THE GATHERING. Boston Conservatory Trombone Trio David Arboleda, Joseph Dupuis, Victoria Garcia

Transcription

1 April 15, 2012 Second Sunday of Easter Marathon Sunday & Blessing of the Athletes 11:00 am Old South Church, one of the oldest churches in America, salutes one of the oldest and greatest races in the world. We extend a warm welcome to Marathon athletes, friends and family, workers and volunteers. THE GATHERING PRELUDE Ah, Let Me Weep from Suite for Three Trombones G.F. Handel Chorale W.A. Mozart Allegro feroce from Suite #1 for Three Trombones Vladislav Blazhevich Total Eclipse from Suite for Three Trombones Trippery # 1 Sound an Alarm from Suite for Three Trombones Boston Conservatory Trombone Trio David Arboleda, Joseph Dupuis, Victoria Garcia Handel Lowell E. Shaw G. F. Handel *HYMN 70 God Is Here! As We Your People Meet Abbot s Leigh * Indicates all who are able may stand Thank you for turning off cell phones, pagers and beepers upon entering the sanctuary.

2 *CALL TO WORSHIP John M. Edgerton One: Welcome to this sacred place: Many: A house of prayer for many nations; a home to all who come. One: Welcome to this gathering place where all are welcome: Many: Friend and stranger, saint and sinner, the swift and the slow, the proud and the humble. One: Come with hope or hesitation; come with joy or yearning. Many: We come from many places, with many differences, to the common ground of this sacred place. One: When paths cross and travelers meet, there is much to share and celebrate. Therefore, let us greet one another: the peace of Christ be with you. Many: And also with you. *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 On a Wonderful Day Like Today Leslie Bricusse On a wonderful day like today I defy any cloud to appear in the sky. Dare any raindrop to plop in my eye on a wonderful day like today. On a wonderful morning like this, when the sun is as big as a yellow balloon, Even the sparrows are singing in tune on a wonderful morning like this. On a morning like this I could kiss everybody, I m so full of love and goodwill. Let me say furthermore I d adore everybody to come and dine, The pleasure s mine, and I will pay the bill! May I take this occasion to say that the whole human race should go down on its knees, Thank God above just for mornings like these, for the world s in a wonderful way, On a wonderful day, a fantabulous day, on a wonderful day like today! Anthony Newley 2

3 THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE John 20:19-31 Evan Shu *HYMN 253 Yours is the Glory Judas Maccabeus (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) SERMON Embodied Nancy S. Taylor *HYMN 254 These Things Did Thomas Count Distress BLESSING OF THE ATHLETES GREETING AND INTRODUCTION Nancy S. Taylor ACT OF BLESSING One: Many: One: Many: Strong and faithful God, we ask your blessing on these athletes who have come to race and compete. Keep them safe from injury and harm. Instill in them respect for each other. Give them the endurance to compete well. Reward them for their discipline and perseverance. May you mount up with wings like eagles. May you run and not grow weary. May you walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40.31) May God touch you with a wind that keeps you strong, for all the days to come. God bless you. God be with you. God guide your arms and your feet. Amen. *HYMN Guide My Feet Guide My Feet Guide my feet while I run this race (3x) For I don t want to run this race in vain. Wheel with me while I run this race (3x) Stand by me while I run this race (3x) 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. (The congregation may be seated.) Shawn Fiedler PASTORAL 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 Nun freut euch, liebe Christen g mein, BWV 734 J.S. Bach CALL TO THE OFFERING In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy and justice. OFFERTORY ANTHEM On Eagle s Wings Michael Joncas arr. Craig Kingsbury You, who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, who abide in God s shadow for life, Say to the Lord, My refuge, my Rock, in whom I trust! Refrain: And God will raise you up on eagle s wings; bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of God s hand. The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear: Under God s wings your refuge, God s faithfulness your shield. Refrain 4

