THE GATHERING. PRELUDE Variations on Kum Ba Yah Spiritual, arr. John A. Behnke

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1 August 19, 2012 Twelfth 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 Variations on Kum Ba Yah Spiritual, arr. John A. Behnke I Someone s Praying, Lord II Someone s Crying, Lord III Someone s Singing, Lord *HYMN 267 Come, O Spirit, Dwell among Us Ebenezer *CALL TO WORSHIP One: Many: God of our minds, God of our hearts, God of our bodies and souls, We offer to You all that we are, and all that we aren t. Ron L. Buford * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 One: We offer to You our fears and confusions, our hopes and our dreams. Many: We offer to You all that we are, and all that we aren t. One: O God, we offer to You our minds, hearts, bodies and souls... Many: Knowing that we are being changed, knowing that we are being transformed transformed by Your love to change the world... One: In Christ s name we ask it Amen! Many: Amen! *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 Order My Steps Glenn Burleigh Order my steps in Your Word, dear Lord. Lead me, guide me, every day. Send Your anointing Spirit, I pray. Order my steps in Your Word. Humbly I ask You, teach me Your will. While You are working, help me be still. Though Satan is busy, God is real! Please, order my steps in Your Word. I want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill. Please order my steps, Lord, and I ll do Your blessed will. The world is ever changing, but You are still the same. If you order my steps, I ll praise Your Name. Order my steps in Your Word. Order my tongue in Your Word. Guide my feet in Your Word. 2

3 Wash my heart in Your Word. Show me how to walk in Your Word. Show me how to talk in Your Word. When I need a brand new song to sing, Show me how to let Your praises ring In Your Word. In Your Word! Please, order my steps in Your Word. Glenn Burleigh THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Will Hazeltine Palmer *HYMN 19 Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer Zion (Children and teachers may leave for their Summer Church School classes.) SERMON The Wisdom of Leapfrogging Ron L. Buford *HYMN 417 This Is a Day of New Beginnings Beginnings OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS *CALL TO PRAYER One: God be with you. Many: And also with you. One: May the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts. Many: Christ is our peace, our light, and our hope. One: Let us pray. (Please 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. 3

4 CALL TO THE OFFERING Our financial gifts support ministries of mercy, justice and beauty. OFFERTORY ANTHEM Maybe God Is Still Speaking James Ahrend I don t know why eagles still fly, rivers still run to the sea, I don t know why babies still cry, and people still long to be free. I don t know why seasons go by, planets and galaxies twirl; Maybe God is still speaking with the voice of a turning world. I don t know why flowers appear, born of the sun and the rain; I don t know why snowflakes appear with no two exactly the same; I don t know why earth is the home to so many colors and kinds; Maybe God is still speaking on the faces of human kind. Maybe God is still speaking, speaking to us today! Maybe God is still speaking, what if God still has something to say? I don t know why some people die, others continue to live; I don t know why some have so much, while others have nothing to give; I don t know why some people laugh, others have eyes full of tears; Maybe God is still speaking, in the language of hopes and fears! Maybe God is still speaking, speaking to us today! Maybe God is still speaking, what if God still has something to say? Open our ears, open our eyes, speak through the wind and the storm, Lighten our hearts, light up our souls, help us endure till the morn, Speak what is true, old words and new, say You ve been here all the while. Maybe God is still speaking, with the voice of a little child, The voice of an infant. Soften our hearts, strengthen our will, save us from closing our minds! Maybe God is still speaking, still speaking to humankind! James Ahrend,

5 *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 Ron L. Buford *HYMN 573 Lead On Eternal Sovereign Lancashire *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Siyahamba South African Freedom Song, (We Are Marching in the Light of God) arr. John A. Behnke Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Dick Yeo at the front of the Sanctuary. Folks sometimes ask, With global warming, cancer, hunger, homelessness, and life in an age of diminishing expectations what does the Still Speaking God have to say to us? When Solomon became leader at a young age, he boldly risked asking God to share new ideas with him. His reward? To this day, he is regarded as one of its wisest, most successful leaders in human history. In today s anthem James Ahrend suggests: Maybe, God is still speaking. When our Pilgrim forebears set sail from Europe, their pastor John Robinson encouraged them, Do not cling to where Calvin and Luther left us, the Lord hath yet more light and truth to break forth from God s Holy Word. Are such conversations with God a lost art? What does God have to say? I suspect we won t know unless we ask. We ll never know if God is still speaking, unless we re listening. Ron Buford 5

6 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. Today s scripture reader, William Hazeltine Palmer, is a sophomore at Brown University studying Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences. He is the former Director of the Children s Chime Choir. Today s flowers are given in memory of Melanie Hope and Noah Bernard Evan from their family, Evan and Annamarie Ross Shu, Amanda and Nate Shu. Today s ASL Interpreter is Old South Church member Chris Breen. 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. 6

7 CALENDAR Sunday, August 19 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Ron L. Buford preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00 am Summer Choir Rehearsal 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Ron L. Buford preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel 5:00 pm Streams of Mercy Class 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Ruth Purtilo Monday, August 20 6:30 pm Communications Committee 7:30 pm Chorus Pro Musica Summer Sing Tuesday, August 21 8:00 am Project Meeting 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal Thursday, August 23 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Ron L. Buford preaching 7:00 pm Faith at the Crossroads Task Force Saturday, August 25 10:00 am Cradles to Crayons Volunteer Day, Brighton Sunday, August 26 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 Summer Choir Rehearsal 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Search Committee 12:30 pm Bagels and the Bible 12:30 pm Sunday s Bread, St. John the Evangelist 5:00 pm Streams of Mercy Class 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Laurel Smith-Doerr Monday, August 27 8:00 am Vision Working Group 6:00 pm Faith at the Crossroads Task Force 6:30 pm Congregational Care and Support Committee 7:00 pm Membership Committee 7:30 pm Chorus Pro Musica Summer Sing Thursday, August 30 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 7

