THE GATHERING. November 8, 2015 Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost 11:00 am

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1 November 8, 2015 Twenty-fourth 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 I Know that My Redeemer Liveth from Messiah G.F. Handel Adriana Repetto, soprano I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep. Job 19:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15:20

2 *HYMN (vv 1-5) O God, Our Help in Ages Past St. Anne *CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 90) Nancy S. Taylor One: Lord, you have been our refuge in all generations. Many: Before the mountains were brought forth One: Or ever you had formed the earth and the world, Many: From everlasting to everlasting you are God. One: You turn us back to dust, Many: Saying, To dust you shall return, O Mortals. One: For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. Many: You sweep the years away; they are like a dream. One: The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; Many: Even so, their span is only toil and trouble. One: They soon are gone, and we fly away. Many: So teach us to number our days that we may gain a wise heart. *HYMN (v 6) O God, Our Help in Ages Past St. Anne * Indicates all who are able may stand 2

3 WORDS OF WELCOME ANTHEM Since by Man Came Death from Messiah Handel Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Raquayla Arree Burns Child of Rachel Arleen Baptiste and Carree L. Burns Godparents are Moriah Vivian Cannon and Josiah Ricky Cannon Sponsor is Vivian Cannon Dominic Christopher Francis Child of Claudia and Nigel Francis Godparents are Sean Alexander, Cherryl Ann Thomas, and Peach Gore Patrick James Ryan Child of Kelsey and Glen Ryan Cora Ruth Skelton Child of Sarah Hayes-Skelton and Wendy Skelton Godparents are Donna Evans and Kate Leahy INTRODUCTIONS AND ADDRESS LITANY OF BAPTISM (responsively) One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: We are gathered to present Raquayla, Dominic, Patrick, and Cora 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 Raquayla, Dominic, Patrick, and Cora 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 they learn of the Christian faith? As Old South Church, we vow to teach them about Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam; about Mary and Joseph s openness to mystery and about the Savior, Jesus. 3

4 One: What will we expect of Raquayla, Dominic, Patrick, and Cora? Many: We look forward to sharing with Raquayla, Dominic, Patrick, and Cora the costs and joys of discipleship, and learning and growing together in the Christian pilgrimage and faith. One: Do you, Rachel, Claudia and Nigel, Kelsey and Glen, Sarah and Wendy, parents, and Moriah and Josiah, Sean, Cherryl, and Peach, and Donna and Kate, Godparents, assume your primary responsibility for fulfilling these expectations by growing with these children 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? Parents/Godparents: With the help of God, we happily and genuinely accept this serious duty. One: And do you, Old South Church, pledge to maintain a nurturing and challenging Christian environment for these children? Many: We do, for they belong to us as well. One: Then, may God be with us. Many: God help us. Amen. THE PRAYER OF BAPTISM THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM CONGREGATIONAL WELCOME (unison) Deborah Leonard, 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. MUSICAL MEDITATION Rejoice Now, Beloved Christians J.S. Bach THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Matthew 16:21-26 Ruth Purtilo *HYMN 595 Some Glad Morning I ll Fly Away 4

5 SERMON Anthony T. Livolsi *HYMN 473 Blessed Assurance Assurance OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS *CALL TO PRAYER John M. Edgerton 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. (Please be seated.) 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 Concerto in F Major, op. 4, #5 Alla Siciliana WITNESSING STEWARD AND CALL TO THE OFFERING In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy, justice, and beauty. You can access our secure online giving page at: Handel Susan Getman 5

6 OFFERTORY ANTHEM Worthy Is the Lamb that Was Slain from Messiah Handel Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by his blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory and blessing. Blessing, and honor, glory, and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 5:12-13 PRAYER OF DEDICATION John M. Edgerton *HYMN 547 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound Amazing Grace *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Anthony T. Livolsi POSTLUDE Concerto in F Major, op. 4, #5 - Presto Handel Close-Up, a 20-minute tour of the Sanctuary, begins following worship at the front of the Sanctuary. Led by docent Liz Morgan. 6

