 The Lord is risen indeed!
Alleluia! The Second Sunday in Eastertide Earth Sunday April 19, 2020 Online Worship Opening Hymn All creatures of my God and King Hymnal #400 All creatures of my God and King, lift up your voices, let us sing: Alleluia! Alleluia! Bright burning sun with golden beams, pale silver moon that gently gleams. O Praise him, O praise him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Opening Acclamation: Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia. Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Song of Praise Let us read responsively: "The Earth. . . is a sparkling blue and white jewel. . . laced with slowly swirling veils of white. . . like a small pearl in a thick sea of black mystery." (Edgar Mitchell, US Astronaut) "All creation is a song of praise to God." (Hildegard of Bingen, Mystic) "O moving force of Wisdom, you surround the wheel of the cosmos, you encompass all that is, all that has life, in one vast circle." (Hildegard of Bingen, Mystic) "All creation is a song of praise to God." "It could be that God has spread, as our vision and understanding of the universe have spread, to a fabric of spirit and sense so grand and subtle, powerful in a new way, that we can only feel blindly of its hem." (Annie Dillard, naturalist writer) "All creation is a song of praise to God” ". . . stardust is not just fairy-tale magic; it is what we are really made of. . ." (Elisabet Sahtouris, Ecofeminist) "All creation is a song of praise to God” "Great Spirit, . . . give me the strength to walk the soft earth, a relative to all that is! . . . All over the earth the faces of living things are all alike. . . This is my prayer; hear me!" (Black Elk, Oglala Sioux) "All creation is a song of praise to God." "There is not anything new to be born. It has always been within you. It has only to be awakened, to become aware of itself in you." (Zen saying) “All creation is a song of praise to God." ". . . for in God we live/ and move/ and have our being." (Acts 17:28) “All creation is a song of praise to God” ". . . When you stand in the presence of the moon, you become a new creation. . . The elementary particles of your body have absorbed an influence and in that sense they--and you--are brand spanking new, a human being resonating everywhere with moonlight." (Brian Swimme, physicist) "All creation is a song of praise to God." "We shall not cease from exploration/ And the end of all our exploring/ Will be to arrive where we started/ And know the place for the first time." (T. S. Eliot, poet) "All creation is a song of praise to God." Collect of the Day The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. God, our Creator, as we reflect on the mystery of our fragile planet, we celebrate the wonders of Earth as our home. Teach us to sense the presence of God in Earth, making it a living sanctuary. Teach us to love Earth as our home. In the name of Christ, the Word of God, who is the creative impulse in all creation. Amen. Amen. The First Lesson: A Reading from the Book of Acts [2:14a, 22-32] Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope. For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ “Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, ‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.’ This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Psalm 16 Conserva me, Domine You may choose to read the psalm together, or responsively on the half verse. Or one member of the household may read it aloud. 1 Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; * I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord, my good above all other." 2 All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, * upon those who are noble among the people. 3 But those who run after other gods * shall have their troubles multiplied. 4 Their libations of blood I will not offer,* nor take the names of their gods upon my lips. 5 O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; * it is you who uphold my lot. 6 My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; * indeed, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; * my heart teaches me, night after night. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; * because he is at my right hand I shall not fall. 9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; * my body also shall rest in hope. 10 For you will not abandon me to the grave, * nor let your holy one see the Pit. 11 You will show me the path of life; * in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. The Holy Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to John [20:19-31] Glory to you Lord Christ When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. Prayers of the People Members of each household may take turns reading these prayers. In thanksgiving and praise for the beauty and abundance of our universe, let us pray to our gracious God, whose breath gives life to the world and whose voice is heard in the wind . . . We give you thanks and praise, O God of creation, for the grandeur of all that you have made, saying We thank you, God. For the healing waters of creation, which bring pleasure and health, purity and life, We thank you, God. For the richness of the good Earth that brings forth fruits and flowers, a pleasure to taste and a joy to behold, We thank you, God. For the soaring birds of the air, the crawling creatures on the Earth, the gliding fishes in the seas, for all creatures great and small with whom we share this precious web of life, We thank you, God. For the life-giving sunlight of day, the deepening mystery of night, the wonder of the stars, and the call of the unknown in the universe, We thank you, God. From heedless misuse and dishonoring of the wonders of your hand, Good Lord deliver us. From squandering resources, abusing our companion species, and polluting the habitat we all share, Good Lord deliver us. From the folly of imagining ourselves free from the fate of your whole creation, Good Lord deliver us. For the wisdom and vision to