THE GATHERING. PRELUDE Revelations of St. John the Divine Larry King

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1 November 26, 2017 Twenty-fifth 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? * Indicates all who are able may stand THE GATHERING PRELUDE Revelations of St. John the Divine Larry King Today s dramatic and other-worldly prelude is a remarkable musical interpretation of the second coming of Jesus. It will extend into the start of worship. See pg. 4 for a fuller explanation by Associate Organist George Sargeant. *HYMN 209 O Love, How Vast, How Flowing Free Deo Gracias *CALL TO WORSHIP (From Psalm 46) One: Many: One: Many: Nancy S. Taylor God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth give way, even though the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Even though its waters roar and foam, even though the lands shake from its swelling. God is in our midst, and we shall not be moved. God shall help, just at the break of dawn.

2 One: Many: One: Many: Come, behold the works of the Lord, who has made desolations in the earth, who makes wars cease to the end of the earth. God breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; God burns the chariot in the fire. She says, Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of Hosts is with us. God is our refuge and strength. *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 THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE John 18-19, selected verses Pam Roberts ANTHEM Antiphonies (ear for EAR) John Cage SERMON John M. Edgerton *HYMN 300 Jesus Shall Reign Duke Street 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.) Nancy S. Taylor 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. 2

3 PRAYER RESPONSE Savior of the Nations Come, BWV 599 J.S. Bach 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 At the Name of Jesus Ralph Vaughan Williams At the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow, Every tongue confess Him King of glory now; Tis God s holy pleasure we should call Him Lord, Who from the beginning was the mighty Word. Humbled for a season, to receive a name From the lips of sinners unto whom He came, Faithfully He bore it spotless to the last, Brought it back victorious when from death He passed: Bore it up triumphant with its human light, Through all ranks of creatures, to the central height, To the throne of God-head, to the Almighty s breast; Filled it with the glory of that perfect rest. Name Him, Christians, name Him, with love as strong as death, But with awe and wonder, and with bated breath; He is God the Savior, He is Christ the Lord, Ever to be worshipped, trusted, and adored. PRAYER OF DEDICATION Christians, this Lord Jesus shall return again, With His radiant glory, with His Angel train; For all wreaths of empire meet upon His brow, And our hearts confess Him King of glory now. Caroline M. Noel, 1870 *HYMN 301 Crown with Your Richest Crowns Diademata *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION John M. Edgerton POSTLUDE O Love, How Vast, How Flowing Free John Eggert 3

4 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 David Becker 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. NOTE ON PRELUDE Larry King was Director of Music and Organist at Trinity Church, Wall Street, in New York City from 1968 until his untimely death in Like his contemporary Calvin Hampton, he pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable church music, experimenting with the then-new colors of the synthesizer and combining them with the more traditional sounds of organ and choir. Revelations of St. John the Divine, written in 1984, is an example of his approach. It is in three sections, each a musical meditation on a passage from the Book of Revelation: Rev. 1:8, I am the Alpha and the Omega, Rev. 6:12-17, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and Rev. 21:3B-4, The dwelling of God is with the people. Our scripture reader, Pam Roberts, has served in various leadership roles over the years including Church Moderator. The flowers today are given by Martha Coleman in honor of friends and family. SUNDAY FLOWERS The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2018 is up in the first floor elevator lobby. 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. If you need to stretch your legs during worship the Gordon Chapel has full audio of the Sanctuary service throughout. 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 4 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).

5 CALENDAR Sunday, November 26 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 Community Hour: Shadow Update 10:00 am Lectionary Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching Monday, November 27 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 7:30 pm Spiritual Classics Small Group Tuesday, November 28 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 6:00 pm Congregational Care and Support Committee 7:00 pm Board of Ministers and Deacons Wednesday, November 29 6:15 pm Young Adult Book Group Jesus is the Question 6:30 pm Young Adult Book Group The Great Divorce Thursday, November 30 12:00 pm Women s Small Group 5:00 pm Operations Committee 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Through the Whole Bible Study Group 7:00 pm Young Adult Book Group The Cost of Discipleship 8:00 pm Social Change and the Church Discussion Group Saturday, December 2 10:00 am Christmas Craft Fair (until 4:00) Sunday, December 3 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: All Earth Is Waiting 10:00 am Lectionary Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 12:30 pm Advent Poetry Fest 12:30 pm CONNECTIONS Lunch 12:30 pm Confirmation Class 12:30 pm 350 Task Forces 5

6 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 Willie Sordillo, Jazz Worship Music Director 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. 6

