THE GATHERING. PRELUDE Through Palestine, op. 131 R. Deane Shure #1 By the Pool of Bethesda #2 The Sea of Galilee

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1 January 22, 2012 Third Sunday after Epiphany 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 Through Palestine, op. 131 R. Deane Shure #1 By the Pool of Bethesda #2 The Sea of Galilee *HYMN 71 Rejoice, You Pure in Heart Vineyard Haven *CALL TO WORSHIP Ron L. Buford One: One: One: O God, you broke down the barriers when you crept in beside us. For in Jesus, your hands touched all, and touched us. You opened our eyes, to see how the hands of the rich were empty, and the hearts of the poor were full. You took the widow s mite, the child s loaves, the babe at the breast and used them to show us the Kingdom. * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 One: One: You gave us hands to hold, black and white, African and Asian, the clasping hands of lovers and the reluctant hands of those who don t believe they are worth holding. And when we wanted to shake our fists, you still wanted to hold our hands. Here in the company of the neighbor whom we know and the stranger in our midst, and the self from whom we turn, we ask to love as Jesus loved. Make this the place and time, good Lord, when heaven and earth become one, and we in word and flesh know ourselves beloved. Amen. *A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION Please greet those around you, wishing them peace or the peace of Christ. WORDS OF WELCOME ANTHEM Fisherman Peter South Carolina Spiritual arr. Robert J. Powell Fisherman Peter, on the sea; drop your net, boy, and follow me. Traditional THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Mark 1:14-20 Kevin Ard One: Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news. One: As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, Follow me and I will make you fish for people. 2

3 One: One: And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. A reading from the Word of God. Thanks be to God. *HYMN 173 You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore Pescador de Hombres vv. 3-4 (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) SERMON Fishing Nancy S. Taylor *HYMN 171 Jesus Calls Us, o er the Tumult St. Andrew OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS *CALL TO PRAYER One: God be with you. And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts. We lift our hearts to God. One: Let us pray. (The congregation may 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 PRAYER RESPONSE Hush! Hush! Somebody s Callin My Name Spiritual, arr. Brazeal W. Dennard Hush, Hush, Somebody s callin my name. Oh, my Lord, oh, my Lord, what shall I do? I m so glad that trouble don t last always. I m so glad I got my ligion in time. Soon one mornin death come creepin in my room. Traditional CALL TO THE OFFERING Brent Damrow In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy and justice. OFFERTORY ANTHEM Lord, Speak to Me Calvin Hampton Rebecca O Brien, soloist; Erik K. Gustafson, piano Lord, speak to me that I may speak In living echoes of Thy tone; As Thou has sought, so let me seek Thy erring children lost and lone. O lead me, Lord, that I may lead The wandering and the wavering feet; O feed me, Lord, that I may feed Thy hungering ones with manna sweet. O strengthen me, that while I stand Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee, I may stretch out a loving hand To wrestlers in the troubled sea. O teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things Thou dost impart; And wing my words, that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart. O use me, Lord, use even me, Just as Thou wilt, and when and where, Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share. Amen. Frances Havergal, 1872 PRAYER OF DEDICATION 4

5 *HYMN 504 You Walk along Our Shoreline Salley Gardens *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Nancy S. Taylor POSTLUDE Allegro maestoso from Water Music George Frideric Handel 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. THE 342 ND MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON IS CALLED BY ORDER OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 TH AT 12:30 PM Items under consideration include: Reception of the Annual Report and minutes of the previous Annual Meeting; Reports of the Treasurer and Trustees; Consideration of proposed revisions to the By-laws; Report of the Vision Working Group; Report of the Operations Committee and Trustees concerning matters of deferred maintenance; Election and blessing of Officers, Deacons, Trustees, Board and Committee Chairs; Farewell to and Installation of Officers and Leaders; and any other business as may properly come before the Members. A light lunch will be served. Childcare is available. Clerk, Kate Silfen 5