7 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC As we continue our current conversations on Dying Well, the music offered in this morning s service is drawn from Part III of Messiah, the immortal 1741 oratorio from the pen of George Frideric Handel. Part I begins with the prophecy of the Messiah and Christ s birth and reflects on his deeds on Earth. Part II describes his Passion, death, resurrection, ascension and the later propagation of the Gospel. Part III concentrates on St. Paul s teaching of the resurrection of the dead and Christ s glorification in heaven. The prelude is the sublime Air for soprano, I know that my Redeemer liveth. Its text is drawn both from Job and from Paul s letter to the Corinthians. An interesting aspect of the piece is the ascending perfect fourth each time the words I know are sung, signifying absolute confidence in the promise of resurrection. In the first anthem, Since by Man Came Death, the text continues Paul s thoughts, juxtaposing death and resurrection twice. Consequently Handel twice uses a slow a cappella section in A-minor followed by a bursting forth (as from the grave) into an Allegro with orchestra in C-major, switching back and forth between these extremes. In order to bring home the darkness of death in the two slow sections, Handel lists the tempo marking as Grave. The offertory anthem, Worthy Is the Lamb that Was Slain, is the glorious conclusion to the entire oratorio. Its text from Revelation depicts the splendor and majesty surrounding the Throne of God. Following the opening solemn Largo and Andante, a fugue carries the words Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto Him. One commentator has written... in this piece we see the remarkable confluence of Hebrew theology and biblical truth, Italian operatic genius, English class, and German piety. Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music 7

8 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. Our scripture reader, Ruth Purtilo, serves on the Board of Trustees. Today s Witnessing Steward, Susan Getman, serves on the Stewardship Committee. Today s flowers are given by Corey Spence and Christopher Dean in memory of Christopher s uncle, Eugene Keller Eberhardt, who died on the Oklahoma in Pearl Harbor; Corey s grandfather, William Gordon Spence, who served during World War II; and all the men and women who serve our country in uniform. 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 6th. 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 when 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). 8

9 CALENDAR Sunday, November 8 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 HEALING Worship 10:00 am Community Hour: Dying Well Sunday Morning Bible Study Godly Play Choir Rehearsal 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in the Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Criminal Justice Forum 6:00 pm EVENING Worship Monday, November 9 4:30 pm Leadership Committee 6:00 pm Finance Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:30 pm Congregational Care and Support Committee Tuesday, November 10 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 7:00 pm Church Council Wednesday, November 11 7:00 pm Music Committee Thursday, November 12 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Young Adult Book Group 7:00 pm Through the Whole Bible Book Group 7:00 pm Digging Deeper Book Group Friday, November 13 6:00 pm Parents Night Out Consecration Sunday Sunday, November 15 8:30 am First Worship Choir, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Community Hour: Sunday Morning Bible Study Godly Play Choir Rehearsal 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in the Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Consecration Lunch 3:00 pm Poor People s United Fund Anniversary Celebration 6:00 pm EVENING Worship 9

10 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 Jackie Geilfuss, Youth Leader Amelia Nugent, Field Education 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 Timothy Harbold, Director, Gospel 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 Rebecca Bowler, Administrative Assistant Rosemary Clarke, Director, 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. 10

11 ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY AT OLD SOUTH: November 8, 2015 First Worship Choir rehearses at 8:30 am to learn a simple song. Come-asyou-can. Lleslie@tuftsmedicalcenter.org. Community Hour at 10 am offers a variety of educational opportunities for children, youth, and adults between the morning services, including Dying Well: Christian Conversations on Life and Death. Details inside. At 12:30 pm on the second floor, learn about efforts to reform the criminal justice system being worked on by the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. MAKE A DIFFERENCE: OPEN DOORS Next week, Thursday at 6 pm and Sunday at 9 and 11 am, gather in worship to hear what a difference doors opened by Old South Church have made, and to present our financial pledges for Following Festival Worship, we will gather to celebrate and break bread together. A very special musical program composed for the occasion will be performed by Harry Huff. RSVP TODAY (attendance or regrets). Visit OldSouth.org/consecration-rsvp, call (617) , or sign-up with the Front Desk. MEETING HOUSE SUNDAY On Sunday, November 22nd, join Old South Church for our pilgrimage to our ancestral home, historic Old South Meeting House, for Festival Thanksgiving Worship. Prelude music begins at 10:45 am; worship at 11:15. Music will include the great Thanksgiving hymns, the Old South Choir, the Old South Ringers handbell choir, brass, percussion, and piano. Rev. Nancy Taylor will preach, and the Governor s Thanksgiving Proclamation will be read. A bus will depart from Old South Church at 10:40 am and 11 am. A returning bus will depart the Meeting House at 12:45 pm. Childcare for children five years and younger will be available at the church; children s activity packets available at the Meeting House. First Worship will be held as usual in the Gordon Chapel.

