THE GATHERING. PRELUDE From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, BWV 769 J.S. Bach. *HYMN 345 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Picardy

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1 December 4, 2016 Second Sunday in Advent 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 Heaven Above to Earth I Come, BWV 769 J.S. Bach *HYMN 345 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Picardy *LIGHTING THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE Anthony T. Livolsi *PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison) Holy One, Hope of the wretched, Help of the poor, to You we pray: Give us to sing with the prophets of that world which might yet be where the bound are set free, the shamed lifted up, and the lonely embraced; where hunger shall be sated, the warring reconciled, every good longing fulfilled, and all tears wiped away. With hymns of justice firing our hearts, we would be at work, heralding Your advent, O God our Savior and Healer. Amen. * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 *SUNG RESPONSE WORDS OF WELCOME THE GIFT OF THE WORD ANTHEM Prophecy Daniel Pinkham Then a shoot shall grow from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall spring from his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and power, a spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Then the wolf shall live with the sheep, and the leopard lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall grow up together, and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:1, 2, 6 SCRIPTURE Isaiah 11:1-10 Rick Kraft (At this time, children may leave for choir or childcare.) *HYMN 108 Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old Judas and Mary SERMON Isaiah! Nancy S. Taylor *HYMN 109 With Joy Draw Water St. Columba 2

3 OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS *CALL TO PRAYER One: God be with you. Many: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts. Many: We lift our hearts to God. One: Let us pray. (The congregation 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 Once He Came in Blessing, BWV 600 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 Drop Down, Ye Heavens George Emlen Drop down, ye heavens from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation. And let righteousness spring up together. Mercy and truth are met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth. Drop down ye heavens! And righteousness shall look down from heaven! Isaiah 45:8 and Psalm 85:

4 A SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION Communion liturgy by J. Mary Luti INVITATION Nancy S. Taylor One: Once upon a time, God made a garden, and every creature lived in it happily with God. Many: We took long walks with God in the cool of the evening, humans and snails, kangaroos and spiders, kitties and larks. One: And when we all sat down with God to eat, the curling vines gave up their fruit, the tall gold wheat gave up its grain, and we ate delicious bread and drank from a cup of blessing, singing songs under stars till morning. Many: And the grateful creation was at peace. One: Many: One: Many: One: Ever since, whenever we honor the earth by eating and drinking with heartfelt thanks, God walks with us again. God sits with us and eats. Our tables become the garden, the whole creation sighs with peace, and we see again how life was meant to be. Come, now, everyone, to this table, to the garden God planted in the East, in Eden. Come, taste and remember, taste and see how good God is. COMMUNION PRAYER One: Let us pray. Many: Thank you, Creator God, for sharing your life with us in every good thing of this world. One: Thank you most of all for Jesus, who sat us down to eat and drink good bread and good wine, so that in tasting how good they are we could remember how good you are. Many: He is our East, our Eden, our Garden of peace. In Him we find the fullness of life you desired for us from the start walking together, sharing food, living in peace. One: Send the Spirit to His table now where He still sits us down, where we still remember You. Many: Bless the bread and the cup, fruit of the earth and work of our hands. May they become by Your grace the taste of Eden in our hearts. 4

5 One: Many: As we eat and drink together, let us see more clearly a vision of life as You meant it to be. Consecrate us to the ministry of making it so, by sharing earth s goodness with all, in reverence and hope, with justice, and joy. Sharing Bread One: Many: Sharing the Cup Dear friends in Christ, this is the bread Jesus blessed and broke and gave us to share in remembrance of Him. Eating and drinking together, We remember His death, we rejoice in His rising, and we wait for Him to come again, to judge in mercy, to welcome in love, and restore all creation, to the praise and glory of God. Amen! At the communion table, Christ is host and we are guests. All are welcome to partake. Communion will be served in the pews. The cups contain non-alcoholic grape juice. Gluten-free wafers are available on each plate. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Anthony T. Livolsi *HYMN 407 How Firm a Foundation Foundation *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Nancy S. Taylor *A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION We invite you to greet those around you, wishing them peace or the peace of Christ. POSTLUDE Savior of the Nations, Come, BWV 661 J.S. Bach 5

6 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 Dick Yeo. 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, Rick Kraft, is a Church School parent and serves on the Planned Giving Committee. The large poinsettia on the chancel is given by the Holland Family in loving memory of Clarence Dauber by his grandchildren Pamela and Ian Holland and his great-grandchildren Nolan and Aine Holland. SUNDAY FLOWERS The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2017 is up in the first floor elevator lobby on the bulletin board. 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. 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. 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). 6

