deep gratitude for the care and support of Nancy, Anthony, and John. SUNDAY FLOWERS The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2016 is up in the first floor elevator lobby on the bulletin board. MAY 8TH AND 15TH 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). 5

6 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC Johann Sebastian Bach ( ) was a master of utilizing musical keys for symbolic and emotional effect. The first anthem and the organ voluntaries which serve as the prayer response and postlude this morning are each in the key of B Minor, expressive of noble grief, and appropriate for this penitential season of Lent. Some parts of Bach s monumental Mass in B Minor, BWV 232, were written as early as 1724, but the whole was assembled in its present form in 1749, just before the composer s death in The Kyrie was composed in 1733 as a lament for the death of Elector Augustus the Strong. The work commences with a powerful declamation a cry to heaven after which a grand fugue slowly evolves, based on one of Bach s most exquisite melodies. The prayer response is a simple, desolate setting of the Lutheran chorale, Herzlich tut mich verlangen (My heart is filled with longing). It will be familiar to our congregation as the tune sung to the text O God How We Have Wandered (NCH #202) on Ash Wednesday and O Sacred Head Now Wounded (NCH #226) on Good Friday. It is believed that the Prelude in B Minor was composed for use in the memorial service for Saxon Electress Christiane Ebhardine that took place in the University Church in Leipzig on October 17, If that is the case, the work would have served as an organ prelude for Cantata #198, the Trauerode ( Mourning Ode ), which is also cast in B minor and whose opening chorus contains similarly poignant chromatic harmonies. The Prelude abounds with seufzers (sigh motives), frequently employed by Bach to signify sorrow and anguish. The Old South Ringers will be heard during the prelude and offertory. Prayer for Humanity is an original composition, written during a time of war. Its plaintive themes are expressive of a petition for peace, purity, love, and the longing for tranquility. Linda Lamb is the handbell director at Lexington Park Baptist Church in Lexington Park, Maryland. Within the Darkest Night, an emotional look at the Crucifixion through somber melody, is a handbell arrangement of a choral piece with text by Brad Printz. Derek Hakes (b. 1979) is a prolific American composer whose music has been performed throughout the world, including in Japan and the Vatican City. Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music 6

7 CALENDAR Sunday, February 21 8:30 am First Worship Choir 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Coffee with the Clergy 10:00 am Community Hour: Lenten Series: Practicing Sabbath Sunday Morning Bible Study Godly Play Choir Rehearsal 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship 12:30 pm LGBTQ Brunch 12:30 pm Mobile Soup Program 12:30 pm Do Not Stand Idly By A Forum on Gun Violence Prevention Monday, February 22 5:45 pm Operations Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group Tuesday, February 23 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 7:00 pm Board of Ministers and Deacons Thursday, February 25 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 Reading Group 7:00 pm Contemplative Prayer Group Saturday, February 27 10:00 am Confirmation Retreat 11:00 am Margaret Linda Memorial Service 7

8 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 Rob Gabler, Clerk Lauren Berk, 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. 8

9 ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY AT OLD SOUTH: February 21, 2016 First Worship Choir rehearses at 8:30 am to learn a simple song. Come-asyou-can. Lleslie@tuftsmedicalcenter.org New to Old South Church? Join Coffee with the Clergy at 10 am in the Children s Chapel (adjacent to the Gordon Chapel) to meet our ministerial team. Community Hour at 10 am offers a variety of educational opportunities for children, youth, and adults between the morning services, including the Lenten series Practicing Sabbath. The LGBTQ Brunch Group will meet at the front of the Sanctuary immediately following Festival Worship and then head out to City Table located in the Lenox Hotel for food and fellowship. Join Old South Church s Mobile Soup Program at 12:30 pm in the second floor kitchen to help prepare a meal of soup and sandwiches and then afterwards we ll take it to the streets as part of our sidewalk ministry. Coordinated by Ralph Watson, ralph_watson@comcast.net. On December 14, 2015, the two-year anniversary of the Newtown Massacre, President Obama released executive orders intended to reduce gun violence. Among these executive orders is one that drew directly from work being supported by the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. Following Festival Worship on the second floor, guest Rachel Lewis from the Jewish Community Relations Council will present and moderate Do Not Stand Idly By a forum on gun violence prevention. Learn how you can help support the work of GBIO and begin a new conversation on this critical topic. ALLIES IN RECOVERY Are you concerned about a loved one s drug use or alcohol dependency? Learn some practical ways to respond, free of charge, at AlliesinRecovery.net.

