October 23, 2011 Hymn Festival Sunday 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 Allabreve, BWV 589 J.S. Bach *HYMN 561 When in Our Music God Is Glorified Engelberg *CALL TO WORSHIP Quinn G. Caldwell One: Gracious God, for the journey that lies before us: Many: We give you thanks. One: For the experiences of the past week and all the days that have brought us together in this time and place: Many: We look back, O God, we see your hand of grace, and mercy; Thank you! One: And for these precious moments, O God: Many: Fill them with Presence and Power; so fill us with your Love, O God, that we can never again be the same. Amen. * Indicates all who are able may stand
*A SIGN OF OUR UNITY AND RECONCILIATION Please greet those around you, wishing them peace or the peace of Christ. WORDS OF WELCOME SCRIPTURE Psalm 90:1-6, 16-17 Jan Monsma HYMN MEDLEY I Woke Up This Morning (NCH #85) I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus, Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus, Woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus, Hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah. Great Is Your Faithfulness (NCH #423) Great is your faithfulness, O God, Creator, With you no shadow of turning we see. You do not change, your compassions they fail not; All of your goodness forever will be. Great is your faithfulness! Great is your faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed your hand has provided, Great is your faithfulness, God, unto me! The Old Rugged Cross (NCH #195) On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain. So I ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown. 2
Lift High the Cross (NCH #198) Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim; Let all adore and praise that sacred name. Come, Christians, follow where our Savior trod, The Lamb victorious, Christ the Child of God. Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim; Let all adore and praise that sacred name. (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) REFLECTION I God, A Dwelling Place on the Move Ron L. Buford HYMN MEDLEY I Love to Tell the Story (NCH #522) I love to tell the story of unseen things above. Of Jesus radiant glory, of Jesus endless love. I love to tell the story, because I know it s true; It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do. I love to tell the story; and when I am in glory I ll tell the old, old story of Jesus endless love. You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore (NCH #173) You have come down to the lakeshore Seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy, But only asking for me to follow. O Jesus, you have looked into my eyes; Kindly smiling, you ve called out my name. On the sand I have abandoned my small boat; Now with you I will seek other seas. We Are Often Tossed and Driven (NCH #444) We are often tossed and driven on the restless sea of time, Somber skies and howling tempests oft succeed a bright sunshine; In that land of perfect day, when the mists have rolled away, We will understand it better by and by. By and by, when the morning comes, When the saints of God are gathered home, We ll tell the story how we ve overcome: For we ll understand it better by and by. 3
Precious Lord (NCH #472) Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. SCRIPTURE Deuteronomy 34:1-5, 7 Randy Billings REFLECTION II Struggle in the Wilderness Ron L. Buford HYMN MEDLEY Morning Has Broken Morning has broken like the first morning, Black bird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them springing fresh from the word! I m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me (NCH #474) I m so glad, Jesus lifted me, I m so glad, Jesus lifted me, I m so glad, Jesus lifted me, Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me. We Shall Overcome (NCH #570) We shall overcome, we shall overcome, We shall overcome some day; Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe, We shall overcome some day. In the Midst of New Dimensions (NCH #391) In the midst of new dimensions, in the face of changing ways, Who will lead the pilgrim peoples wandering in their separate ways? God of rainbow, fiery pillar, leading where the eagles soar, We your people, ours the journey now and ever, Now and ever, now and evermore. SCRIPTURE Matthew 22:35-40 Sarah Monsma-Billings REFLECTION III Continuous Creation: God s Open Door Ron L. Buford 4
*HYMN 351 I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry Borning Cry 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.) Nancy S. Taylor 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. HYMN MEDLEY Be Now My Vision (NCH #451) Be now my vision, O God of my heart; Nothing surpasses the love you impart You my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, your presence my light. Amazing Grace (NCH #547) Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed! Day by Day Day by day, day by day, O, dear Lord, three things I pray: To see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, Follow Thee more nearly, day by day. Day by day by day by day by day. 5