6 The FISH is among the oldest symbols of Christianity During their persecution by the Roman Empire in the first few centuries CE, Christians used the Detail from a Moorish lamp in our Children s Chapel fish as a symbol to mark meeting places and tombs, or to distinguish friends from foes: when a Christian met a stranger in the road, the Christian sometimes drew one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt. If the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were in good company. Christianity Today, Oct 26, 2001 FISH IN THE GOSPELS Funerary stele. Marble, early 3rd c. from the area of the Vatican necropolis, Rome. Some of the Apostles were fishermen. Jesus called them to fish for people. He produced the miracle of the great catch, cooked a breakfast of fish for his followers, multiplied a few loaves and fishes to feed thousands, and compared the Last Judgment to a fisherman sorting fish. 6

7 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 flowers are given by Kay Davis in memory of Dr. Jean M. Jackson. Our Scripture reader today, Kevin Ard, joined Old South in March 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 7

8 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC On this third Sunday after Epiphany, water imagery is prevalent throughout the service. In the Scripture reading today, we hear of Jesus walking along the Sea of Galilee, calling the fishermen Simon, Peter, and his brother, Andrew, to be his disciples. The hymns You Have Come Down to the Shoreline, Jesus Calls Us, o er the Tumult and You Walk along Our Shoreline vividly depict the scene as Jesus began assembling followers to help launch his ministry. The prelude consists of two Impressionistic sketches of watery scenes from 1925 by R. Deane Shure ( ). They are the first two movements from a suite entitled Through Palestine (Being a Little Four Day s Journey with the Master). Dr. Shure was a noted composer, organist and music educator in the Washington, D.C. area, having served as music director for Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church for many years. The postlude is an excerpt from Handel s perennial favorite, Water Music, a collection of orchestral movements that premiered on July 17, 1717 after King George I had requested a concert on the River Thames. The concert was performed by 50 musicians playing on a barge near the royal barge from which the King listened with close friends. The barges, heading for Chelsea or Lambeth, and leaving the party after midnight, used the tides of the river. George I was said to have enjoyed the suites so much that he made the exhausted musicians play them three times over the course of the outing! This transcription for organ was made in 1926 by Dr. Carl McKinley ( ), who served Old South as organist and choirmaster for several decades. The recurring biblical theme of God and Jesus calling mortals to serve is reflected in the three choral offerings today. In addition to the two traditional spirituals, Fisherman Peter and Hush! Hush! Somebody s Callin My Name, the Old South Choir will sing Calvin Hampton s jubliant setting of Frances Havergal s beloved text Lord, Speak to Me. Written in 1973, it exhibits Hampton s love for music of all genres, this one being rousing gospel songs. Especially notable are the Motown-style trio-writing in verse two, and the Mahalia Jackson-inspired solo in verses four and five. Although originally scored for organ accompaniment Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music 8

9 CALENDAR Third Sunday after Epiphany Sunday, January 22 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Mission Trip Information Session 10:00 am Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm Dual Regional Fellowship Hour, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, & Dorchester, and the South End, South Boston, & Roxbury 12:30 pm Mission Trip Information Session 12:30 pm Bagels and the Bible 12:30 pm Fresh Water for Tanzania Presentation 1:15 pm Mindful Parenting Class Monday, January 23 8:00 am Vision Working Group 5:00 pm LGBTF Service Night, Boston Living Center 5:45 pm Operations Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:30 pm Communications Committee 7:00 pm Membership Committee Tuesday, January 24 6:00 pm Deacons Wednesday, January 25 11:30 am Retired and Ready, First Church of Christ, Scientist 6:00 pm Adventures in Art, Culture, and the Environment, Museum of Fine Arts Boston 6:30 pm Urban Body of Christ Course Thursday, January 26 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship 6:30 pm OSC Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study New Testament Saturday, January 28 10:00 am Connections Class Sunday, January 29 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00 am Wills Clinic 10:00 am Old South Knitters 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour and January Birthdays 12:15 pm Dual Regional Fellowship Hour, South of Boston, and Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Downtown, & Charlestown 12:15 pm Wills Clinic 12:30 pm Sunday s Bread, Church of St. John the Evangelist 1:15 pm Mindful 9 Parenting Class 3:00 pm Hammond Performing Arts Chamber Concert

10 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, Field Education Intern Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Catherine Allard, Youth Group Leader & Field Education Intern Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Laurel Leslie, Choir Director, First Worship Willie Sordillo, Jazz Worship Music Coordinator Peter Coulombe, Director, Old South Ringers Amy Budka, Children s Music Director Linda O Donnell, Director, Children s Choir Vard Johnson, 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. 10