10 SPECIAL SUNDAY WORSHIP IN ALL THEIR VAST ARRAY, SUMPTUOUS SABBATH Sunday, February 28th, 9 am First and 11 am Festival Worship both services will gather in the Sanctuary Senior Minister Rev. Nancy Taylor preaching on the Creation Story At its core, Christian faith is concerned with the purpose of human existence. As creatures created in the image of the Creator God, one of our purposes is creativity. We create, fashion, form, and build. Another of our purposes: to imitate God in pausing to delight in that which has been created. On Sunday (the seventh day, the Sabbath day), we will pause to delight in the vast array of God s creation as artistically represented throughout the sanctuary: birds, creeping things, nautilus, plants, and lights hung in the dome of the sky. You may remain in your pew or, in an act of Sabbath refreshment, join Nancy in visiting the sanctuary s carvings. SEASON OF LENT THURSDAY LOVE FEASTS Continuing through Lent, 6 pm Jazz Worship has been transformed with homemade food and table fellowship. We invite those who are able to fast each Thursday in Lent and then break the fast together as we worship the way the first Christians did: at table, over a shared meal. The menu for February 25th includes black bean soup and homemade cornbread. COMMUNITY HOUR SERIES In this season of spiritual deepening, Old South Church is practicing the ancient discipline of Sabbath-keeping. Rev. Emily Click is facilitating 10 am Community Hour sessions, and with her, we will choose new ways to practice Sabbath. You are welcome to attend all of the sessions, but each will stand independently. Come as you can! (G)RACE TALK This new Old South Church initiative invites us to listen and learn about race, racism, and diversity as a theological undertaking. Gathers Sunday, February 28th at 12:30 pm.

11 COMMUNITY HOUR, Sundays am FOR CHILDREN Infants through grade 2 are welcome in our childcare ministries beginning at 8:40 am. Care is available uninterrupted through First Worship, Community Hour, and Festival Worship. 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: Faces of Easter II. 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. FOR ADULTS Study and reflect on the today s preaching text (Psalm 27) at Sunday Morning Bible Study at 10 am in the fourth floor Sam Johnson Room. We continue our Lenten series, Practicing Sabbath. Details page 2. BOOK GROUP THURSDAYS AT 7 PM Fun-and-Not-Scary, at-a-snail s-pace Read Through of the Whooooole Bible will explore Genesis on February 25th. We have been ever so ponderously plodding along and, after only six months (!), are almost finished with the book of Genesis. This has been a fun, immensely rewarding deep dive of a study of the scriptures. Feel like joining in as we continue on to Exodus, beginning March 10th? Explore the Red Sea crossing, the giving of the Ten Commandments, Moses on Mt. Sinai, and the Israelites wilderness wanderings, all in their rich, original narrative context. anthony@oldsouth.org with questions or to get in on the action.

12 SERVICE The Rolling Food Drive is collecting microwaveable meals to be distributed in special motel families baskets by the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. The families are sometimes without dishes and can openers, so please make sure the meals are selfcontained and microwaveable. Collection in the stone entryway. HOSPITALITY Hospitality is recruiting volunteers for Sunday and Thursday worship in April, May, and June. Sign up forms at the Front Desk; also available online at OSCspring16hospitality. Please indicate what tasks you are interested in and dates of availability. Contact Stephanie LaShoto at with questions. WORSHIP Contemplative Prayer continues Thursdays at 7 pm. For details, Amelia Nugent at amelia@oldsouth.org. February 28th - Rev. Nancy Taylor preaching (details page 2) Jazz Worship: Thursdays, 6 pm. With soul and sax. Sp e c ial Le nte n love feast service. 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