7 CALENDAR Second Sunday in Advent Sunday, December 4 8:30 am First Worship Choir 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Community Hour: Advent: Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old 10:00 am Lectionary Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:30 pm Connections Lunch 12:30 pm Advent Poetry Fest Monday, December 5 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 7:00 pm Christian Service and Outreach Committee Tuesday, December 6 6:00 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 7:00 pm Christian Formation Committee 7:00 pm Board of Ministers and Deacons 7:00 pm Stewardship Committee Thursday, December 8 5:15 pm Gospel Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Through the Whole Bible Study 7:00 pm Young Adults Small Group: Celebration of Discipline Saturday, December 10 11:00 am Boston Children s Chorus Concert (and 3:00 pm) Third Sunday in Advent Sunday, December 11 Christmas Pageant, Advent Community Hour, LGBTQ Brunch, and much more! 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 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 OUT OF MANY, ONE AN INTERFAITH CALL FOR DIGNITY AND DILIGENCE The past weeks have left many people frightened: Muslims, LGBT folks, people of color, immigrants. Already vulnerable populations are understandably afraid of what the future will hold. It is time for people of good will to organize and stand together, to show we will be diligent in protecting the dignity of everyone in our community. Now. More than ever. Old South Church, as part of the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, is helping to organize a 1200 person gathering at The Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (100 Malcolm X Boulevard) next Sunday, December 11th from 6-7:30 pm. Senator Elizabeth Warren will be there, Mayor Marty Walsh will be there, representatives from the Governor s office will be there. And we need to be there. Can you be there? RSVP to john@oldsouth.org ASAP. Please indicate whether you can offer rides. EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT CHURCH FINANCES BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK Next Sunday, December 11th, at 12:30 pm, Rev. Nancy Taylor, with back up from our Treasurer, Trustees, Finance, and Stewardship Committee, will walk you through our (somewhat complicated) church finances, from soup to nuts. Bring your questions. At Old South Church we put our money where our Christian hearts are. Come and see. 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 TODAY.

10 ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS at 10 am between First and Festival Worship COMMUNITY HOUR Advent: Isaiah the Prophet Has Written of Old December 4, 11, and 18 What is prophecy? Isaiah s words about a people who have dwelt in darkness seeing a great light and about a virgin giving birth to a son and about a shoot springing forth from the root of Jesse are enshrined in our Christmas hymnody. But was this all written with Jesus of Nazareth in mind? Was Isaiah foretelling the future? Is it true that predictions were made in ages past, which Christ then fulfilled? Explore the poetry and prophecy of Isaiah and its significance for Advent. 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. WEEKDAYS 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 availability, demographic preferences, and what you want to explore will be used to match you with a group. Please sign up by December 11th to ensure a spot. We form groups with care, intention, and seriousness, and thus cannot accommodate latecomers. NOTE: Participants are expected to attend a significant majority of the weekly Small Group gatherings in a given three-month cycle; if you cannot prioritize attendance, please consider lower-commitment adult discipleship options. For more information, contact anthony@oldsouth.org.

11 CHRISTMAS SEASON Advent and Christmas Poetry Fest TODAY, following Festival Worship on the fourth floor, come share your favorite poem or prose. If you do not wish to share, simply listen and enjoy! Christmas Pageant Join us at First Worship on Sunday, December 11th as the children lead worship with The Drum, the play for which The Little Drummer Bo y was written, with walk-on parts for sheep and angels. Ady Jaeckel will play the Little Drummer Girl and Rev. John Edgerton will reprise his role as the peddler. If your children are interested in participating, children@oldsouth.org. Blue Christmas Jazz Worship On Thursday, December 15th, at 6 pm, join Rev. Anthony Livolsi and the Willie Sordillo Ensemble for a tender, comforting service. For many this is not the most wonderful time of the year. Many experience Christmas as a reminder of sadness or loss. Together we will pierce the world s darkness with brave flames of peace, hope, joy, and love. Christmas Potluck Lunch Eat, sing, be merry! On Sunday, December 18th, following Festival Worship, celebrate the season and sing carols together over a lunch you help to provide. An all-church event. CHRISTMAS EVE Family Worship - 5 pm Join us as we sing carols and tell together the Christmas story. Children are invited to participate in an impromptu pageant. Simple costumes provided. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols - 8 pm (Preludes 7:30 pm) An elegant retelling of the Christmas story in carols and readings with music for choir, strings, and organ culminating in the singing of Silent Night in the candle-lit sanctuary. Chapel Communion - 11 pm A gentle service of carols and communion in the Gothic splendor of the Gordon Chapel.

12 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. Through December, all three classes (Preschool and Early and Older Elementary) are exploring Advent. Today, Meet the Ancestors for middle school students will explore Ruth: The Tenacious Outsider. YOUTH GROUP: Students in grades 8-12 explore issues of life and faith on Sundays with Youth Leader Carrie Swayne-Gerrish. Pajama Party - Saturday, December 17th, 9-11 am Join Children & Family Ministries (in your pjs!) for a pajama parade, cereal bar, games, and more! And to celebrate the season of giving, children are asked to bring a new set of pjs (top and bottom) and a book for the Pajama Program, which provides pjs to kids in need. RSVP to children@oldsouth.org. Open to ALL families of any age, including tiny infants! SERVE HOSPITALITY: We are recruiting winter hospitality volunteers for January through March. To get involved, fill out an e-form at or pick up a hard copy at the Front Desk. Please return your form by December 11th. ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: Collecting red and green foods like spaghetti sauce and canned green veggies for the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Collection is in the stone entryway. 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