THE GATHERING. February 26, 2017 Transfiguration Sunday 11:00 am. PRELUDE Cantabile César Franck. *HYMN 1 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise St.

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1 February 26, 2017 Transfiguration Sunday 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? * Indicates all who are able may stand THE GATHERING PRELUDE Cantabile César Franck *HYMN 1 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise St. Denio *CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from the United Church of Canada) Nancy S. Taylor God is Holy Mystery, Beyond complete knowledge, above perfect description. Yet, in love, the one eternal God seeks relationship. So God creates the universe, and with it the possibility of being and relating. God tends the universe, mending the broken and reconciling the estranged. God enlivens the universe, guiding all things toward harmony with their Source.

2 Grateful for God s love, We cannot keep from singing. With the Church through the ages, we sing of God as one and triune Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We sing also of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer; Mother, Friend, and Comforter; Source of Life, Living Word, and Bond of Love. We sing, though words fail us, of the One on Whom our hearts rely, the fully shared Life at the heart of the universe. We witness to Holy Mystery that is wholly Love. *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 O Nata Lux Morten Lauridsen O Light born of Light, Jesus, redeemer of the world, with kindness, deign to receive the praise and prayer of supplicants. You, Who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost, grant us to be made members of Your blessed body. Latin hymn for the Transfiguration, 10th c., tr. Robert Coote THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Exodus 24:12-18 and Matthew 17:1-9 John M. Edgerton *HYMN 44 Beautiful Jesus Schönster Herr Jesu SERMON Anthony T. Livolsi 2

3 *HYMN I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say Kingsfold OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS *CALL TO PRAYER 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. Let us pray. (You may be seated.) PASTORAL PRAYER AND SILENT PRAYER 3 John M. Edgerton

4 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 O Jesus Christ, Light of My Life Max Drischner 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 Or Zarua Latzadik Robbie Solomon Erik Gustafson, pianist Light is sown for the righteous, radiance for the upright. O you righteous, rejoice in Adonai. Psalm 97:11-12 PRAYER OF DEDICATION Nancy S. Taylor *HYMN Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Hyfrydol 4

5 *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Anthony T. Livolsi POSTLUDE O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair! John Eggert Close-Up, a 20-minute tour of the Sanctuary, begins following worship at the front of the Sanctuary. Led by docent David Becker. 5

6 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. The flowers today conclude a month of birthday celebration for Elinor Lockwood Yeo. SUNDAY FLOWERS The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2017 is up in the first floor elevator lobby. April 23rd and 30th 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 Next Week (March 5) Schedule Change 10:00 am All Church Worship 11:15 am 347th Annual Meeting of Old South Church All Church Brunch immediately follows Sunday, February 26 8:30 am First Worship Choir 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Community Hour: Old South at the Oscars 10:00 am Putting Feminist Theology into Church Practice 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 12:30 pm Faith and Film Discussion Group Monday, February 27 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:00 pm Faith and Everyday Life Discussion Group 7:30 pm Spiritual Classics Book Group Tuesday, February 28 5:30 pm Trustees 6:00 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 6:00 pm Congregational Care and Support Committee 6:00 pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 7:00 pm Board of Ministers and Deacons Wednesday, March 1 12:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service, Rebecca Bowler preaching 6:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service, Rebecca Bowler preaching 6:00 pm Young Adult Book Group: Practicing Our Faith Thursday, March 2 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Through the Whole Bible Book Group 7:00 pm Young Adult Book Group: Celebration of Discipline 7:00 pm Young Adult Women s Book Group: Bad Girls of the Bible 7:00 pm Faith and Politics Discussion Group 7 Friday, March 3 12:30 pm Planned Giving Committee