11 Corner of Boylston & Dartmouth Streets at the Copley T SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS January 22, 2012 (617) TODAY BIBLE STUDY TUDY: 10 am. Experience worship more deeply by studying the preaching text for the day. NY MISSION M TRIP INFORMATION SESSION ESSION: 10 am and 12:30 pm. Old South Church is sponsoring a second mission trip this summer, from July 8-14, to work with Project Hospitality in Staten Island, NY. DUAL REGIONAL FELLOWSHIP HOUR OUR: 12:15 pm. If you live in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, or Dorchester, or in the South End, South Boston, or Roxbury, come meet your neighbors! FRESH WATER FOR TANZANIA PRESENTATION RESENTATION: 12:30 pm. Join us in welcoming Rev. Peter Cook of Plymouth Church, UCC, Framingham, and his guest from Tanzania, Castor Sanguya. In 2008 the Pommern Village Choir of Tanzania visited Old South Church during their Songs for Fresh Water tour. This congregation responded by contributing funding for three wells in Pommern Village and the surrounding area. Castor Sanguya, who is head of the well drilling operation, and Plymouth Church will screen a short video illustrating the positive impact these wells have had on the people of Tanzania. A light reception will follow. BAGELS & THE BIBLE IBLE: 12:30 pm. What does a Bible passage have to do with the rest of your day? How about the rest of your life? Join the Sanctuary in the City Task Force for a no-commitment, homework-free discussion about the Bible and our lives. We will partake in food and a discussion on Mark 1: MINDFUL & COMPASSIONATEC PARENTING CLASS LASS: 1:15 pm. Open to pre-registrants. & C WORSHIP FIRST WORSHIP ORSHIP: 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 ORSHIP: 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. JAZZ WORSHIP ORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. Candle-lit and bathed in jazz, the familiar Gordon Chapel becomes as mysterious and beckoning as the Gothic cathedrals it emulates, and the story of our faith is made new through intimate, eclectic, full-body worship. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Interim Minister for Discipleship Rev. 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 ORSHIP: Sunday, February 12, 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 APTISM: Those seeking Christian baptism for themselves or their children may contact one of the ministers at (617) SUNDAY FLOWERS LOWERS: The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2012 is up in the first floor elevator lobby. February 26 is STILL in need of a donor. Donating Sunday flowers is a special way to remember loved ones and special events. 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. SERVE ROLLING FOOD DRIVE RIVE: We are collecting canned soup to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Next month we will collect canned fruit (and dry fruit, expiring after Mar 2012). Donation baskets in the stone entryway. SUNDAY UNDAY S BREAD READ: January 29, 12:30-4 pm. Help feed the hungry on the last Sunday of each month at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 35 Bowdoin Street on Beacon Hill. Dress in comfortable clothes and shoes. To volunteer, sundaysbread@yahoo.com by Wednesday, January 25. HE $100,000 COOKIEC THE OOKIE: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also The way to a man s heart is through his stomach. Old South s Christian Service and Outreach Committee grants church funds totaling close to $100,000 every year to dozens of organizations in Boston and abroad. Discover some of the organizations that YOU support just by sampling the cookies at today s Early Café, Fellowship Hour, and Regional Fellowship Hour, and after next week s Jazz Worship. Outreach members will be available to answer questions.

