Order of Worship - Old South Church

March 24, 2013
Palm 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
Lift Up Your Heads
Alexandre Guilmant
The Palms
Jean-Baptiste Fauré
James Giessler, tenor
O’er all the way, green palms and blossoms gay
Are strewn this day in festal preparation;
Where Jesus comes to wipe our tears away,
E’en now the throng to welcome Him, prepare;
Join all and sing, his name declare
Let ev’ry voice resound in acclamation.
Hosanna! Praise ye the Lord!
Bless Him who cometh to bring us salvation!
* Indicates all who are able may stand
Sing and rejoice, O blest Jerusalem,
Of all thy sons sing the emancipation.
Through boundless love the Christ of Bethlehem
Brings faith and hope to Thee forevermore.
PROCESSIONAL
Canticle of Praise
Arnold Sherman
Old South Ringers
INTROIT
Lift Up Your Heads from Messiah
G.F. Handel
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors,
and the King of Glory shall come in! Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads,
O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in!
Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.
—Psalms 68:18
*HYMN
All Glory, Laud and Honor (vv 1-2)
St. Theodulph
We invite you to enter into the spirit of the day by waving your palm as you sing.
Refrain: All glory, laud, and honor to you, O Christ, we sing,
To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!
O Promised One of Israel, of David’s royal line,
The one called “God’s beloved,” of flesh and yet divine.
Refrain
The people of the Hebrews with palms adorned your way;
Our praise and prayer and anthems we offer you this day.
Refrain
*THE PALM SUNDAY GOSPEL
Mark 11:1-10, adapted
John M. Edgerton
One:
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany,
near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to
them:
Many:
Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it,
you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it
and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?”
just say this:
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One:
Many:
One:
Many:
*HYMN
“The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.”
They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the
street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to
them “What are you doing, untying the colt?”
They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take
it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it;
and he sat on it.
Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread
leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who
went ahead and those who followed were shouting ...
All Glory, Laud and Honor (vv 3-4)
St. Theodulph
Refrain: All glory, laud, and honor to you, O Christ, we sing,
To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!
To you, before your passion, they sang their hymns of praise;
To you, now high exalted, our melody we raise.
Refrain
As you received their praises, receive our prayers today,
Whose justice and whose mercy and sovereignty hold sway.
Refrain
WORDS OF WELCOME
ANTHEM
Nancy S. Taylor
Lift Your Voices, Wave the Palms
Stan Pethel
The Children’s Choir; Linda O’Donnell, director
Lift your voices, wave the palms, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Sing God’s praises loud and long, Hosanna, we sing!
To the King of Glory coming triumphantly into Jerusalem;
To the Lamb most holy riding in majesty for all the world to see.
Lift your voices, wave the palms, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Sing God’s praises loud and long, Hosanna, we sing!
Praises to our Savior, bringing salvation free, come join us one and all.
Christ is our Redeemer for all eternity, now at His feet we fall.
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Let the children join the song, let the old and young come along;
For to Christ we all belong, sing Hosanna!
Lift your voices, wave the palms, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Sing God’s praises loud and long, Hosanna, we sing!
Lift up your voice and sing, Hosanna we sing!
—Stan Pethel
THE GIFT OF THE WORD
SCRIPTURE
*HYMN
Luke 19:37-44
Ride On! Ride On in Majesty
Deb Washington
The King’s Majesty
(Children and teachers may leave for Church School classes.)
SERMON
John M. Edgerton
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*HYMN
My Song Is Love Unknown
Love Unknown
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
*CALL TO PRAYER
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.)
Maggie Lowe
ANTIPHON
Harry L. Huff
Christ Has Humbled Himself
The Choir will sing the antiphon once, then the congregation.
–Philippians 2:8
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PRAYERS OF CONFESSION, INTERCESSION AND SILENT PRAYER
ANTIPHON
Christ Has Humbled Himself
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
Dies Irae
Michael Glasgow
Chad Parker, alto saxophone; Sam Ou, cello; Old South Ringers
OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS
CALL TO THE OFFERING
Nancy S. Taylor
In thanksgiving to God and giving witness to generous hearts,
our financial gifts support ministries of mercy and justice.
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Christus factus est
Anton Bruckner
Christ became obedient for us unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also
hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name which is above every name.
