THE GATHERING. June 16, 2013 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 11:00 am. PRELUDE Prelude in D Major, BWV 532 J.S. Bach

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1 June 16, 2013 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 11:00 am Welcome! Thank you for turning off cell phones, pagers and beepers, and for refraining from using flash photography. Please maintain a respectful and meditative quiet throughout the service, except of course when congregational participation is invited. THE GATHERING PRELUDE Prelude in D Major, BWV 532 J.S. Bach *HYMN 300 Jesus Shall Reign Duke Street * Indicates all who are able may stand

2 *CALL TO WORSHIP One: See the sun taking steps across the sky; watch the moon wax and wink. Many: O God, you have poured out light over us. One: Hear children play and the aged pray growing up and growing old in joy! Many O God, you have poured out goodness over us. One: Look! Those who suffer loneliness and lack are befriended and fed, are blessed. Many: O God, you have poured out love over us. One: Feel sighs and songs and shouts stirring, swelling within Many: O God, we pour out praise! *A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION We invite you to greet those around you, wishing them peace or the peace of Christ. Kate R. Rogers WORDS OF WELCOME Nancy S. Taylor ANTHEM Amazing Grace New Britain, arr. Ed Lojeski THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Luke 7:36-50 Maddie Burke One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee s house and took his place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him that she is a sinner. Jesus spoke up and said to him, Simon, I have something to say to you. Teacher, he replied, speak. A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more? 2

3 Simon answered, I suppose the one for whom he cancelled the greater debt. And Jesus said to him, You have judged rightly. Then turning towards the woman, he said to Simon, Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. Then he said to her, Your sins are forgiven. But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, Who is this who even forgives sins? And he said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace. *HYMN 409 I Heard My Mother Say Give Me Jesus (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) SERMON A Pharisee Forgiven Much Anthony T. Livolsi *HYMN 473 Blessed Assurance Assurance *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. (Please be seated.) John M. Edgerton 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. 3

4 PRAYER RESPONSE Amazing Grace New Britain arr. George Shearing OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS CALL TO THE OFFERING In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy, justice, and beauty. Nancy S. Taylor OFFERTORY ANTHEM He Looked Beyond My Fault Londonderry Air arr. Dennis Allen Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise, For it was grace that bought my liberty. I do not know just why He came to love me so. He looked beyond my fault and saw my need. I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary, To view the cross where Jesus died for me. How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul. He looked beyond my fault and saw my need. Dottie Rambo, 1968 Grace Greater than Our Sin Daniel B. Towner arr. Dennis Allen Grace, grace, God s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin. Julia H. Johnston, 1910 PRAYER OF DEDICATION Kate R. Rogers *HYMN 547 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound New Britain 4

5 *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Anthony T. Livolsi POSTLUDE Fantasia super Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott, BWV 651 J.S. Bach Following worship, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Lucy Costa at the front of the Sanctuary. 5

6 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. Today s scripture reader, Maddie Burke, serves on the Planned Giving Committee. The flowers today are given by Scott McInturff and Pamela Roberts in celebration of their fathers, John Douglas McInturff and the late Dr. John Kenneth Roberts, as well as their three children: Zane, Pierce and Miranda. Today s ASL Interpreter is Old South Church member Chris Breen. If you are interested in deepening your participation, or if you just love Old South, it s time to think about CONNECTIONS CLASS. Contact one of the ministers: (617) Name tags facilitate community and help newcomers feel welcomed. If you don t see a tag with your name on it, let us know. 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. Visit OldSouth.org for audio and a transcript of today s sermon. 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 Sunday, June 16 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Sunday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am Breaking (Good) News 10:00 am Summer Choir Rehearsal 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in the Gordon Chapel 12:30 pm Members Reconnections Brunch 3:00 pm Christ Our King Vocal and Handbell Choir 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, Reflection by Heidi Carrington Heath Monday, June 17 6:30 pm Communications Committee 7:00 pm Music Committee Tuesday, June 18 5:00 pm Trustees 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal Thursday, June 20 4:00 pm Retired and Ready 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study Sunday, June 23 9:00 am FIRST Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Sunday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am Summer Choir Rehearsal 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour in the Gordon Chapel 4:30 pm South of Boston Potluck, Quincy 6:00 pm EVENING Worship, reflection by Katie Gerrish Monday, June 24 5:45 pm Operations Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 7:00 pm Membership Committee Tuesday, June 25 5:30 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 7:00 pm Deacons Thursday, June 27 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study 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 Donald A. Wells, Theologian in Residence June Cooper, Theologian in Action Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Shawn Fiedler, Pastoral Fellow Kate R. Rogers, Field Education Intern Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Adrienne Kisner, Youth Leader Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Laurel Leslie, Choir Director, 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 Katie Gerrish, Director, Chime Choir Mark Schueppert, Moderator Kate Silfen, Clerk David Vogan, Treasurer Phil Stern, Chair, Board of Trustees Emily Click, Historian Candace Kosturko, Senior Deacon Vicki A. Newman, Pledge Secretary Helen McCrady, Senior Church Administrator Amy Perry, Administrator & Webmaster Rosemary Clarke, Accountant Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Elias Perez, Senior Sexton Ozo Nwodo, Robert Blenman & Jahadul Islam, Sextons Corey Spence, Rubia Reyes & Jim McDonnel, 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 Boylston & Dartmouth Streets at the Copley T SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS June 16, 2013 (617) Like us! Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch 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. TODAY SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY: 10 am. Study and reflect on the day s preaching text. SUMMER CHOIR: 10 am. Rehearsal for today s Festival Worship service. All are welcome. RECONNECTIONS BRUNCH: 12:30 pm. Members of Old South Church (no matter when you joined) are invited to a time for fellowship, support, sharing, and networking. Hosted by the Membership Committee and Rev. Anthony Livolsi. CHRIST OUR KING VOCAL AND HANDBELL CHOIR: 3 pm. The ensembles hails from Christ Our King Stella Maris Catholic School in Pleasant, SC. Free admission. WORSHIP FIRST WORSHIP: 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: Sundays, 11 am. Our worship is enhanced by the Old South Choir. Led by Revs. Nancy Taylor, John Edgerton, and Anthony Livolsi, and Minister of Music Harry Huff. EVENING WORSHIP: Sundays, 6 pm. Be called into worship by the sounds of trickling water and the beauty of the flute. Our worship is a blend of ancient and new, contemplative yet bold, song and story. Led by Pastoral Fellow Shawn Fiedler and members of Old South Church. JAZZ WORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Revs. Anthony Livolsi and John Edgerton, and the Holy Spirit are our guides as we move through rhythms of music, silence, and spoken word to freshen the faith of longtime Christians and invite new ones into discipleship. FOURTH OF JULY WORSHIP: Thursday, July 4, 6 pm, outdoors along Boylston Street. Old South Church baptized Benjamin Franklin, birthed the Boston Tea Party, and blessed this nation as a mouth-house for justice and equality. Let us gather this Independence Day as thoughtful patriots in a service of celebration, reflection, and prayer. Music accompaniment by Minister of Music Harry Huff and flutist Ainsley Land. HEALING WORSHIP: Sunday, July, 14, 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. SUNDAY FLOWERS: The 2013 Sunday Flower Calendar is posted in the Elevator Lobby. The cost is $50. Write your name beside the date you want. Send the message you wish to appear in the bulletin to helen@oldsouth.org. Please note that multiple people can sign up for any one Sunday. CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP Jim Asp, Stewardship Committee Today is the day we recognize fathers. One of the things I greatly appreciate about my own father is that he taught me the importance of philanthropy. He used to say that if you aren t willing to give when you have very little, you won t know how to give when you have a lot. So from an early age I learned that contributing was part of my own spiritual journey, rather than just an obligation to the church. On this Father s Day I m grateful to my father for many lessons, but particularly for teaching me the joy that comes from giving.

