THE GATHERING. October 14, 2012 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost 11:00 am. PRELUDE Rhosymedre Ralph Vaughan Williams

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1 October 14, 2012 Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost 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 Rhosymedre Ralph Vaughan Williams *HYMN 22 Sing Praise to God, Who Has Shaped Lobe den Herren *CALL TO WORSHIP One: From the rising of the sun till its setting in the west, God s holy name be praised! Maggie Lowe One: One: On the lips of children, by babies at the breast, God s holy name be praised! In the visions of the old and the dreaming of the young, God s holy name be praised! * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 One: One: In the banquet hall of heaven and in the forgotten corners of our hearts, God s holy name be praised! People of God, let all that has life and breath praise the Lord. God s holy name be praised! *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 Walk with Me Leon Roberts I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living, yes! In the presence of the Lord! I want Jesus to walk with me, walk with me, Lord; All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE 1 John 4:7-13, Rev. Yukimasa Ohmae One One: One: Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, for God is love. God s love was revealed among us in this way: God s only Son was sent into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love: not that we loved God but that God loved us and sent Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and God s love is perfected in us. 2

3 One: One: By this we know that we abide in God and God in us, because God has given us the Holy Spirit. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because God first loved us. *HYMN Where Charity and Love Prevail St. Flavian (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) SERMON Essence Nancy S. Taylor *HYMN 294 (vv. 1-4) There s a Spirit in the Air Orientis Partibus 3

4 THE RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS Virginia Berman Robert Michael Commins June Rolsyn Cooper Yoana Nantcheva Dimitrova Nichole Marie Morrill Sheryll ann Patricia Parris Michael Reinhardt Corey William Spence INTRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION John M. Edgerton and Nancy S. Taylor LITANY OF INTENT One: Friends in Christ, we are all received into the church through the Sacrament of Baptism. These people have found nurture and support in the midst of the family of Christ. They have been led by the Spirit to affirm their baptism and to claim in our presence their covenantal relationship with Christ and the members of the Christian church. One: They are here, as we are here, to endeavor to love God with all our heart, and all our soul, and all our mind. God help us. They are here, as we are here, to endeavor to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. God help us. One: Friends who are joining, we rejoice in your pilgrimage of faith which has brought you to this time and place. We give thanks for every community of faith which has been your spiritual home, and we celebrate your presence in this household of faith. One: Do you promise, by the grace of God, to continue in your pilgrimage of faith, to be Christ s disciple, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able? Those joining: We promise, with the help of God. Do you promise to walk with us in faithfulness and in Christian love? And do you promise, that so far as able, you will participate in the life of this church, by worshipping God with us, and offering your time, talent and means for the ministry of this church and for the larger church of which this is a part? 4

5 Those joining: We promise, with the help of God. One: Friends, we then rise to welcome you as partners in the common life of this church and share our covenant of mission with you. Will all who are able please rise. *All: I do now in the presence of God and before this assembly give myself to the One whom Jesus called Abba, Father as the God in whose love I am grounded and whose realm I serve; to Jesus Christ, God incarnate, to whom I surrender and who rules my life; to God the Holy Spirit as the One who sustains, recreates, and guides me. I will share God s everlasting covenant by loving and living responsibly in communion with this one God. *THE RIGHT HAND OF CHRISTIAN LOVE Debra Leonard, Deacon *HYMN 294 (vv. 5-7) There s a Spirit in the Air Orientis Partibus OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS *CALL TO PRAYER One: God be with you. And also with you. One: May the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts. Christ is our peace, our light, and our hope. One: Let us pray. (The congregation may be seated.) John M. Edgerton 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. 5

