THE GATHERING. August 27, 2017 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost 11:00 am. PRELUDE From God Shall Nothing Move Me, BWV 658 J.S. Bach

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1 August 27, 2017 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost 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 From God Shall Nothing Move Me, BWV 658 J.S. Bach *HYMN The One Is Blest Winchester Old * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 *CALL TO WORSHIP (from Galatians 5) One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: Anthony T. Livolsi Live by the Spirit, I say. The fruit of the Spirit is love. Love and joy. Love and joy and peace. Love and joy and peace and patience. Love and joy and peace and patience and kindness. The fruit of the Spirit is love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and generosity. Love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and generosity and faithfulness. Love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and generosity and faithfulness and gentleness. The fruit of the Spirit is love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and generosity and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control. Live by the Spirit, I say. *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 John M. Edgerton ANTHEM We Shall Not Be Moved African-American Spiritual We shall not, we shall not be moved. We shall not, we shall not be moved, just like a tree, planted by the water. We shall not be moved. We shall not, we shall not be moved. We shall not, we shall not be moved, we are fighting for our freedom. We shall not be moved. We shall not, we shall not be moved. We shall not, we shall not be moved, we are black and white together. We shall not be moved. 2

3 We shall not, we shall not be moved. We shall not, we shall not be moved, we will stand and fight together. We shall not be moved. THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Psalm 1 Jan Monsma *HYMN Trees Dix This hymn gathers together images from Psalms 1, 26, 52, and 92. SERMON *HYMN 454 Anthony T. Livolsi Lord, I Want to Be a Christian I Want to be a Christian 3

4 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. One: Let us pray. (You 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. PRAYER RESPONSE From God Shall Nothing Move Me, BWV 220 Dietrich Buxtehude 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 Our God is a Rock Katherine K. Davis Our God is a rock and a tower of salvation, A shield and a stronghold, protecting from harm; God sends forth His power through the endless creation, Upholding the worlds by the strength of His arm. God sends forth Her power through the endless creation, Upholding the worlds by the strength of Her arm. We thank Thee, O God, for Thy goodness and mercy, Thy power and Thy presence banish all fear, Though trouble surround us, it shall not confound us, Our hearts will be strong for we know Thou art near. Though trouble surround us, it shall not confound us, Our hearts will be strong for we know Thou art near. 4

5 With songs of thanksgiving repeat we the story Of all Thou hast done for the children of earth. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory Forever and ever, amen and amen. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory Forever and ever, amen and amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION Anthony T. Livolsi *HYMN 407 How Firm a Foundation Foundation *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Processional William Matthias Close-Up, a 20-minute tour of the Sanctuary, begins following worship at the front of the Sanctuary. Led by docent Dick Yeo. 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. Today s scripture reader, Jan Monsma, is a 35-year member of the church and an awesome person! The flowers today are given by David King in loving memory of my husband, Stanton W. Putnam. 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, August 27 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 Summer Choir 10:00 am Summer Church School 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 2:00 pm Souvenirs and Curiosities: An Afternoon Concert Tuesday, August 28 7:30 pm Chorus Pro Musica Summer Sing Thursday, August 31 8:00 am Boston Warm (until 3:00 pm) 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching Saturday, September 2 8:00 am Christian Formation Committee Sunday, September 3 8:30 am First Worship Choir 9:00 am FIRST Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Summer Choir 10:00 am Summer Church School 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching Monday, September 4 Church closed for Labor Day Tuesday, September 5 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 6:30 pm Stewardship Committee Thursday, September 7 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Young Adult Book Group 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 Tim Harbold, Director, Gospel & Festival Choirs 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 & Human Resources David Albaugh, Building Manager 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 SOUVENIRS AND CURIOSITIES An Afternoon Concert Before his untimely passing, Prince Harry Huff shared a number of contemporary American Art songs with OSC choir member Heather Gallagher, including works by his personal friends Chris DeBlasio and Donald Ashwander. Ms. Gallagher is proud to present some of these selections in a short afternoon concert TODAY at 2:00 pm in the Gordon Chapel with soprano Molly Crookedacre and pianist Yukiko Oba. 'Souvenirs and Curiosities' is a celebration of friendship, memory, and all that is weird and wonderful. Admission is by donation ($15 suggested). All proceeds will be donated to the Old South Church Music Fund in Harry s name. NORTH OF BOSTON POTLUCK All are invited to the North of Boston Potluck on Saturday, September 16 at 5:30 pm at the home of Peter and Karin Koch in Stratham, NH. Their home is conveniently located off I-95. We will share food and conversation. Please bring a dish of your choice to serve six. For more information, or to RSVP yes, northofboston@oldsouth.org, or call Peter and Karin at (home) or (cell). HOSPITALITY SIGN-UPS We are currently recruiting hospitality volunteers for October, November, and December. Help the church extend our extravagant welcome! It takes 25 people EVERY WEEK to fill our many different hospitality roles! Sign up online at or pick up a form at the Front Desk. Deadline is September 10th.

