THE GATHERING. May 31, 2015 Trinity Sunday 11:00 am. PRELUDE Fugue in Eb (St. Anne), BWV 552 J.S. Bach. HYMN 277 Holy, Holy, Holy Nicaea

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1 May 31, 2015 Trinity 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? THE GATHERING PRELUDE Fugue in Eb (St. Anne), BWV 552 J.S. Bach HYMN 277 Holy, Holy, Holy Nicaea *CALL TO WORSHIP (attributed to St. Patrick) One: I bind unto myself today, Many: The strong Name of the Trinity, One: By invocation of the same, Many: The Three in One and One in Three. One: Against all Satan's spells and wiles, Many: Against the knowledge that defiles, One: Against false words of heresy, Many: Against the heart's idolatry, One: Against the death wound and the burning, Many: Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning. Anthony T. Livolsi * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 One: I bind unto myself the Name, Many: The strong Name of the Trinity; One: By invocation of the same. Many: The Three in One, and One in Three, One: Of Whom all nature hath creation, Many: Eternal God, Spirit, Word: One: Praise to the Lord of my salvation, Many: Salvation is of Christ the Lord. *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 I bind unto myself today The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same The Three in One and One in Three. I bind this today to me forever By power of faith, Christ s incarnation; His baptism in Jordan river, His death on Cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spicèd tomb, His riding up the heavenly way, His coming at the day of doom I bind unto myself today. I bind unto myself the power Of the great love of cherubim; The sweet Well done in judgment hour, The service of the seraphim, Confessors faith, Apostles word, The Patriarchs prayers, the prophets scrolls, All good deeds done unto the Lord And purity of virgin souls. I bind unto myself today The virtues of the star lit heaven, The glorious sun s life giving ray, The whiteness of the moon at even, The flashing of the lightning free, The whirling wind s tempestuous shocks, St. Patrick s Breastplate Charles Villiers Stanford 2

3 SCRIPTURE The stable earth, the deep salt sea Around the old eternal rocks. I bind unto myself today The power of God to hold and lead, God s eye to watch, God s might to stay, God s ear to hearken to my need. The wisdom of my God to teach, God s hand to guide, God s shield to ward; The word of God to give me speech, God s heavenly host to be my guard. Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger. I bind unto myself the Name, The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three. Of Whom all nature hath creation, Eternal Creator, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation, Salvation is of Christ the Lord att. St. Patrick ( ); tr. Cecil Frances Alexander ( ) THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission) After Jesus had been crucified, was dead and buried, He appeared to His disciples and He said to them: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Hadley Jane Grove-Steele Child of James Steele and Michael Grove Godparents are Marcie Shackford and Rob Shearer. Oscar Tucker Child of Kassie Tucker and Richard Addotta Godparents are Christine and George Ebner 3

4 INTRODUCTIONS AND ADDRESS Nancy S. Taylor LITANY OF BAPTISM (responsively) One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: Parents: One: Many: One: Many: We are gathered to present Hadley and Oscar to the church and to dedicate them to God. What can we affirm about them? They are children of God, made in the image of God. As Hadley and Oscar grow, how will they learn who they are? We will give them our love and include them in the life and ministry of this church. How will Hadley and Oscar learn of the Christian faith? We promise to teach them about Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam; about Mary and Joseph s openness to mystery and about the Savior, Jesus. What will we expect of Hadley and Oscar? We look forward to sharing with them the costs and joys of discipleship, and learning and growing together in the Christian pilgrimage and faith. Do you, James and Michael, Kassie and Richard, parents, and Marcie, Rob, Christine and George, Godparents, assume your primary responsibility for fulfilling these expectations by growing with Hadley and Oscar in the Christian faith, helping them to become faithful members of the church of Jesus Christ, and by offering them the nurture and support of the Christian church? And do you, Old South Church, pledge to maintain a nurturing and challenging Christian environment for Hadley and Oscar? We do, for they belong to us as well. Then, may God be with us. God help us. Amen. THE PRAYER OF BAPTISM THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM CONGREGATIONAL WELCOME (unison) Alice Verhoeven, 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. (Children and teachers may leave for choir and childcare.) 4

5 A TRINITY OF REFLECTIONS ON TRINITY SUNDAY HYMN (seated) To You, Great One in Three Italian Hymn THE FIRST PERSON: GOD Nancy S. Taylor HYMN (seated) Come Now, Almighty God Italian Hymn 5

