01-GoodFriday

Good Friday Service, April 6, 2007

Introduction

It began … “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.”  (John 1:4)

But just 33 years later on a hill just outside the city walls of Jerusalem …

“It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land.”  (Luke 23:44)

For centuries, believers gathered as the sun set on Good Friday.  They gathered to recall those hours of darkness that covered the world at the crucifixion of the Son of God.  This worship service, called Tenebrae from the Latin word for darkness, was a time of quiet reflection.  Light came into the world in the person of Jesus Christ, only to be scorned, rejected, scourged, and crucified.  And so, the service was marked by the use of many candles, which were gradually extinguished as the story of His coming and His cross was retold.

Those gatherings, of course, believed in the resurrection.  They knew that Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day.  And yet, they found tremendous comfort and deep worship in the simple service of reading Scripture as the room around them slowly grew darker and darker.  The tradition was that the service would end as the final moments on the cross were remembered, and then the last candle extinguished.  In silence, the worshippers would leave the church building, not saying a word until they had returned through the front doors of their homes.

We invite you to rediscover the depth of meaning and blessing that such an evening brings.  Like the ancient Tenebrae service, this is not an evening of spectacular effects or exhilarating songs of praise.  The music and the readings, like the evening, are simple.  In that simplicity, though, the story we all know so well, of a babe in a manger and a man on a cross, touches something deep inside each of us.

In the growing shadows, you can hear that still, small voice that whispers, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12)

·        Shine on Us

·        Light of God Eternal Shining

·        The Light of the World Is Jesus with Shine on Us (Reprise)

·        Hosanna to the King!

·        Always Remember

Communion

·        ‘Tis Midnight

·        Underscore (Judas’ Betrayal)

·        Behold the Lamb of God

·        How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

·        Hallelujah!  What a Savior

·        Beautiful Savior

Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007

Focus on His resurrection

Start of service, little if no lighting.  In a sense, we pick up where Tenebrae left off.

Choir

[Music begins to “Arise, My Love! (Underscore)]

“Jesus drew His final breath around three o’clock that afternoon.  He had been tortured unmercifully for hours, and now the suffering was over.  God’s greatest demonstration of love – His Son, hanging by three nails, beaten beyond recognition – was dead.  There could be no greater love.  I can almost hear God shouting to the world, “I love you!  I love you!  Don’t you see how much I love you?”

[Accompaniment Track continues playing through to “Arise, My Love!”]

“Now there was a wealthy man named Joseph, who boldly went to Pilate, the Roman governor, and asked for the body of Jesus.  After verifying that Jesus was truly dead, Pilate granted Joseph’s request.  Then Joseph took Jesus’ body and laid it in a brand new tomb that had been cut out of solid rock.  A great stone was placed at the entrance of the door.

·        Arise, My Love! with The Night Before Easter, Easter Song and Go, Tell the People

·        She Found Jesus Alive (excludes narration that’s at the end of the song on your CD)

Congregational Singing:  Possible song selections:

·        Christ Arose -- #357

·        Because He Lives -- #358

·        Celebrate, Jesus -- #362

·        He Lives -- #368

Focus on the cross – Congregational Singing – Possible song selections:

·        When I Survey the Wondrous Cross -- #324

·        The Old Rugged Cross -- #327

Focus on the blood – Choir:

·        Only the Blood (Michelle Mrugacz, soloist)

Focus on His love for us – Congregational Singing – Possible song selections:

·        How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

·        My Savior’s Love -- #348

·        How He Loves You and Me -- #349

Choir – I’m Amazed (Blanche Smith, soloist)

**I hope to have this ready for Easter, if Blanche is ready.  If not, we’ll do it some other time.**

Closing Song – Choir and Congregation

Narration:  (Music starts) Jesus endured death so you and I would not have to.  He paid the ultimate price for sins He did not commit.  He is alive!  He is risen!  He conquered death so that we may live eternally.  And He invites you to come, not to grieve, but instead to celebrate!

·        Come and See with Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

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