In this conversation (our second installment in the “Dear Church…” series), Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss 1 Corinthians – the first letter of a pair of New Testament epistles written to a people in the Greek city of Corinth. Read the book (should take you about an hour), listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or theme most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the letter we know as 2 Corinthians. You’re invited to read that section of text and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
As you make your way through today’s worship service, instructions and suggestions will be included in italics. Get a cup of coffee and settle in for this time of worship with your community.
Foyer Conversation
Song of Worship – “King of My Heart”
Let the King of my heart Be the mountain where I run The fountain I drink from Oh, He is my song Let the King of my heart Be the shadow where I hide The ransom for my life Oh, He is my song
You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh
And let the King of my heart Be the wind inside my sails The anchor in the waves Oh, He is my song Let the King of my heart Be the fire inside my veins The echo of my days Oh, He is my song
You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh
You’re never gonna let, never gonna let me down You’re never gonna let, never gonna let me down
You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh You are good, good, oh
When the night is holding on to me, God is holding on When the night is holding on to me, God is holding on
Greet One Another
Take a couple minutes to reach out to those in your faith community with a call, a text, a video chat, an email, etc. Remember those who might be feeling alone and extend the peace of Christ to them.
Call to Worship
If you are meeting with others, have on person read the plain print, and the other(s) read the bold.
Teach us your way, O LORD, that we may walk in your truth; give us undivided hearts to honor your name. We give thanks to you, O God, with our whole heart, and we glorify your name forever. For you, O LORD, are a God merciful and gracious,slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Invitation to Silence
Scripture Reading – Romans 6:1-4
Song of Worship – “There is a Green Hill”
Confession and Assurance
The proof of God’s amazing love is this: while we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in him, we dare to approach God with confidence. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.
God of our salvation, our rescue, our health: all things are yours, and when we bring hearts, hands, and voices to worship, we bring you what is yours. Yet we do not serve you as we ought, and the world is deeply torn by all the tensions and outright conflicts that come from worshiping less than yourself. Our good will towards others has no firm foundation and crumbles at the first tremor of real testing. In our personal affairs and our larger judgments, we try to heal deep wounds with superficial cures. Holy and loving God, forgive us. Confront us with your way of righting wrong, your strange and wondrous work of redemption through the sacrificial love of Jesus. Amen.
Song of Response – “My Burden is Easy”
Come to me, you who are weary And I will give you rest Come to me, you who are weary And I will give you rest
Take my yoke upon you For I am humble and gentle in heart And my burden is easy My burden is easy Take my yoke upon you And I will teach you For my burden is easy My burden is easy
You will find rest You will find rest You will find rest for your soul
Giving and Giving Thanks
Take some time to give thanks. If you are with others, name aloud some of the things for which you are grateful on this day. If you’re alone, try writing out a list.
Clicking the buttons below will take you to some info on how you can give to your church now.
Using language captured from the psalm, take a few minutes to pray for others, embedding the names and situations of those who come to mind or seem to “fit” within these intercessions:
Guard ______’s life, for they are faithful to You (v.2)
Have mercy on ______, O Lord, for they call to You all day long. (v.3)
Bring joy to your servant, ______, O Lord, for they trust in You. (v.4)
May ______ know and believe that You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. (v.5)
Kids’ Activities
Take a few moments and look up Romans 3:23 and Romans 13:14. Read these verses to your kids and explain that even if we do good things we still can’t ever be perfect so we need the grace of Jesus to cover us. Print off the two colouring pages and have your kids colour them in. When they are done, cut out the clothes and place them over the boy and girl as an object lesson showing Jesus’ grace is enough.
Another fun activity: Have kids put on as many of their clothes as possible. Layer! Layer! Layer! When they are done, ask if all their shirts and pants would keep them warm on the coldest day of the year. Answer: Nope! They would need snowsuits and boots. Even then we can’t stay outside without special protection on the coldest days. Jesus’ grace covers us with the forgiveness we need because we can’t do it ourselves.
Sermon
Before listening to the message today we invite you to gather a few things to assist in our full senses encounter of God’s grace:
Gather a favourite scented candle, essential oil, incense stick, or even Febreze if you are in a pinch. This will help with the reflection at the mid-way point in the message.
