April 3, 2011 Fourth Sunday of Lent Mothering 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 Fantasie in A Major César Franck *HYMN 71 Rejoice, You Pure in Heart Vineyard Haven *CALL TO WORSHIP Quinn G. Caldwell One: Welcome to this ancient place: Many: House of prayer for many peoples and nations; Home to all who come. One: Welcome to this gathering place, Many: Friend and stranger, saint and sinner In all who gather here. * Indicates all who are able may stand
One: Many: One: Many: Come with hope or hesitation; come with joy or yearning; All who hunger, all who thirst, for life in all its fullness, Generous God and generous Savior, Touch us through your Spirit. That the kingdom might come, that the world might believe, that the powerful might stumble, that the hidden might be seen, Christ is coming to make 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 Salve Regina Claudio Monteverdi Elise Krob and Erika Mitchell, mezzo-sopranos Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; And after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. St. Anselm of Lucca (1080) THE GIFT OF THE WORD SCRIPTURE Luke 1:46-55 (The Magnificat) Amelia Becker *HYMN 123 Mary, Woman of the Promise Quem Pastores (Children and teachers may leave for their Church School classes.) SERMON There s Something about Mary Nancy S. Taylor 2
*HYMN Sing We a Song of High Revolt Veni Emmanuel Sing we a song of high revolt, Make great the Lord, God s name exalt! Sing we the words of Mary s song, Of God at war with human wrong. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Magnificat anima mea Dominum* Sing we of One who deeply cares, Who still with us our burden shares One who with strength the proud disowns, Pulls down the mighty from their thrones. Refrain By God the poor are lifted up, God satisfies with bread and cup The hungry ones of many lands; The rich must go with empty hands. Refrain God calls us to revolt and fight, With Christ for what is just and right To sing and live Magnificat In crowded street and empty lot. Refrain *This Latin phrase is the first line of the Magnificat, the song that Mary sings in Luke 1:46-55. In English, it is My soul magnifies the Lord. 3
*CALL TO PRAYER Elizabeth Myer Boulton 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.) PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND PASTORAL PRAYER Lent is a time set aside by the church to confess our brokenness as individuals and as a community. During this time of prayer, the leader will say, Lord, have mercy. The congregation will respond in song, Christ have mercy upon us. One: Lord, have mercy. Many: 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 Magnificat, op. 18, #10 Marcel Dupré OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS CALL TO THE OFFERING Jack Davidson Our special offering today, One Great Hour of Sharing, supports international programs for building sustainable communities, welcoming refugees and reconstructing lives following disasters. Any offering placed in the provided envelopes or marked OGHS will be gathered together with offerings received today across ten other denominations and funneled through Church World Service to its mission partners around the world. 4
OFFERTORY ANTHEM Ave Maria Franck, arr. Harry L. Huff Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen. from the Gospel of Luke *SONG OF PRAISE Old Hundredth Praise God whose many names abound, Our Judge, our Rock, our Holy Ground. Our Home, our All, earth s Majesty Love, Spirit, Light and Mystery. Amen. Nancy S. Taylor *PRAYER OF DEDICATION *HYMN 11 Bring Many Names Westchase *BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION Nancy S. Taylor POSTLUDE Ave Maris Stella, op. 18, #9 Marcel Dupré 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. 5
The Splendor of the Symphonic Organ The 1921 E.M. Skinner Organ of Old South Church in Boston, Copley Square Romanticism & Exoticism Works by Creston, Franck, Howells, Mussorgsky, Puccini, Rachimaninov, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Wyton Harry Lyn Huff and George Sargeant, organ Sam Ou, cello Sunday, April 10, 2011 2:00 pm Free Admission *This is the final opportunity to hear the organ in concert before it is removed for restoration of the church s East Wall. 6
