March
2008
at
Old South

Special Music Sunday
Sunday, March 9th during the 11 am worship service

On Sunday, March 9, during the 11 am worship service, the Old South Choir will present Had I but Pinions of a Dove, a series of Lenten meditations with music by Gabriel Fauré, Chris DeBlasio, Calvin Hampton, Kevin Oldham and McNeil Robinson. The late nineteenth-century French composer Fauré, who is perhaps best known for his beloved Requiem, will be represented by his charming Pavane, op. 50, and by the choral morning invocation, "Cantique de Jean Racine."

The centerpiece of the program will be Chris DeBlasio's The Best-Beloved (four motets on Jacobean Poems). DeBlasio (1959-1993) was a New York City composer who wrote theater songs of dark humor and sacred music of soaring beauty. Toward the end of his life, he turned his efforts from music to AIDS activism. For this change there is no better explanation than his own question, "What use is art when people are dying?" The Best-Beloved, the culmination of his return to musical composition, provides an imperfect answer. It epitomizes his style: accessible but never trite, affecting without being sentimental, melodic, and harmonically rewarding. DeBlasio chose as his texts Jacobean poetry-works written during the reign of James I of England, 1603-1625-that uses love as a metaphor for spiritual faith. The essence of the art and imagery in these selections is their sublimation to the divine of the most secular of emotions and experiences. The four motet texts are Psalm 63 (in the King James' version) and poems by John Donne, William Drummond and Francis Quarles.

Two other New York City composers who died due to complications from the AIDS virus will be represented: Calvin Hampton (1938-1984), by his poignant setting of the well-known hymn text, "There's a wideness in God's mercy," and Kevin Oldham (1960-1993), by his setting of Psalm 130, "Out of the depths have I cried to thee." The final anthem offered by the choir will be the eponymous "Had I but pinions of a dove," an exquisite setting of Psalm 55:6-8 by McNeil Robinson, who is organist at Park Avenue Christian Church and Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City.

Mark Burrows, poet and OSC Theologian-in-Residence, has collaborated in providing the readings to frame and illuminate the music. The service will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra of Harvard students, with George Sargeant at the organ.
                                                    -Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music

WORSHIP Sundays at 11 am

March 2nd    Fourth Sunday in Lent                Nancy S. Taylor preaching
            ASL Interpreter
March 9th    Fifth Sunday in Lent and Special Music Sunday    Nancy S. Taylor, reflection
March  16th    Palm Sunday                        Quinn G. Caldwell preaching
            Music from the Old South Ringers and the Children's Chime Choir
            ASL Interpreter
March 23rd    Easter Sunday Festival Worship at 9 and 11 am with music for brass, timpani, organ             and choir                        Nancy S. Taylor preaching
            Hallelujah Chorus for choir and congregation v ASL Interpreter
March 30th    First Sunday after Easter    James W. Crawford, Senior Minister Emeritus, preaching

Special Holy Week Services
Thursday, March 20th    Tenebrae: Service of Shadows at 6 pm in the Gordon Chapel
    ASL Interpreter
Friday, March 21st    Good Friday Service at 12 noon in the Gordon Chapel
    Stations of the City walk at 3 pm in front of Trinity Church

THE SACRAMENT of BAPTISM
Sunday, April 20th during the 11 am service

Those seeking Christian baptism should contact Nancy Taylor at 617/536-1970.


HEALING PRAYER SERVICE
Sunday, March 9th at 10 am in the Tower Room

All are welcome to this time of prayer and reflection upon God's healing power as we "practice the presence of God" and seek the healing and hope needed for ourselves, each other, our community, and for the world in which we live. For more information, contact Ken Orth at <ken.orth@comcast.net>
781/643-1112.

EASTER LILIES AND TULIPS
Donations for the Easter display of lilies and tulips in honor or memory of loved ones and events will be accepted through March 16. The cost is $15. Cards will be available at the Front Desk and are included in this Calendar. If you have questions, contact Helen McCrady at 617/425-5145.

ONE GREAT HOUR of SHARING
Sunday, March 2nd
One Great Hour of Sharing is the special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that channels resources to international programs for sustainable development, emergency relief, social services, and refugee advocacy and resettlement. OGHS also supports ministries both domestically and internationally for disaster preparedness and response. Ninety-five cents of every dollar goes directly to mission efforts. Old South will join churches from the UCC and seven other denominations in this special offering on Sunday, March 2. A special envelope is included in this Calendar. Give generously to support our brothers and sisters across the world.


LEARNING

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Sundays at 9:45 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 Old South clergy.
LENTEN SERIES, SAVING JESUS, CONTINUES
Sundays, March 2nd and 9th immediately following 11 am worship

Join us for the last two sessions of our five-part Lenten series, Saving Jesus-a highly successful, sophisticated video small group exploration of progressive Christianity featuring premier religious voices of our day.
Childcare is available upon request. You must reserve childcare by the Tuesday preceding each Sunday during the Lenten Series. Contact Tricia Hazeltine at 617/425-5148.