Gather a pitcher with water and a large bowl or basin. This will be for the after message reflection in which we are invited to remember our baptism and to feel God’s grace wash over us.
The Conversion of St. Paul – Parmigianino
Song of Worship – “In Christ Alone”
Announcements, Benediction, and Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise him all creatures here below Praise him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen
We went all the way through Matthew, and are starting a new series reflecting on the New Testament letters in a series called “Dear Church…..” In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss Romans – the first letter in the New Testament canon. Read the book, listen to the audio of the conversation, and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or theme most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
What does this letter invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read this letter, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
St. Paul at his Writing Desk – Rembrandt
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the letter we know as 1 Corinthians. You’re invited to read that section of text and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
As you make your way through today’s worship service, instructions and suggestions will be included in italics. Get a cup of coffee and settle in for this time of worship with your community.
Foyer Conversation
Kids’ Activities
Kids are encouraged to participate in worship by singing, helping with reading, scrolling through the site, etc. But, here are a couple activities you might want to also do with your kids this Sunday:
Have a conversation with your children about how you came to hear and know about Jesus. The Great Commission is all about telling others about Jesus – let your kids know that telling others has made a difference in your life.
Song of Worship – “Jesus Blessed Lord”
Jesus Blessed Lord Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim Hail him, the everlasting name Sing, O Church, come and bring your hearts again Bless Him, the Lord
Praise Him, Praise Him Jesus Blessed Lord
For our sins He suffered, bled and died Hail Him, the Christ, the crucified Son of Man, Son of God who bore our pain Bless Him, the Lord
Heaven’s voice, O majestic anthems ring Crown Him, the Prophet, Priest, and King Christ will come and we shall, on that day, Bless Him, the Lord
There is no other name by which we are saved Let the people rejoice, He has conquered the grave Jesus, Blessed Lord
Greet One Another
Take a couple minutes to reach out to those in your faith community with a call, a text, a video chat, an email, etc. Remember those who might be feeling alone and extend the peace of Christ to them.
Call to Worship
If you are meeting with others, have two people take turns alternate reading the call to worship – one person reading the plain print, and the other the bold.
We gather to worship the God who speaks a good word, who tells us the story of our beginnings and opens up the promise of never-endings. We gather to worship the God who embodies a good Word, who shows us through Jesus Christ what impact a faithful, good, and loving life can make. We gather to worship the God who spreads the good word, who enables us through the Spirit’s power to go forth in mission. We join voices in praise of our great and gracious God
Song of Worship – “Great Things”
Come let us worship our King, come let us bow at His feet He has done great things See what our Savior has done, see how His love overcomes He has done great things He has done great things
Oh, hero of Heaven, You conquer the grave You free every captive and break every chain Oh God, You have done great things We dance in Your freedom, awake and alive Oh Jesus, our Savior, Your name lifted high Oh God, You have done great things
You’ve been faithful through every storm, You’ll be faithful forevermore You have done great things And I know You will do it again, for Your promise is “Yes and amen” You will do great things God, You do great things
Hallelujah God, above it all Hallelujah God, unshakable Hallelujah, You have done great things Hallelujah God, above it all Hallelujah God, unshakable Hallelujah, You have done great things You’ve done great things
Song of Worship – “Jesus We Love You”
Old things have passed away Your love has stayed the same Your constant grace remains the cornerstone Things that we thought were dead Are breathing in life again You cause your Son to shine on darkest nights
For all that you’ve done, we will pour out our hearts This will be our anthem song Jesus we love you Oh, how we love you You are the one our hearts adore
The hopeless have found their hope The orphans now have a home All that was lost has found its place in you You lift our weary head You make us strong instead You took these rags and made us beautiful
Scripture Reading – Psalm 16
Testimonies
Below are a couple reflections from friends on how they were struck by the events and happenings of Holy Week in the last days. What most caught your attention in the stories of Jesus time in Jerusalem, his death, and resurrection?
Prayer
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.
Song of Worship – “Build My Life”
Giving and Giving Thanks
Take some time to give thanks. If you are with others, name aloud some of the things for which you are grateful on this day. If you’re alone, make a list. Clicking the buttons below will show you some info on how you can give to your church now.
