May 21, 2017 Sixth Sunday after Easter 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 Adagio from Organ Symphony #5 Charles-Marie Widor *HYMN 300 (vv. 1-4) Jesus Shall Reign Duke Street Jesus shall reign where e er the sun does its successive journeys run; God s realm shall stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more. Through Christ shall endless prayer be made, borne by the Spirit s ceaseless aid; like sweet perfume new hymns shall rise with every morning sacrifice. People and realms of every tongue dwell on God s love with sweetest song; and infant voices shall proclaim their earliest prayers in Jesus name.
Blessings abound where e er Christ reigns: the prisoners leap to lose their chains, the weary find eternal rest, and all who suffer want are blessed. *CALL TO WORSHIP (from Philippians 2) Anthony T. Livolsi One: Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, Many: Though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, One: But emptied himself, Many: Taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. One: And being found in human form, Many: He humbled himself. One: He become obedient to the point of death Many: Even death on a cross. One: Therefore God also highly exalted him, Many: And gave him the name that is above every name, One: So that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend, Many: In heaven and on earth and under the earth, One: And every tongue should confess, Many: That Jesus Christ is Lord. *HYMN 300 (v. 5) Jesus Shall Reign Duke Street Let every creature rise and bring tributes of praise for all to sing; angels descend with songs again, and earth repeat the loud Amen. *A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION WORDS OF WELCOME We invite you to greet those around you, wishing them peace or the peace of Christ. 2
ANTHEM from Rejoice in the Lamb Benjamin Britten Rejoice in God, O ye Tongues; Give the glory to the Lord, and the Lamb. Nations, and languages, and every Creature in which is the breath of Life. Let man and beast appear before God, and magnify God s name together. Let Nimrod, the mighty hunter, bind a leopard to the altar and consecrate his spear to the Lord. Let Ishmail dedicate a tyger, and give praise for the liberty in which the Lord has let him at large. Let Balaam appear with an ass, and bless the Lord his people and his creatures for a reward eternal. Let Daniel come forth with a lion, and praise God with all his might through faith in Christ Jesus. Let Ithamar minister with a chamois, And bless the name of God that cloatheth the naked. Let Jakim with the satyr bless God in the dance. Let David bless with the bear the beginning of victory to the Lord, to the Lord the perfection of excellence. Hallelujah from the heart of God, and from the hand of the artist inimitable, and from the echo of the heavenly harp in sweetness magnifical and mighty. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. Christopher Smart, 1759-63 THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Acts 17:16-31 Harrison Reeder *HYMN 527 We Offer Christ Charterhouse (Children may leave for choir and childcare.) SERMON Anthony T. Livolsi *HYMN 331 Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life The Call 3
OUR PRAYERS, OUR GIFTS, AND OURSELVES *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. (You may be seated.) Jan Monsma 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 Tuya Es La Gloria Trad. Latin American arr. Susan T. Sylvester Old South Ringers; Peter Coulombe, director THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION The cups contain non-alcoholic grape juice. A gluten-free option is available. TELLING THE STORY Anthony T. Livolsi COMMUNION PRAYER One: Many: One: Many: God of the garden, you fed Eve and Adam from Eden s bounty. We give you thanks for the gift of this world and all its abundance. In the time of Moses, you provided for the Israelites manna from heaven. In the time of Isaiah, your nourished your children with visions of a feast of plenty and of peace for all the nations. In the fullness of time, you came to us in Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, who blessed those who would hunger, who fed the multitudes, who was himself fed by tax-collectors and sinners, and who bid us, as often as we eat and drink, to remember him. 4
One: Many: God, send your Spirit upon this meal and to stir within us, too, that this humble supper would be a feast of love, and that in the breaking of bread, we would know you to be in our very midst. Amen. COMMUNION MUSIC Elevation Marcel Dupré CALL TO THE OFFERING In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy, justice, and beauty. Vard Johnson OFFERTORY ANTHEM Jubilate Deo in C Benjamin Britten O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: Serve the Lord with gladness and come before God s presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Sovereign is God: It is God that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are God s people, and the sheep of God s pasture. O Go your way into the gates with thanksgiving, and into the courts with praise. Be thankful unto God, and speak good of God s name. For the Lord is gracious, God s mercy is everlasting: And God s truth endureth from generation to generation. Glory be to the Creator, and to the Christ, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION Psalm 100 *HYMN 386 The Church s One Foundation Aurelia *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Anthony T. Livolsi POSTLUDE Toccata on King s Weston Ralph Vaughan Williams arr. Matthew Compton Old South Ringers; Corey Spence, guest conductor This morning Senior Minister Nancy Taylor is participating in the commencement ceremonies of the New England College of Optometry. 5