5 You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; Though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come. Refrain For to his angels God s given a command to guard you in all of your ways; Upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. Refrain Michael Joncas, based on Psalm 91 *SONG OF PRAISE Lasst Uns Erfreuen Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ the Word in flesh born low; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise Holy Spirit evermore; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen! *PRAYER OF DEDICATION John M. Edgerton *HYMN 526 We Are Marching in the Light of God Siyahamba The choir will introduce the hymn by singing it once through in Zulu, after which the congregation is invited to join in singing the hymn in English. (Zulu): Siyahamb ekukhanyen kwenkhos (4x) Siyahamba, siyahamba, siyahamb ekukhanyen kwenkhos (2x) We are marching in the light of God (4x) We are marching, we are marching, we are marching in the light of God (2x) We are singing in the light of God (4x) We are singing, we are singing, we are singing in the light of God (2x) We are praising in the light of God (4x) We are praising, we are praising, we are praising in the light of God (2x) We are dancing in the light of God (4x) We are dancing, we are dancing, we are dancing in the light of God (2x) We are running in the light of God (4x) We are running, we are running, we are running in the light of God (2x) 5

6 *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Nancy S. Taylor POSTLUDE Olympic Fanfare and Theme John Williams Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent William Ghormley at the front of the Sanctuary. OLD SOUTH CHURCH in BOSTON cordially invites you to the ordination of IAN M. HOLLAND to the Christian Ministry Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 3:00 PM Clergy are invited to robe (red stoles) and process. Nancy Taylor preaching. Reception follows. 6

7 TODAY AT OLD SOUTH Welcome to Old South Church in Boston. Our faith is over 2000 years old, but our thinking is not! Old South opens its doors to the city, to tourists from near and far, to the needy, to an array of building users, and to a congregation (of members, friends, and family both the curious and the committed) who call this their church home. Join us immediately following worship for fellowship and refreshments on the second floor. Our Scripture Reader this morning, Evan Shu, serves on the Communications Committee and edits our quarterly journal, The Reporter, available now online. The flowers today are given by Roger and Maddie Burke in loving memory of May and Monte Hare and Evelyn and Larry Burke. Today s ASL Interpreter is OSC member Chris Breen. Sunday sermons and services are available as podcasts and text at If you are interested in deepening your participation, or if you just love Old South, it s time to think about CONNECTIONS CLASS, scheduled next on May 19 th and May 21 st (choose one). Contact one of the ministers: (617) Audio of the service is available across the Narthex in the Gordon Chapel for those who would like a place to take restless children. 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 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 3 hours, have your ticket validated at our Front Desk, and the Prudential Garage will bill Old South (costing us $15k - $20k per year). Old South is located a short walk from bus stops, subway and rail lines, cab stands, and walking/ cycling paths. Bike racks are available on Boylston Street. Find directions by transit from your address to 645 Boylston Street at To join the Old South Forum, communications@oldsouth.org. Like us: Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch. 7

8 NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC As we continue to celebrate the Resurrection and the promise of spring, we rejoice with those who prepare to run the Boston Marathon. The Old South Choir will help to launch this auspicious event with a surprisingly fitting selection the Broadway show-stopper, On a Wonderful Day like Today! That optimistic vigor will persist as we sing the congregational spiritual Guide My Feet, While I Run This Race and the beloved South African freedom song Siyahamba. The music for the prelude is supplied by the Boston Conservatory Trombone Trio, coached by Larry Isaacson, brass contractor for special events at Old South. Tenor trombonists Victoria Garcia and Joseph Dupuis are students of John Faieta; bass trombonist David Arboleda studies with Angel Subero. They hail from New York, Vermont and Colombia, South America. We warmly welcome them this morning. During the offering the Choir will present the beloved On Eagles' Wings as a special blessing of the athletes. It is a devotional song composed by Michael Joncas in 1979 after Vatican Council II, during which the Catholic Church began using vernacular hymns at Mass. Its words, loosely based on Psalm 91 and Isaiah 40:31, promise that God will raise you up on eagle s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of God s hand. The prayer response is a scintillating trio in perpetuum mobile (perpetual motion in a rapid tempo) based on the German chorale Nun freut euch, liebe Christen g mein (Rejoice now, beloved Christians). A dance motive is developed from the first three notes of the chorale melody as an illustration of the text with exultation springing, an apt evocation of running fee. For this piece the organ s zimbelstern (tiny bells) is featured. As we rally our support for those running in the Marathon, we are reminded of the words from the immortal hymn text by 18 th -century Congregational minister Phillip Doddridge: Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve, and press with vigor on; A heavenly race demands your zeal, and an immortal crown. A cloud of witnesses around holds you in full survey; Forget the steps already trod, and onward urge your way. For God s all-animating voice still calls us to the race; And God s own hand still gives the prize with never-ending grace. O Savior, shown the way by you, I have my race begun; And, crowned with victory, at your feet I ll lay my honors down. 8 Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music