10 LEARN THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP: Mondays, 6 pm. We will begin discussion of a new book next week: When Spiritual But Not Religious Is Not Enough by Lillian Daniel. Books are available at the Front Desk for $16. Sign up to receive a reading guide. Led by Theologian in Residence Donald Wells, granwell@comcast.net. CHILDREN AND YOUTH: Through the summer, children are in church every Sunday for the beginning of Festival Worship. Elementary and middle school children may leave after the first part of worship for a multi-age class. The First Worship elementary class continues throughout the summer. Infant, toddler and preschool care also will continue to be provided on the third floor from 8:30 am - 12:15 pm. Churchschool@oldsouth.org. MUSIC SUMMER CHOIR: Sundays through Labor Day, 10 am. Through the summer, the Old South Choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at 10 am to prepare to sing for that morning s Festival Worship service. Anyone wishing to join is most cordially welcome. Robes are not worn on summer Sundays, however, please wear black pants or skirt and a white or solid color shirt or blouse. Harry@oldsouth.org. AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION BENEFIT CONCERT: Saturday, June 29, 2 pm. Singers for a Cause, which includes the Old South Choir s own Erika Mitchell, present the fourth annual benefit concert for the American Heart Association. The afternoon will feature emerging artists from the Boston area performing opera arias and duets, operetta, musical theatre and art song. Tickets are a $25 suggested donation. All proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. MEET RETIRED AND READY: Thursday, June 20, 4 pm. Join Old South Church s active adults for fellowship and light refreshments. We will hear from Elizabeth Pitcher and Earl Anspach on their exciting pilgrimage to Jerusalem. RSVP to mghunter@webtv.net. GBIO PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE: Sunday, June 23, 3-6:30 pm at Andover Newton Theological School. The day includes Keynote Speaker Rev. Ray Hammond of Bethel AME Church and workshops including Gun Violence Prevention in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know and What We Can Do and Compassion Conversations: How to Talk about End-of-Life Issues with Your Family and Doctors. The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization is a broad-based organization which works to coalesce, train, and organize the communities of Greater Boston for the public good. lucygarnet@aol.com or aegroupp@yahoo.com. SOUTH OF BOSTON POTLUCK: Sunday, June 23, 4:30-7:30 pm. Join us at the home of Dan Oates in North Quincy. Please bring a dish for six to share and a beverage. Dan s home is easily accessible via a short walk from the North Quincy stop on the Red Line. For directions, RSVP to djoatesmd@hotmail.com. OLD SOUTH KNITTERS: Sunday, June 30, 10 am. Join Old South Church s knitting ministry to practice the art of creating Prayer Shawls. Bethj4013@gmail.com SERVE ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: We are collecting oatmeal to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation baskets in the tower entryway. BLUE MT. PROJECT SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE: Sundays through July 14. Help support Old South Church grant recipient Blue Mountain Project. BMP is dedicated to partnering with the people of the Hagley Gap District of Jamaica to improve health, education, and the economy. We are collecting school supplies to be sent to the children of Jamaica, specifically new or gently used: backpacks, black shoes, water color paints, colored pencils, construction paper, glue sticks, etc. Annamarieshu@aol.com SUNDAY S BREAD: Sunday, June 30, 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 volunteer, contact Lucy Costa and Mary Ann Lape at (617) or sundaysbread@yahoo.com.