THE GATHERING. PRELUDE Fanfare for the Common Man Aaron Copland Olympic Fanfare from Bugler s Dream

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1 April 19, 2015 Blessing of the Athletes 9:00 & 11:00 am THE GATHERING PRELUDE Fanfare for the Common Man Aaron Copland Olympic Fanfare from Bugler s Dream *On a Wonderful Day Like Today Leo Arnaud Leslie Bricusse On a wonderful day like today I defy any cloud to appear in the sky. Dare any raindrop to plop in my eye on a wonderful day like today. On a wonderful morning like this, when the sun is as big as a yellow balloon, Even the sparrows are singing in tune on a wonderful morning like this. On a morning like this I could kiss everybody, I m so full of love and goodwill. Let me say furthermore I d adore everybody to come and dine, The pleasure s mine, and I will pay the bill! May I take this occasion to say that the whole human race should go down on its knees, Thank God above just for mornings like these, for the world s in a wonderful way, On a wonderful, day, a fantabulous day, on a wonderful day like today! Anthony Newley * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 *HYMN 55 Rejoice, You Pure in Heart Marion *CALL TO WORSHIP Anthony T. Livolsi One: Welcome to this sacred place: Many: House of prayer for many nations; home to all who come. One: Welcome to this gathering place where none are turned away: Many: Friend and stranger, saint and sinner, the swift and the slow, the proud and the humble. One: Come with hope or hesitation; come with joy or yearning. Many: We come from many places, with many differences, to the common ground of this sacred house. One: When paths cross and travelers meet, there is much to share and celebrate. *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 Rolling Meredith Monk THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Hebrews 12:1-3, Ben Stern Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. *HYMN 491 Awake, My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve Christmas (Children and teachers may leave for choir and childcare.) 2

3 SERMON Cheer! Nancy S. Taylor *SPIRITUAL (adapted) Swing Low, Sweet Chariot Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin for to carry me home; Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin for to carry me home. I looked behind and what did I see? (Comin for to carry me home,) A band of runners chasin after me! (Comin for to carry me home.) Chorus The brightest day when I can say, Copley Square is just minutes away! Chorus I m sometimes up, and sometimes down, But still my feet are finish-line bound. Chorus If I get there before you do, I ll break the tape, then cheer you too. Chorus If you get there before I do, (Comin for to carry me home,) Tell all my friends I'm comin too, (Comin for to carry me home.) 3

4 *CALL TO PRAYER One: Many: One: Many: PASTORAL PRAYER OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS John M. Edgerton God be with you. And also with you. May the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts. Christ is our peace, our light, and our hope. (Please be seated.) 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 Nun freut euch, liebe Christen g mein, BWV 734 J.S.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 ANTHEM On Eagle s Wings Michael Joncas arr. Craig Kingsbury You, who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in God s shadow for life, Say to the Lord, My refuge, my Rock, in whom I trust! Refrain: And God will raise you up on eagle s wings; bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of God s hand. The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear: Under God s wings your refuge, God s faithfulness your shield. Refrain 4

5 You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; Though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come. Refrain For to his angels God s given a command to guard you in all of your ways; Upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Refrain Michael Joncas, based on Psalm 91 BLESSING OF THE ATHLETES PRAYER OF DEDICATION Anthony T. Livolsi PROCESSION Highland Cathedral Michael Korb and Ulrich Roever arr. Harry Huff David Methven, bagpiper; Amy Budka and Linda O Donnell, percussionists GREETING AND INTRODUCTION Nancy S. Taylor PRAYER OF BLESSING One: Many: One: Many: Strong and faithful God, we ask your blessing on these athletes who have come to race and compete. Keep them safe from injury and harm. Instill in them respect for each other. Give them the endurance to compete well. Reward them for their discipline and perseverance. May you mount up with wings like eagles. May you run and not grow weary. May you walk and not faint. (Isaiah 30:41) May God touch you with a wind that keeps you strong, for all the days to come. God bless you. God be with you. Amen. BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Nancy S. Taylor POSTLUDE Olympic Fanfare and Theme John Williams 5

6 WELCOME TO OLD SOUTH CHURCH Following 11 am worship, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Dick Yeo 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. Today s banner bearers are father and son, Phil and Ben Stern. Our scripture reader, Ben Stern, is a member of the Old South Youth Group. The flowers are given by Elizabeth and Betty Pitcher for 33 and 31 years living the good life one day at a time. Our 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. 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). 6