12 CHRISTMAS SEASON Old South Church is partnering with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to collect toys for children in DCF custody again this Christmas. We have committed to 40 children. Participants will be paired with a child to purchase one essential item (clothing, etc.) and at least one toy for them. You will be given the child s first name, age, and wishes. You may sponsor more than one child. The gifts need to be wrapped and tagged and collection starts November 29th. Sign ups begin TODAY, November 8th during Fellowship Hour. Foster care can be a lonely place, especially around the holidays. You can make it not feel so lonely. For questions, Robert Higgins at ToyDrive@oldsouth.org. The Christmas Craft Fair (mark your calendars for December 5th) would not be complete without the famous Cookie Walk - made famous of course by you and your baking! Consider donating your homemade cookies this year. Cookies can be dropped off on December 4th, or before 9 am on December 5th. 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.) If you can participate, zuzus-petals@juno.com as soon as possible. BOOK GROUPS MONDAYS AT 6 PM Theological Book Group will begin a new book Lauren Winner s Wearing Go d: Clothing, Laughter, Fire, and Other Overlooked Ways of Meeting God on November 16th. Sign up at the Front Desk. Space is limited. Books $20. Also available on Nook or Kindle. THURSDAYS AT 7 PM Fun-and-Not-Scary, at-a-snail s-pace Read Through of the Whooooole Bible Digging Deeper is reading Atul Gawande s Being Mo rtal: Medic ine and What Matters in the End hailed as a deeply affecting, urgently important book about living to the last with autonomy, dignity, and joy. Co-led by retired nurse Anna Yoder and seminarian Amelia Nugent. To reserve a spot, anthony@oldsouth.org.

13 COMMUNITY HOUR, Sundays am FOR CHILDREN 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. Our Montessori-style Godly Play program invites children to see themselves as active participants in the story of faith. Today s story for the Preschool and Early Elementary Classes: Tent and Ark; for the Older Elementary Class: Joseph. LOOKING AHEAD: There will be abbreviated Godly Play classes beginning at 9 am on Meeting House Sunday, November 22nd. SAVE THE DATE: Missing the pleasure of eating out without having to request a high chair? Parents Night Out is Friday, November 13th from 6-10 pm: a fun night of activity for children age 6 weeks through grade 6 while YOU take time for yourself. RSVP to children@oldsouth.org by Monday, November 9th. FOR YOUTH The Youth Group for students in grade 7-8 explores issues of life and faith Sundays from 9:45-11 am with Youth Leader Jackie Geilfuss, jackie@oldsouth.org. Through November, the youth continue their conversations around stewardship and service. FOR ADULTS Study and reflect on today s preaching text (Matthew 16:21-26) at Sunday Morning Bible Study at 10 am in the fourth floor Sam Johnson Room. Today, we conclude Dying Well: Christian Conversations on Life and Death. The Community Hour adult offering will resume November 29th with Hark! Wait What are the Herald Angels Anyway? We sing of them every Advent, but what are angels? Are they still with us today? Do you believe in them? Join us as we peek into the lore of the season.

14 MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES Old South Church offers choirs for every age and level of participation. Some require weekly commitment, others are come-as-you-can. For rehearsal and contact information: The Old South Choir (Thursdays, 6:30 pm) First Worship Choir (Sundays, 8:30 am) Gospel Choir (once a month Sundays, 12:30 pm) tharbold@wheatoncollege.edu; Old South Ringers (Tuesdays, 6 pm) handbells@oldsouth.org; Festival Children s Choir (Sundays, 11:15 am) childrenschoir@oldsouth.org; First Children s Choir (Sundays, 9 am) and Joyful Noise (Sundays, 9 and 11:30 am) children@oldsouth.org. SERVICE The Rolling Food Drive is collecting peanut butter to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Collection in the stone entryway. WORSHIP Jazz Worship: Thursdays, 6 pm. With soul and sax. November 12th: Rev. Nancy Taylor preaching First Worship: Sundays, 9 am. Informal and vibrant. Festival Worship: Sundays, 11 am. Our signature service - grand and expressive. November 15th: Rev. Nancy Taylor preaching at First and Festival Worship 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