THEOLOGICAL BOOK GROUP
Mondays beginning March 17th at 6 pm in the Sam Johnson Room

Worthy to Raise Issues by James W. Crawford
Rev. Jim Crawford was Senior Minister of Old South Church in Boston for 28 years; by all accounts, he preached any number of remarkable sermons during that time. Included in this collection are some of his very best. Come join us as we delve into the thinking and preaching of one of our own! Books and reading schedules are available at the Front Desk for $13. Please be in touch with Associate Minister Quinn Caldwell if this cost is prohibitive for you.



HEARD IT at COUNCIL
February 12, 2008

Transition to the new Council administration occurred smoothly as a nice blend of about ten new members joined continuing members around the tables on this first Council gathering after Old South's 338th Annual Meeting. After new Moderator Wayne Davis convened the meeting, a "getting to know you" session was devoted to individual members sharing a bit about themselves in three quick trips around the table: first, each person's background in church and at Old South; second, what each person spends a typical day doing; and finally, what one thing each thanks God for. It was a interesting and revealing way to learn about our fellow Council members.

As another way to lay a foundation for Council's proceedings, Finance Chair Larry Bowers (former chair of the By-Laws Committee) gave Council a quick primer on what the current Old South By-Laws (adopted at the 2002 Annual Meeting) are all about. He described Old South's basic form of church government as "congregational" in that it holds its authority and finances within the congregation itself and not to some higher authority, such as to a Bishop, regional council, or to a higher body of elders. From our congregation are voted three main bodies with distinctly separate responsibilities: the Board of Ministers and Deacons who oversee all issues of worship, the Board of Trustees who oversee the property of the church and all of its endowment funds, and finally, the Council, a gathering of officers, committee chairs, and elected members a) who coordinate and communicate about the activities of the church, b) who create and oversee the annual operating budget, and c) who make all contracts and agreements on behalf of the church (with the exception of the Ministers, whose contracts are directly with the Congregation itself).

Larry also explained how this version of the By-Laws is much thinner than its predecessor, as much of the detail operations were relocated to a Policies and Procedures Manual, which can be more readily updated as needed (by 2/3 vote of Council or the Congregation) than the actual By-Laws themselves.

As for regular Council business highlights, Treasurer Jim Monsma is updating the information sheets on the some 20 or more restricted funds that the church keeps track of. He gave Council a brief outline of the eight biggest ones. Marcia Gregg of Christian Education reported on an upbeat Pancake Breakfast on February 10 that was opened to the whole church membership for the first time. Matt Kendell of Christian Service and Outreach told of a good start for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service event and said the committee was starting work on grants for the coming year.

Mike Hand and Harry Huff reported on putting together an upcoming special Lenten music program, coordinating events with Trinity, "dueling" Texas choirs in June, and expensive organ maintenance work that will be needed soon. Communications is looking to minimize paper delivery of the Calendar and Reporter (see survey link below), is exploring digital signage possibilities, and is making progress on the new webpage design.

On the heels of the very successful 2007 campaign, Stewardship is targeting some 90 potential Old South households who don't pledge at present and will work to convince them to do so this coming year. Finance is taking a well-deserved "hibernation" from its annual budgeting activities but will resume its calendar of budget dates soon. Lois Corman of Operations updated Council on numerous items needing repair and maintenance at the church with the Sanctuary stained glass windows being a big ticket item that will need to be done soon. A Sanctuary cleanup day is scheduled for March 15. Leadership received approval to add Janet Nolan to the Outreach Committee and Debra Bulkeley to Christian Education.

Finally in staff reports, Quinn Caldwell announced that the City Mission Society will soon open a bookstore, three days a week in the Old South basement Club Room. He circulated three new "pew" publications that the Still Speaking Writer's Group is working on (e.g. "7 Habits of Successful Churches / 7 Habits of Unsuccessful Churches"). Nancy Taylor highlighted the continuing meetings, events and repercussions that have resulted from Old South's hosting of the Sabeel conference in October. On a related note, she and Quinn will make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the week following Easter. And the Israeli Consul General will speak at Old South on the 60th anniversary of the creation of Israel in May. Finally, Old South worship attendance shows continued steady growth as the 2008 January worship totals were 75% greater than for the same period 6 years ago. Quinn closed this "first" Council meeting with a benediction that we all stretch our hearts and minds for the hurdles and challenges yet to come.