treasure your smallest gifts of earthly life Strengthen us, O Spirit. For the conviction that you have called us to love and restore the Earth, Strengthen us, O Spirit. For the determination to begin our stewardship anew, Strengthen us, O Spirit. In thanksgiving for our health and in hope that he may reveal the light of his presence to comfort and strengthen those who are weak in body and soul, especially the victims of COVID-19, their families and caregivers, and those whose health of body, mind, and soul is imperiled by the coronavirus, Let us pray to our Creator, in Christ our Risen Savior In thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life, and in hope that he may enfold in his joyful presence those who have died, especially those who have died from complications of COVID-19 and those we now name. . . . [Pause] Let us pray to our Creator, in Christ our Risen Savior O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever, Amen. Communion Hymn Come my Way, my Truth, My Life #487 Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life: such a way as gives us breath; Such a truth as ends all strife; such a life as killeth death. Come my Joy, my Love, my Heart; such a joy as none can move; Such a love as none can part; such a heart as joys in love. Holy Communion The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; and so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and to give himself for us. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us. On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at the table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. As you do this, remember me. As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, he gave thanks, gave it to them, and said: Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, remember me. Gathered in our own homes, as your children, we are made one body in Jesus Christ, Who came in love, lived in love, and died in love, who was and is and is to come. We share in offering our gifts of bread and wine, and we offer to you our lives--all we have been, are, and will become. Pour out your Spirit upon our offering, that it may be for us the body and blood of Christ, drawing us together as one Spirit in you. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, The Lord’s Prayer The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread and participants break their bread at home: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. We who are many and in many places, are one body, for in Christ we all share in the one bread, one cup All share in communion. Prayer of Thanksgiving Christ, you are risen with the sun; you are light in our darkness. In our separation, may we find our true place in your living body. May the new covenant through us bring healing and reconciliation to this wounded world. Alleluia! You are risen. We are risen with you. Praise and glory to the living God. Amen. Blessing: May the Spirit of God, who is above all and in all and through all, fill you with the knowledge of God’s presence in Earth and the living Christ within you. And the blessing of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen. Closing Hymn All things bright and beautiful Hymnal #405 Refrain: All things bright and beautiful, creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, God made them all Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, he made their tiny wings. [Refrain] He gave us eyes to see them and lips that we might tell How great is God Almighty, who has made all things well. [Refrain]
 Saturday and Sunday
April 18 and April 19 2020 Easter Day This Week at Trinity Magee plans to return this week from self-quarantine after being exposed to someone who had been diagnosed with Covid-19. We keep Magee and her 94-year-old aunt, Jean Conway, in our prayers. Magee was not with anyone outside her immediate family since being with her aunt on April 3rd. The office is closed except for essential work. Mother Judith is working remotely and is available online and by phone, and she will check messages regularly. All parish meetings will be held remotely. Public worship is suspended until further notice. This Weekend at Trinity: On Sunday we will join with churches throughout the world to observe Earth Sunday 2020, with prayers and music to celebrate the beauty of the earth and to affirm a commitment to be good stewards of the environment. A video of a brief service of Holy Communion will be available on our website and YouTube by Sunday morning at 9 am. Videos of meditations by Mother Judith are available on Wednesdays and Saturday on our website. Check our Facebook page and the diocesan website for online services from other churches, and for information on how to join Bishop Fisher for Compline every evening at 8 pm. www.diocesewma.org We will hold Digital Sunday School at 10 am on Sunday. Please contact Rachel Carpenter at carp76@gmail.com for the zoom access information. Holy Communion at Home You are welcome to set aside bread or crackers to eat during the Holy Communion service that is videotaped for Sunday mornings. We will be sharing what is called “spiritual communion,” and the bread will be a sign of the Christ-centered bond we share as a community of faith. Altar Flowers We plan a celebration with memorials for the Feast of Pentecost on May 31st. Pledges Our expenses continue even with our suspension of normal activity, but we are facing a significant shortfall in our income. During this period, please mail your pledge to the parish office to the attention of the Treasurer. If you can and it’s convenient, arrange with your bank for direct deposit. Some of you are facing financial stress: If so, please give what you can; if not, please give a bit extra to support those who cannot. Trinity GFS Scholarships Deadline extended: May 15th ! Attention high school seniors and their families. It’s time for the annual search for deserving recipients of the GFS Scholarships. Each year, Trinity gives monetary awards to qualified members who are