Listen to the audio of the guided scripture meditation, and then watch the video below to hear a couple people reflect aloud on what they heard God speaking through this passage.
The Great Commission – He Qi
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Song of Response – “Holy, Holy, Holy”
This is an instrumental music track, but the lyrics are included below – the intention is for you to sing!
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee; holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee, who wert and art and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee, though the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see, only thou art holy; there is none beside thee, perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea; holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Announcements and Benediction
Doxology
Whether you are alone or with a few others, sing the doxology aloud to conclude your time of worship.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen
In this conversation, Pastors Erik, Cody, and Gavin discuss the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 21 to 28 – from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem through all the events of his death and resurrection . Read the chapters, listen to the audio of the conversation (a little longer this week, but worth the listen), and chip in on the comments section below with your own thoughts on the Scripture and to these three questions:
What word, phrase, or story most resonated with you personally as you read this section of Scripture?
What does this swath of text invite us to as a community of disciples?
If you’re sitting down to read these chapters, what drink or snack would pair best with the reading?
Christ Appearing to His Disciples After the Resurrection – William Blake
For next week’s Bible Convo we will be discussing the book of Romans as we begin a new series called “Dear Church…” that looks at each of the New Testament epistles in turn. You’re invited to read that section of text and come up with your own thoughts on the the same three questions we used today.
If you are looking for the short liturgy for sunrise service, you can find it HERE. This is our Easter celebration service! Scroll through and take your time – enjoy this day of hope and thanksgiving for the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Instructions are in italicized print as you scroll along.
Activities for Kids
Children are encouraged to participate in worship – sing along, help do readings or lead prayers, watch the videos, etc. But if the wee ones are getting antsy, here are a couple printable activities for kids this Sunday.
Glorious Look inside the mystery See the empty cross See the risen Savior Victorious and strong No one else above Him None as strong to save He alone has conquered The power of the grave
Glorious, my eyes have seen the glory of the Lord Glorious, he stands above the rulers of the earth
Look beyond the tombstone See the Living God See the resurrected Ruler of my heart No one else above Him None to match His worth The hope of His returning Fills the universe
Glorious, my eyes have seen the glory of the Lord Glorious, he stands above the rulers of the earth
Glorious Glorious Lord, You are glorious
Opening Prayer
Lord of such amazing surprises as put a catch in our breath and wings on our hearts; we praise you for this joy too great for words. For this world unleashed in us, and us in it, with no dead ends to growing; for this resurrection wonder, which is wiser than we are and in which we see how great you are, how full of grace. Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen!
Greeting One Another
Extend some resurrection joy to one another if you haven’t already!Send a text, make a call, have a quick video chat, or send an email. Greet one another with the declaration: Christ is risen!
Call to Worship and Reflection – Isaiah 25:6-8
Song of Worship – “Christ Whose Glory”
Christ Whose Glory Christ, whose glory fills the skies Christ, the true, the only Light Sun of Righteousness arise Triumph o’er the shades of night Triumph o’er the shades of night
Hallelujah! O praise Him whose glory fills the skies Hallelujah! O praise the true Light Hallelujah! O praise Him who triumphs over night Hallelujah! O praise Jesus Christ
Christ, O radiance divine Scatter all my unbelief Break into this soul of mine Pierce the gloom of sin and grief Pierce the gloom of sin and grief
Christ be ever on display Bring the dark unto its end More and more ’til glorious day And the Light himself descends And the Light himself descends
Scripture Reading – Romans 6:8-11
Giving and Giving Thanks
Take a minute to give thanks. Praise God in your own way for the gifts of life and hope.
Clicking the buttons below will show you some info on how you can financially give to your church now.
Jesus, we can’t say “thank you” enough! Thank you for the new life we have in you because of the resurrection. Thank you for eternal life we will have because of the resurrection. Would the greatest evidence of our thanks be us dying to sin and finding our life in you! Amen.
What Does the Resurrection of Jesus Mean to You?
Pay attention to the words of your brothers and sisters in the video below and how they responded to the question: What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you? Look for a word / phrase or two that capture your imagination and hold on to them.