7 ANNOUNCEMENTS CHRISTMAS SEASON Christmas Craft Fair - December 2, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Objects of purpose and beauty by over 25 artisans including glass art, textiles, pottery, and more! Featuring live music by the Boston Conservatory Brass Ensemble, plus caroling. Children and Family Service Opp - December 16, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm We are collecting donations (visit OldSouth.org/Christmas for the list) for our unhoused neighbors, and on December 16 families are invited to assemble gift boxes and help deliver them! Please consider donating to this project, a hands-on experience where our children will be in faithful service to our neighbors. Advent & Christmas Poetry Fest - December 3, 12:30 pm Share a favorite poem or prose, or even an original writing, that has meaning for you in this season. Each reader will have 2 minutes. Sign up by contacting Theologian in Residence Don Wells, granwell@comcast.net. Please indicate your selection to avoid duplication. Christmas Pageant - December 10, 9:00 am First Worship Prepare yourself for a re-telling of the ancient story Boston-style, with humor, truth, and wonder. It s going to be wic ked awesome! Carols & Potluck Luncheon - December 17, 12:30 pm Eat, sing, be merry! Celebrate the season and sing carols together over a lunch you help to provide. An all-church event. Old South Ringers Concert: Hark! How the Bells! - December 17, 3:00 pm Spend an afternoon with OSC s resident handbell choir for a free Christmas concert perfect for the whole family! Did we mention it was free?? WORSHIP Blue Christmas Jazz Worship - December 21, 6:00 pm Christmas Eve: Morning worship o nly at 11:00 am; Family Worship 5:00, Lessons & Carols 8:00, Chapel Communion 11:00 pm New Years Eve: Regular Sunday worship at 9:00 and 11:00 am

8 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 s curriculum: The Preschool Class will explore Circle of the Church Year; Early Elementary Class: Jonah; Older Elementary Class: Mystery of Christmas. Meet the Ancestors programming for middle school students will explore Joseph: Virtuous Dreamer. YOUTH GROUP: Students in grades 7-12 explore issues of life and faith on Sundays with Youth Leader Carrie Swayne-Gerrish. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS at 10:00 am between First and Festival Worship 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. COMMUNITY HOUR All Earth Is Waiting - De c e mb e r 3, 10, and 17 In Jesus, God breathed our air, walked our earth, and swam our waters. This Advent, join the clergy in exploring the meaning for our world of the mystery of the incarnation. How might all creation share with us in the hope and peace and love and joy of the season? WEEKDAYS THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP: Our next book is An Adult Christ at Christmas, by biblical scholar Raymond Brown. Brown sees the birth stories as a prelude to Jesus ministry. Join us for some provocative conversation! Begins December 4 for three weeks in Advent. Sign up at the Front Desk (books $10), or granwell@comcast.net. Limited to people so sign up today!

9 SMALL GROUPS Do you seek to deepen your experience of community at Old South Church, cultivate spiritual friendships, and grow in your faith? Consider joining a Small Group! We are currently forming groups for the winter (January to March) season. Participants gather weekly at church or off-site to discuss a topic of their choosing: a book of the Bible, podcasts, politics, spiritual practices, faith and film, etc. To sign up, fill out the interest form at The information you provide will be used to match you with a group. Please sign up by December 14 to ensure a spot. We form groups with care, intention, and seriousness, and thus cannot accommodate latecomers. For more information, contact anthony@oldsouth.org. DCF CHRISTMAS GIFT DRIVE Help make the season bright for a child in foster care by buying a gift from their Christmas wish list! Old South Church is working with DCF to match participants with a child. Most gifts can be fulfilled at $40. If you d like to participate, but can only purchase part of a gift let us know. Gifts will be collected at Old South Church, due December 14. To participate, oscgiftdrive@gmail.com, or talk with Laura Spooner-Fleming or Robert Higgins. CHRISTMAS FLOWERS Contributions in honor or memory of loved ones and special events are being accepted for the display of poinsettias on the chancel during Advent and Christmas. The cost is $20. Cards are available at the Front Desk and may be returned to Helen McCrady. Or send your message and make payment online. Deadline is Sunday, December 10. SHADOW UPDATE TODAY, 10:00 am on the second floor Join Revs. Nancy Taylor and John Edgerton in the 10:00 am hour to hear about the conclusion of Old South Church s involvement in the approval process for the Back Bay/ South End Gateway Project.

10 COOKIE WALK The Christmas Craft Fair would not be complete without the famous Cookie Walk! Consider donating your homemade cookies this year. Cookies can be dropped off on December 1, or before 9:00 am on December 2. Please label your treats nuts or no nuts and wrap them well or place them in a tin or plastic ware. (They ll be sold individually.) To participate, Adriana Repetto at zuzus-petals@juno.com ASAP. 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 Sunday, December 3 at 12:30 pm. RSVP to anthony@oldsouth.org. Led by Associate Minster Rev. Anthony Livolsi. WINTER HOSPITALITY We are now recruiting hospitality volunteers for January, February, and March. Help extend our extravagant welcome by serving in one (or several) of our hospitality roles. Sign-up online at or pick up a hard copy form at the Front Desk. Deadline is Sunday, December 10. 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