THE GATHERING. May 28, 2017 Seventh Sunday after Easter 11:00 am. PRELUDE Cantique de Jean Racine Gabriel Fauré. Duh Tvoy Blagiy (Let Thy Good Spirit)

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1 May 28, 2017 Seventh Sunday after Easter 11:00 am Warning! To enter into the life of this people of God is to encounter God s soul-challenging, life-changing, radicalizing love. Will you join us? Do you dare? THE GATHERING PRELUDE Cantique de Jean Racine Gabriel Fauré I Hunger and Thirst Duh Tvoy Blagiy (Let Thy Good Spirit) Ezekiel Saw de Wheel Jefferson Township High School Chamber Choir James A. Wynne, conductor Kevin Siegfried Pavel Chesnokov Spiritual arr. William Dawson *HYMN 257 Alleluia! Gracious Jesus! Hyfrydol * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 *CALL TO WORSHIP One: Many: One: Many: Carrie Swayne-Gerrish Into the heavens, you oh Christ, rose. Yet you have never left our side, remaining with us even today. You taught us to care for those in need, to visit the captives, and to feed the hungry. We look to you for the strength to follow your teachings. We rejoice that you have promised to walk with us in our journey of discipleship. *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 Donald A. Wells THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Sofia Alexandra Mesa Child of Christopher Mesa and Natalya Greer Godparent is Ludmila Goenko INTRODUCTIONS AND ADDRESS Rebecca A. Bowler LITANY OF BAPTISM (responsively) One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: We are gathered to present Sofia Alexandra Mesa to the Church and to dedicate her to God. What can we affirm about her? Sofia is a child of God, made in God s own image. As Sofia grows in our congregation, how will she know this? We will give her our love and include her in the life and ministry of this Church. How will Sofia learn of the Christian faith? We will teach her the stories of Abraham and Sarah; of Moses and Miriam who led our ancestors out of bondage; of Mary and Joseph s openness to mystery; of the Savior, Jesus; and of the history of the church as the people of God. What, in turn, will we expect of Sofia? 2

3 Many: We look forward to sitting with her at Christ s Table, sharing with her the costs and joys of discipleship, learning and growing with her in the Christian pilgrimage, and declaring with one voice our faith in God and God s son, Jesus. One: Do you, Christopher and Natalya, parents, and Ludmila, Godparent, assume your primary responsibility for fulfilling these expectations by growing with Sofia in the Christian faith and by offering her the nurture and support of the Christian church? Parents & Godparent: With the help of God, we happily and genuinely accept this serious duty. One: And do you, the Old South Church, pledge to maintain a nurturing and challenging Christian environment for Sofia? Many: We do, for she belongs to us as well. One: Then, may God be with us. Many: God help us. Amen. BLESSING THE WATER AND ACT OF BAPTISM CONGREGATIONAL WELCOME (unison) Ralph Watson, Deacon We rejoice in God s empowering love, freely given to each and all. We welcome you, newly baptized, into the circle of love in Christ s church. We promise to pray for you, to seek the depths of faith with you, to support you, and to love you. We covenant with you to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves. Amen. ANTHEM O Clap Your Hands Nancy Hill Cobb O clap your hands. Clap your hands all ye people. Shout unto God with triumph. God is a ruler o'er all the earth. God shall choose an inheritance for us. God is gone up with a shout. O clap your hands. Psalm 47:1-2, 4 3

4 THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Acts 1:6-14, Jesus Ascension Carrie Swayne-Gerrish *HYMN 615 Enter in the Realm of God Dandansoy (Children may leave for choir and childcare.) SERMON Witnesses to Jesus Rebecca A. Bowler *HYMN 573 Lead On Eternal Sovereign Lancashire OUR PRAYERS, OUR GIFTS, AND OURSELVES *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. (You may be seated.) Donald A. Wells 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. PRAYER RESPONSE Aria Charles Callahan CALL TO THE OFFERING Donald A. Wells In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy, justice, and beauty. 4

5 OFFERTORY ANTHEM Set Me as a Seal John Leavitt PRAYER OF DEDICATION Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm. Set me as a seal upon your heart, for love is strong as death. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm. Set me as a seal upon your heart, for love is strong as death. Song of Solomon 8:6-7 *HYMN 495 Called as Partners in Christ s Service Beecher *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Rebecca A. Bowler POSTLUDE The Majesty of Christ (from The Ascension ) Olivier Messaien The Jefferson Township High School Chamber Choir is a mixed choir of 50 voices that is auditioned from the ranks of the 110 voice Jefferson Township High School Concert Chorus. The Chamber Choir tours on a yearly basis, touring California, Quebec, Toronto, Washington, D.C., Florida, Philadelphia, Nashville, Memphis, Boston, England, Scotland, France, Germany, and Austria. They have performed in a variety of venues, including: Notre Dame, Paris; Westminster Abbey; Chartres Cathedral; the National Cathedral; the Cathedral of St. John the Divine; St. Stephen s Dom, Vienna; Disneyland and Disney World; Sea World and Universal Studios. The Choir is equally comfortable performing great choral masterworks, as well as Pop tunes and Broadway selections. Just yesterday, the choir performed at Quincey Market performing a 45 minute concert of all a cappella music. The choir is conducted by James Wynne, Choral Director at Jefferson Township High School. 5