—Philippians 2:8-9
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
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*HYMN 198
Lift High the Cross
*BIDDING TO MISSION AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
Crucifer
John M. Edgerton
Prelude in C Minor, BWV 546
J.S. Bach
Today, following the Postlude, those interested in a tour of the Sanctuary
are invited to meet docent Dick Yeo at the front of the Sanctuary.
HOLY WEEK
Maundy Thursday Worship ~ March 28, 6 pm & 8 pm
Commemorate the events of the Last Supper in a service of lessons and hymns
accompanied by the encroaching darkness. The Willie Sordillo Trio will blend
rhythmic jazz with the classic harmony of the Old South Choir.
Good Friday Worship ~ March 29, 12 pm & 6 pm
A service of gentle song, prayer, silence and scripture
on the most somber day of the Christian calendar.
Stations of the City Walk ~ March 29, 3:15 pm
Join us as we walk the stations of the city with our sisters and brothers
from neighboring churches. Begins at Trinity Church.
Easter Sunday Festival Worship
March 31, 9 am & 11 am identical services
Preludes begin 25 minutes before worship time.
The triumph of the Christian story of resurrection informs a service of worship that is
characterized by thunderous celebration. Trumpet and organ, voice and timpani combine to
bring us to the tomb, to peer inside, discover it is empty and give God wild thanksgiving for
the gift of everlasting life. Both services will include an ASL Interpreter and feature
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congregational singing of the “Hallelujah Chorus”. Childcare is available.
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.
Today’s Scripture Reader, Deb Washington, serves on the Faith at the Crossroads Task
Force of our Vision and the Christian Service and Outreach Committee.
Today’s ASL Interpreter is Old South Church member Chris Breen.
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, scheduled next for March 25. 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 [email protected].
“Like” us: Facebook.com/OldSouthChurch.
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NOTES ON TODAY’S MUSIC
Today is Palm Sunday, the Christian Church’s annual reenactment of Christ’s triumphal
entry into Jerusalem – a paradoxical prologue to the events culminating in his Passion
and Crucifixion. The hymn “All Glory, Laud and Honor” is above all others associated
with this festival. Theodulph, Bishop of Orleans, is said to have written the text while
imprisoned in the early 9th century for an alleged role in a plot to overthrow King Louis
I of France. Legend has it that he was inspired to compose the hymn as a Palm Sunday
procession passed his dungeon window; upon hearing Theodulph’s singing of the hymn
to the assembled congregation, the king freed him at once. Its ritual use throughout
Europe has been in connection with processions with palms; in Hereford, Tours and
Rouen, it was sung at the gates of the town; elsewhere at the church door, with choir
and congregation singing the refrain antiphonally. For over three centuries this beloved
text has been paired with Michael Teschner’s 1615 tune, Valet will ich dir geben, or St.
Theodulph.
The prelude begins with a majestic Romantic organ fantasia based on Handel’s “Lift up
Your Heads” by French organist Alexandre Guilmant (1837-1911). The prelude will
also feature the singing of another musical work long associated with Palm Sunday.
Jean-Baptiste Fauré (1830-1914) was a celebrated French opera singer and composer.
His “Les Rameaux” (The Palms) was recorded by Enrico Caruso, but owes its great
popularity in this country to the perennial singing of it by the great African American
baritone Harry T. Burleigh, who for 50 years was soloist at New York City’s St.
George’s Episcopal Church. It was said to have been a frequent request of J.P. Morgan,
Senior Warden of the church.
The music for the first procession consists of a bell fanfare from the Old South Ringers
which incorporates the hymn-tune Ellacombe (“Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”). The choral
introit is “Lift up Your Heads, O Ye Gates,” a setting of Psalm 24:7-10, from Handel’s
immortal oratorio, Messiah. It is crafted in the form of a French overture, a musical
device used in the Baroque era to signify royalty – a fitting soundtrack for a King to
enter the Holy City! Following the grand procession with palms, The Children’s Choir
sings their praise with an antiphonal Hosanna.
Midway through the service the mood dramatically shifts from one of almost carnival
atmosphere to the gloom which faces us as we enter Holy Week. The prayer response,
“Dies Irae,” intertwines the somber plainchants Stabat Mater Dolorosa and Dies Irae
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with Passion Chorale (“O Sacred Head Now Wounded”). The offertory anthem,
“Christus factus est” is a powerful a cappella motet by Austrian composer Anton
Bruckner (1824-1896), written to be sung on Maundy Thursday, and dedicated to Father
Otto Loidol of the Benedictine Monastery of Kremsmünster.
