Good Friday Worship

April 18, 2003
1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Good Friday Worship

-- Silence --
On this Friday, which is “good” because Jesus died so that we might live, begin worship in silence, and ponder the mystery and the wonder of God's grace as displayed on a cross.

Invocation    (Congregation stands)
   Pastor:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
  Congregation:  Amen

Responsive Reading                                             Portions of Psalm 22

   P:  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
   C: I have cried desperately for help, but still it does not come.  During the day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer; I call at night, but get no rest.
   P:  But you are enthroned as the Holy One, the one whom Israel praises.
   C: Our ancestors put their trust in you; they trusted you, and you saved them.  They called to you and escaped from danger; they trusted you and were not disappointed.
   P:  But I am not long human; I am a worm, despised and scorned by everyone.
   C: All who see me make fun of me; they stick out their tongues and shake their heads.  “You relied on the Lord,” they say.  “Why doesn't he save you?  If the Lord likes you, why doesn’t he help you?”
   P:  My strength is gone, gone like water spilled on the ground.
   C: All my bones are out of joint; my heart is like melted wax.  My throat is as dry as dust, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
   P:  It was you who brought me safely through birth; when I was a baby, you kept me safe.
   C: I have relied on you since the day I was born, and you have always been my God.   Do not stay away from me!  Trouble is near, and there is no one to help.  Come quickly to my rescue!
   P:  I will tell my people what you have done; I will praise you in their assembly:

   C: “Praise the Lord, you servants of the Lord!  Worship him and honor him!  For he does not neglect the poor or ignore their suffering.  He does not turn away from them, but answers when they call for help.”
   P:  All nations will remember the Lord.
   C: From every part of the world they will turn to him; all races will worship him.  Future generations will serve him; people will speak of the Lord to the coming generations.  Those not yet born will be told: “The Lord saved his people.”

Hymn       “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”                               No. 104
(Congregation is seated)    

Lesson						        Isaiah 52:13—53:12

Offering
The Passion According to St. John
Shadow Drama – First Act

Scene 1:  Jesus Prays in the Garden

Hymn       “Go to Dark Gethsemane                      No. 109, verses 1, 2
 Text:   John 18:1

Scene 2:  Jesus is Arrested

Hymn      “Glory Be to Jesus”                                No. 95, verses 1,2,3
Text:   John 18:2-12

Scene 3:  Jesus Is Brought Before Pilate

Hymn       “My Song is Love Unknown”               No. 94, verses 1,4,5
Text:   John 18:28, 33-38

Scene 4:  Jesus Wears a Crown of Thorns

Hymn       “Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed”      No. 98, verses 1,2,3
Text   John 19:1-12, 16a

Scene 5:  Jesus Carries His Cross

Hymn       “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”                                   No. 107
Text:   John 19:16b-17

Scene 6:  Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

Hymn       “Ah, Holy Jesus”                                 No. 123, verses 1,2,4
Text:   John 19:18-22

Scene 7:  Jesus Dies Upon the Cross

Hymn       “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”          No. 117, verses 1,2
Text:   John 19:26-30

Scene 8:  Jesus Is Removed from the Cross and Buried

Hymn       “Were You There”                                No. 92, verses 1,2,3
Text:   John 19:38-42

Solo   “What Wondrous Love Is This” 

-- Depart in Silence --

Worship Easter Sunday!

Bring family and friends to
celebrate the resurrection of
Jesus Christ!