9 CALENDAR Marathon Sunday Sunday, April 15 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 9:45 am Fellowship Hour on the second floor 10:00 am Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour on the second floor 5:00 pm South of Boston Potluck, Quincy Monday, April 16 Church Closed Tuesday, April 17 8:00 am Project Meeting 5:00 pm Trustees 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 6:30 pm Faith on Tap, McGreevy s Pub Wednesday, April 18 4:30 pm Leadership Committee 6:00 pm Commercialized Sexual Exploitation: A Modern Slavery in Boston, course by preregistration Thursday, April 19 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship 6:30 pm OSC Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Growing Deeper Class Friday, April 20 7:30 pm The Opera Imaginarium Saturday, April 21 10:00 am Boston Classical Guitar Festival 10:00 am Prison Book Program, Quincy Sunday, April 22 9:00 am FIRST Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Ron L. Buford preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Greater Boston Interfaith Organization Meeting 12:30 pm LGBTF, The History Project 12:30 pm Bagels and the Bible 3:00 pm Holland Ordination Monday, April 23 8:00 am Vision Working Group 5:45 pm Operations Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:00 pm Music Committee 6:30 pm Communications Committee 7:00 pm Membership Committee 9

10 OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister John M. Edgerton, Interim Associate Minister Ron L. Buford, Interim Minister for Discipleship Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music James W. Crawford, Senior Minister Emeritus Brent Damrow, Executive Assistant Minister Donald A. Wells, Theologian in Residence June Cooper, Theologian in Action Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Shawn Fiedler, Field Education Intern Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Catherine Allard, Youth Group Leader & Field Education Intern Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Jon Geldert and Laurel Leslie, Choir Directors, First Worship Willie Sordillo, Music Coordinator, Jazz Worship Peter Coulombe, Director, Old South Ringers Amy Budka, Children s Music Director Linda O Donnell, Director, Children s Choir Mark Schueppert, Moderator Kate Silfen, Clerk David Vogan, Treasurer Phil Stern, Chair, Board of Trustees Jeff Makholm, Historian Candace Kosturko, Senior Deacon Vicki A. Newman, Pledge Secretary Helen McCrady, Senior Church Administrator Amy Perry, Administrator & Webmaster Rosemary Clarke, Accountant Elias Perez, Senior Sexton Ozo Nwodo, Robert Blenman & Jahadul Islam, Sextons Corey Spence, Rubia Reyes & Jim McDonnel, Receptionists (617) 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 Corner of Boylston & Dartmouth Streets at the Copley T SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS April 15, 2012 (617) Have you Liked us yet? Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch TODAY SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY TUDY: 10 am. Prepare to experience worship more deeply by studying and reflecting on the day s preaching text(s). SOUTH OF BOSTON POTLUCK OTLUCK: 5 pm. Join us at the home of Marilyn and Bill Adams in Quincy. Please bring food for six to share. RSVP to marilynjacksonadams@gmail.com for directions. WORSHIP FIRST WORSHIP ORSHIP: Sundays, 9 am. In the intimacy of the Gordon Chapel we turn our attention to God in an informal service of word and sacrament. Led by Rev. John