The postlude provides a fitting overture to the pathos of the coming week, with its
crashing chords, excruciating chromaticism, and keening “seufzers”. “Seufzer,” the
German word for “sigh,” is a two-note, strong-weak figure, which was used throughout
Bach’s compositions as a motive of grief. The relentless ascending half-note theme
represents the agonizing march up to Calvary.
As we cheer on the arrival of the Messiah with shouts of “hosanna” and confetti, we are
mindful of the long, dark journey into despair in this coming Holy Week, yet we are
confident of the return of Spring in our hearts as Christ is once again resurrected on
Easter.
—Harry L. Huff , Minister of Music
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CALENDAR
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 24
Monday, March 25
Tuesday, March 26
Wednesday, March 27
Thursday, March 28
Friday, March 29
Saturday, March 30
Easter Sunday
Sunday, March 31
Monday, April 1
Tuesday, April 2
Wednesday, April 3
Thursday, April 4
9:00 am
9:45 am
9:45 am
11:00 am
12:15 pm
12:30 pm
6:00 pm
8:00 am
5:45 pm
6:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
5:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
6:00 pm
8:00 pm
12:00 pm
3:15 pm
6:00 pm
10:00 am
FIRST Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching
Old South Café in Gordon Chapel
All Church Breakfast
FESTIVAL Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching
Fellowship Hour in Gordon Chapel
Bagels and the Bible
EVENING Worship, reflection by Alliea Groupp
Vision Working Group
Operations Committee
Connections Class
Theological Book Group
Membership Committee
Old South Ringers Rehearsal
Deacons
Wednesday Prayers (Dinner at 6 pm)
Maundy Thursday Service
Maundy Thursday Service
Good Friday Service
Stations of the City Walk (Trinity Church)
Good Friday Service
Old South Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am
10:15 am
11:00 am
12:15 pm
6:00 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
6:00 pm
12:00 pm
7:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
EASTER FESTIVAL Worship
Fellowship Hour on second floor
EASTER FESTIVAL Worship
Fellowship Hour on second floor
Theological Book Group
Old South Ringers Rehearsal
Stewardship Committee
Christian Education Committee
Retired and Ready, MA Historical Society
Wednesday Prayers
JAZZ Worship, John M. Edgerton preaching
Font and Table Class
Disciple Bible Study
Caritas Dinner, Back Bay
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OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON
MINISTERS, OFFICERS AND STAFF
Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister
John M. Edgerton, Associate Minister Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music
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 Maggie Lowe, Seminary 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
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.
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(617) 536-1970
www.oldsouth.org
Have you “Liked” us yet? 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.
ALL CHURCH BREAKFAST: 9:45 - 10:45 am. On Palm Sunday, break bread together at our traditional
gathering with breakfast casseroles, bagels, muffins, and fresh fruit platters. All are welcome.
MARCH BIRTHDAYS: 12:15 pm. Join members and friends for Old South’s monthly celebration of
birthdays during Fellowship Hour. We will celebrate all those who are March-born.
BAGELS AND THE BIBLE: 12:30 pm. Join the Sanctuary in the City Task Force for a no-commitment,
homework-free discussion on that Sunday morning’s Bible passage.
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 and Seminary Intern Maggie Lowe.
FESTIVAL WORSHIP: 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.
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 the members of Old South Church.
JAZZ WORSHIP: Thursdays, 6 pm. The Willie Sordillo Trio, Rev. John Edgerton, Pastoral Fellow Shawn
Fiedler, 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: Sunday, April 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.
WEDNESDAY PRAYERS: Wednesdays, 7 pm. Join Old South Church’s Sanctuary in the City Task Force for a
time of reflection, meditation, and prayer. We will share in a simple meal together at 6 pm on March 27.
[email protected]
EASTER FLOWERS: Contributions for the display of tulips and lilies for Easter Sunday are now being accepted.
The cost is $15. Visit oldsouth.org/online-giving to submit your message and make payment. Cards are available in
your bulletin and may be returned to the attention of Helen McCrady. The deadline is TODAY.
SUNDAY FLOWERS: The Sunday Flower Calendar for 2013 is up in the first floor elevator lobby. The cost is
$50. Put your name by the date you want and send the message you wish to appear in the bulletin to
[email protected]. Please note that more than one person can sign up for any one Sunday.