DOWNLOAD SURVEY DOC FILE. RETURN SURVEYS to HELEN McCRADY <helen@oldsouth.org>


FUN & FELLOWSHIP

TWENTYSOMETHINGS
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
Tuesdays through March 18th at 7:30 pm
Attention young adults: join Abby Henderson, Field Education Intern, for a Twentysomethings Lenten Bible Study series. All are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions, which are informal and require no prior knowledge. Beverage and snacks will be served.

LGBT & FRIENDS
LGBTF at Old South is a fellowship group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their allies. All are welcome. For more information, contact Mark Schueppert at <mschueppert@yahoo.com>.
Monthly Luncheon: Sunday, March 30th at 12:30 pm. Join us for our monthly gathering with good food and discussion. All are welcome.


TRANSITIONS
Submit Transitions material to Administrative Assistant Amy Perry at 617/425-5152 or <admin@oldsouth.org>.
Died: Long-time Old South member Gabino Martinez-Paz passed away on January 17 at age 78 surrounded by family in Puerto Rico. Gabino is survived by his wife of 45 years, Adelaida, and two sons, Diego and Ariel. Cards of condolence may be sent to the Martinez-Paz Family, 11 Park Drive, Apartment 1, Boston MA 02215.

Died: Former Old South member David A. Brown passed away on January 19 at age 47. David and his wife Mary were members from 1994-2003 after which time they moved to Hingham and transferred their membership. Cards of condolence may be sent to David's wife, Mary B. Griffin, 6 Berkley Circle, Hingham MA 02043.

Died: Long-time Old South member Jean Jackson, M.D. passed away on January 31 at age 66 after a courageous and uncomplaining three-year battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent to Old South or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston MA 02115.

Died: Ismael Perez, father of Senior Sexton Elias Perez, passed away on February 9 after a long battle with illness. Cards of condolence for Elias may be sent to Old South.

Born: The Grant Family (John, Kate and their son Quinn) welcomed a son, Cole Sebastian Grant, 8 lbs., 15 oz, on February 4 at 4:02 am.

Born: The Johnston Family (Chrissy, Tim and their son Graham) welcomed a daughter, Blakeny Ann Johnston, on January 28 at 7:11 pm.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
Sunday, March 30th during Fellowship Hour following 11 am worship
Bright light will shine from birthday candles during Fellowship hour on March 30. All members and friends of our congregation who celebrate their birthdays in March are invited to find and meet others who are March-born! We will celebrate with candles, cake and song. The Congregational Care & Support Committee hosts this monthly celebration.


NANCY AND QUINN on THE WING
After Easter Nancy Taylor and Quinn Caldwell will travel to Jerusalem for a ten-day pilgrimage entitled, "We Shall Go Up With Joy." They will stay at St. George's College, Jerusalem and encounter some of the holy places where Jesus practiced his ministry, visit sites sacred to three Abrahamic traditions, and talk with Israelis and Palestinians in their political, religious and cultural realities. The pilgrimage includes seminars, readings and time for reflection. They will travel with clergy colleagues, including Old South members Nancy Richardson and Elaine Huber.

BREAD for THE SPIRIT
Sunday, March 30th at 1 pm
Hungry for "Holy Conversation" with others at OSC? Interested in talking with others about our diverse experiences with God? You are invited to join us for conversation and discussion.

PALM SUNDAY BREAKFAST
Sunday, March 16th at 9:45 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 our start of Holy Week.


REACHING IN

CALL for SPRING HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS
We are now planning for hospitality for April though June and Old South needs YOU to become one of the more than twenty volunteers each Sunday who provide invaluable support in keeping our church warm and welcoming. We are also in need of Jazz Worship Service ushers every Thursday evening. Sign-up forms have snail mailed and e-mailed. They are also available online at www.oldsouth.org and at the Front Desk. Please return your form no later than Sunday, March 2 to ensure timely scheduling.

SANCTUARY SPRUCE-UP
Saturday, March 15th at 10 am
Roll up your sleeves for a dusting and polishing of the Sanctuary in preparation for Easter. Cleaning supplies will be provided, and we will top off our efforts with a pizza lunch. For more information, contact Lois Corman of the Operations Committee at 781/641-2059 or at <lois.corman@verizon.net>, or Helen McCrady at the church.

CALL for OLD SOUTH
BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEERS
City Mission Society, the service arm of the Metropolitan Boston Association of the UCC, is opening a bookstore at Old South. For months now, CMS volunteers have been collecting, sorting, and shelving used books in our basement Club Room. Some of the books have been sent to the Prison Book Program in Dorchester, while many of the children's books have been sent to libraries destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The rest will be sold from a bookstore in the Club Room, to be open three days per week. Proceeds will support local ministries as well as library rebuilding efforts along the Gulf Coast. CMS is looking for volunteers from Old South interested in staffing the bookstore; please be in touch with Associate Minister Quinn Caldwell if you are interested.

