THE GATHERING. PRELUDE Brass Quintet #1 Malcolm Arnold I Allegro vivace II Andante con moto III Con brio

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1 November 17, 2013 Consecration Sunday 11:00 am You inherited this Church and you are to hand it onward to the next generation. May I ask you to love your church with a larger love, and to count every week an imperfect week in which you have not done something to add to its vitality, its character and its influence? Rev. George A. Gordon, c (16 th minister, Old South Church) THE GATHERING PRELUDE Brass Quintet #1 Malcolm Arnold I Allegro vivace II Andante con moto III Con brio Sonata from Die Bänkelsängerlieder Anon. (1684) ed. Robert King Boston Conservatory Brass Quintet Moxi Li and Yi-Ling Lin, trumpets; Yuan Tian, French horn; Victoria Garcia, trombone; David Arboleda, bass trombone * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 *HYMN 565 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending Austrian Hymn *CALL TO WORSHIP (from the Iona Community) Anthony T. Livolsi One: Jesus says, I am the Way for you. Many: And so we come to follow Christ. One: Jesus says, I am the Truth for you. Many: And so we come to dwell in the light. One: Jesus says, I am the Life for you. Many: And so we come, leaving behind all else to which we cling. One: Come, friends, reach out across the aisle, among the pews, to friend and stranger, to family and colleague. Many: We reach out with a hand of greeting, a word of peace, a warm smile or a gentle touch. *A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION WORDS OF WELCOME We invite you to greet those around you, wishing them peace or the peace of Christ. ANTHEM We Plow the Fields and Scatter Calvin Hampton We plow the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land, But it is fed and watered by God s almighty hand. God sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain, The breezes and the sunshine and soft refreshing rain. Refrain: All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above. Then thank the Lord, O Thank the Lord for all His love. He only is the maker of all things near and far; He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star; The winds and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed; Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread. Refrain 2

3 We thank thee, O Creator, for all things bright and good, The seed time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food. No gifts have we to offer for all Thy love imparts. But that which Thou desirest, our humble thankful hearts. Refrain Matthias Claudius, 1782; tr. Jane Montgomery Campbell, 1861 THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Matthew 6:25-34 Jovani Colon One Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying, add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will God not much more clothe you you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, What will we eat? or What will we drink? or What will we wear? But strive first for the kingdom of God and God s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today s trouble is enough for today. This is the Word of God. Thanks be to God! 3

4 *HYMN 459 Come, O Fount of Every Blessing Nettleton (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) SERMON Leaping Out in Faith Kurt Gaertner *HYMN 403 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less Solid Rock THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER *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. (The congregation may be seated.) John M. Edgerton PASTORAL 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 WITNESSING STEWARD Deb Washington PRAYER RESPONSE Day by Day from Godspell Stephen Schwartz Carrie Cheron, soloist Day by day, Oh dear Lord, three things I pray: To see Thee more clearly, Love Thee more dearly, Follow Thee more nearly Day by day. 4

5 CALL TO THE OFFERING Nancy S. Taylor Members and friends of Old South Church are invited to pray about and fill in our Giving Cards (our pledge of financial support for the 2014 budget) as a sign of our faith, a practice of our discipleship and to return a portion of our material blessings to God. If you are a visitor this Sunday, you might consider a different kind of commitment: a pledge of time, or prayer, or a good deed. Simply take the Giving Card and, on the back of it, write down some commitment you will offer to God. Following the offertory anthem, we will be invited to come forward with our Giving Cards as well as today s offerings. Together we will consecrate our giving, our church and ourselves, to God s service. OFFERTORY ANTHEM Oh Happy Day Edwin R. Hawkins Katie May Tucker, soloist arr. Roger Emerson Oh happy day! When Jesus washed my sins away. He taught me how to watch, fight and pray, And live rejoicing every day. Oh happy day! Edwin R. Hawkins PRESENTING OUR GIVING CARDS AND OFFERINGS Quintet St. Anthony Chorale Boston Conservatory Brass Quintet Michael Kamen Johannes Brahms PRAYER OF BLESSING *HYMN 2 Glory, Glory Hallelujah! Glory, Glory *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Nancy S. Taylor POSTLUDE Rondeau Jean Joseph Mouret Boston Conservatory Brass Quintet Following worship, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent William Ghormley at the front of the Sanctuary. 5

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7 WELCOME TO OLD SOUTH CHURCH 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, Jovani Colon, 8-years old, sings in the Old South Children s Choir. Today s Processional Banner Bearers are Laura Goodfield and Ben Stern. Today s flowers are given in love and celebration of the life of Marc Gaucher by Diane. Today s ASL Interpreter is Old South Church member Chris Breen. Interested in deepening your participation? Or, you just love Old South? It s time for CONNECTIONS CLASS: Monday, November 18 at 6 pm. Contact one of the ministers: (617) Name tags facilitate community and help newcomers feel welcomed. If you don t see a tag with your name on it, let us know. 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. Visit OldSouth.org for audio and a transcript of today s sermon. 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). 7