8 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, Pastoral Fellow Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator 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 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. 8

9 (617) Have you Liked us yet? Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch SUMMER CHOIR: 10 am. Through the summer, the Old South Choir rehearses on Sunday mornings to prepare to sing for that morning s Festival Worship service. (See Music ) SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 10 am. Prepare to experience worship more deeply by studying and reflecting on the day s preaching text(s). STREAMS OF MERCY: 5 pm. Complementary with Evening Worship, join us for weekly 40-minute preworship conversations exploring the significance of Christian baptism. Tonight we ask why naming? Led by the Rev. Dr. J. Mary Luti. EVENING WORSHIP: 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. A distinctive feature of Evening Worship is the lay reflector. Tonight s reflector, Ruth Purtilo, serves on the Faith at the Crossroads Task Force. Her professional career as an ethicist has focused on health policy and social justice issues. Currently she serves as professor emerita at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston, and as a Marsh Presidential Visiting Professor at the University of Vermont, Burlington. 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. JAZZ WORSHIP: 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. HEALING WORSHIP: Sunday, September 9, 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. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Those seeking Christian baptism for themselves or their children may contact one of the ministers at (617) NEW PRAYER MEETING: Wednesdays beginning September 19, 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. With God All Things are Possible! (Matthew 19:26) Our gifts help make things possible! Think about all the things our giving to Old South Church has made possible even in just the past few months: we sent an OSC Team on not one but two mission trips this summer; we collected disaster relief funds for our brothers and sisters in Indiana and Kentucky following devastating tornados. What would be on your list of things made possible through our gifts? Share your list with the Stewardship Committee.

10 SUMMER CHOIR: Sundays through September 2, 10 am. In the summer the Old South Choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at 10 am to prepare to sing for that morning s Festival Worship service. Anyone wishing to join is most cordially welcome. Robes are not worn on summer Sundays, however, please wear black pants or skirt and a white or solid color shirt or blouse. Harry@oldsouth.org. CHORUS PRO MUSICA SUMMER SINGS: Mondays in August, 7:30 pm. Spend the first half of the evening rehearsing, then after a break, experience the exhilaration of performing as CPM s conductor leads a complete run -through, with soloists and piano accompaniment. $8 per Sing. Discounts for seniors, students, and 3+ Sings. No reservation required. Visit choruspromusica.org. ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: We are collecting shelf-stable fruit like canned fruit and applesauce to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation baskets in the stone entryway. CRADLES TO CRAYONS: Saturday, August 25, 10 am - 12 pm. Help sort and package donated toys, clothes, and school supplies to be given to needy children throughout Greater Boston at the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory in Brighton. All are welcome (kids as young as 5). One of our jobs in the past was to check that donated toys were in good playing order. Participating children were sorry when the two hours of work was over! RSVP to Laurel Smith-Doerr at l.smithdoerr@gmail.com TODAY. Prior to Saturday, volunteers will receive directions and parking advice as well as the customary waiver. SUNDAY S BREAD: August 26, 12:30-4 pm. Help feed the hungry on the last Sunday of each month at the Church of Saint John the Evangelist, 35 Bowdoin St. on Beacon Hill. To learn more, or to volunteer, contact Lucy Costa and Mary Ann Lape at (617) or sundaysbread@yahoo.com. RSVP by Tuesday, August 21. ALL CHURCH BREAKFAST: Sunday, September 9, 9:45 am. Celebrate our return from summer activities and travels with good food, warm fellowship, and spirited singing. A free-will offering will be taken. CHILDREN AND YOUTH: Through the summer, children are in church every Sunday for the beginning of Festival Worship. Elementary and middle school children may leave after the first part of worship for a multi-age class. Infant, toddler and preschool care will continue to be provided on the third floor from 8:30 am - 12:15 pm. Churchschool@oldsouth.org. THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP: Mondays beginning September 10, 6 pm. The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity by Eric Elnes. This book, named for the town in which the principles were created and the mythological bird adopted by ancient Christians as a symbol of resurrection, offers disillusioned and spiritually homeless Christians and others a sense of hope and a more tolerant, joyful, and compassionate message than those we often hear from the media and some Christian leaders. These twelve central affirmative principles of Christian faith are built on the three great loves that the Bible reveals: love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self. Led by Theologian in Residence Donald A. Wells. BREAKING (GOOD) NEWS: Sundays beginning September 16, 10 am. Where is God in this story? Do you find yourself asking this question as you listen to or read the news? Join us as we discuss the topics of the day. We ll seek to find meaning in the issues being debated; we ll listen for God s still speaking voice in the policies enacted; and we ll be led by the Spirit as we consider local, regional, national and global events. Each week we ll have both a centering topic as well as a free period for participants to raise topics of interest. RSVPs are not required, but consider joining our group to learn the weekly topic in advance. Pstern@yet2.com. STREAMS OF MERCY: Sundays through September 16, 5 pm. Complementary with Evening Worship, join us for weekly 40-minute pre-worship conversations exploring the significance of Christian baptism. Led by the Rev. Dr. J. Mary Luti, the class explores this ancient practice and why it remains significant in Christian life today. WOMEN S BOOK GROUP: Every other Monday beginning September 17 through November 12, 2:30 pm. Join Old South Church s newest fellowship group for The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister. RSVP by Monday, September 3 to nancy_richardson@comcast.net. BAGELS AND THE BIBLE: Second and fourth Sundays, 12:30 pm. Join the Sanctuary in the City Task Force for a no-commitment, homework-free discussion about that Sunday morning s Bible passage and our lives. Decapoevans@gmail.com.