6 THE SECOND PERSON: JESUS Anthony T. Livolsi HYMN (seated) Come Now, Incarnate Word Italian Hymn THE THIRD PERSON: HOLY SPIRIT John M. Edgerton HYMN (seated) Come, Holy Comforter Italian Hymn OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS 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. 6

7 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. 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 There Is One Body Harry L. Huff Amy Budka, vibraphone There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Maker of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Veni, Creator Spiritus, mentes tuorum visita, Imple superna gratia, quae tu creasti pectora. Tu septiformis munere, dextrae Dei tu digitus, Tu rite promissum Patris, sermone ditans guttura. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, Unto a perfect human, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:4-7; Latin, 9 th c.; Ephesians 4:13 PRAYER OF DEDICATION Nancy S. Taylor 7

8 *HYMN Go Ye Therefore Kenneth W. Louis *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Kyrie, Gott, Heiliger Geist, BWV 671 J.S. Bach Close-Up, a 20-minute tour of the Sanctuary, begins following worship at the front of the Sanctuary. Led by docent Dick Yeo. 8

9 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 are given in loving memory of my mother Helen Pritchard by her daughter Anne. We don t say good-bye. SUNDAY FLOWERS The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2015 is up in the first floor elevator lobby on the bulletin board. 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. August 23rd and 30th are still available. 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 with their children when they are 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). 9

10 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music 10

11 CALENDAR Sunday, May 31 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Liz Williams preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Celebration and Godspeed to Liz Williams 10:00 am Old South Knitters 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm Gospel Choir Rehearsal 12:30 pm Connections Class for prospective members 12:30 pm Sunday s Bread, Saint John the Evangelist 2:00 pm Gospel Choir Concert with the Willie Sordillo Ensemble 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Stephanie LaShoto Monday, June 1 8:30 am Planned Giving Committee 5:45 pm Operations Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:30 pm Stewardship Committee 7:00 pm Christian Service & Outreach Tuesday, June 2 5:30 pm Handbells 7:00 pm Christian Formation Committee Thursday, June 4 6:00 pm Jazz Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 7:00 pm Young Adult Book Group Youth Sunday & Confirmation Sunday, June 7 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 9:45 am All-Church Potluck Breakfast 10:00 am Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship YOUTH Sunday 12:30 pm Young Adults Group 12:30 pm Youth Group Pizza 11

12 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. 12

13 ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY AT OLD SOUTH: May 31, 2015 Farewell and Godspeed to Liz Williams at 10 am in the Gordon Chapel. Today is Liz s final Sunday of her Field Ed Internship with Old South. Join us as we honor her, thank her and send her on to her next steps in ministry. This is today s Community Hour activity. Practice the art of creating prayer shawls with the Old South Knitters at 10 am during Early Café in the Gordon Chapel. Connections Interested in church membership? Join us TODAY from 12:30-2:30 pm in the Sam Johnson Room on the 4th floor. Explore Christianity, the United Church of Christ (our denomination), our rich history, and offerings. Light lunch provided. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. OLD SOUTH GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT- Join us today at 2 pm in the Gordon Chapel. Our soul-lifting Old South Gospel Choir will join the Willie Sordillo Ensemble for an afternoon of favorite songs from the past two years, including audience participation. A Free-will offering will be taken to support the music ministry at Old South. YOUTH SUNDAY Next Sunday, June 7th, we will celebrate our youth as they lead us in worship in word, song, and spirit. We will celebrate our graduating seniors, increase our membership through confirming members of the Confirmation Class, and fete our fourth graders with Bibles. Come, celebrate, be inspired, and worship! ALL CHURCH PICNIC Sunday, June 21st Join Christian Formation for a picnic on Sunday, June 21st following Festival Worship at Auburndale Cove in Newton. The menu will include burgers and hotdogs with fixings. Families are invited to bring one dish and a beverage to share. The picnic area includes a playground and wooded path. A bus will depart from the Church at 12:15 and return to Old South by 3:30 pm. 13