Edgerton. FESTIVAL WORSHIP ORSHIP: Sundays, 11 am. Our worship is enhanced by the Old South Choir and the E.M. Skinner organ. Led by Revs. Nancy Taylor and John Edgerton, and Minister of Music Harry Huff. JAZZ WORSHIP ORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Interim Minister for Discipleship Ron Buford, and the Holy Spirit are your guides as you move through a rhythm of music, silence, and spoken word that will freshen the faith of longtime Christians and invite new ones to deeper discipleship. HEALING WORSHIP ORSHIP: Sunday, May 13, 10 am. Tap into God s healing love with a gentle service of prayers and reflection led by Rev. Ken Orth, a pastoral counselor and spiritual director. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM APTISM: Those seeking Christian baptism for themselves or their children may contact one of the ministers at (617) SUNDAY FLOWERS LOWERS: July 29 and August 12 are available. Donating flowers is a special way to remember loved ones and special events. The cost is $50. On the calendar in the elevator lobby, put your name by the date you want and send your bulletin message to helen@oldsouth.org. More than one person can sign up on one Sunday. SERVICE OF ORDINATION RDINATION: Sunday, April 22, 3 pm. OSC member Ian Holland will be ordained to the Christian ministry. Clergy are invited to robe (red stoles) and process. Reception will follow. SERVE Old South Church has been honoring Christ s call to serve those in need for more than 340 years. Largely through our Christian Service & Outreach Committee, we offer many opportunities to serve God s world. ROLLING FOOD DRIVE RIVE: We are collecting dry pasta and rice to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation baskets in the stone entryway. PRISON BOOK PROGRAM ROGRAM: Saturday, April 21, 10 am - 1 pm, United First Parish Church, Quincy. Prison Book Program is in its 40 th year of sending free books to prisoners. To volunteer, servewithosc@gmail.com. GBIO CAMPAIGN C AMPAIGN: Sunday, April 22, 12:30 pm. Are you concerned with the high cost of health care? You are not alone. The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization is taking action to pass legislation that will ensure the medical and financial health of our commonwealth by creating a health care system that is more affordable; costeffective; coordinated; equitable; and high quality. Join us next Sunday to learn more. lucygarnet@aol.com. SNOWDEN OUTREACH UTREACH: Old South Church has had a long partnership with Snowden International High School, our Newbury Street neighbor. To volunteer, erinhull@gmail.com or lucygarnet@aol.com. April 24, 11 am - 12:30 pm: Career Day. Speak to rotating groups of seniors about your career. Snowden is especially seeking dentists, pharmacists, lawyers, and sports professionals (i.e. physical therapists, announcers). April 28, 10 am - 12 pm and May 3, 3-5 pm: Snowden H.S. Spring Garden Planting May 5, 1:30-3:30 pm, Mary Norton Hall Kitchen: Cookie Baking. Help bring sweet cheer to students during finals week. Or drop off home baked cookies on Sunday, May 6. May 11: Mother s Day Plant Sale. Volunteers needed to help organize this event at the school. SUNDAY UNDAY S BREAD READ: April 29, 12:30-4 pm. Help feed the hungry on the last Sunday of each month at the Church of Saint John the Evangelist, 35 Bowdoin St. on Beacon Hill. To learn more, or to sign up, contact Lucy Costa and Mary Ann Lape at sundaysbread@yahoo.com or call (617) RSVP by Tuesday, April 24.