CALL TO THE OFFERING Shawn Fiedler In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts, our financial gifts support ministries of mercy and justice. OFFERTORY ANTHEM Blessed Assurance Phoebe P. Knapp arr. Nancy Wertsch Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long, This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight, Angels descending, bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long, This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long, This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Fanny Crosby, 1873 *PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN 436 God of Grace and God of Glory Cwm Rhondda *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Ron L. Buford POSTLUDE Voluntary on Engelberg Calvin Hampton Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary are invited to meet docent Bill Ghormley at the front of the Sanctuary. 6
Music Opportunities at Old South Church Sunday Children & Youth Opportunities Chapel Ringers Bell Choir: Children seventh grade and older who have at least two years of experience playing chimes; rehearses in the Choir Loft from 12:20-12:50 pm after FESTIVAL Worship. The Chapel Ringers, a mixed youth and adult group, participates in worship several times throughout the year. Peter Coulombe, Director Cherub Singers: Ages four and five; rehearses in the third floor Red Room from 11-11:15 am. Participants gather at the beginning of their church school class time for singing, movement and percussion while learning the music of our faith. Amy Budka, Director Children s Choir: Children in first through fourth grade; rehearses in the fourth floor Tower Room from 10:15-10:45 am. Participants will develop their vocal skills while preparing a variety of songs, which will be offered during worship. Linda O Donnell, Director Chime Choir: Children third grade and older; rehearses in the fourth floor Tower Room from 12:20-12:50 pm after FESTIVAL Worship. Beginning and intermediate chimers explore church melodies arranged for chimes, and learn basic music reading and chord theory. The Chime Choir shares their music during worship several times throughout the year. Amy Budka and Katie Gerrish, Directors Joyful Noise: Children preschool and older; rehearses in the Children s Chapel from 9:50-10:15 am after FIRST Worship. Participants sing, move and play percussion instruments while exploring Christian songs from a variety of traditions. The group is geared to those attending FIRST Worship although all are welcome. Amy Budka, Director Praise Ensemble: Children fifth grade and older; rehearses in the Children s Chapel from 10:25-10:55 am between worship services. Vocalists and instrumentalists including percussionists at all levels are welcome. The ensemble rehearses Christian songs and melodies from a variety of cultures and traditions, with the goal of sharing their music during worship. Amy Budka, Director For more information on these opportunities, contact Church School Director Tricia Hazeltine at churchschool@oldsouth.org. *Rehearsal room subject to change 7
Adult Opportunities The Old South Choir: Rehearses Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 pm on the second floor and Sundays at 10 am in the Sanctuary. The Old South Choir is an organization of around 35 volunteers supplemented by nine professional singers. It is capable of presenting music of all periods and styles, from the great classics to contemporary jazz and gospel. The Choir sings each Sunday at FESTIVAL Worship, providing music that illuminates the particular scriptural themes for that day. Anyone who has experience singing with choirs and a basic knowledge of sight reading music is welcome to join. Harry Huff, Minister of Music The Old South Ringers: Rehearses Tuesdays from 6-7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. The Old South Ringers perform on 5 octaves of Whitechapel handbells and 6 octaves of Malmark chimes. There is a place for everyone at their tables, whether you ve rung since childhood or are holding a bell for the first time. The Ringers play at FESTIVAL Worship once a month from September through June, as well as for special events, and perform an annual Christmas and Spring concert. Peter Coulombe, Director Chapel Ringers Bell Choir: Rehearses Sundays in the Choir Loft from 12:20-12:50 pm after FESTIVAL Worship. The Chapel Ringers, a mixed group of youth and adults, participates in worship several times during the year. Peter Coulombe, Director First Worship Pick-Up Choir: Rehearses Sundays at 8:30 am in the Gordon Chapel. The Choir learns and rehearses a simple, excellent song for FIRST Worship each Sunday morning. If singing has always made your heart soar, you are warmly invited to come and sing with the Choir no experience necessary! Bring a friend, spread the word, and come to make a joyful noise! Laurel Leslie, Director *Rehearsal room subject to change 8