MAUNDY THURSDAY: March 28, 6 pm and 8 pm. Commemorate the events of the Last Supper in a service of
lessons and hymns accompanied by the encroaching darkness. The Willie Sordillo Trio will blend rhythmic jazz
with the classic harmony of the Old South Choir.
GOOD FRIDAY: March 29, 12 pm and 6 pm. A service of gentle song, prayer, silence and scripture on the most
somber day of the Christian calendar.
EASTER FESTIVAL WORSHIP: March 31, 9 am and 11 am identical services. Preludes begin 25 minutes
before worship time. The triumph of the Christian story of resurrection informs a service of worship that is
characterized by thunderous celebration. Both services will include an ASL Interpreter and feature congregational
singing of the “Hallelujah Chorus”. Childcare is available.
During Holy Week we reflect upon the transition from life to death and from death to life again, celebrated in the
glory that is Easter. In this season, the Planned Giving Committee invites you to reflect upon the ways you can
continue to love and support the mission of Old South Church even after you have left this life. Please join us for a
special presentation on April 7 at 9:45 am on how easy it is to create a will. Whether you have significant means or
very little, whether you are young or old, whether you have many family members or none at all, specifying a legacy
gift to Old South Church can give meaning to your life every day that you’re here on earth and well beyond. Come
and learn how easy it is to live on with Old South.
RETIRED AND READY: Wednesday, April 3, 12 pm. We will meet at the MA Historical Society for “Mourning
Lincoln: Shock, Sorrow, Anger, and Glee in the archives.” Free admission. We will then have lunch at a
neighboring restaurant. RSVP to [email protected].
CARITAS POTLUCK: Thursday, April 4, 7 pm, Back Bay. Caritas offers an opportunity to meet for a meal and
fellowship, and is a great way for people who are new to Old South to meet others in the church. To receive
directions, RSVP to [email protected].
NORTH OF 35: Friday, April 5, 6 pm. We will meet at 450 Harrison Ave to tour The South End Open Studios
together. Optional dinner to follow in the South End. Then on Saturday, April 6, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, bring the
kids for a brunch potluck in the South End. To RSVP for either event, email [email protected].
BOSTON CONSERVATORY WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT: Friday, April 5, 8 pm. A free concert featuring
students from Boston Conservatory. For more information, visit bostonconservatory.edu/music/ensembles.
BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC CONCERT: Wednesday, April 17, 7 pm. Berklee student composers
present a concert of original classical chamber music. Free admission.
MUSIC OF RESURRECTION CONCERT: Sunday, April 21, 2 pm. A free concert featuring selections by
Franck, King, and Widor performed by Minister of Music Harry Huff and Associate Organist George Sargeant.
ROLLING FOOD DRIVE: We are collecting cereal to benefit the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Donation
baskets in stone entryway of the church.
MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISING: Next month and in June, Old South Church will send two groups of
missionaries to New Orleans to work with the St. Bernard Project on rebuilding one family’s home. This year is
unique in that Old South Church will also fund $20,000 of the material costs. To give, visit missions.oldsouth.org.
CONNECTIONS CLASS: March 25, 6 - 9 pm. Interested in becoming a member? This class invites you to
explore Christianity, the United Church of Christ (our denomination), our rich history, and offerings, and to
consider your own place at Old South Church. RSVP to [email protected].
THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP: Mondays, 6 pm. Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of
Revelation by Elaine Pagels. Led by Theologian in Residence Donald Wells. [email protected]
CHILDREN AND YOUTH: The Old South Church School offers programming for children, infant through
high school. Infant, toddler, and preschool care is offered 8:30 am - 12:15 pm. Elementary aged children are
invited to a multi-age class during First Worship. Graded classes (through seventh grade) and a Confirmation Class
(for eighth through tenth graders) are offered during Festival Worship. A variety of enrichment activities are
available between services. The High School Youth Group meets at 9:45 am. [email protected]
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY & BREAKING (GOOD) NEWS: On hiatus through Easter. Resume
Sunday, April 7, 10 am.
BAGELS AND THE BIBLE: Second & fourth Sundays, 12:30 pm. Join the Sanctuary in the City Task Force for
a no-commitment, homework-free discussion on that Sunday morning’s Bible passage. [email protected]