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 Reader this morning, Amelia Becker, is a member of the Youth Group and frequently carries the church s celebratory hypno twister during worship. Today s flowers 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 Gabrielle Weiler. For those who opted to pick up their monthly newsletter in church, copies of the April Newsletter are available in the rear of the Sanctuary. 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 Minister for Discipleship Liz Myer Boulton at (617) 536-1970 or <ejmyer@oldsouth.org>. Audio of the service is available 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>. 7
NOTES ON TODAY S MUSIC Since medieval times the 4 th Sunday of Lent has been observed as Mothering Sunday. In Roman religion the Hilaria festival was held in honor of the mother goddess Cybele and it took place during mid-march. As the Roman Empire and Europe converted to Christianity, this celebration became part of the liturgical calendar as Laetare Sunday, the 4 th Sunday of Lent to honor the Virgin Mary and the mother church. During the 16 th -century, people returned to their mother church or the nearest cathedral for a service held on Laetare Sunday. Anyone who did this was commonly said to have gone a-mothering. On this Mothering Sunday we take occasion to honor Mary, the most celebrated mother of all time. For centuries she has been venerated through music, art and literature. The medieval hymns Salve Regina and Ave Maria have been set by composers throughout the world. The first anthem is a two-part motet setting of Salve Regina by the Italian master Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643); the offertory anthem is an exquisite setting of the Ave Maria text by Belgian composer César Franck (1822-1890). In it one can hear his favored use of the canon. Mary has been addressed by a myriad of titles, including Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Ransom, and Star of the Sea (as evidenced in today s organ postlude, Ave Maris Stella ). The organ prelude, prayer response and postlude are each from the pen of masters of the Parisian symphonic school of organ composition. Franck was titular organist at the Basilica of St. Clotilde from 1858 until his death; Marcel Dupré (1886-1971) was titular organist at St. Sulpice from 1934 until his death. Both churches possessed instruments built by the great 19 th -century mechanical innovator and organ designer Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, who created instruments of great power, brilliance and lush orchestral color. The organs of Ernest M. Skinner in this country are the legacy of such instruments, making Old South s op. 308 the perfect vehicle to present the works of Franck and Dupré. 8 Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music
CALENDAR Fourth Sunday of Lent Sunday, April 3 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 9:45 am Lenten Series: Grow 10:00 am Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Nancy S. Taylor preaching 12:30 pm Lenten Series: Grow 6:00 pm West of Boston Potluck (off site) Monday, April 4 11:00 am Retired and Ready Group 5:45 pm Operations Committee 6:00 pm Music Committee 6:00 pm Theological Book Group 7:00 pm Christian Service and Outreach Committee Tuesday, April 5 5:30 pm Handbell Rehearsal 6:00 pm Christian Education Committee Wednesday, April 6 7:00 pm Berklee Chamber Music Concert Thursday, April 7 6:00 pm JAZZ Worship 6:30 pm OSC Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Jazz Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm Disciple Bible Study 7:15 pm YAG Pub Club Friday, April 8 6:30 pm North of Boston Potluck (off site) Saturday, April 9 2:00 pm Boston Children s Chorus Concert Fifth Sunday of Lent Sunday, April 10 9:00 am FIRST Worship 9:45 am Old South Café in Gordon Chapel 9:45 am Lenten Series: Grow 10:00 am HEALING Worship 10:00 am Bible Study 11:00 am FESTIVAL Worship, Quinn G. Caldwell preaching 12:30 pm Lenten Series: Grow 12:30 pm LGBTF Lunch 2:00 pm Old South Church Organ Concert The Splendor of the Symphonic Organ: Romanticism & Exoticism 9
OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister Quinn G. Caldwell, Associate Minister Elizabeth Myer Boulton, Minister for Discipleship Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music James W. Crawford, Senior Minister Emeritus Brent Damrow, Acting Executive Assistant Minister Donald A. Wells, Theologian in Residence Calvin Genzel, Wedding Outreach Minister Janet Butler, Wedding Coordinator Jack Davidson, Field Education Intern Ken Orth, Healing Worship Minister Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director Catherine Allard, Youth Group Leader Carolyn Davis, Director, Old South Preschool Lois Corman, Project Coordinator George Sargeant, Associate Organist & Choirmaster Matthew Myer Boulton, Choir Director, First Worship Willie Sordillo, Jazz Worship Music Coordinator Peter Coulombe, Director, Old South Ringers Amy Budka, Children s Music Director Will Palmer, Chime Choir Director 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. 10