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 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 Kelsey Walck, Administrative Assistant 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 ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY March 5 10:00 am All Church Worship (Sanctuary) with performances by the children s choir and combined adults choir 11:15 am 347th Annual Meeting (Sanctuary) Immediately following Annual Meeting All Church Brunch (second floor) CHILDREN S PROGRAMMING: At 10 am, childcare and children s music will meet. All children will then rejoin families before communion. At 11 am, Godly Play and Meet the Ancestors will gather on the fourth floor. MORNING PRAYER SERVICE: A simple service of prayer and communion will be held at 9 am in the Gordon Chapel. PUTTING FEMINIST THEOLOGY INTO CHURCH PRACTICE TODAY, 10 am, Gordon Chapel Have you ever thought about why we do worship the way we do? Why are the different pieces of the service always in the same order? Join Seminarian Intern Rebecca Bowler to discuss how the lens of feminist theology can inform worship. Join and help shape the order of First Worship for Lent! Note: Runs concurrent with Old South at the Oscars. ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES March 1, 12 noon and 6 pm Simple services of prayer, silence, confession, and the imposition of ashes with Seminarian Intern Rebecca Bowler preaching. Clergy will be available for the imposition of ashes from 8 am - 8 pm, outdoors, except during worship time.

10 ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS at 10 am between First and Festival Worship COMMUNITY HOUR Art is a powerful medium through which to explore the pain and beauty of the world and our lives. Over the past few weeks we have engaged three Oscar Best Picture nominees through the lens of Christian faith. TODAY, we conclude this series with the film Lio n. NEXT UP Lent: Prayer and Prepositions Marc h 12, 19, 26 and Ap ril 2 Prayer is one of the most ancient of all Christian practices, but it s never been just one thing. Prayer shifts its shape depending on its prepositions. We don t just pray we pray to, for, in, about, and with. And with every prepositional shift, new opportunities arise for deepening our relationship with God and transforming our discipleship for the world. Join Mary Luti for an exploration of prayer, and make prayer your practice in this holy season. 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. Resumes Marc h 5th. WEEKDAYS FUN-AND-NOT-SCARY, AT-A-SNAIL S-PACE READ THROUGH OF THE WHOOOLE BIBLE: Thursdays, 6 pm. We continue to read the Book of Numbers (which probably most of us know next to nothing about if we have heard of it at all)? anthony@oldsouth.org with questions or to get in on the action. SMALL GROUPS: Small Groups form for 3-month cycles. While this season s (January to March) groups are now full, we will gladly form new groups as there is interest. For information about future participation, contact anthony@oldsouth.org.

11 CHILDREN + FAMILIES CHILDCARE: Infants through grade 2 are welcome in our childcare ministries beginning at 8:40 am. Care is available uninterrupted through First Worship, Community Hour, and 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) are exploring the Parable of the Sower. Meet the Ancestors for middle school students will be exploring 12 Disciples: Provincial Bumpkins. YOUTH GROUP: Students in grades 8-12 explore issues of life and faith on Sundays with Youth Leader Carrie Swayne-Gerrish. PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Friday, March 10, 6-10 pm. While parents treat themselves to a night out, kids are treated to a night of fun and games with vetted Children s Ministries staff and volunteers. Drop off begins at 5:50 pm, pick up by 10 pm. Cost: $20 for 1 child; $30 2 kids; $40 3 kids. To register, children@oldsouth.org. SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER Tuesday, February 28, 6-8 pm Called Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday or, more commonly, Mardi Gras, the day before Lent begins is traditionally one of joyous feasting and celebration of eating all the rich, sweet food that is off limits during the season of fasting and penitence. Turn out for a big, fun meal with your church family, and eat all the pancakes (with syrup or chocolate sauce or caramel or preserves or whipped cream!) you can eat before Ash Wednesday is upon us. If you are able to help with set up, cooking, serving, or clean-up, anthony@oldsouth.org.

12 SERVE ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: Collecting canned and dried beans for the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Collection is in the stone entryway. FAITH INTO ACTION Upcoming opportunities for protest, training, and action in the Boston area coordinated by friend organizations of Old South Church. Event highlight: February 27, 6:30-8:30 pm Bethel AME Church, Jamaica Plain Sanctuary Church Residents of Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury will gather to discuss creating a sanctuary church in that part of Boston. RSVP to john@oldsouth.org. For a complete events listing, visit 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