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Good Friday
A Service of Scripture and Song

Prelude

Hymns of Gathering

"Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song"
"Hosanna" 
"I Love You, Lord"

OR "O Lord, Grace Our Communion"
"Sovereign and Transforming Grace" 
"Holy Spirit, Come with Power"

  HS 1
HS 12
  HS 287

Prayer of Invocation

Responsive Reading: "Gathering in Community"

Leader:	Why do we gather in this place at this moment in time?
People:	We gather to remember again who we are and whose we are. We gather to remember together that we have embarked on a pilgrimage to be the people of God.
Leader:	Who is it that gathers here?
People:	We are the body of Christ—people who have found grace to live through the love and forgiveness of the life and sacrifice of Christ Jesus.
Leader:	You are disciples, then, gathered here for renewal. Enter into worship with the Community of Christ.

Hymn: "’Tis Midnight, and on Olive’s Brow"
OR "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" 

Sharing of the Scriptures: John 18:1–5, adapted

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.

Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth" they replied. "I am he," Jesus said.

Hymn: "Look at This Man, Born of God"
OR "Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands" 

Sharing of the Scriptures: Matthew 26:50, 57, 59–60, adapted

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested him.

Those who had arrested Jesus took him to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

Hymn: "What Wondrous Love Is This"
OR "Savior, Thy Dying Love"

Sharing of the Scriptures: Matthew 27:1–2, 15–23, 26, adapted

Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.

Now it was the governor’s custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" "Barabbas," they answered. "What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him." "Why, what crime has he committed?" Pilate asked. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him."

Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged and handed over to be crucified.

Hymn: "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" 
OR "Beneath the Cross of Jesus"

Sharing of the Scriptures: Matthew 27:27–31, adapted

Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium where they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

Hymn: "Lift High the Cross"
OR "Go to Dark Gethsemane" 

Sharing of the Scriptures: Luke 23:33, 39–42, adapted

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him along with the criminals, one on his right and another on his left. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Jesus. "Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

But the other criminal rebuked him. "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

Hymn: "Jesus, Remember Me"
OR "My Jesus, I Love Thee" 

Offertory Statement and Prayer

The moment of the cross. We are invited to respond to that moment as the good thief did as he was crucified beside Christ. It was a wonder that this convicted felon was able to sense the power of the King of Kings as they hung from the cross side by side.

You are invited to participate with Jesus and the good thief in a response to God’s eternal love by giving some of your earthly wealth. As we prepare to share, let us remember the cross and the gift of Christ to us.

Sharing of the Scriptures: Luke 23:44–46, adapted

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Hymn: "Were You There," stanzas 1–4 
OR "Deep Were His Wounds"

Reading: "Crucified"

Executed by the government of the Roman Empire—
     Killed like a common criminal—
          Crucified between two thieves—
What are the disciples do to?
     Disheartened
          Disillusioned
The disciples never understood
     Peter denied him
          Judas betrayed him
               Thomas doubted him
Disorganized, Disheartened and Disillusioned
Where are you on your faith journey?
     We are the Community of Christ
Where will we go
     What will we do?

—Jamie Tankersley

Pastoral Prayer

*Hymn: "Teach Me, God, to Wonder"
OR "Bear Each Other’s Burdens" 

*Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b, 2a–b

Claim your unique and sacred place within the circle of those who call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Become a people of the Temple: those who see violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who encounter broken spirits and find pathways for healing. Fulfill the purposes of the Temple by making its ministries manifest in your hearts.

*Postlude