10 ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS LECTIONARY BIBLE STUDY: 10:00 am. 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. WEEKDAYS SMALL GROUPS: Do you seek to deepen your experience of community, cultivate spiritual friendships, and grow in your faith? Consider joining a Small Group! We are currently forming groups for the fall (September to November) season; including the Thursday evening Young Adult Book Group, reading The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, starting September 7 at 7:00 pm. To sign up, fill out the interest form at The information you provide will be used to match you with a group. For more information, contact anthony@oldsouth.org. FUN-AND-NOT-SCARY, AT-A-SNAIL S-PACE READ THROUGH OF THE WHOLE BIBLE STUDY: Thursdays, 7:00 pm. This group gathers weekly to study and savor the scriptures: to take them chapter by chapter, book by book, skipping nothing not even the genealogies (because there is cool, interesting stuff in them, too!). Reading the Bible through in this way called lectio continua opens up a new world of allusions, parallels, and rich insights. The Book of Deuteronomy starts in September. Join Rev. Anthony Livolsi and get ready to geek out! CHURCH PHOTOGRAPHY This fall all OSC members and families are invited to take part in our next Photo Directory. We are scheduling photo appointments on the following days: September 28 - October 1 AND October Thursdays: 2-9 pm; Fridays: 2-9 pm; Saturdays: 10 am - 6 pm; and Sundays: 11 am - 6 pm VISIT OUR HOMEPAGE TO SIGN-UP:

11 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. SUMMER CHURCH SCHOOL: Kids are combining into one big group to explore Bible stories through costumes, props, and play-acting. TODAY: Next week: Daniel & the Lion s Den (dramatic play) Sunday FunDay CHURCH SCHOOL: Our Montessori-style Godly Play program invites children to see themselves as active participants in the story of faith. GP classes (age 3 through fourth grade) and Meet the Ancestors for middle school students begin September 17! Youth Group for grades 8-12 resumes September 10. WELCOME BACK SUNDAY September 10 All Church Potluck Breakfast: Help celebrate the start of a new program year from am on the second floor. Bring a dish to share. Everyone is invited! Blessing of the Backpacks: During 9 am First Worship and 11 am Festival Worship children will receive a token on their backpack and a blessing for the new school year. Ice Cream Sunday: Stick around after Festival Worship for our annual tradition of sweet treats from Friendly s! ROLLING FOOD DRIVE We will be collecting canned soup for the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry in September. Collection is in the stone entryway.

12 ALL CHURCH RETREAT REGISTER: Join us for three days of learning, worship (on the beach!), and play at the annual All Church Retreat, October 6-8, at Craigville Retreat Center on Cape Cod. This year, feminist theologian and preacher extraordinaire Dr. Anna Carter Florence will share her gift and passion for engaging the Bible in fun, offbeat ways: she will invite us to approach the scriptures as holy ground as a site of personal encounter with God where we might see and experience something that would change us (and maybe the world!). Questions? Rev. Anthony Livolsi at anthony@oldsouth.org, or Kate Nintcheu at children@oldsouth.org. OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES This fall, the Christian Service and Outreach Committee is sponsoring two trips to Heifer International Farm in Rutland, MA (promoting sustainable solutions to global hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation). The first is a day trip on Saturday, October 28 perfect for family participation! The second is an overnight on Saturday, November 11 for their Global Gateway program suitable for adults and Grades 6+. For more information, contact outreach@oldsouth.org. 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