THE GATHERING. *HYMN 307 Glorious Things of You Are Spoken Austrian Hymn

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1 October 30, 2016 Reformation 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? * Indicates all who are able may stand THE GATHERING PRELUDE Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 72 J.S. Bach *HYMN 307 Glorious Things of You Are Spoken Austrian Hymn *CALL TO WORSHIP, adapted from Revelation 21 One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: Nancy S. Taylor Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And I saw the holy city: Zion, the new Jerusalem. I saw the city coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice saying, See, the home of God is among mortals! God will dwell with us and we will be God s people! And God will be with us. God will wipe every tear from our eyes.

2 One: Many: One: Many: Death will be no more; Mourning and crying and pain will be no more. For the first things have passed away. And, see, God is making all things new. *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 ANTHEM A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Martin Luther Harmonized by Hans Leo Hassler THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE 1 Samuel 8:1-22 Vard Johnson (Children may leave for choir and care.) *HYMN Sing Out with Joy to God Our Strength Shepherds Pipes 2

3 SERMON Anthony T. Livolsi *HYMN 476 My Life Flows on in Endless Song Endless Song 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 Ein Feste Burg ist unser Gott, BuxWV 184 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. Visit our secure online giving page to donate. 3

4 OFFERTORY ANTHEM Ein Feste Burg ist unser Gott Georg Philipp Telemann A stronghold sure is God our Lord whose strength will never fail us; God keeps us free from all the horde of troubles that assail us. Our ever evil foe would fain to work us woe, With might and deep guile he plans his projects vile, On earth is not one like him. In our own strength were we undone, God s Word and Luther s doctrine will never leave us, Before us fights a Mighty One whom God has sent to save us. Ask ye, who this may be? Christ Jesus, it is He, Lord God of Sabaoth, there is no other God; He can and will uphold us. Glory, honor and praise to the Most High God, the Creator of all grace, Who out of love has given us His Son as a shield; The Comforter, the Holy Spirit delivers us from sin, Calling us to the Kingdom, the way to heaven, Helping us to be happy. Amen. paraphrase of Psalm 46 by Martin Luther, c *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Nancy S. Taylor *HYMN 439 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Ein Feste Burg *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Anthony T. Livolsi POSTLUDE A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Jan Bender Close-Up, a 20-minute tour of the Sanctuary, begins following worship at the front of the Sanctuary. Led by docent Dick Yeo. 4

5 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, Vard Johnson, is a former moderator of Old South Church. He currently serves on the Christian Formation Committee. Today s flowers are given by Ginger Rotundo in loving memory of her mother. 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). NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC Reformation Day is a religious holiday observed on October 31 by various Protestants, especially by Lutheran and Reformed church communities. It marks the anniversary of Martin Luther s posting of a letter on October 31, 1517 on the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany (the Castle Church ). This missive, which became known as The 95 Theses, protested the Catholic Church s selling of indulgences a sort of short-cut to heaven! in order to fund the rebuilding of St. Peter s Basilica in Rome. The emissary sent to Germany to collect those donations was attributed as saying, As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory into heaven springs! Although Luther s objections were meant to be simply that, his writings circulated widely, and before long he found himself the head of a brand new church that was separate from Rome. In forging a new theology for the church that would strive to return it to the purity of the earliest Christian 5

6 communities, Luther firmly believed that music would play a significant role in evangelism. (In early Christian services, everyone present had sung hymns and psalms, but by the late Middle Ages music in Catholic services was assigned to the celebrants and choir alone. When he established his new church, Luther sought to restore the congregation s role.) In Luther s words: I also wish that we had as many songs as possible in the vernacular which the people could sing during Mass for who doubts that originally all the people sang these which now only the choir sings or responds to while the bishop is consecrating the Host? (from Order of Mass and Communion for the Church at Wittenberg, 1523.) How did Luther accomplish this? That answer lies in the creation of a new form of music: the German chorale. Luther personally wrote chorales utilizing one of four methods: 1. Adapted Gregorian chant Many Latin chants were already known and beloved by congregants. Luther simply adapted those from the rhythm of prose into metrical versions, and translated them into rhyming German (a technique for easy memorization much like that employed in the English rhyming translations of the later Bay Psalm Book). 2. Existing German devotional songs Many religious songs had been written during the Middle Ages which were only meant to be sung by families at home during dinner and prayer services. Luther merely introduced these into Divine Worship. 3. Secular songs with new words (contrafactum) Luther scavenged for popular songs, often drinking songs, replacing the sometimes bawdy lyrics with religious ones. He famously said, Why should the Devil get all of the good tunes? (His colleague and our religious ancestor John Calvin would NOT have agreed!) 4. Brand-new chorales, the words and music of each composed by Luther himself This last category is the progenitor for what is arguably the most popular Protestant hymn (with the possible exception of Amazing Grace ): Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, which we sing as A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. That hymn provides the over-arching musical theme of today s service. As Lutheranism swept across northern Germany and the Scandinavian and Baltic countries, many gifted composers enthusiastically embraced Luther s new chorales, creating extensive and elaborate organ and choral settings based on them especially Ein feste Burg. The organ voluntaries heard as the prelude, prayer response and postlude this morning are from the pens of Johann Sebastian Bach ( ), Dietrich Buxtehude ( ), and the much more recent Dutch-born American composer Jan Bender ( ). A special treat this morning is the Old South Choir s presentation of A Mighty Fortress just as Luther originally wrote it. Unlike the somewhat four-square manner in which we sing the hymn today, it began life in a far jazzier form that of a Renaissance dance. That version may be found at #440 in The New Century Hymnal. The rich harmonization of Luther s tune sung as the first anthem today was written by one of the early Lutheran composers, Hans Leo Hassler ( ). The offertory anthem is a sprightly three-verse cantata composed by Georg Philipp Telemann ( ). To accentuate the joyful dancelike character of the first two verses, the Choir mainly sings the syllable doot (much like the Swingle Singers!), with the German words only sung when the chorale melody (cantus firmus) appears. Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music 6