12 CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP Almost daily, I walk the streets of Boston on my way to and from work and other appointments. Along my usual routes, I have encountered the same homeless people for years. Many of these chronically homeless men and women appear to have addictions or mental health issues that may explain their long-time presence on the streets of Boston. Lately, however, with the recession and unemployment that remains high I have noticed more people asking for money. To me these new faces on the street are a daily reminder that however we choose to give now is the time for those of us with the means to help those in need. Kurt Gaertner, Stewardship Committee MUSIC CHAMBER MUSIC USIC: Sunday, January 29, 3 pm. Hammond Residential Real Estate is pleased to present a chamber music recital as part of their 2011/2012 Performing Arts Series, featuring Sarita Kwok, violin, and Lucas Wong, piano. Free admission; reservations are requested. Call (617) Reserved seats will be held until 10 minutes before the concert time. LEARN BIBLE STUDY: Sundays, 10 am. Experience worship more deeply by studying the preaching text for the day. IBLE TUDY CHILDREN AND YOUTH OUTH: The Old South Family welcomes your family. We offer childcare and programming for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, from 8:30 am - 12:15 pm; classes for older children during both Sunday worship services; Confirmation class during FESTIVAL Worship; arts, crafts and fellowship opportunities between the services for children; and discussion, reflection and fellowship time for high schoolers. Music offerings include the Chime Choir, Beginner Bell Choir, Children s Choir, Gospel Group and vocal and percussion opportunities. churchschool@oldsouth.org or visit oldsouth.org. Children s Choir: Inviting new members, grades 1-4. No experience necessary. Rehearsal is Sunday morning 10:15-10:55 am. childrenschoir@oldsouth.org. THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP ROUP: Mondays, 6 pm. Out of Babylon by Walter Brueggemann: UCC prophet and Bible scholar Walter Brueggemann takes us on an exploration of the center of the ancient world and invites us to make the natural comparisons to modern America. CONNECTIONS CLASS LASS: Saturday, January 28, 10 am and Monday, January 30, 6 pm. For those interested in church membership, this three-hour class invites you to explore Christianity, the United Church of Christ (our denomination), and Old South s rich history, programs, small groups, and service opportunities, and to consider your own place at Old South. You need only attend one of the two sessions. RSVP to Interim Minister for Discipleship Ron Buford at ron@oldsouth.org. For those who join, new members will be welcomed during Jazz Worship on February 9 and during First and Festival Worship on February 12. WILLS CLINIC LINIC: Sunday, January 29, 10 am and 12:15 pm. It s a sad fact that most Americans will die without a will, costing your family, your loved ones and your estate. With a will you can create a legacy, become a philanthropist, and minister to your family by making crucial decisions now. OSC s Wills Clinic, offered by the Planned Giving Committee, provides information about wills, as well as durable power of attorney, and other topics important to EVERYONE in their life planning. We invite you to come and hear how simple and how important it is to create a will. RSVP to reception@oldsouth.org. LIVING THE QUESTIONS UESTIONS: Wednesdays, February 1 - March 7, 6-7:30 pm. Join us for this six-session study. Each session will include soup and bread, fellowship, a Faith Story, the Living the Questions DVD, and discussion. The LTQ DVD features Marcus Borg, Dominic Crossan, Sister Helen Prejean, Bishop Spong, Tex Sample, John Cobb, and OSC s own Ron Buford (who will also moderate each session), among others. Living the Questions was designed as a progressive alternative to more conservative studies like 40-Days of Purpose. Dare we engage the questions? Childcare available with advance reservation, upon request. ron@oldsouth.org. MEET DUAL REGIONAL FELLOWSHIP HOUR OUR: Sunday, January 29, 12:15 pm. If you live South of Boston, or in the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Downtown, or Charlestown, come meet your neighbors! RETIRED AND READY EADY: Wednesday, January 25, 11:30 am. We will meet for lunch at Sebastian s Cafe, 251 Mass Ave, and then head to the First Church of Christ, Scientist, for a 12:45 pm organ recital. The afternoon will include a tour of the church followed by 20-minute tours of the Mapparium ($4 fee, senior rate) and the Research Library, after which we are welcome to stay and browse their collections. RSVP to dukeofearl45@comcast.net. ADVENTURES IN ART RT,, CULTUREC AND THE ENVIRONMENT NVIRONMENT: Wednesday, January 25. Join the Sanctuary in the City Task Force for dinner at Qdoba, 393 Huntington Ave., at the corner Forsyth St., at 6 pm. Afterwards we will head down the street to the Museum of Fine Arts. RSVP to erinhull@gmail.com. OLD SOUTH KNITTERS NITTERS: Sunday, January 29, 10 am. The Old South Knitters gather together on the last Sunday of every month to practice the art of creating Prayer Shawls. The rest of the month the group meets informally during Early Café in the Gordon Chapel. diane.raymond1600@gmail.com. JANUARY BIRTHDAYS IRTHDAYS: Sunday, January 29, 12:15 pm. Join members and friends for Old South s monthly celebration of birthdays during Fellowship Hour. We will celebrate all those who are January-born with candles, cake and song. All are invited to join in the festivities.