6 PRAYER RESPONSE Ubi caritas et amor Maurice Duruflé Where true charity and love dwell, God is there. Since the love of Christ has joined us in one body, let us all rejoice and be glad now and always. And as we hear and love our Lord, the living God, so let us in sincerity love all people. Where true charity and love dwell, God is there. Latin; tr. Joyce Glover CALL TO THE OFFERING In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy and justice. Maggie Lowe OFFERTORY ANTHEM O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee Harry L. Huff O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free; Tell me thy secret; help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care. Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love; Teach me the wayward feet to stay, and guide them in the homeward way. Teach me thy patience; still with thee in closer, dearer company, In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong; In hope that sends a shining ray far down the future s broadening way, In peace that only thou canst give, with thee, O Master, let me live. Washington Gladden, 1879 *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 6

7 *HYMN 43 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Beecher *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Nancy S. Taylor POSTLUDE Jubilee-Postlude on Converse, op. 301 Carson P. Cooman ( What a Friend We Have in Jesus! ) Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Charles Gerlinger at the front of the Sanctuary. 7

8 THE GOSPEL IN S E V E N W O R D S If you had to give a succinct definition of Christianity to a being from another planet, what would you say? Can you explain the Gospel in seven words or less? Keeping it simple, boiling it down to its essence, what is the message? HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE. Carol Zaleski We live by grace. M. Craig Barnes The wall of hostility has come down. Ellen T. Charry In Christ, God s yes defeats our no. GOD GETS THE LAST WORD. Martin B. Copenhaver Beverly Roberts Gaventa Jesus wept. God is love. Rejoice always. Nancy S Taylor Love. Faith. Mercy. Forgiveness. Redeemed. Alleluia. Amen. Deb Washington Heal the sick. Eat with everyone. Forgive. Willie Sordillo God, through Jesus Christ, welcomes you anyhow. Martin E. Marty YOUR SEVEN WORDS HERE 8

9 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, Rev. Yukimasa Ohmae, is a former Associate Pastor from our sister UCC church in Tottori, Japan. He is wrapping up a two week visit to the U.S. Today s flowers are given by Jennifer Glaser in memory of her beloved brother Brian; and by Jim Asp and Perry Streidel in celebration of their wedding yesterday at Old South Church. 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. 9

10 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC Today, as we welcome new members into the life of our faith community, we encourage and support them in their significant decision to follow Christ. The choral offerings throughout the service reflect this desire to walk in His path. Leon C. Roberts incorporation of jazz-blues-gospel fusion transformed liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church and revolutionized Black Catholic worship. The first anthem today is his setting, in bossa nova style, of the spiritual I Want Jesus to Walk with Me, which is juxtaposed with an antiphon from Psalm 116. Roberts was for many years the Gospel Choir director at Union Theological Seminary in NYC. He lost his struggle with HIV/AIDS at the age of 49 in Ubi caritas is a hymn of the Western Church, long used as one of the antiphons for the washing of feet on Maundy Thursday. The Gregorian melody was composed sometime between the fourth and tenth centuries, though some scholars believe the text dates from early Christian gatherings before the formalization of the Mass. The exquisite harmonization of the plainsong melody which is sung during the prayer response today is by Parisian composer Maurice Duruflé ( ). It is one of Four Motets on Gregorian Themes for a cappella choir, published in 1960, and has remained a perennial favorite for choirs all over the world. Washington Gladden was a Congregational minister who penned the popular hymntext O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee in It is heard during the offertory today in an original tune and anthem arrangement by Harry Huff, which was composed in 1982 for the ordination of Rev. Eugene Y. Lowe, Jr. at St. George s Episcopal Church in New York City. The music during the prelude is the first of Three Preludes founded on Welsh Hymn- Tunes, written in 1920 by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams ( ). Rhosymedre, which is subtitled Lovely, appears as hymn #222 in The New Century Hymnal, with the text My Song Is Love Unknown. The postlude is a jazz-gospel setting of the beloved hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus, a tune composed by Charles C. Converse in 1868, setting an earlier text (1855) by Joseph Scriven. This arrangement for organ was created by Harvard composer Carson P. Cooman (b. 1982). Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music 10