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 Liz Morgan. Welcome to Old South Church in Boston. We are a progressive Christian church first gathered in 1669. 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. The flowers today are given in recognition of my maternal line, listed with their given family names: Anna Lowell, Maya Buck, Ruth Cooley, Faye Brown (my mother), and with thankfulness for all my mother s story telling that makes even Anna and Maya alive to me, by Vicki A. Newman. The clergy thank Harrison Reeder, Jan Monsma, and Vard Johnson for their leadership in this morning's service. SUNDAY FLOWERS The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2017 is up in the first floor elevator lobby. July 30 is still available! 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. 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
CALENDAR Sunday, May 21 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 Minister of Music Search Committee Listening Session 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Anthony T. Livolsi preaching 12:15 pm Celebration of Connie Hodgkin s 90th Birthday, Chapel 12:30 pm Minister of Music Search Committee Listening Session Monday, May 22 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:30 pm Reading Group Return of the Prodigal Son 6:30 pm Discussion Group Faith and Everyday Life 7:30 pm Spiritual Classics Reading Group The Cost of Discipleship Tuesday, May 23 6:00 pm Old South Ringers Rehearsal 6:30 pm Congregational Care and Support Committee 7:00 pm Board of Ministers and Deacons Wednesday, May 24 6:15 pm Young Adult Book Group Practicing Our Faith 6:30 pm Young Adult Book Group The Freedom of Simplicity Thursday, May 25 8:00 am Boston Warm (until 3:00 pm) 5:00 pm Operations Committee 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship, Rebecca Bowler preaching 6:30 pm Old South Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Young Adult Women s Discussion Group 7:00 pm Young Adult Book Group The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions 8:00 pm Discussion Group Social Change and the Church, offsite Sunday, May 28 8:30 am First Worship Choir 9:00 am FIRST Worship, Rebecca Bowler preaching 9:45 am Old South Café in the Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Community Hour: Q&A with Rebecca Bowler 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Rebecca Bowler preaching 7 12:30 pm Q&A with Rebecca Bowler
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 Randy Billings, Chair, Board of Trustees Emily Click, Historian Stephanie LaShoto & Ralph Watson, Senior Deacons Vicki Newman, Pledge Secretary Helen McCrady, Senior Church Administrator Amy Perry, Communications 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 www.oldsouth.org CCLI License #2802138 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
ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY LIFE MINISTER OF MUSIC SEARCH COMMITTEE The Minister of Music Search Committee (MMSC) wants to hear from YOU! Attend one (or both) of two sessions TODAY at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm on the second floor. You may also contact the MMSC at musicsearch@oldsouth.org. PLANNED GIVING Did you know that estate planning also includes documents that ensure your security during your lifetime? Now is the time to learn more about durable powers of attorney and health care proxies. To focus attention on the importance of these documents and to answer your questions, members of the Planned Giving Committee will be hosting an information table in the Gordon Chapel on Thursday, June 1 after Jazz Worship, and on Sunday, June 4 after each of the worship services. Putting a plan in place for your future can give you peace of mind today! PRIDE MORNING WORSHIP Pride Morning Worship will be held on Saturday, June 10, at 11:00 am. This year we will honor The Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence a modern Order of Nuns, comprised of people of all gender associations, all spiritual affiliations, and all proclivities to do good works. Less than a day following the Pulse nightclub shooting, The Boston Sisters led a vigil on Copley Sq. They brought us together to cry, wail, rage, laugh, and love again. Their ministry that night was a wonder to behold. Pride Morning Worship is a high-energy, joyous annual service celebrating the LGBTQ community.
ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS at 10:00 am between First and Festival Worship COMMUNITY HOUR Q&A with Seminarian Rebecca Bowler: May 28, 10 am & 12:30 p m Who is that seminarian in the robe anyway? Come find out! Join this Q&A next week to ask Rebecca anything about her education, her Swiss background, her dreams for the future, and more! If you think you already know Rebecca somewhat well, come and see if there are more layers to her yet to be discovered! Summer of Spiritual Reading Join Rev. Anthony Livolsi for a read-through of two short theologically intriguing and spiritually meaty works, beginning with: June 4-25 On the Incarnation, by St. Athanasius This classic exploration of the mystery of Christ s being and work paved the way for generations of later thinking on the meaning of salvation. Athanasius vision is generous and imaginative and sure to resonate. For more information or to join in, email anthony@oldsouth.org. 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. CHILDREN + FAMILIES CHILDCARE: Infants through grade 2 are welcome in our childcare ministries beginning at 8:40 am. Care is available uninterrupted through all morning through Festival Worship. CHURCH SCHOOL: Our Montessori-style Godly Play program invites children to see themselves as active participants in the story of faith. Today all three classes (Preschool and Early and Older Elementary) will explore Known in the Morning (Fishing/Breakfast) and Making Him Known (Great Commission). Meet the Ancestors for middle school students will explore Saul/Paul: Relentless Evangelist.
SMALL GROUPS Participants gather weekly for 3-month cycles at church or off-site to discuss a topic of their choosing. To sign up for future groups, fill out the interest form at http://www.oldsouth.org/small-groups. Reading Group Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen Mondays 6:30 pm Led by David Story Spiritual Classics Reading Group The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Mondays 7:30 pm Led by Karen Hand and David Becker Young Adult Book Group The Freedom of Simplicity by Richard Foster Wednesdays 6:30 pm Led by Linh Aven Young Adult Book Group The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions by Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright Thursdays 7 pm Led by Lauren Berk Discussion Group Faith and Everyday Life Mondays 6:30 pm Led by Heather Turner Young Adult Book Group Practicing Our Faith by Dorothy Bass Wednesdays 6:15 pm Led by Stephanie LaShoto and Katarina Holmgren Young Adult Women s Discussion Group (AKA: The Nasty Women [of God] ) Thursdays 7 pm Led by Martha Schick and Tessa Barrett Discussion Group Social Change and the Church Thursdays 8 pm Led by Erin Hull END OF YEAR POTLUCK BREAKFAST We ll celebrate the end of another program year on Sunday, June 11 at 10:00 am on the second floor. Let us know what you can bring. Visit https://tinyurl.com/osc-potluck. We re looking for something fruit-y, something protein-y, something starch-y, as well as allergen free foods. Hosted by Children and Family Ministries.
SERVE ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: Collecting canned tuna for the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Collection is in the stone entryway. CONNECTIONS LUNCH Interested in church membership? Connections Lunch invites you to explore Christianity, the United Church of Christ, our rich history and offerings, and to consider your own place at Old South Church. We will gather next Sunday, June 4 at 12:30 pm. RSVP to anthony@oldsouth.org. Led by Associate Minster Rev. Anthony Livolsi. SUMMER SINGING If you love to worship in song, summer is the perfect time to check out our choirs! First Worship Choir rehearses Sundays at 8:30 am to learn a song for 9:00 am worship. Walk-ins welcome. To receive notifications, email rebecca@oldsouth.org. Summer Choir begins Sunday, June 11. Choir will rehearse Sundays at 10:00 am to prepare music for 11:00 am worship. All are welcome. We don t wear our robes, but please wear black pants or skirt and a white or solid-colored shirt or blouse. For information, contact Tim Harbold at tharbold@wheatoncollege.edu. Old South Gospel Choir will sing at the June 25 worship services. To receive notices about rehearsals and appearances, email tharbold@wheatoncollege.edu. 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) 536-1970 OldSouth.org