THE GATHERING. PRELUDE Now Thank We All Our God J.S. Bach. *HYMN 565 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending Austrian Hymn

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1 November 11, 2012 Consecration Sunday 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 Now Thank We All Our God J.S. Bach *HYMN 565 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending Austrian Hymn *CALL TO WORSHIP (From the Iona Community, Scotland) John M. Edgerton 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. * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 *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 ANTHEM Jubilate William Walton O be joyful in God, all ye lands: Worship God with gladness, and come before the presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Sovereign is God: It is God that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are God s people, and the sheep of God s pasture. O, go your way into the gates with thanksgiving, and into the courts with praise: Be thankful to the Maker and speak good of God s Name. For God is gracious, God s mercy is everlasting: And God s truth endureth from generation to generation. Glory to the Creator, and to the Christ: and to the Holy Spirit; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: World without end. Amen. Psalm 100 SCRIPTURE The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-16) Ben Stern One: When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: Alley: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Boylston: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Alley: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Boylston: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Alley: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Boylston: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Alley: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Boylston: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2

3 Alley: Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Boylston: Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Alley: You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. Boylston: You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. Alley: No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. All: In the same way, let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to God in heaven. RESPONSE Canon of Grace Linda R. Lamb Children s Chime Choir; Katie Gerrish, director (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) BLESS Be Careful What You Bless A sermon in video featuring the children of Old South Church, ASL interpreter and member of the Communications Committee, Chris Breen, Senior Minister Nancy Taylor and former Associate Minister Quinn Caldwell. A joint production of Old South Church, the UCC and the Salt Project, Bless is a teaching video from Old South Church in Boston (named a center of excellence by the UCC). *HYMN 459 Come, O Fount of Every Blessing Nettleton 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.) Maggie Lowe 3

4 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 Sherry Robinson RESPONSE A Gaelic Blessing John Rutter CALL TO THE OFFERING Deep peace of the running wave to you, Deep peace of the flowing air to you, Deep peace of the quiet earth to you, Deep peace of the shining stars to you, Deep peace of the gentle night to you, Moon and stars pour their healing light on you. Deep peace and love, and sweet love And light of the world to you, Deep peace and love to you. Words adapted from an old Gaelic rune 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 2013 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. Together we will consecrate our giving, our church and ourselves, to God s service. 4

5 OFFERTORY ANTHEM Bless the Lord, My Soul from Godspell Stephen Schwartz O, bless the Lord, my soul! God s grace to thee proclaim! And all that is within me joins To bless God s holy name. O, bless the Lord, my soul! God s mercies bear in mind! Forget not all God s benefits, The Lord, to thee is kind. God will not always chide; God will with patience wait; God s wrath is ever slow to rise, And ready to abate. God pardons all thy sins, Prolongs thy feeble breath; God healeth thine infirmities, And ransoms thee from death. God clothes thee with sweet love; Upholds thee with the truth; And like the eagle, God renews The vigor of thy youth. Then bless God s holy name, Whose grace hath made thee whole; Whose love and kindness crowns thy days. O, bless the Lord, my soul! James Montgomery, 1819 (paraphrase of Psalm 103) 5

6 *PRESENTING OUR GIVING CARDS AND OFFERINGS Down to the River to Pray Standing in the Need of Prayer What a Fellowship 6

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9 *PRAYER OF BLESSING *HYMN 2 Glory, Glory Hallelujah! Glory, glory *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Now Thank We All Our God Sigfrid Karg-Elert Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Mary Hunter at the front of the Sanctuary. 9

10 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, Ben Stern, is a member of the Old South Youth Group. Today s flowers are given by Corey Spence and Christopher Dean in memory of Christopher s uncle, Eugene Keller Eberhardt, who died on the Oklahoma in Pearl Harbor; Corey s grandfather, William Gordon Spence, who served during World War II; and all the men and women who serve, especially those who have given their lives to defend our freedom. 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. 10