Last month, Old South learned from the Executors of the Estate of John Dutton that he made a bequest to Old South of $10,000.00. For that bequest, we gave thanks. We also give thanks for the life of John Dutton. John and his wife Mary joined Old South in 1959 and retained their memberships until their respective deaths. Both of the Duttons were very active at Old South, serving on committees and being of good cheer to members and friends. John's contributions outside the church included the establishment of Training, Inc. in Boston-an organization supported in part by Old South that provides vocational and job training skills to unemployed persons. "Where your treasure is, there you heart will be also" is emblematic of John Dutton's bequest and his lifetime relationship to Old South.
-Stewardship Committee

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

SUNDAY'S BREAD
Sunday, March 2nd at 12:30 pm
We need four people to respond to God's call by joining us to volunteer in the kitchen of St. John the Evangelist on Bowdoin Street. Meet outside the Old South Sanctuary following worship. We usually end by 4 pm. Bring lunch and comfortable work-clothes. Call the Front Desk at 617/536-1970 if you plan to participate or would like further information.

CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY
LESSON AND TOUR
Saturday, March 15th at 1 pm
Old South members and friends are invited to join Harvard chaplain Jonathan Page and a group of his students for a lecture and tour in the Sanctuary. Peggy Bendroth, Executive Director of the Congregational Library will give a talk about Congregationalism and the beginning of liberal theology in the late 19th century. Our own Dick Yeo will give a Sanctuary tour. Come meet new friends and get to know your church better!




JAZZ WORSHIP
Thursdays at 6 pm in the Gordon Chapel
Accompanied by the Willie Sordillo Trio.

Regular Worship Services
Festival Worship in the main Sanctuary
Sundays at 11 am

Early Worship in the Gordon Chapel
Sundays at 9 am

Jazz Worship in the Gordon Chapel
Thursdays at 6 pm

Healing Prayer Service
Second Sundays at 10 am

An ASL Interpreter accompanies 11 am worship on the
first and third Sundays of every month.
Old South Church in Boston
A congregation of the United Church of Christ
645 Boylston Street
Boston MA  02116

Phone:  (617) 536-1970
Fax: (617) 536-8061
<www.oldsouth.org>

Nancy S. Taylor, Senior Minister ? Quinn G. Caldwell, Associate Minister
Harry L. Huff, Minister of Music & Organist
Patricia Hazeltine, Church School Director
Staff Directory
(In 617 area code except as noted)
Old South Church    536-1970
Fax:    536-8061

Nancy Taylor    536-1970
nst@oldsouth.org
Quinn Caldwell    536-1970
quinn@oldsouth.org
Patricia Hazeltine (T/Th)         425-5148
phazeltine@comcast.net    
Harry Huff    425-5146
harry@oldsouth.org
George Sargeant                 425-5146
Peter Coulombe    425-5146
peter.coulombe@verizon.net
Robert Brown    425-5159
Abigail Henderson    425-5159

Elias Perez    425-5143
sexton@oldsouth.org
Carolyn Davis    425-5144
preschool@oldsouth.org
Helen McCrady    425-5145
helen@oldsouth.org    
Amy Perry    425-5152
admin@oldsouth.org
Ro Clarke (M/T/Th)     425-5141
businessoffice@oldsouth.org
Jessica Goodknight    536-1970
reception@oldsouth.org



LENTEN EXPERIENCE:
Saving Jesus

Ever feel like Jesus has been kidnapped by the religious right or the
secular left? Feel like he’s trapped in an outmoded religion? … Join us as
we embark upon an all-church Lenten experience called Saving Jesus—a highly
successful, sophisticated video and Internet-based small group exploration
of progressive Christianity featuring premier religious voices of our day.
Following worship everyone is invited to remain in their pews for an
additional 5 to 7 minutes as we watch and listen to a video clip on that
day’s theme. Afterward you will be directed to the fourth floor for a small
group experience with others until 1:30 pm. Snacks and refreshments
available on the fourth floor.

Lenten Sundays at 12:15 pm

The World Into Which Jesus Was Born
February 10th    First Sunday of Lent
Today’s theme: Who is Jesus?

Childcare is available upon request. Please reserve childcare by the Tuesday
preceding each Sunday during the Lenten Series. Contact Tricia Hazeltine at
617/425-5148.

The Teachings of Jesus
February 17th    Second Sunday of Lent

Jesus’ Ministry of Compassion
February 24th    Third Sunday of Lent

Jesus’ Program: The Kingdom of God
March 2nd    Fourth Sunday of Lent

Killing Jesus: The Atonement
March 9th    Fifth Sunday of Lent


Childcare is available for infant, toddler, preschool and elementary-aged
children upon a reservation basis. You must reserve childcare by the Tuesday
preceding each Sunday during the Lenten Series. Contact Tricia Hazeltine at
617/425-5148 or at <phazeltine@comcast.net>.