14 PRIDE WEEK This year marks the 30th anniversary of AIDS Walk Boston (June 7th), of which Old South Church is the oldest standing church team. To sponsor our team, visit AIDSWalkBoston.org. To join the Walk, look for a registration table following worship in the Gordon Chapel, or OSC Team Captain William Wei, for more information at williamweimian@gmail.com. We are POZitively Proud to gather for Pride Morning Worship on Saturday, June 13th at 10 am as LGBTQ people of faith and, on this 30th Anniversary of AIDS Walk Boston, celebrate the mighty strides made in preventing, treating, and understanding HIV/AIDS. We will honor three heroes of HIV/AIDS research and advocacy: Larry Kessler, founding director of AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts; Dr. Kenneth Mayer, founder, Co- Chair, and Medical Research Director of The Fenway Institute; and Rev. Irene Monroe, author, scholar, and motivational speaker. On Saturday, June 13th, following Pride Morning 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. On June 13th, we will meet in the Chapel at 11:30 am before lining up outside as a group. The parade begins at 12 noon in Copley Square and ends in City Hall Plaza. SMALL GROUPS Join Retired and Ready on Wednesday, June 3rd at 11 am to tour the newly reopened Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy Street in Cambridge. Then at 12:30 pm, we ll make a stop at the onsite café. Entry fee is $13/seniors. RSVP to maryghunter11@gmail.com. The Young Adults Group will gather for lunch in the Guild Room on Sunday, June 7th at 12:30 pm. MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES Summer Choir: Sundays beginning June 14, 10 am. Through the summer, the Old South Choir rehearses on Sunday mornings to prepare to sing for Festival Worship that morning. Robes are not worn, however, please wear black pants or skirt and a white or solid color shirt or blouse. All are welcome. Harry@o ldso uth.o rg First Worship Choir rehearses Sundays at 8:30 am to learn a simple song. Come-asyou-can. lleslie@tuftsmedicalcenter.org 14

15 CHRISTIAN FORMATION SUMMER PROGRAM All-Church Potluck Breakfast Sunday, June 7th in Mary Norton Hall. Everyone is invited to celebrate the kickoff of Summer and honor our Christian Formation staff at a yummy breakfast. Please bring your favorite breakfast dish (whether it be cereal. casserole, bagels, yogurt or fruit), enough for at least 6 people. Summer Church School Beginning Sunday, June 14th in the 4th floor Guild Room. This summer we are planning on shifting to a "one room schoolhouse" model for Church School. Godly Play students will gather in the Guild Room for a mixed-ages class each week at 10am. While we will have the Godly Play classrooms set up, we will NOT be doing regular Godly Play lessons - but will have a rotation of different sorts of classes for the summer. Meet My Church Classes: include Q&A's with the pastors and Ms. Kate (ask them anything your child-brain can think of! What do you eat for breakfast? Do you ever feel afraid? What's the worst thing you've ever gotten in trouble for?) and a special kid-tour of the church. Regular Learn-Stuff Classes: we're using the Whirl curriculum from SparkHouse (wearesparkhouse.com) - that will sync with the lectionary selections. These lessons include "work time" like we're used to. Sunday Fun-Day Classes: Summer is meant for having fun. So we will, drawing on the side -walk outside, blowing bubbles, maybe even going across to play tag in the square. Sunday Fun Day is a day for hanging out and playing with your teachers and friends. Parents are always welcome - but not required! June 14th Sisters & Brothers of Christ, Mark 3:20-35 June 21st Jesus Calms the Storm, Mark 4:35-41 June 28th SUNDAY-FUN-DAY, All fun all hour 15

16 SERVICE Our next opportunity to help prep and serve a community hot lunch for people who are unhoused and have low income is June 30 from 12:30-4 pm at Sunday s Bread on Beacon Hill. To join the OSC Team, sundaysbread@yahoo.com. The Rolling Food Drive is collecting cereal (non sugary varieties) to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Collection in the stone entryway. WEEKLY WORSHIP Jazz Worship: Thursdays, 6 pm. With soul and sax. June 4th: Nancy S. Taylor preaching First Worship: Sundays, 9 am. Informal and vibrant. June 7th: Nancy S. Taylor preaching Festival Worship: Sundays, 11 am. Our signature service - grand and expressive. June 7th: YOUTH SUNDAY Evening Worship: Sundays, 6 pm. Ancient, timeless, and alive. Healing Worship: 2nd Sundays, 10 am. Gentle and tender. 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 Boylston & Dartmouth Sts. at the Copley T (617) OldSouth.org 16