11 CALENDAR Consecration Sunday Sunday, November 11 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am HEALING Worship 10:00 am Continuing Conversation among Members 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00 am Breaking (Good) News 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Consecration Lunch 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Jan Monsma Monday, November 12 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:00 pm Vision Working Group 7:00 pm Sanctuary in the City Task Force Tuesday, November 13 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 7:00 pm Open Meeting of Council Wednesday, November 14 1:15 pm Yoga for the People Class 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayers Thursday, November 15 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Mission Trip Information Session Friday, November 16 6:30 pm Restored Vision Project Saturday, November 17 10:00 am Connections Class Meeting House Sunday Sunday, November 18 9:00 am FIRST Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 11:15 am FESTIVAL Thanksgiving Worship at the Old South Meeting House 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by David Becker Monday, November 19 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 6:30 pm Congregational Care and Support Committee 7:00 pm Music 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 Adrienne Kisner, Youth Leader 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 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. SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 10 am. Prepare to experience worship more deeply by studying and reflecting on the day s preaching text(s). 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. CONTINUING CONVERSATION AMONG MEMBERS: 10 am. An opportunity for Old South members to continue in conversation about the presentations at the November 4th Special Informational Meeting. No motions will be presented or votes taken. CELEBRATION LUNCH: On this Consecration Sunday we joyfully consecrate to God our financial giving for At 12:15 pm, you are invited to join us for a Celebration Lunch on the second floor. 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 Seminary Intern Maggie Lowe. 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 for a time of reflection, meditation and prayer for the world, our city, our church, and ourselves. Erinhull@gmail.com MEETING HOUSE SUNDAY: On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 18, 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 10:20 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. CHRISTMAS FLOWERS: 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 9. Tom Hudson, Stewardship Committee Lord hear my prayer. Today on Consecration Sunday we will commit our pledges to Old South Church and your mission. Thank you for the generous individuals in this congregation. I have seen your love acted out in youths serving pancakes, members getting their hands dirty in the OSC garden, heard your love through singing voices during service and witnessed your love as members have embraced and served those less fortunate. But, I am humbled having witnessed this congregation growing financial stewardship to Old South Church. In this economy, I know money is tight and I am awed by so many members who place their treasure with you. Amen

14 ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: We are collecting canned vegetables to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation baskets in stone entryway. MISSION TRIP INFO SESSION: Thursday, November 15, 7 pm. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. (Isaiah 59). Next year the Old South Mission Team will embark upon two separate trips to rebuild one family s home in New Orleans destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. We will discuss the dates of the trips, costs, and expectations for work in advance of the trips. John@oldsouth.org WINTER HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS: We are seeking volunteers for January, February, and March. Visit OldSouth.org/get-involved to fill out a form. Forms are also available at the Front Desk. Deadline is November 25. 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 BERKLEE CONCERT: Wednesday, November 28, 7 pm. Berklee College of Music student composers present a concert of original classical chamber music. Free admission. YOGA FOR THE PEOPLE: Wednesdays, 1:15-2:15 pm. Classes are intentionally multi-leveled. No experience is necessary. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. $10/class. Jesgirvin@gmail.com OPEN MEETING OF COUNCIL: Tuesday, November 13, 7 pm. An opportunity for Old South members to continue in conversation about the presentations at the November 4th Special Informational Meeting. No motions will be presented or votes taken. CREATIVE SPIRITS ART SHOW: Wednesday, November 14, 5 pm. Creative works by notable artists, artisans and authors will be on display for sale or as part of a silent auction, all to benefit Beacon Hill Village, a membership-driven non-profit for residents aged 50 and over in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and surrounding neighborhoods. Proceeds from Creative Spirits go to support low- to moderate-income individuals who receive a significantly subsidized membership. The public is welcome to come and enjoy a feast for the eyes and spirit while enjoying wine and hors d oeuvres. BHV Members $10. Non-members $15. LGBT & FRIENDS: Tuesday, November 20, 6 pm. LGBTF will gather for bowling at Kings Back Bay, 50 Dalton St., across from the Hynes Convention Center. Everyone 21+ is welcome. RSVP to shawn@oldsouth.org. CONNECTIONS CLASS: November 17, 10 am - 1 pm or November 19, 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. 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 seventh grade) and a Confirmation Class (for eighth through tenth graders) 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 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 THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP: Mondays, 6 pm. A Public Faith: How Followers of Christ Should Serve the Common Good by Miroslav Volf of Yale Divinity School. Copies are available at the Front Desk for $15. Led by Theologian in Residence Donald Wells. Granwell@comcast.net