8 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC Today is Consecration Sunday, a day set aside by this community to give thanks for God s rich and abundant blessings, and to pledge ourselves for a new year of service to God. We celebrate this commitment by offering music of Thanksgiving on this occasion. The text of the hymn We Plow the Fields and Scatter (All Good Gifts) was adapted from the writings of German philosopher Matthias Claudius in 1782, and translated by Jane Montgomery Campbell in The first anthem this morning is a contemporary setting of that popular text. New York composer Calvin Hampton ( ) had been approached in the late 1960 s by John-Michael Tebelak, the writer of the book for the musical Godspell, to provide a score for the show. Hampton immediately set about to compose a version of All Good Gifts before declining the request in favor of a perceived more lucrative commission in Seattle! The rest is history, because Stephen Schwartz was then engaged to write the score, resulting in some of the most popular tunes from the 70 s, especially his enduring Day by Day, which will be sung as the prayer response. The offertory anthem, Oh Happy Day, is a 1967 funk-style gospel version of a mid- 18 th century hymn by English clergyman Philip Doddridge. Recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, it became an international hit in 1969, reaching #4 in the US and #2 in the UK pop charts. The Edwin Hawkins Singers had begun as The Northern California State Youth Choir of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. and was founded by Hawkins and Betty Watson. This version of the song has appeared in many movies, most notably Whoopi Goldberg s Sister Act 2. We are pleased to welcome to our worship this morning The Boston Conservatory Brass Quintet. Trumpeters Moxi Li and Yi-Ling Tin, and hornist Yuan Tian are each from China; trombonist Victoria Garcia is from Long Island; and bass trombonist David Arboleda is from Colombia. They will provide music from the rear gallery for the prelude and postlude, as well as during the presentation of pledges. Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music 8

9 CALENDAR Consecration Sunday Sunday, November 17 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Kurt Gaertner preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Sunday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am Breaking (Good) News 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Kurt Gaertner preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in the Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Consecration Lunch 1:00 pm Gospel Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Kate Silfen Monday, November 18 4:30 pm Leadership Committee 6:00 pm Connections Class 6:00 pm Faith at the Crossroads Task Force 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:30 pm Communications Committee 7:00 pm Music Committee Tuesday, November 19 5:00 pm Trustees 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal Wednesday, November 20 7:00 pm Berklee College of Music Concert Thursday, November 21 5:00 pm Gospel Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study Friday, November 22 7:30 pm Berklee Global Jazz Institute Concert Saturday, November 23 9:00 am Christians in Formation Task Force Meeting House Sunday Sunday, November 24 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Kate R. Rogers preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Sunday Morning Bible Study 10:40 am Bus departs for the Meeting House 11:00 am Second bus departs 11:15 am FESTIVAL Thanksgiving Worship at the Old South Meeting House 12:30 pm Sunday s Bread, Saint John the Evangelist 12:45 pm Bus departs for Old South Church 3:00 pm Boston Choral Ensemble Concert 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Willie Sordillo 9

10 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 Donald A. Wells, Theologian in Residence June Cooper, Theologian in the City Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Kate R. Rogers, Field Education Intern Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Adrienne Kisner, Youth Leader Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Laurel Leslie, Choir Director, 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 Katie Gerrish, Director, Chime Choir Mark Schueppert, Moderator Kate Silfen, Clerk David Vogan, Treasurer Phil Stern, Chair, Board of Trustees Emily Click, 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 & Shawn McCartee, 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. 10

11 Boylston & Dartmouth Streets at the Copley T SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS November 17, 2013 (617) Like us! Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch 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. TODAY CONSECRATION SUNDAY: We consecrate (bless) our financial gifts for SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 10 am, fourth floor Sam Johnson Room. Study and reflect on the day s preaching text. Led by BU M.Div. candidate and Field Education Intern Kate Rogers. BREAKING (GOOD) NEWS: 10 am, fourth floor kitchen. 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. GOSPEL CHOIR REHEARSAL: 1 pm, fourth floor Guild Room. Rehearse today, and then Thursday, November 21st for Jazz Worship that evening. TYPHOON HAIYAN RELIEF Give today to typhoon relief. The United Church of Christ immediately sent a $15,000 grant to relief agencies with established relationships working in the Philippines. This past week, our denomination also sent out a call to all UCC congregations to collectively raise a total of $250,000 more for relief. Help us to make a big dent in that goal. The Old South Christian Service and Outreach Committee has pledged to match your giving dollar for dollar up to a total of $2,500. You can give securely online through the OSC website; visit oldsouth.org/online-giving. You may also give today. Write Typhoon Relief in the memo line of your check. This is the power of being church together, to be greater than the sum of our parts. We can be Christ s body working in the world and accomplish more, together, than we ever could apart. WORSHIP 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 and Field Education Intern Kate Rogers. FESTIVAL WORSHIP: Sundays, 11 am. Our worship is enhanced by the Old South Choir. Led by Revs. Nancy Taylor, John Edgerton, and Anthony Livolsi, 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 Rev. Nancy Taylor and members of Old South Church. JAZZ WORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Rev. Anthony Livolsi, and the Holy Spirit are our guides as we move through rhythms of music, silence, and spoken word to freshen the faith of longtime Christians and invite new ones into discipleship. HEALING WORSHIP: Sunday, December 8, 10 am, Children s Chapel. 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. MEETING HOUSE SUNDAY: On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 24, we return to our ancestral home, the Old South Meeting House, for Festival Worship. The service begins at 11:15 am. Preludes begin at 10:45 am. Music will include the Old South Choir, the Old South Ringers handbell choir, and brass, percussion, and piano. Rev. Nancy Taylor will preach, and the Governor s Thanksgiving Proclamation will be read. A bus will depart from Old South Church (Boylston and Dartmouth Streets) at 10:40 am and 11 am. A returning bus will depart the Meeting House at 12:45 pm. Childcare for children five years and younger will be available at the church. First Worship will be held as usual in the Gordon Chapel. ADVENT & CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS: Contributions in honor or memory of loved ones and special events are being accepted for the display of poinsettias on the chancel during Advent and Christmas. The cost is $15. Cards are available at the Front Desk and may be returned to the attention of Helen McCrady. Or send your message and make payment online; visit oldsouth.org/online-giving. The deadline is Sunday, December 8.