entering an institution of higher education. These awards recognize attendance and service to Trinity Church during the applicant's high school years. The application is available to download on the website at www.trinitychurchmilford.org. Applications must be received by April 19th and the recipients will be notified shortly thereafter. Please direct all questions to GFS Scholarship Committee at gfs@trinitychurchmilford.org Eyeglass Recycling through the Milford Lions Club – Trinity's ongoing participation in the Lions eyeglass recycling program has led to a total of 474 pairs of glasses collected from Trinity parishioners for people in need. If you have eyeglasses, glasses cases, or gently used sunglasses, we will arrange for collection and delivery. Thanks to all who have contributed so far! Face Masks Trinity members are making face masks to donate to those who need them. Ginny Starkis has offered to coordinate a plan to locate necessary materials, for learning to make masks, and for distribution. Please let Ginny know how you would like to participate vstarkis@verizon.net.
 Alleluia!
Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Easter Day April 12, 2020 Online Worship Opening Hymn Jesus Christ is risen today! Hymnal #207 Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!/our triumphant holy day, alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, alleluia! / suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! Hymns of praise then let us sing, alleluia! / unto Christ, our heavenly King. Alleluia! Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! / sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia! Opening Acclamation: Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia. Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Gloria BCP 356 Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Collect of the Day The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Let us pray. Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Holy Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to John [20:1-18] Glory to you Lord Christ Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, `I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. Prayers of the People Members of each household may take turns reading these prayers. Awake O sleeper, rise from death, And Christ will give you life! Bring newness and change to your church, O God, that we might serve you with courage and grace. Awake, O church, and rise from death. And Christ will give you life! Bring newness and change to your world, O God, that all might know the goodness of your love. Awake, O World, and rise from death, And Christ will give you life! Bring newness and change to our nation, O God, that each person might honor one another. Awake, O People, rise from death, And Christ will give you life! Bring newness and change for the suffering, o God, that they might know your saving help. Awake, O Sorrowful, rise from death, And Christ will give you life! Bring newness and change to the departed, O God, that they might forever grow in your likeness. Awake, O Saints, rise from death, And Christ will give you life! Bring newness and change to our hearts, O God, that we might grow larger in faith and hope. Awake, O Soul, and rise from death, And Christ will give you life! Awake, O Sleeper, rise from death, for Christ has burst forth from the tomb, making all things new. Rise and live, says the Lord. This day God has made for life and all joy! Alleluia! Closing Collect: O God, worker of wonders, you made this day for joy and gladness. Let the risen Lord abide with us always, set our hearts on fire, and open our eyes, so that we may see him at our tables, the Christ now entered into glory, firstborn from the dead. Amen Holy Communion The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; and so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and to give himself for us. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us. On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at the table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. As you do this, remember me. As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, he gave thanks, gave it to them, and said: Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, remember me. Gathered in our own homes, as your children, we are made one body in Jesus Christ, Who came in love, lived in love, and died in love, who was and is and is to come. We share in offering our gifts of bread and wine, and we offer to you our lives. Pour out your Spirit upon this offering, that it may be for us the body and blood of Christ, drawing us together as one Spirit in you. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread as participants break their bread at home: Priest: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. People: We who are many are one body, for in Christ we all share in the one bread, one cup All share in communion. Prayer of Thanksgiving Christ, you are risen with the sun; you are light in our darkness. May we find our true place in your living body. May the new covenant through us bring healing and reconciliation to this wounded world. Alleluia! You are risen. We are risen with you. Praise and glory to the living God. Amen. Blessing: The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to fulfill his purpose, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. Closing Hymn Hail thee festival day Hymnal #175 Refrain: Hail thee, festival day! Blest day that art hallowed forever, day whereon Christ arose, breaking the kingdom of death. Lo, the fair beauty of earth, from the death of the winter arising! Every good gift of the year now with its Master returns; [Refrain] He who was nailed to the cross is Lord and the ruler of nature; All tings created on earth sing to the glory of God. [Refrain]  Good Friday