7 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC As we continue to celebrate the Resurrection and the promise of spring, we rejoice with those who prepare to run the Boston Marathon. The Old South Choir will help to launch this auspicious event with a surprisingly fitting selection the Broadway show-stopper, On a Wonderful Day like Today! The organ voluntaries during the prelude and postlude, by Aaron Copland, Leo Arnaud and John Williams, are each immediately evocative of state occasions and great athletic events. The first anthem, Rolling, by NYC performance artist Meredith Monk, is a wordless sound environment in which each section of the Choir sings a different rollicking, happy-go-lucky tune, with all the parts combining and layering to create the sensation of a great race one which not only features human feet, but wheels of all sorts, as well. The prayer response is a scintillating trio in perpetuum mobile (perpetual motion in a rapid tempo) based on the German chorale Nun freut euch, liebe Christen g mein (Rejoice now, beloved Christians). A dance motive is developed from the first three notes of the chorale melody as an illustration of the text with exultation springing, an apt evocation of running feet. For this piece the organ s zimbelstern (tiny bells) is featured. During the offering the Choir will present the beloved On Eagles' Wings as a special blessing of the athletes. It is a devotional song composed by Michael Joncas in 1979 after Vatican Council II, during which the Catholic Church began using vernacular hymns at Mass. Its words, loosely based on Psalm 91 and Isaiah 40:31, promise that God will raise you up on eagle s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of God s hand. The annual ritual Blessing of the Athletes at the end of the service will be heralded by Scottish bagpiper Dave Methven, joined by organ, snare drum, bass drum and cymbals, in the majestic Highland Cathedral, originally composed for Scottish Highland games in Germany. It has since swept the world in popularity, and has even been proposed as the Scottish national anthem. As we rally our support for those running in the Marathon, we are reminded of the words from the immortal hymn text by 18 th -century Congregational minister Phillip Doddridge: Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve, and press with vigor on; A heavenly race demands your zeal, and an immortal crown. A cloud of witnesses around holds you in full survey; Forget the steps already trod, and onward urge your way. For God s all-animating voice still calls us to the race; And God s own hand still gives the prize with never-ending grace. O Savior, shown the way by you, I have my race begun; And, crowned with victory, at your feet I ll lay my honors down. 7 Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music

8 ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY AT OLD SOUTH: April 19, 2015 Study and reflect on today s preaching text (Hebrews 12:1-3, 12-14) at Sunday Morning Bible Study at 10 am in the fourth floor Sam Johnson Room. Join us for fellowship hour from 10-10:45 am on the second floor. FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY Join Old South Church s first annual Fun Run (or walk or roll, whatever!!). At 10 am, we will first gather in the Gordon Chapel for an opening devotion and to receive instructions. Then at 10:15 am, we re off! The half mile route begins east down Boylston; proceeds to the Comm Ave Mall via Dartmouth; takes a left onto Exeter and then onto Boylston to return to church. All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate! Afterwards, join us for Fun Run fellowship in the Gordon Chapel with lots of Gatorade to help replenish our electrolytes! FOR CHILDREN Infants through grade 2 are welcome in our childcare ministries beginning at 8:40 am. Care is available uninterrupted through today s worship services. In both the 9 and 11 o clock hours, children under 5 years are invited to a time for special marathon crafts on the third floor. Older children are invited to join Kate Nintcheu for crafts in the Gordon Chapel in lieu of choir. FOR YOUTH Today, our two-year Confirmation Class for grades 7-8 will provide hospitality as ushers during 11 am worship. During April, the Youth Group is celebrating the risen Christ in discussion, fellowship, and worship planning! 8

9 ALL CHURCH RETREAT Join us for the third and final all-church retreat on our Visio n fo r the 21st Century. On Sunday, April 26th at 12:30 pm, we will discuss areas within Sanctuary in the City, including: technologies and communication, worship, music and the arts, growth and hospitality, and facilities. What are we doing well? Where are there weaknesses or holes? Where could and should we be by 2019? All Old South Church voices are needed. Help us plan for the retreat by RSVPing to reception@oldsouth.org. WEEKLY WORSHIP Jazz Worship: Thursdays, 6 pm. With soul and sax. First Worship: Sundays, 9 am. Informal and vibrant. Festival Worship: Sundays, 11 am. Our signature service - grand and expressive. Evening Worship: Sundays, 6 pm. Ancient, timeless, and alive. (Resumes April 26) Healing Worship: 2nd Sundays, 10 am. Gentle and tender. SAVE THE DATE On Mothers Day, May 10th, Old South Church will celebrate church member Phillis Wheatley - mother of African American poetry - on the occasion of her birthday. We will celebrate Phillis with homemade cupcakes, cupcake decorating, and storytelling! At both 10:30 am and 12:15 pm, we will promenade to Boston s Women Memorial on Comm Ave where Phillis is memorialized in bronze alongside Abigail Adams and Lucy Stone. 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 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 Kate R. Rogers, Youth Leader Liz Williams, Field Education Intern 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 Deb Washington, Moderator Lisa Mahnke, Clerk David Vogan, 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 Rosemary Clarke, Director, Accounting and Human Resources Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Elias Perez, Senior Sexton Ozo Nwodo & Robert Blenman, Sextons Corey Spence & Rubia Reyes, 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