12 CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP Continuing our series Writing Your Money Autobiography : What is your earliest recollection of money in the church? I can remember taking a handful of coins into Sunday School when I was growing up. A small basket was passed around the group of children sitting in a circle and all of us contributed something. As I grew older my mother encouraged me to pledge and I began using a pledge envelope. Each Sunday I pulled out the envelope with that week s date and sealed my dollar or two in it. If I found an extra envelope in the box I knew I had missed a Sunday and better put extra money in for that week. What are your early memories of money in the church? If you are willing to share your thoughts with the Stewardship Committee, pamela.holland@verizon.net. Pam Holland, Stewardship Committee LEARN Christian education is a lifelong pursuit at Old South Church. We believe that until God brings all we know to its final fulfillment, there will be more for us to discover about God, about ourselves, and about the world. CHILDREN AND YOUTH OUTH: The Old South Family welcomes your family. We offer childcare and programming for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, from 8:30 am - 12:15 pm; classes for older children during both Sunday worship services; Confirmation class during Festival Worship; arts, crafts and fellowship opportunities between the services for children; and discussion, reflection and fellowship time for high schoolers. Music offerings include the Chime Choir, Beginner Bell Choir, Children s Choir, Gospel Group and vocal and percussion opportunities. churchschool@oldsouth.org or visit oldsouth.org. THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP ROUP: Mondays, 6 pm, will not meet tomorrow, April 16 th. When Bad Things Happen to Good People: Author Rabbi Kushner wrote this straightforward, elegant contemplation of the doubts and fears that arise when tragedy strikes. GROWING DEEPER EEPER: Thursdays, April 19 - May 10, 7 pm. Are you looking to grow in your faith and in your relationship with other Old South members and friends? In this 4-week class, we will reflect on our faith journeys, read foundational biblical stories, and build connections with other members as we seek to more fully live Christian lives. Dinner included. RSVP to avpape@gmail.com. BAGELS AND THE BIBLE IBLE: Sunday, April 22, 12:30 pm. What does a Bible passage have to do with the rest of your day? How about the rest of your life? Join the Sanctuary in the City Task Force for a no-commitment, homework-free discussion about that Sunday morning s Bible passage and our lives. LIVING THE QUESTIONS UESTIONS: Wednesdays, April 25 - June 6, 6 pm. By popular demand, Living the Questions returns for 6 more weeks. Join Interim Minister for Discipleship Ron Buford for faith stories, the Living the Questions DVD, featuring Ron, and discussion. Dare we engage the questions? Light dinner included. Childcare available with advance reservation. ron@oldsouth.org. MEET God created us to live in community: to gather together to be known, to be cared for, to be challenged. Old South Church s small groups are a great way to explore this trinity of relationships. FAITH ON TAP AP: Tuesday, April 17, 6:30 pm, McGreevy s Pub. Join us for a relaxed chance to get to know one another and God more deeply through holy socializing and discussion. This month Camille Gianaris, a UCC pastor and Clinical Social Worker, will discuss Commercialized Sexual Exploitation in Boston, based on a course that she is currently leading at Old South Church. aegroupp@yahoo.com. LGBT & FRIENDS F RIENDS: Sunday, April 22, 12:30 pm. Largely ignored by mainstream historians, yet colorful and full of humanity, the history of LGBT New Englanders is rescued, collected, cared for, and offered to the wider public by The History Project, located a few blocks from Old South Church. Join LGBTF for a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives. All are welcome. We will meet in the Chapel to walk together. shawn@oldsouth.org. RETIRED AND READY EADY: Wednesday, April 25, 11 am. Interim Minister for Discipleship Ron Buford will join the group for a discussion on Revelations. Bring $5 to offset the cost of lunch. SimpsonCha@aol.com. YOUNG ADULTS GROUP ROUP: Sunday, April 29, 12:30 pm. Join fellow college students, grad students, and young professionals in discussion about service and social justice. The Christian Service and Outreach Committee will join the conversation to discuss ways in which we can get involved. etoppedisano@gmail.com. MUSIC THE OPERA IMAGINARIUM MAGINARIUM: Friday, April 20, 7:30 pm. A one-act opera. Free admission. BOSTON CLASSICAL GUITAR FESTIVAL ESTIVAL: Saturday, April 21, 10 am - 5 pm. The Boston Classical Guitar Society presents Festival 21 with headliner David Leisner. This year s Festival strives to be the most interactive yet, bringing together the entire community in celebration of the present and future of the guitar. Festival Pass: $60 general admission; $50 seniors; $10 discount for BCGS and OSC members; $35 special student price. ZEFIRO EFIRO: Friday, April 27, 7:30 pm. Zefiro, a Boston- and Providence-based a cappella octet, presents Love, I feel my spirit, featuring Morten Lauridsen s Fire Madrigals and Robert White s Magnificat, as well as works by Gibbons, Byrd, Weelkes, and others. $20 suggested donation; $15 students and seniors.