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 in the Gordon Chapel. Our Scripture Readers this morning come from a 3-generation Old South family. They are Jan Monsma, who was the driving force behind the creation of OSC s Congregational Care & Support Ministry, and Sarah Monsma-Billings and Randy Billings, who both teach Sunday School. Today s flowers are given in loving memory of Catherine Dauber by her grandchildren, Pam and Ian Holland, and her great-grandchildren, Nolan and Aine Holland. Name tags facilitate community and help newcomers feel welcomed. If you don t see a tag with your name on it, let us know. Sunday sermons and services are available as podcasts and text at www.oldsouth.org. 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) 536-1970. 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 www.mbta.com. To join the Old South E-mail Forum, e-mail communications@oldsouth.org. 9
NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC When in our music God is glorified, And adoration leaves no room for pride, It is as though the whole creation cried Alleluia! Fred Pratt Green, 1972 The Old South congregation is a community that loves its hymns and sings them lustily! This has been the case for over three centuries, ever since the Third Church of Christ in Boston was formed by dissidents from the First Church of Christ in 1669. In those days the psalms of David, as ordained by John Calvin, would have been sung using the Bay Psalm Book, which had been created in Cambridge in 1640 the first book ever published in North America. Old South owns two of the extant copies of this precious book, which are now held in trust by the Boston Public Library. In 1977, General Synod XI of the United Church of Christ directed the Executive Council to create a new official hymnal using language that is inclusive. Thus begins the Introduction to The New Century Hymnal, ultimately published in 1995. It is nothing short of a radical document, which has served to inspire thousands with its language that stretches the dimensions of justice and helps reveal the unfathomable depths of the God of biblical faith. As Old South Senior Minister Emeritus James W. Crawford served as Chair of the committee to form this hymnal, this church can be said to be the provenance and springboard for its development and propagation. On this Hymn Festival Sunday we celebrate the rich contribution to faith-building through song. The service today includes four hymn medleys, drawn from a myriad of faiths and traditions. It is the sincere hope of the Music Ministry at Old South that the congregation will gain an increased appreciation for hymnody as a superb resource for the edification of our worship, as our hymns of praise ascend heavenward. Let every instrument be tuned for praise! Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always Alleluia! Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music Today s hymns have been selected from among Old South Church member favorites, grouped to accompany the designated lectionary texts for today and three short reflections. Sprinkled among these are a few jewels from African American tradition. Today s readings and music seem to naturally evoke three life stages: Life s reflective later stage; Engagement and struggle in middle age; and the Far-sighted vision of youthful love. This is not a Sunday for being shy, but to reach down into the well of your life s love and memory... Free yourselves to Sing together, children. God is love! 10 Ron Buford, Interim Minister for Discipleship
CALENDAR Hymn Festival Sunday Sunday, October 23 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 9:45 am Mission Trip Information Session 10:00 am Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Ron L. Buford preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm Regional Fellowship Hour, second floor South End, South Boston, and Roxbury 12:30 pm Mission Trip Information Session 12:30 pm Young Adults Group Monday, October 24 8:00 am Vision Working Group 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 6:00 pm Faith at the Crossroads 7:00 pm Membership Committee Tuesday, October 25 6:00 pm Deacons Wednesday, October 26 4:30 pm Leadership Committee 7:00 pm Spirituality and Sustainability Workshop Thursday, October 27 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship 6:30 pm OSC Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study Genesis 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study Old Testament Saturday, October 29 10:00 am Old South Gardeners: Plant-up 7:30 pm Scared for Good! Halloween Benefit Concert Sunday, October 30 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00 am Reading the Bible from the Margins II 10:00 am Old South Knitters 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:15 pm Fellowship Hour and October Birthdays 12:15 pm Regional Fellowship Hour, second floor North of Boston 11
OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister Quinn G. Caldwell, 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 Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Shawn Fiedler, Field Education Intern Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Catherine Allard, Youth Group Leader/Field Education Intern Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool Lois Corman, Project Coordinator George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Laurel Leslie, Choir Director, First Worship Willie Sordillo, Jazz Worship Music Coordinator Peter Coulombe, Director, Old South Ringers Amy Budka, Children s Music Director Linda O Donnell, Director, Children s Choir Vard Johnson, 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, Sextons Corey Spence, Rubia Reyes & Jim McDonnel, Receptionists www.oldsouth.org (617) 536-1970 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. 12
Corner of Boylston & Dartmouth Streets at the Copley T SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS October 23, 2011 (617) 536-1970 www.oldsouth.org TODAY FIRST WORSHIP CHOIR REHEARSAL EHEARSAL: 8:30 am, Gordon Chapel. No experience necessary! 2012 MISSION M TRIP INFORMATION SESSION ESSION: 9:45 am and 12:30 pm in the Gordon Library. Next year, April 16-21, Old South will make its second mission trip to New Orleans to build with the St. Bernard Project. Anyone interested in joining the trip is encouraged to attend a session. Registration is limited to 16 people and due by November 20 along with a $100 deposit. E-mail caitlin_minnich@yahoo.com. BIBLE STUDY TUDY: Sundays, 10 am. Experience worship more deeply by studying the preaching text for the day. ADVENTURES IN ART RT,, CULTUREC ULTURE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT NVIRONMENT: Old South Church s newest group will set out on its first excursion at 10:15 am, following FIRST Worship, to Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA. For all those who RSVPed, meet beside the piano in the Gordon Chapel following worship. REGIONAL FELLOWSHIP HOUR OUR: 12:15 pm, second floor. If you live in the South End, South Boston, or Roxbury, come meet your neighbors! YOUNG ADULTS GROUP ROUP: 12:30 pm. Join undergrad and graduate students and young professionals for our monthly luncheon. 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. Quinn Caldwell. 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 Quinn Caldwell, and Minister of Music Harry Huff. JAZZ WORSHIP ORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. Candle-lit and bathed in jazz, the familiar Gordon Chapel becomes as mysterious and beckoning as the Gothic cathedrals it emulates, and the story of our faith is made new through intimate, eclectic, full-body worship. 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, November 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) 536-1970. MUSIC SCARED FOR GOOD OOD! HALLOWEEN CONCERT ONCERT: Saturday, October 29, 7:30 pm. Come to a spine-chilling presentation of all your favorite ghoulish tunes performed by candlelight in the gothic splendor of Old South Church. Admission is free. A voluntary offering will benefit five non-profit organizations. CHORUS PRO MUSICA USICA: Sunday, November 6, 3 pm. Chorus Pro Musica, Boston s historic chorus known for its continuing tradition of excellence, proudly launches its 63 rd concert season, Chiaroscuro: From Darkness To Light. Featuring Zoltán Kodály s Missa Brevis and works by Brahms, Tallis, Matsushita, Lauridsen, Walton, and Dove. Organ accompaniment by OSC Associate Organist George Sargeant. Tickets $25 - $45. 10% off for Old South Church members! Use code OSC10 at checkout. Visit www.choruspromusica.org. GENEROSITY Coming from a working class family with a worrier mother, I learned early on to worry about money. So when Mary Luti s letter arrived, with the invitation to the November Consecration services and Celebration Lunch, her comments about worrying about the future rang true to me. But her vision of sending fear away and letting hope soar is exactly what I have experienced at Old South. I am happy to know my pledge will help that vision of hope to grow as this congregation lives into our Vision for the 21 st Century. Nancy Richardson, Stewardship Committee