11 CALENDAR Sunday, October 14 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am HEALING Worship 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00 am Breaking (Good) News 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Bagels and the Bible 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Tom Hehir Monday, October 15 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:00 pm Faith at the Crossroads Task Force 6:30 pm Communications Committee 6:30 pm Congregational Care and Support Committee 7:00 pm Music Committee Tuesday, October 16 8:00 am Project Meeting 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal Wednesday, October 17 1:15 pm Yoga for the People Class 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayers Thursday, October 18 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal Friday, October 19 6:30 pm Restored Vision Project Sunday, October 21 9:00 am FIRST Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00 am Breaking (Good) News 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, James W. Crawford preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Search Committee 12:30 pm LGBT & Friends Lunch 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by John Weingartner Monday, October 22 8:00 am Vision Working Group 5:45 pm Operations Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 7:00 pm Membership Committee 11

12 OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister John M. Edgerton, Interim Associate Minister 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, Pastoral Fellow Maggie Lowe, Seminary Intern Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Jon Geldert and Laurel Leslie, Choir Directors, 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 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 Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator 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. 12

13 (617) Have you Liked us yet? Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 10 am. Prepare to experience worship more deeply by studying and reflecting on the day s preaching text(s). HEALING WORSHIP: 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. BREAKING (GOOD) NEWS: 10 am. As you listen to or read the news do you often ask Where is God in this story? Join us as we discuss the topics of the day. BAGELS AND THE BIBLE: 12:30 pm. Join the Sanctuary in the City Task Force for a no-commitment, homework-free discussion on that Sunday morning s Bible passage. 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. FESTIVAL WORSHIP: 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. 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 Pastoral Fellow Shawn Fiedler and the members of Old South Church. JAZZ WORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Rev. John Edgerton, Pastoral Fellow Shawn Fiedler, 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. WEDNESDAY PRAYERS: Wednesdays, 6 pm. Join Old South Church s Sanctuary in the City Task Force in weekly evening prayer. We will gather for a time of reflection, meditation and prayer for the world, our city, our church, and ourselves. All are welcome. Erinhull@gmail.com SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Those seeking Christian baptism for themselves or their children may contact one of the ministers at (617) HYMN FESTIVAL SUNDAY: October 28, 11 am. At the end of the month we will celebrate the rich contribution to faith-building through song. The service that day will include five hymn medleys, drawn from a myriad of faiths and traditions. It is the sincere hope of the Old South Music Ministry that the congregation will gain an increased appreciation for hymnody as a superb resource for the edification of our worship. ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: We are collecting oatmeal and hot cereal to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation baskets in stone entryway. OCTOBER CLOTHING DRIVE: There is a critical need for women s suits as 43 trainees in YMCA Training, Inc. s current session prepare to interview for employment. Additional needs include men s suits and other work appropriate clothing, such as outerwear, shoes and accessories; as well as casual clothing for men and women and children s clothing. Receipts (to a maximum of $500) are available for clean, ready-to-wear clothing. SUNDAY S BREAD: October 28, 12:30 pm. LGBTF members will volunteer alongside other churches, synagogues, and service groups to prepare and serve a community lunch to the hungry. We will meet at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 35 Bowdoin Street on Beacon Hill. Dress in comfortable clothes and shoes. We will finish by 4 pm. We need 5-6 volunteers to serve. Do you feel the rumblings of the Holy Spirit? I sure do. If you are interested in volunteering, shawn@oldsouth.org ASAP!