6 WELCOME TO OLD SOUTH CHURCH Close-Up, a 20-minute tour of the Sanctuary, begins following worship at the front of the Sanctuary. Led by docent Lucy Costa. 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. The flowers today are given by Laurie Stickels in gratitude for Old South Church. SUNDAY FLOWERS The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2017 is up in the first floor elevator lobby. July 30 is still available! The cost is $50. Put your name by the date you want and send the message you wish to appear in the bulletin to helen@oldsouth.org. Please note that more than one person can sign up for any one Sunday. Name tags facilitate community and help newcomers feel welcomed. If you don t see a tag with your name on it, let us know. 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 CALENDAR Sunday, May 28 8:30 am First Worship Choir 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Rebecca Bowler preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Community Hour: Q&A with Rebecca Bowler 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Rebecca Bowler preaching 12:30 pm Q&A with Rebecca Bowler Monday, May 29 Church closed for Memorial Day Tuesday, May 30 6:00 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal Wednesday, May 31 6:15 pm Young Adult Book Group Practicing Our Faith 6:30 pm Young Adult Book Group The Freedom of Simplicity Thursday, June 1 8:00 am Boston Warm (until 3:00 pm) 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 7:00 pm Young Adult Women s Discussion Group 7:00 pm Young Adult Book Group The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions 8:00 pm Discussion Group Social Change and the Church, offsite Friday, June 2 12:30 pm Planned Giving Committee Pentecost Sunday, June 4 8:30 am First Worship Choir 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Community Hour: Summer of Spiritual Reading 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:30 pm CONNECTIONS Lunch 7

8 OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister 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 Carrie Swayne-Gerrish, Youth Leader Rebecca Bowler, Seminarian Intern Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool George Sargeant, Associate Organist and Choirmaster Laurel Leslie, Choir Director, First Worship Willie Sordillo, Music Coordinator, Jazz Worship Peter Coulombe, Director, Old South Ringers Amy Budka, Children s Music Leader Linda O Donnell, Director, Children s Choirs Tim Harbold, Director, Gospel & Festival Choir Deb Washington, Moderator Rob Gabler, Clerk Lauren Berk, Treasurer Randy Billings, Chair, Board of Trustees Emily Click, Historian Stephanie LaShoto & Ralph Watson, Senior Deacons Vicki Newman, Pledge Secretary Helen McCrady, Senior Church Administrator Amy Perry, Communications Linda Van Praet, Accounting and Human Resources Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Elias Perez, Senior Sexton Ozo Nwodo and Oppong Serebour, Sextons Corey Spence, Rubia Reyes, and Lena Rojas 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. 8

9 ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY LIFE MINISTER OF MUSIC SEARCH COMMITTEE Did you weigh in? After holding 11 Listening Sessions, the Minister of Music Search Committee has gathered great information and heard from a lot of you. If you did NOT express yourself to this important committee yet, here s one last chance! Please promptly MusicSearch@oldsouth.org with your thoughts on these questions: What do you love/cherish/celebrate about the music ministry of this church? What personal qualities and characteristics are you looking for in our next Minister of Music? What are the most important aspects of the portfolio of our new Minister of Music? Thank you! Phil Stern (chair), Rory Razon (clerk), Bob Kosturko (choir liaison), Zoë Krohne (First Worship, Jazz Worship, children s music parent), Deb Washington (Moderator), Martha Schick, Sam Ou (musician), Ruth Edens, Nancy Kukulan (Deacon), John Edgerton (chaplain to the Committee), Nancy Taylor (Sr. Minister). PLANNED GIVING Did you know that estate planning also includes documents that ensure your security during your lifetime? Now is the time to learn more about durable powers of attorney and health care proxies. To focus attention on the importance of these documents and to answer your questions, members of the Planned Giving Committee will be hosting an information table in the Gordon Chapel on Thursday, June 1 after Jazz Worship, and on Sunday, June 4 after each of the worship services. Putting a plan in place for your future can give you peace of mind today!