LEARN 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. E-mail churchschool@oldsouth.org or visit www.oldsouth.org. NEW Children s Choir: Sundays, 10:15-10:45 am. The Choir is open to elementary school children beginning in grade one. Rehearsals include energizing the body, breath, and the voice, along with choral warm ups and exercises. A variety of repertoire is prepared for participation in worship. E-mail childrenschoir@oldsouth.org. THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP ROUP: Mondays, 6 pm. The group continues to read Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India by Joseph Lelyveld. Beginning November 14, the group will read God s Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicholson. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WORKSHOPS ORKSHOPS: Wednesdays, October 26 - November 16, 7 pm. Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light, which provides a faith-based response to climate change, introduces Spirituality & Sustainability; Moving from Faith to Action. Participants will explore how the core values of faith call them to sustainable living. Free will donations accepted. Register to vince@mipandl.org. READING THE BIBLE FROM THE MARGINS II: Sundays, October 30 - November 13, 10 am. The lens by which we read the Bible is not the only one through which the texts can be read. We will examine other lenses to see how select biblical texts are read by people in different social and geographic locations. Join us (both those who took Part I and newcomers) for this exciting journey of discovery. Printed materials are available at the Front Desk, as you sign up. Led by Theologian in Residence Don Wells. MEET CALLING ALL GREEN THUMBS HUMBS: Saturday, October 29, 10 am - 3 pm. Join the Old South Gardeners for a garden plant-up in preparation for next spring. Stay for the day or even just an hour! E-mail jh@hooddesign.com. REGIONAL FELLOWSHIP HOUR OUR: Sunday, October 30, 12:15 pm, second floor. If you live North of Boston, come meet other Northerners! OLD SOUTH KNITTERS NITTERS: Sunday, October 30, 10 am. The Old South Knitters gather together on the last Sunday of every month to practice the art of creating prayer shawls. During the rest of the month, the group meets informally during Early Café. Contact Diane Raymond at diane.raymond1600@gmail.com. OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS IRTHDAYS: Sunday, October 30, 12:15 pm. Join members and friends for Old South s monthly celebration of birthdays. We celebrate with candles, cake and song. All are invited to join in the festivities. SERVE ROLLING FOOD DRIVE RIVE: We are collecting cereal to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation baskets are in the stone entryway. YMCA TRAINING T RAINING,, INCI NC.: Fridays, 12 noon - 1 pm, 18 Tremont Street in Boston. Help trainees at Training, Inc. improve their conversational English. To volunteer, e-mail SimpsonCha@aol.com. CONCERT PREP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED EEDED: The Young Adults Group is coordinating preparation efforts for next week s Scared for Good! concert, including pumpkin transport, pumpkin carving, and Sanctuary decorating on Friday, October 28 and pumpkin lighting and Sanctuary clean-up on Saturday, October 29. If you are interested in any of these efforts, contact Catherine Allard at catherine@oldsouth.org. OCTOBER CLOTHING AND EYE GLASSES DRIVE RIVE: Needs include women s and men s suits and other work appropriate clothing, such as outerwear, shoes and accessories; as well as casual clothing for men and women, children s clothing, and eye glasses. Receipts (up to $500) are available for clean, ready-to-wear clothing. SUNDAY UNDAY S BREAD READ: Sunday, October 30, 12:30-4 pm. We meet at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 35 Bowdoin Street on Beacon Hill. To volunteer, e-mail sundaysbread@yahoo.com by Tuesday, October 25. PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER UNDRAISER: Sunday, November 6, 9:45-10:30 am. The Church School and Youth Group invite you for homemade pancakes in support of the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. The suggested donation is a box of wholesome cereal, or $5 per person, $10 maximum per family. ALLSTON LLSTON-BRIGHTON FOOD PANTRY ANTRY: Saturday, November 19, 9:15 am. Want to feed the hungry? Volunteer at the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry for their big Thanksgiving food basket donation. Stay for the day or just an hour. Volunteers must be able to carry grocery bags up and down stairs. E-mail erinhull@gmail.com.