12 CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP Kurt Gaertner, Stewardship Committee Today the congregation of Old South Church faces a test of faith - submission of pledge cards for Faith is necessary to give generously, and giving generously is a demonstration of faith and commitment to God. The number on your pledge card today is important to you, to your congregation, your spiritual home Old South Church, and to all those touched by our mission and ministries. Giving is good for the soul, and is good Christian practice. I encourage you to be honest and generous not about what you can spare, but about what you can give if you leap out in faith. SERVE Old South Church offers thanks to the 20+ individuals providing hospitality today. Their service is crucial to our Open Door welcome. If you would like to be part of this crucial ministry, contact Candace Kosturko at ckosturko@gmail.com. For more information, visit oldsouth.org/get-involved. ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: We are collecting shelf stable UHT milk to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation baskets in the tower entryway. WINTER HOSPITALITY: Sign up now for hospitality opportunities in January, February, and March. Visit oldsouth.org/get-involved/hospitality to get started. Forms are available at the Front Desk. Sign up by December 1. SUNDAY S BREAD: November 24, 12:30-4 pm. Join the Old South Church team in preparing and serving a community lunch to people who are homeless and low income at Church of St. John the Evangelist, Beacon Hill. This is a great opportunity for fellowship with other members, friends, and citywide volunteers. To RSVP, contact Mary Ann Lape and Lucy Costa at sundaysbread@yahoo.com. HOLIDAY DOLLAR DAY: Saturday, December 14, Boston and Waltham. Sanctuary in the City invites you to a fundraiser for More Than Words, a social enterprise that empowers youth to learn business and life skills. $1 sale includes books, DVDs, and CDs. Boston location: 242 East Berkeley Street; Waltham: 376 Moody Street. MEET OLD SOUTH KNITTERS: Sunday, November 24, 10 am, Gordon Chapel. Join Old South Church s knitting ministry to practice the art of creating Prayer Shawls. CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: Saturday, December 7, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. Thirty New England artists and crafters will vend their unique offerings in pottery, knits, photography, fine art, jewelry, blown glass, beeswax candles, turned wood and more! Don't miss this perennial favorite, complete with festive music and the scent of hot mulled cider in the air. Free and open to the public. MUSIC FIRST WORSHIP CHOIR: Sundays, 8:30 am. Each week our pick-up choir rehearses one song to sing during 9 am First Worship. No experience is necessary. You are invited to sing as often as you like. JOIN THE GOSPEL CHOIR: Be a part of Old South s newest choir to sing Gospel music monthly. Led by Old South member Tim Harbold, tharbold@wheatoncollege.edu. Next rehearsal dates are today at 1 pm and November 21st at 5 pm for Jazz Worship that evening. BOSTON CHORAL ENSEMBLE: Sunday, November 24, 3 pm. BCE presents Raindrops Footsteps featuring music by Britten, Pärt, and Rita Ueda. Tickets $15. Bostonchoral.org MT. HOLYOKE CHRISTMAS VESPERS: Friday, December 6, 8 pm. Music from the Mount Holyoke Glee Club, Chamber Singers, Chorale, Vocal Jazz, Chamber Jazz, and Handbells. Tickets $ LEARN CHILDREN AND YOUTH: The Old South Church School offers programming for children, infant through high school. Infant, toddler, and preschool care is offered 8:30 am - 12:15 pm. Elementary aged children are invited to a multi-age class during First Worship. Graded classes through eighth grade are offered during Festival Worship. A variety of enrichment activities are available between services. The High School Youth Group meets at 9:45 am. Churchschool@oldsouth.org CONNECTIONS CLASS: Monday, November 18, 6-9 pm. Interested in becoming a member? This class invites you to explore Christianity, the United Church of Christ (our denomination), our rich history, and offerings, and to consider your own place at Old South Church. RSVP to helen@oldsouth.org.