Corner of Boylston & Dartmouth Streets at the Copley T SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS April 3, 2011 (617) 536-1970 www.oldsouth.org TODAY S GATHERINGS (For Church School see Shaping Up ) SPECIAL OFFERING ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING HARING: This special mission offering of the United Church of Christ supports programs internationally for building sustainable communities, welcoming refugees and reconstructing lives following disasters. To give securely online, visit <www.oldsouth.org/online-giving>. FIRST WORSHIP CHOIR REHEARSAL EHEARSAL: Sundays at 8:30 am in the Gordon Chapel. Under the direction of Matthew Myer Boulton, the choir provides music for 9 am First Worship no experience necessary! LENTEN SERIES ERIES: : GROWG ROW: 9:45-10:45 am or 12:30-1:30 pm in Mary Norton Hall. We will meet for discussion, reflection, inspiration, and fellowship. Light refreshments will be offered. BIBLE STUDY TUDY: 10 am in the Sam Johnson Room. Prepare to experience worship more deeply by studying and reflecting on the preaching text(s) for the day. Led by members and Old South clergy. WEST OF BOSTON POTLUCK OTLUCK: 6 pm in Wellesley. The inaugural gathering of the West of Boston Potluck will meet at the home of Lisa and Peter Henderson in Wellesley. Bring your family and a dish to share for six. For more information, e-mail Wayne and Vicki Boulton at <boultons2@yahoo.com>. LOOKING UP (WORSHIP) FIRST WORSHIP ORSHIP: Sundays at 9 am in the Gordon Chapel with communion. In the intimacy of the Gordon Chapel we turn our attention to God in an informal service of word and sacrament. Led by Rev. Elizabeth Myer Boulton and Choir Director Matthew Myer Boulton. FESTIVAL WORSHIP ORSHIP: Sundays at 11 am in the Sanctuary. Gathered in Old South s grand Sanctuary, our worship is inspired by the Old South Choir and the E.M. Skinner organ. Led by Revs. Nancy Taylor, Quinn Caldwell, and Elizabeth Myer Boulton and Minister of Music Harry Huff. JAZZ WORSHIP ORSHIP: Thursdays at 6 pm in the Gordon Chapel, with weekly communion. 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, Associate Minister Quinn Caldwell, 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, April 10 at 10 am in the Children s Chapel. Tap into God s healing love with a gentle service of prayers and reflection led by the Rev. Ken Orth, a pastoral counselor and spiritual director. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM APTISM: Those seeking Christian baptism for themselves or their children may contact any one of Old South s ministers at (617) 536-1970. PALM & MARATHONM SUNDAY UNDAY: April 17 at 9 am FIRST Worship and 11 am FESTIVAL Worship. Mark Jesus triumphant entrance into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week with a grand procession and the waving of palms. And as a prelude to the Boston Marathon both services will feature a Blessing of the Athletes, a traditional act of blessing in which we ask that the athletes be kept safe from harm or injury, exercise respect for each other, and find the stamina to endure the competition. All athletes are welcome. EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS ONATIONS: Contributions in honor or memory of loved ones and special events are being accepted for the display of tulips and lilies on the chancel for Easter Sunday. The cost is $15. Cards are available at the Front Desk and may be returned to the attention of Helen McCrady. You may also fill out a card and make payment online. Visit <www.oldsouth.org/online-giving>. The deadline is Sunday, April 17. MUSIC AT OLD SOUTH THE SPLENDOR OF THE SYMPHONIC ORGAN CONCERT ONCERT: Sunday, April 10 at 2 pm. Hear the magnificence of Old South Church s 1921 E.M. Skinner organ, with its 6,950 pipes, in the grandeur of the Sanctuary. Join OSC organists Harry Lyn Huff and George Sargeant, and cellist Sam Ou, for The Splendor of the Symphonic Organ: Romanticism & Exoticism. The afternoon includes works by Creston, Franck, Howells, Mussorgsky, Puccini, Rachimaninov, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Wyton. Free and open to the public.