April 10, 2020 Noon Online Worship Noon Gathering He was despised and rejected by all people; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed. Come, let us worship in spirit and truth. The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray: Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one god, for ever and ever. Amen. Psalm 40:1-14 [This translation drawn from Robert Alter & the Grail translation] I waited and waited for the LORD,* who bent down toward me and heard my voice. The LORD brought me up from the deadly pit, from the thickest mire* and set my feet on a crag, made my steps firm. The LORD put in my mouth a new song—a song of praise to our God.* May many see and fear and trust in the LORD. Happy are they who trust in the LORD* and do not turn to sea monster gods and to false idols. How many, O LORD my God, are the wonders and designs that you have worked for us* You have no equal. I would tell and I would speak:* They are too numerous to count. Sacrifice and grain offering You do not desire* But an open ear. – for burnt offering and offense offering You do not ask. Instead, here I am.* In the scroll of the book it stands written. To do what pleases You, my God, I desire,* and your teaching is deep within me. I proclaimed Your justice in a great assembly* Look, I will not seal my lips. LORD You Yourself know. I have not hidden your justice in my heart, Your faithfulness and Your rescue I have spoken.* I have not withheld from the great assembly Your steadfast love and truth. Your steadfast truth shall always guard me. You LORD, will not hold back Your compassion from me* Your merciful love and Your truth shall always guard me. For I am beset by evils too many to count.* My crimes overtook me and I could not see— More numerous than the hairs of my head*—and my heart sinks. Come to my rescue, O LORD,* LORD, make haste to save me. The First Word: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Reading: Luke 23:32-34 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. Meditation: The Rev. Judith Lee The Second Word: Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Reading: Luke 23:32-33; 39-43 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. . . . One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Musical Meditation The Rev. Lourey Savick The Third Word: Woman, here is your son. . . . Here is your mother. Reading: john 19:25-27 Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. Meditation: The Rev. Eric Rodriquez The Fourth Word: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Reading: Mark 15:33-39 When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘Listen, he is calling for Elijah.’ And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.’ Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’ Musical Meditation The Rev. Lourey Savick The Fifth Word: I am thirsty Reading: John 19:29-29 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. Meditation: The Rev. Judith Lee The Sixth Word: It is finished Reading: john 19:29-30 A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Musical Meditation The Rev. Lourey Savick The Seventh Word: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. Reading: Luke 23:44-46 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. Meditation: The Rev. Dcn. Beth Washburn The Reproaches “My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you answer me! I led you out of Egypt from slavery to freedom, but you have led your Savior, and nailed Him to a cross. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. For forty years in safety, I led you through the desert, I fed you with my manna, I gave you your own land, but you have led your Savior, and nailed Him to a Cross. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. O what more would you ask from me? I planted you, my vineyard, but sour grapes you gave me, and vinegar to drink, and you have pierced your Savior and pierced Him with a spear. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. For you scourged your captors, their first born sons were taken, but you have taken scourges and brought them down on Me. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me! From slavery to freedom I led you, drowned your captors. But I am taken captive and handed to your priests. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me! Your path lay through the waters, I opened them before you, my side you have laid open and bared it with a spear. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me! I led you, held securely, My fire and cloud before you, but you have led your Savior, hands bound to Pilate’s court. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me! I bore you up with manna, you bore me down and scourged me. I gave you saving water, but you gave me soured wine. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me ! The kings who reigned in Canaan, I struck way before you. But you have struck my crowned head, and struck it with a reed. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. My people, My people what have I done to you, how have I offended you? Answer me! I gave you a royal scepter but you gave me a thorn crown. I raised you up in power, but you raised me on the Cross. Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy Immortal One , have mercy on us. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray you to set your passion, cross, and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living; pardon and rest to the dead; to your holy Church peace and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen  Maundy Thursday Online Worship Holy Communion & Stripping of the Altar April 9, 2020 April 9, 2020 Opening Hymn: What wondrous love is this, O my soul Hymnal #439 What wondrous love is this, O my soul! O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss To lay aside his crown for my soul, for my soul/ To lay aside his crown for my soul. Opening Acclamation: Our help is in the Name of the Lord; The maker of heaven and earth. Lord you are in the midst of us, and we are called by your Name: Do not forsake us, O Lord our God. Opening Collect: Let us pray: Gracious and merciful God, in a wonderful sacrament you have given us a memorial of the passion of your son Jesus Christ; grant that we who receive these sacred mysteries may grow up into him in all things until we come to your eternal joy; through our Savior Jesu Christ. Amen. The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ According to John [13:1-15] Glory to you Lord Christ Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’ After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Prayers of the People Members of the household may alternate in reading these prayers: On this holy night we dine together as the body of Christ even though we gather at separate tables, and we promise to love and serve each other. On this holy night, then, let us pray for the church and all humankind. God our provider, on this night Jesus gave us this holy feast, and you continue to feed us with the bread of life and lift for us the cup of salvation: May all who gather in your Name, even in our separate spaces, receive a foretaste of the eternal banquet. God of love grant our prayer. Servant God, on this night Jesus washed his disciples’ feet: May we follow His example of love and service. God of love grant our prayer. God of compassion, on this night Jesus prayed for those who would believe through the message of the disciples: May those who gather near and far on this evening proclaim your infinite love by the way they live. God of love grant our prayer. God our companion, we pray for those unable to eat at the Lord’s Table or at any other table, for those we have betrayed and for those have been betrayed, and for all who feel isolated. God of love grant our prayer. God of hope, remember all those in need, especially our medical teams, frontline workers and first responders, those who are ill and afraid, and those we silently hold before you now … God of love grant our prayer. Most loving God, Creator and Redeemer, in Christ we offer ourselves and our lives to your service. Send us out in the power of your Spirit, to stand with you in your world. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our friend and brother. Amen. Hymn Let us break bread together Hymnal #325 1. Let us break bread together on our knees, / let us break bread together on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, / O Lord, have mercy on me. 2. Let us drink wine together on our knees, / let us drink wine together on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, / O Lord, have mercy on me. 3. Let us praise God together on our knees, / let us praise God together on our knees. When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, / O Lord, have mercy on me. The Holy Communion Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Celebrant: All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; and so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and to give himself for us. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us. On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at the table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. As you do this, remember me. As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, he gave thanks, gave it to them, and said: Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, remember me. Gathered in our own homes, as your children, we are made one body in Jesus Christ, Who came in love, lived in love, and died in love, who was and is and is to come. We share in offering our gifts of bread and wine, and we offer to you our lives. Pour out your Spirit upon this offering, that it may be for us the body and blood of Christ, drawing us together as one Spirit in you. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread as participants break their bread at home: Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. People: We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread. All share in communion. Prayer of Thanksgiving Priest: We rejoice with thanksgiving, and yet are humbled by God’s love! We celebrate what God has done in our history and what he has done for us, but at the same time we wait for a new future. As Jesus left, he promised he would come again and restore all things. We have faith enough to believe that God will not leave the world the way it is, so we await the day in which He will again come and bring His Kingdom in fullness. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has adopted us as your children, and allowed us to call you Father. Amen Leader: God has shown us so many acts of kindness and grace. For each one, we say —It would have been enough! Members of the household may take turns reading these prayers, all respond together. If only the Lord God had taken us out of Egypt . . . All: It would have been enough! If only the Lord God had taken us out of Egypt and not passed judgment on the Egyptians It would have been enough! If only the Lord God had passed judgment on the Egyptians and not parted the sea for us . . . It would have been enough! If only the Lord God had parted the sea for us and not taken care of us and fed us manna in the desert for 40 years.. It would have been enough! If only the Lord God had taken care of us and fed us manna in the desert for 40 years and not given us the Sabbath rest . . It would have been enough! If only the Lord God had given us the Sabbath rest and not brought us to Mount Sinai and given us the Torah . . It would have been enough! If only the Lord God had brought us to Mount Sinai and given us the Torah and not brought us into the land of Israel. It would have been enough! If only the Lord God had brought us into the land of Israel and had not sent his Son to be our Teacher and our Redeemer. It would have been enough! If only the Lord God had sent his Son to be our Teacher and our Redeemer and had not forgiven us for all that we have done wrong. It would have been enough! If only the Lord God had forgiven us for all that we have done wrong and had not given us the promise of his presence in the sharing of this bread and this cup. It would have been enough! For all these, we say Most loving God, Creator and Redeemer, through Christ we offer ourselves and our lives to your service. Send us out in the power of your Spirit, to stand with you in your world. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our friend and brother. Amen THE STRIPPING OF THE ALTAR Musical Transtion In the Garden (1st verse) I come to the garden alone, /While the dew is still on the roses; / and the voice I hear, falling on my ear; the Son of God discloses: / And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and he tells me I am His own, / and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known. Let us pray together: O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. During the stripping and washing of the Altar, we will recite Psalm 22 together: You may decide to alternate, with some reading the first part of each line, others reading the bold print. Translation drawn from Robert Alter & the Grail translation 1 My God, my god, why have you forsaken me?* You are far from my plea and the cry of my distress. 2 My God, I call out by day and you do not answer,* by night—no stillness for me. 3 And you, the Holy One*-enthroned in Israel’s praise. 4 In You did our forbears trust* they trusted, and you set them free. 5 To you they cried out, and escaped,* in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm, and no man* a disgrace, by all people scorned. 7 All who see me do mock me--*they curl their lips, they shake their heads. 8 The person who turns the LORD, will be set free* the LORD will save the one who trusts, for the LORD delights the one who trusts. 9 For you drew me out from the womb,* made me safe at my mother’s breast. 10 Upon you have I been entrusted from birth* even in my mother’s womb you were my God. 11 Do not be far from me, for distress is near,* and there is no one to help. 12 Brawny bulls have surrounded me,* the mighty of Bashan close me in. 13 Against me they open wide their jaws,* like lions, rending and roaring. 14 Like water I am spilled out,* all my limbs fall apart, my heart has become like wax. 15 Parched as burnt clay is my throat, my tongue cleaves to my jaws,* and to death’s dust have you thrust me. 16 Packs of dogs have surrounded me, a band of evil beasts has encircled me,* They have bound my hands and my feet. It is they who have counted out all my bones.* 17 They stare and gloat at me; * they have divided my garments among them and cast lots for my robe. 18 Do not leave me alone, O LORD,* You are my strength; hasten to help me. 19 Rescue my soul from the sword,* my soul from the grip of these dogs. 20 Save my life from the jaws of these lions,* my soul from the horns of these oxen. 21 I will proclaim your name to my people,* in the assembly let me praise you. 22 Fearers of the LORD, give praise ! * All the children of Jacob give glory! Be not afraid of the LORD, children of Israel! 23 For the LORD has not spurned or despised the affliction of the lowly; nor looked away from them* but has heard the poor when they cried out. 24 For You – my praise in the great assembly,* my vows I will fulfill before those who fear the LORD. 25 The lowly shall eat and be sated, and those who seek the LORD shall praise the LORD.* May their hearts live forever. 26 All the far ends of the earth will remember and return to the LORD;* all families of the nations shall bow down in awe. 27 For kingship is the LORD’s,* who rules over all nations. 28 Yes, to the LORD shall bow down all the mighty of the earth,* all who must die and go down to the earth. 29 My soul shall live for the LORD, and my children too shall serve.* They shall tell of the LORD to generations yet to come. 30 They shall declare to a people yet unborn* “These things the LORD has done. Closing Prayers Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. A Prayer attributed to St. Francis Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. Closing Hymn: #171 Go to dark Gethsemane [1st verse] Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the tempter’s power; Your Redeemer’s conflict see, watch with him one bitter hour; Turn not from his griefs away, learn of Jesus Christ to pray.  Palm Sunday April 5, 2020 9 am Online Worship: Blessing of the Palms, Holy Communion, & Reading of the Passion Gospel according to Matthew Prelude Grand Choeur in C Theodore Salome (1834-1896) Celebrant: Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. All: Peace in heaven and glory in the highest. Celebrant: Let us pray. Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessing of the Palms Celebrant: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give him thanks and praise. It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered into the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Celebrant: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. All: Hosanna in the highest. Celebrant: Let us go forth in peace. All: In the name of Christ. Amen Hymn: All glory, laud, and honor [1st verse] Hymnal #154 Holy Communion Celebrant: The Lord be with you. And also with you. Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Celebrant: All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; and so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and to give himself for us. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us. On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at the table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. As you do this, remember me. As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, he gave thanks, gave it to them, and said: Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, remember me. Gathered in our own homes, as your children, we are made one body in Jesus Christ, Who came in love, lived in love, and died in love, who was and is and is to come. We share in offering our gifts of bread and wine, and we offer to you our lives. Pour out your Spirit upon this offering, that it may be for us the body and blood of Christ, drawing us together as one Spirit in you. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen. And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. The Celebrant breaks the consecrated bread as participants break their bread at home: Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. People: We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread. All share in communion. Prayer of Thanksgiving: Faithful and Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in this Holy Communion. Now send us forth, a community forgiven, healed, and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world. Amen. Blessing: May Christ who calls you to take up your cross, give you strength to bear your own and one another’s burdens. And the blessing of God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you forever. Amen. Musical Interlude: The Old Rugged Cross vv.1 & 2 LEVAS #38 The Holy Gospel of Our Savior Jesus Christ According to Matthew {27:11-54] [Based on the translation by Eugene H. Peterson, The Message] On the Festival of Unleavened Bread, Jesus gathered with his disciples for the Passover meal. When he told them that one of them was going to betray him, they did not believe him. During the meal, Jesus blessed the bread, broke it, and said, “Take, eat, this is my body.” And he blessed the cup, gave thanks, and said “Drink this all of you, this is my blood, God’s new covenant poured out for the forgiveness of sin.” After dinner, they went with him to the Mount of Olives where he brought them to the Garden of Gethsemane. “Wait with me, while I go to pray,” he said. But they fell asleep. Jesus prayed for strength, entrusting his life to God, even though he felt very alone and dreaded what was about to happen. Later that evening, Judas brought to the garden the priests and religious leaders. The other disciples fled while Jesus was taken to Caiphas, the Chief Priest, and the Jewish Council; they tested Jesus so he would say something that would justify turning him over to the governor to be condemned to death for blasphemy and sedition. While they interrogated Jesus, Peter remained in the courtyard, and three times he denied knowing Jesus. Musical Interlude: Stay with me Taize Stay with me, / remain here with me, / watch and pray, watch and pray Jesus stood before Pilate; and the Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” But he did not answer the accusations by the chief priests and elders. Then Pilate said to him, “Aren’t you going to answer the many accusations they make against you?” But Jesus kept silent. Pilate was amazed. Now it was a custom during the Festival for the governor to pardon a single prisoner named by the crowd. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after crowd had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he realized that the religious leaders had handed Jesus over to him only because they were jealous of his popularity. While Pilate was conducting this interrogation, his wife sent a message to him: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. Pilate again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” All of them said, “Let him be crucified!” Then he asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing and that a riot was beginning, he took a basin of water and washed his hands in full sight of the crowd, saying, “I am washing my hands of responsibility for this man’s death. It is in your hands.” Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” So Pilate released Barabbas for them; and he ordered that Jesus be whipped and then handed to be crucified. Musical Interlude: When I survey the wondrous cross [vv.1 & 4] Hymn #474 When I survey the wondrous cross / where the young Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride The soldiers assigned to the governor took Jesus into the governor’s palace and got the entire brigade together. They stripped him and dressed him in a red toga. They twisted some branches from a thorn bush to be a crown that they put it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand for a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mocking reverence while each of them said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” while they struck him on the head with the stick. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon and made him carry Jesus’ cross. Arriving at Golgotha, the place they call the Hill of Skulls, they offered him a mild painkiller (a mix of wine and myrrh), but when he tasted it he would not drink it. After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of Jews. Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right and the other to his left. People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament: “You bragged that you would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days – so save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the religious scholars and leaders, made fun of him, saying, “He saved others, yet he can’t even save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, then we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” The bandits who were crucified with him also made fun of him in the same way. Musical Interlude: He never said a mumbalin’ word [vv.1-5] LEVAS #33 From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” One of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” Then Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. What’s more, tombs were opened up, and many bodies of believers asleep in their graves were raised. The captain of the guard and those with him were scared to death when they saw the earthquake and everything else that was happening. One of them said, “Surely this man was God’s Son!” Musical Closing: Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Hymnal #172 Were you there when they crucified my Lord? / Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble / Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? / Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble / Were you there when they laid him in the tomb? |
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