14 Nancy Richardson, Stewardship Committee All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as they had need. (Acts 2:42-47) Do you read the UCC s Stillspeaking Daily Devotional? In the last few weeks, three reflections have focused on this description of the early church. While acknowledging that it sets a high bar in today s world, the writers all see striving to create communities of equals, more concerned about us than me, and distributing common resources on the basis of need, as a worthy goal. Kenneth L. Samuel reflects on what it looked like: Human Equality. Shared resources. Public compassion. No one left behind. I am my brother s keeper. All for the common good. We are one in the Spirit of Christ These were the community values that stood as a powerful corrective to the institutionalized inequities and injustices of the Roman Empire. Imagine what that might mean today. Martin B. Copenhaver observes that We may not hold all things in common. But can we hold ten percent in common? Not a bad thing to consider as we now consider our financial commitment to the Vision. CHILDREN S CHOIR: Rehearses Sundays, 10-10:45 am. Open to all children in grades 1-5. No experience necessary. Participants will warm up, receive vocal instruction, and prepare repertoire for worship. Membership at Old South Church is not required. Led by Linda O Donnell, Director. Childrenschoir@oldsouth.org CHILDREN S CHIME CHOIR: Rehearses Sundays, 12:20-1 pm. Experience the joy of working together to create music. The choir, for children in grades 3+, rings during Festival Worship several times during the year. Led by Katie Gerrish, Director. Katie.gerrish@gmail.com SCARED FOR GOOD! Wednesday, October 31, 7:30 pm. Come to a spine-chilling presentation of all your favorite ghoulish tunes performed by candlelight in the gothic splendor of our grand Sanctuary. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is free. A voluntary offering will support the rebuilding of one family s home in New Orleans destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. Please give generously. Activities for all ages begin at 6:15 pm. YOGA FOR THE PEOPLE: Wednesdays, 1:15-2:15 pm. Classes are intentionally multi-leveled (no experience necessary); providing a safe, accessible, and challenging space for participants to explore this spiritual discipline. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. $10/class. Jesgirvin@gmail.com PUMPKIN TIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS: Sunday, October 21, 9:45-10:45 am. Children ages 0 to 5 and their parents are invited to a celebration of all things pumpkin and apples and all that is fun about Autumn. Join us for singing, crafts, fellowship, and refreshments! Churchschool@oldsouth.org LGBT & FRIENDS: Sunday, October 21, 12:30 pm. October is National Coming Out Month. LGBTF will gather to share our coming out narratives and testaments of faith (allies included!). All are welcome to attend. Refreshments provided. RSVP to shawn@oldsouth.org. GBIO: Monday, October 15, 7 pm. Join the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization for a U.S. Senatorial Candidate Accountability Action at Temple Israel (477 Longwood Ave). Learn where the candidates stand on issues including healthcare, foreclosure prevention, and workforce development. RSVP to lucygarnet@aol.com. Seating is limited. Note: GBIO does not endorse political candidates. This is a nonpartisan event. POLITICS: WHAT S FAITH GOT TO DO WITH IT? Sunday, October 28, 12:30 pm. OSC s Faith at the Crossroads Task Force invites you to a Living Connections Forum. We will discuss how our faith can guide our complex decisions in an election year. Light lunch offered. RSVP to brent@oldsouth.org. THE RESTORED VISION PROJECT: Meets twice monthly through March 22. OSC S Faith at the Crossroads Task Force invites you to join a 6-month study/discussion/action project. The Task Force aims to build a Christcentered group with diversity, reconciliation and justice at its core; focusing on incarceration and its effects on the people who are incarcerated, their families and our communities. Contact Vard Johnson at vardinboston@verizon.net or Matt Underwood at matthewu30@yahoo.com. CHILDREN AND YOUTH: The Old South Church School offers programming for children, infant through high school. Infant, toddler, and preschool care is offered from 8:30 am - 12:15 pm. Elementary aged children are invited to participate in a multi-age class during 9 am First Worship. Graded classes (through seventh grade) and a Confirmation Class (for eighth through tenth graders) are offered during 11 am Festival Worship. A variety of enrichment activities including crafts and music are available between services. The High School Youth Group meets at 9:45 am. Churchschool@oldsouth.org BREAKING (GOOD) NEWS: Sundays, 10 am. As you listen to or read the news do you often ask Where is God in this story? Join us as we discuss the topics of the day. RSVPs not required. Pstern@yet2.com BAGELS AND THE BIBLE: Second & fourth Sundays, 12:30 pm. Join the Sanctuary in the City Task Force for a no-commitment, homework-free discussion on that Sunday morning s Bible passage. Decapoevans@gmail.com