Now take that word or phrase and turn it into prayer. Respond to God with a thanksgiving, and expression of worship, a confession, a request, or simply by resting in his presence with that word in your heart
Amen.
Homily
Song of Worship – “Because He Lives”
Because He Lives I believe in the Son I believe in the risen One I believe I overcome By the power of His blood
Amen, Amen I’m alive, I’m alive because He lives Amen, Amen Let my song join the one that never ends Because He lives
I was dead in the grave I was covered in sin and shame I heard mercy call my name He rolled the stone away
Because He lives I can face tomorrow Because He lives every fear is gone I know He holds my life, my future in His hands
Closing Prayer
God of glory, by the raising of Your Son You have broken the chains of death and hell. Fill Your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!
Doxology
Sing it loud! Sing it with joy!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen
If you’re looking for our Easter celebration service, you can find it HERE.
This is a simple sunrise liturgy, in which you’re encouraged to get outside – front porch, back yard, balcony, whatever – and take in a first reading of the good news of Easter! If it is possible for you to print the liturgy so as to not be bound to a device (we’ve probably all had a lot of screen time in our lives over the last while…), you are encouraged to download / print the file below. If you are unable to print from home, the liturgy is posted further below.
Read the passage aloud – whether you are alone or with others.
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Reflection Question
Take some time to write down your answers to the following question, or, if you are meeting with others, to discuss them.
What word or phrase moves you this morning as you read / heard this?
Affirming Our Faith
Read the Apostle’s Creed aloud – whether you are alone or with others.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Easter Hymn – “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
Sing or read aloud.
1. Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
2. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia! Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
3. Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia! Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!
4. Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia! Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
5. Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia! Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia! Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia! Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!
6. King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia! Everlasting life is this, Alleluia! Thee to know, Thy pow’r to prove, Alleluia! Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!
Closing Prayers
Pray for the Easter celebration services taking place all over the world. Though we can’t meet in person, pray that today especially the Spirit would bind us together with the bond of resurrection hope. Pray that joy might fill each heart today, casting out gloom and disbelief. Pray for those now who have not yet awaken for the day, that they might, upon waking, sense the joy and peace of Christ the risen One.
The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”
Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.
Reflection Exercise
Matthew tells this peculiar little story about the religious authorities petitioning Pilate for a garrison of soldiers to be stationed at the tomb where Jesus’ body had been put to rest. The posting of the guards and the sealing of the tomb was intended to secure the body and prevent any further trouble-making from the upstart Jesus or his disciples.
On this Holy Saturday, as we sit in the doorway between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, take some time to consider and name those “guards” that are stationed around your mind and heart. What is present in your life that seems intended on preventing hope from springing forth? What things are attempting to ensure death wins, rather than the emergence of true life?
If it helps you, draw out the scene on a piece of paper…. A simple tomb sealed tight with guards stationed around it (stick men will do if you’re artistically challenged). Label the “guards” with names that seem most prevalent or imposing in your own life. After you have mulled over and acknowledged them, go to God in prayer.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, You must have been unconcerned by the feeble efforts of men to keep your will for resurrection and life from coming to pass. But to me, these “guards” seem imposing; they seem intent on keeping me from experiencing new life and the hope of resurrection. I rely on you for an Easter victory. May Your Kingdom come, may Your will be done – on earth and in my life. Amen.
Give yourself a couple moments to still your body, your mind, and your heart. Sit comfortably and quietly, and take deep breaths.
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, on this day you carried our sins in your own body on the tree so that we might have life. May we and all who remember this day find new life in you, both now and in the world to come. Meet with us as we keep this vigil together, and speak to our hearts as our ears hear the record of your conquering love. Amen
Scripture Reading – Isaiah 53:4-6
If you are with another, have two people take turns reading this passage, alternating each line.
It was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
Hymn – “Old Rugged Cross”
Old Rugged Cross On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross The emblem of suffering and shame But I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross ‘Til my trophies at last I lay day I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown
Oh, that old rugged cross so despised by the world Has a wondrous attraction for me For the dear Lamb of God left his glory above To bear it to dark Calvary
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true Its shame and reproach gladly bear Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away Where his glory forever I’ll share
Scripture Reading – Matthew 27:1-2 and 11-26
Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death. Then they bound him, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.
Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him.
Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.
Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas. As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)
Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.”
Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?”
The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”
Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
“Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”
But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”
Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”
And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!” So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
Prayer of Confession
Take some time to silently come to God in a spirit of confession, remembering how Jesus – who was completely innocent – was willing to suffer and bear death for the sake of our forgiveness and salvation. After you’ve given some time to quiet confession simply pray aloud:
Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Amen.
A Letter to Jesus Based on Psalm 22
Make some time today to write a letter of your own to Jesus on this Good Friday. What do you want to say to him today?
Musical Interlude – “Orual”
Homily – Matthew 27:27-50
Scripture Reading – Matthew 27:51-61
At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.
The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.
As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.
Jesus Christ’s Body Carried to the Tomb – Rembrandt
Responding in Prayer
From the echoeing voices of old Hebrew promises speaking about a suffering servant, to shouting mobs and jeering officials, to the agonized cries of Jesus from the cross… From the tearing of the temple curtain, to the rumbling earth and cracking of rock, to the chaotic rabble of the dead coming to life…. From the mournful tears of the women who watched their friend die, to the grinding roll of the stone, to the deafening silence of a cold body laying in a borrowed tomb…. What sound most grabbed your attention this Good Friday? Take a couple moments to reflect on that sound and then respond to God in prayer.
Hymn – “Near the Cross”
Near the Cross Jesus, keep me near the cross, There a precious fountain Free to all, a healing stream Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain
In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever ‘Til my raptured soul shall find Rest beyond the river
Near the cross, a trembling soul, Love and mercy found me There the bright and morning star Sheds its beams around me
Near the cross, O Lamb of God Bring its scenes before me Help me walk from day to day With its shadows o’er me
Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait, Hoping, trusting ever ‘Til I reach the golden strand Just beyond the river
Closing Prayer
God of all the world, whose only Son was offered up for us all, have mercy on those who know you not, and upon us who know you but often deny the faith of Christ crucified. Fetch home to your fold all who have gone astray, so that we become one flock, under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This simple liturgy of reading scripture, reflecting and praying together is intended to go along with your supper on Maundy Thursday. If you’d like to keep tech away from the dinner table you can download a printable version of this liturgy below.
A simple service of Communion is part of this liturgy, and we encourage you to prepare some bread and some grape juice or wine in a small pitcher. You can pick up supplies in your weekly grocery trip or do some baking! Have the elements in the center of the table for the meal.
Before the Meal
Read: Matthew 25:1-13
Reflect/Discuss: What does it look like to be awake, aware, ready and prepared?
Prayers of Thanksgiving: Each person around the table offer a simple prayer of thanks. “God I thank you for…”
Pray Over the Meal: “Lord Jesus, Blessed are you – King of the Universe! We thank you for this food which comes from the earth to sustain us. May your Holy Spirit bring life to our heads, hearts, hands and souls that we would be found alert and awake to your nearness. Amen.”
Eat : Have supper in gratitude. Put the devices away! Savour the meal. Live in the moment. If you are alone or just need more company (hello extroverts!) call up another person, couple or family and be together.
Mid-Meal
(Maybe before seconds or before dessert)
Read:Matthew 26:26-29
Communion:
Take the elements (bread and wine/juice) as they come up in the reading, breaking the bread, and pouring out the wine or juice.
Words of Institution: “The apostle Paul tells us that on the night on which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ Paul goes on to tell us that he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ Paul then reminds us that whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the death of Jesus until he comes again.
Invitation: “Sisters and brothers, this is food for the journey to which God has called us. Let our lives be nourished by the Lord himself as we celebrate together at this table.”
Serve the elements as seems fitting and safe in your setting and then continue to enjoy your meal.
After the Meal
(Before leaving the table)
Read: Matthew 26:30
Sing: Sing a favourite hymn or close with the Doxology. Scratch out a tune even if it is painful.
Benediction:“Go now in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: not tentatively, but boldly; not cynically, but hopefully; not sadly, but joyfully – because tonight we have met again with the One who creates, forgives, and redeems. Amen”
Be Blessed as you do dishes on your way to Mount Olives!
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