10 ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS at 10:00 am between First and Festival Worship Q&A with Seminarian Rebecca Bowler: T ODAY, 10 am & 12:30 p m, se c o nd flo o r Who is that seminarian in the robe anyway? Come find out! Join this Q&A next week to ask Rebecca anything about her education, her Swiss background, her dreams for the future, and more! If you think you already know Rebecca somewhat well, come and see if there are more layers to her yet to be discovered! Summer of Spiritual Reading Join Rev. Anthony Livolsi for a read-through of two short theologically intriguing and spiritually meaty works, beginning with: June 4-25 On the Incarnation, by St. Athanasius This classic exploration of the mystery of Christ s being and work paved the way for generations of later thinking on the meaning of salvation. Athanasius vision is generous and imaginative and sure to resonate. For more information or to join in, anthony@oldsouth.org. LECTIONARY BIBLE STUDY: Engage the preached scripture text for the week in depth and detail and enjoy the lively discussion facilitated by our Boston University School of Theology Seminarian Rebecca Bowler. CHILDREN + FAMILIES CHILDCARE: Infants through grade 2 are welcome in our childcare ministries beginning at 8:40 am. Care is available uninterrupted all morning through Festival Worship. CHURCH SCHOOL: Our Montessori-style Godly Play program invites children to see themselves as active participants in the story of faith. Today all three classes (Preschool and Early and Older Elementary) will explore Known in Waiting (Ascension). Meet the Ancestors for middle school students will explore Lydia: Wealthy Philanthropist. YOUTH GROUP: Students in grades 8-12 explore issues of life and faith on Sundays with Youth Leader Carrie Swayne-Gerrish.

11 PRIDE WORSHIP + PARADE Pride Morning Worship will be held on Saturday, June 10, at 11:00 am. This year we will honor The Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence a modern Order of Nuns, comprised of people of all gender associations, all spiritual affiliations, and all proclivities to do good works. Less than a day following the Pulse nightclub shooting, The Boston Sisters led a vigil on Copley Sq. They brought us together to cry, wail, rage, laugh, and love again. Their ministry that night was a wonder to behold. Pride Morning Worship is a high-energy, joyous annual service celebrating the LGBTQ community, with music by the Willie Sordillo Ensemble. Following worship, Old South Church will join the Boston Pride Parade and proclaim the love God has for all. If you plan to join us, anthony@oldsouth.org. After worship and before we march, we will gather in the Gordon Chapel to enjoy lunch together (and air conditioning!). When the parade passes by we will run out to join the group. No more standing around, waiting for an hour, and wilting before we march! And don t forget to purchase a pride t-shirt, featuring a rainbow-flag-bedecked Jesus, available at the Front Desk for $20. This one-of-a-kind t-shirt will help unify Old South Church in the parade, but, if you re not comfortable wearing such a silly shirt, wear grey and come march anyway! CONNECTIONS LUNCH Interested in church membership? Connections Lunch invites you to explore Christianity, the United Church of Christ, our rich history and offerings, and to consider your own place at Old South Church. We will gather next Sunday, June 4 at 12:30 pm. RSVP to anthony@oldsouth.org. Led by Associate Minster Rev. Anthony Livolsi. END OF YEAR POTLUCK BREAKFAST We ll celebrate the end of another program year on Sunday, June 11 at 10:00 am on the second floor. Let us know what you can bring. Visit We re looking for something fruit-y, something protein-y, something starch-y, as well as allergen free foods. Hosted by Children and Family Ministries.

12 SPRING CHECK-IN We are organizing calls to all of our members just to ask: How are you doing? How s it going? Anything your church should know? Please plan to expect to hear from us in the next couple of weeks. SUMMER HOSPITALITY We are now recruiting volunteers for July through September. Please fill out an e-form at or hand in a hard copy to the Front Desk. Deadline is Sunday, June 11. SUMMER SINGING If you love to worship in song, summer is the perfect time to check out our choirs! First Worship Choir rehearses Sundays at 8:30 am to learn a song for 9:00 am worship. Walk-ins welcome. To receive notifications, rebecca@oldsouth.org. Summer Choir begins Sunday, June 11. Choir will rehearse Sundays at 10:00 am to prepare music for 11:00 am worship. All are welcome. We don t wear our robes, but please wear black pants or skirt and a white or solid-colored shirt or blouse. For information, contact Tim Harbold at tharbold@wheatoncollege.edu. Old South Gospel Choir will sing at the June 25 worship services. To receive notices about rehearsals and appearances, tharbold@wheatoncollege.edu. NOTICES 1) 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. 2) Please do not leave bags unattended in the building, including in the Sanctuary, for any length of time. Old South Church in Boston (617) OldSouth.org