OSC >Revolutionary Generosity

REVOLUTIONARY GENEROSITY: 2026 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

Our 2026 stewardship campaign, Revolutionary Generosity, is underway! Old South revolutionaries of today practice radical change in our society, serve neighbors, and open doors wide to the city. Join us in practicing revolutionary generosity by pledging online at: tiny.oldsouth.org/pledge2026. Questions? Contact Amelia at amelia@oldsouth.org or 617-536-1970.

THIS SUNDAY, December 28

9AM FIRST WORSHIP

in the Gordon Chapel

with Communion

Rachel Barton preaching

Coffee Hour follows

10AM COMMUNITY HOUR

Choir Rehearsal

Church School

Sunday Bible Study

11AM FESTIVAL WORSHIP

in the Sanctuary

Rachel Barton preaching

Coffee Hour follows

For links to bulletins and the worship livestream click here.

CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER

January 4 and every first Sunday, 10am, in the Columbarium

Need some space to breathe? Time to rest in the spacious silence of God's presence? Please join us for Contemplative Prayer. Together, we'll engage in practices of contemplative prayer, share from our hearts, and find strength and solace in God's abiding love. Questions? Email ashley@oldsouth.org .

CHRISTIAN SERVICE AND OUTREACH - WEEKLY PUSHBACK

Saint Andrew’s Church in Cairo

Learn more about their work at https://stars-egypt.org/

Have other weekly action ideas? Email outreach@oldsouth.org

To get involved or ask questions email Kat Woodard at kat@oldsouth.org

While a lot of attention is focused on the how many refugees the US admits each year, the vast majority of refugees don't live in Europe or America. Instead, they live in neighboring countries that provide no resources or support for individuals facing poverty and trauma. St. Andrew's Church in Cairo has been providing support to refugees in Egypt for decades, including more than a million refugees fleeing violence in Sudan. OId South is proud to suport their work, along with some of our members who have been supporting them for years.

COMMUNITY LIFE

(G)RACE SPEAKS AT ISABELLA STEWART GARDER MUSEUM

Sunday, January 4, 1pm, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way, Boston

(G)RACE Speaks is sponsoring an outing to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum at 1 PM following Festival Worship. We will explore the exhibit featuring Allan Rohan Crite: Urban Glory. Crite was an African American artist who celebrated, recorded and spoke to Boston's Black community. Tickets are $22 and if cost is prohibitive please let the church know so a ticket can be purchased for you. RSVP/questions to amyecoe@gmail.com.

EXTRA! EXTRA! MARY NORTON TO VISIT OLD SOUTH! MEET THE LEGEND!

Sunday, January 11, following Festival Worship, Mary Norton Hall

Click here to let us know you want to join us!

Enjoy a delicious 17th century lunch by Carol Blair that includes homemade cornbread and vegetarian baked beans. Then wonder at a dramatic performance starring Pam Roberts as Mary Norton, John Edgerton as himself, Laurie Stickels as herself, and Scott McInturff as the Rev. John Norton. The one-act play, written by Debbie Wiess, is based on an original premise by Mary Kohák and Debbie Wiess.

HEARD IT AT COUNCIL

Click here to read Church Historian Kate Silfen's full report

December's Council Meeting included discussions of current year financials, next year's budget, hiring process for Consultant for Belonging, 150th Anniversary party reflection, and a save the date for Mary Norton's "visit" in January.

OLD SOUTH PRESCHOOL DIAPER CIRCLE DROPOFF

Old South Preschool has partnered with a local organization called Diaper Circle to serve as a drop-off location. Diaper Circle collects items and distributes them to families in need across Greater Boston. The collection bin is in the lobby by the reception desk. We are accepting:

new, unopened packs of diapers
opened packs of diapers
loose diapers (clean, of course!)
new, unopened containers of wipes

CHURCH CENTER IS LIVE

You can access the church directory on the Church Center website and app. Giving and Calendar on Church Center go live on January 2nd, 2026.
Go to oldsouthchurch.churchcenter.com/home to sign in and https://oldsouth.org/church-center for our FAQ. We will have an all-church training on how to use the giving and calendar features on January 18, in-person at 10am and online at 2pm. Reach out to Amelia Gerrard at amelia@oldsouth.org with any questions.

CAN YOU JOIN THE CARDIE CREW?

Old South's Congregational Care & Support team has a very special at-home job that is in need of a few fresh volunteers: the Card Crew! You may have received a flock of cards from this special group of people, who celebrate, mourn, pray, encourage, and thank our congregation as a way of extending the church's care and support.

As a member of the Card Crew you’ll receive periodic emails from leader (and OSC parent) Caroline Murray with the names, addresses, and reason that the crew is writing to these Old South folks. There are no meetings, just emails with folks who are in need of cards. And if it’s ever a bad time for you, just let Caroline know.

This is a great "church job" for folks who cannot commit to regular committee work, or who want to volunteer on their own time at home. You cannot underestimate the importance of this work, as it truly touches individual lives and hearts. If you know of a pew-mate, friend, or yourself who is going through something, celebrating, retiring, moving, excelling, or struggling -- let us know by emailing care@oldsouth.org

OTHER WORSHIP SERVICES

VESPERS HEALING WORSHIP

Next service January 11, 5pm on Zoom,

Click here to join

Please join us to take a moment for rest and renewal in the presence of God and other spiritual companions gathering by Zoom. All are welcome to share this quiet space and lift up our concerns, our losses, our hurts, and our celebrations in the Healing Presence of God and one another.

THURSDAY NIGHT CHURCH

Thursdays, 6pm, Service returns January 8

Thursday Night Church is a worship service where the music is contemporary, the space is open-hearted and in-the-round, and the preaching is focused on how we can be the church together in the world.

THURSDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB

Thursdays, 7pm, Dinner returns January 8

After worship, join us for Thursday Night Supper Club. Each week, folks can gather after worship for dinner and an informal small group hosted by some of our friendly and hospitable lay leaders.

WORSHIP SUPPORT

HEARING ASSIST DEVICES

Hearing assist devices are available from Ava Welling, our Director of Audio. Please see Ava for a device and instructions on how to use it. For more information or answers to questions, please contact Ava.

GREEN TIP: Lower the Thermostat

Stay Warm Without Using the Thermostat. As the temperatures outside start to drop, we tend to reach for the thermostat. Before you do that, make sure you layer with sweaters, thick socks and extra blankets.