7 CALENDAR Sunday, October 30 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: Christianity and Civic Life 10:00 am Lectionary Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 12:30 pm Forum on Question 5 Monday, October 31 4:30 pm Leadership Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 7:00 pm Small Group: Readings to Spiritually Refresh Tuesday, November 1 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 6:00 pm Small Group: Faith and Everyday Life Thursday, November 3 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Through the Whole Bible Study 7:00 pm Young Adults Small Group: Imagining Redemption 7:00 pm Small Group: Study of Jesus Parables 8:00 pm Small Group: Faith and Politics Friday, November 4 1:00 pm An Afternoon with Brian McLaren All Saints Sunday Sunday, November 6 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: Christianity and Civic Life 10:00 am Lectionary Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:30 pm Everything You Wanted to Know about Church Finances but Were Afraid to Ask 7

8 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 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 Timothy Harbold, Director, Gospel 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 Your Vote Counts. Make Sure It s Counted! YES ON 5: Old South Church believes Boston should be a city where everyone rich or poor can afford to live and thrive. Old South Church is urging Boston residents to strongly consider voting yes on question five, supporting the Community Preservation Act. john@oldsouth.org to commit to Yes on 5. TODAY, at 12:30 pm, on the second floor, Rev. John Edgerton will present on ballot initiative 5, and answer your questions about this important matter. North of Boston Potluck Saturday, November 12th, 5-7:30 pm, Ipswich Please join us for a harvest meal and fellowship at the home of Ruth Purtilo and Vard Johnson. Bring a potluck item that will serve six and, in this season of giving thanks, bring a short poem, scripture, prayer, or story to share. For directions, RSVP to northofboston@oldsouth.org. Help Our Youth Help the Homeless Through November 18th, the Youth Group is collecting items for blessing bags for our unhoused neighbors. The weather is growing exceedingly cold at night, please help keep our brothers and sisters comfortable. Items include: travel size toiletries non-perishable foods hand warmers ziploc bag of quarters (for the laundromat) mini bottled water Band-Aids baby wipes hand sanitizer wash cloths new socks inexpensive gloves

10 ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS at 10 am between First and Festival Worship COMMUNITY HOUR: We continue Christianity and Civic Life (Sundays through November 13th). Is there a more faithful and productive way for Christians to further our moral commitments than through the political process? Is there a difference between legislating our values and living them? Is voting any greater a civic duty than volunteering for community service? Is the latter any less po litical? Is there justice we can enact ourselves, or is our time better spent electing others to do it for us? Must we choose between the two? In this fraught season, discover new ways that people of faith from different traditions have related their ideals to public life. 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 FUN-AND-NOT-SCARY, AT-A-SNAIL S-PACE READ THROUGH OF THE WHOLE BIBLE STUDY: Thursdays, 7 pm. Study and savor the scriptures (currently Leviticus) as we take them chapter by chapter, book by book. Led by Rev. Anthony Livolsi. SMALL GROUPS: Small Groups form for 3-month cycles. While this season s (September to November) groups are now full, we will gladly form new groups as there is interest. For information about future participation, contact anthony@oldsouth.org. EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT CHURCH FINANCES BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK Next Sunday, November 6th, 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.

11 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. Today: Exodus (Preschool); Ark and Tent (Early Elementary); and Moses (Older Elementary). Meet the Ancestors programming for middle school students will discuss Moses: Frustrated Leader. YOUTH GROUP: Students in grades 8-12 explore issues of life and faith on Sundays with Youth Leader Carrie Swayne-Gerrish. Today, the Youth are busy baking homemade apple crisp, the fruits of their labor from last week s apple picking. The apple crisp will be available to buy next Sunday, November 6th, at 10 am and 12:15 pm, to help fund future Youth Group excursions. ELECTION DAY VIGIL + MUSIC In moments of great national decision, people of faith are called to take not only political, but also spiritual action. We must serve the common good, but so, too, must we seek out the mercy and blessing of God. From 8 pm on the eve of the election to 8 pm on November 8th when polls close in Massachusetts, we will sit vigil. We will pray. We will entrust our nation s welfare to God s tending. Visit to sign up for a 30 minute block. You may pray at the church during regular business hours, or pray at home or elsewhere. Additionally, because it has been said that to sing is to pray twice, we will gather for half an hour at both 12 noon and 5:30 pm on Election Day to sing sturdy, heart-stirring patriotic standards with Minister of Music Harry Huff. And on Election Day, from 8 am-8 pm, candle stations will be available outside under the portico, weather permitting.

12 MUSIC Songs for Syria - Sunday, November 13th, 3 pm Old South Church is co-sponsoring a concert for humanitarian relief featuring the music of Klezperanto and the Layaali Arabic Music Ensemble. Free admission. An offering will be taken for the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) whose volunteer physicians provide medicine and medical services to Syrian civilians and refugees in neighboring countries. THE GREAT SPIRITUAL MIGRATION Next Friday, November 4th, from 1-4:30 pm, prominent Christian theologian and activist Brian McLaren will make a stop at Old South Church on his The Great Spiritual Migration Book Tour for a leadership seminar with clergy and laity, followed by an opento-the-public book signing. Tickets for the afternoon event can be found at SERVE ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: Collecting peanut butter 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