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP AGING: There it is right in the middle of the Ten Commandments. The aged are not to be dismissed or ignored, but honored. At the same time, our Lenten study guide, Mudhouse Sabbath, reminds us that a person is expected to shape the last years of one s life with intention. Aging well requires community. I celebrate the Old South community, open to all, no matter who we are or where we are on life s journey. The discipline of holy stewardship is so necessary to sustain this blessed open and affirming community. Our gifts make a difference. Diana Strange for the Stewardship Committee WELCOMING IN PALM SUNDAY BREAKFAST REAKFAST: Sunday, April 17 from 9:45-10:45 am. Come to church early and hungry on Palm Sunday! We will gather in Mary Norton Hall and break bread together at our traditional breakfast which marks Jesus entry into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week. SHAPING UP (SPIRITUALITY & STUDY) LENTEN SERIES ERIES: : GROWG ROW: Sundays through April 10 from 9:45-10:45 am or 12:30-1:30 pm. This Lent we continue to read Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren F. Winner. RSVP by Thursday each week to <reception@oldsouth.org>. Childcare and children s programming are available for the 9:45 am session. Childcare is available upon request for the 12:30 pm session. E-mail Tricia Hazeltine at <churchschool@oldsouth.org>. BIBLE STUDY TUDY: Sundays at 10 am in the Sam Johnson Room. Prepare to experience worship more deeply by studying and reflecting on the preaching text(s) for the day. Led by members and Old South clergy. CHURCH SCHOOL CHOOL: Church School offerings include classes during both Sunday worship services; informal 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, Gospel Group and vocal and percussion opportunities. Infant, toddler and preschool care is provided from 8:30 am - 12:15 pm. For more information, contact Tricia Hazeltine at <churchschool@oldsouth.org> or (617) 536-1970. THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP ROUP: Mondays beginning April 25 at 6 pm in the Sam Johnson Room. Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived: Millions of Christians have struggled with how to reconcile God s love and God s judgment. Author, pastor, and innovative teacher Rob Bell presents a deeply biblical vision for rediscovering a richer, grander, truer, and more spiritually satisfying way of understanding heaven, hell, God, Jesus, salvation, and repentance. The result is the discovery that the good news is much, much better than we ever imagined. DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY TUDY: : INVITATIONI TO JOHN OHN: Thursdays, April 28 - June 30 at 7 pm. Over the course of ten weeks, this high-commitment Bible study will lead you through the strangest and many would say most beautiful of the Gospels. Who is the disciple whom Jesus loved? What is the Logos? Why is the Wedding at Cana only in John and not the other Gospels? What are the I Am sayings? And most important of all, how could reading this book make you believe in God? The ability to attend at least eight of ten sessions is required. To RSVP, contact Rory Razon at <roryrazon@yahoo.com>. MEETING UP RETIRED AND READY EADY: Monday, April 4 at 11 am. We will meet with Senior Church Administrator Helen McCrady and Anne Meyerson, Director, YMCA Training, Inc., on upcoming volunteer opportunities. Please bring $5 to offset the cost of lunch. To RSVP, e-mail Charlotte Simpson at <SimpsonCha@aol.com>. NORTH OF BOSTON POTLUCK OTLUCK: Friday, April 8 at 6:30 pm in Medford. The group will gather at the home of Karen Hawthorne in Medford. Please bring food for six people and a beverage. (You need not live north of Boston to join us!) For more information or to RSVP, e-mail <northofboston@oldsouth.org>. LGBT & FRIENDS F LUNCH UNCH: Sunday, April 10 at 12:30 pm. We will participate in Transgender Faith Action Week by joining other faith communities around the Commonwealth in advocating for its passage of pending transgender equality legislation. All are welcome. For more information, e-mail Rory Razon at <roryrazon@yahoo.com>. CARITAS DINNER GROUP ROUP: Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 pm in the Back Bay. Caritas offers an opportunity to meet for a meal and fellowship in the downtown vicinity. Space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail Mark Schueppert at <mschueppert@jri.org>. REACHING OUT ROLLING FOOD DRIVE RIVE: This month we are collecting canned soup to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Place your donation in the basket under the greeter table in the stone entryway. PRISON BOOK PROGRAM VOLUNTEER DAY AY: Saturday, April 16 from 10 am - 1 pm in Quincy. Help the Prison Book Program select, pack, and ship free books in response to prisoners requests. Old South will send a team to Prison Book s facility in the United First Parish Church in Quincy, just a block from the Quincy Center red line station. Kids can help too but let us know you re coming. If you prefer to leave from Old South rather than go directly to Quincy, please also indicate this when you sign up. To RSVP, e-mail <reception@oldsouth.org>.