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Sermon and Story Resources,
Holy Week Yr. C
A Good Friday service of reading from Mark's gospel with dramatic illustrations. <Goodfriday>
For suggestions for staging, click
here.
Introduction: The Presider helps
the gathered community to enter into the service by giving a brief
out line of the events it covers, and by explaining that it will use
readings from Scripture, and symbolic actions and pantomimes to
illustrate and interpret the scripture. The stage will represent key
places: Bethany where Jesus gathered with friends at night, the Upper
Room of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the road to
Golgatha. All this is set the context of worship, so let us enter
into this sacred drama, making this moment an act of our devoted remembrance."
Prayer: Presider speaks a prayer
offering this service of worship as an act of devotion, and asking
God to speak to us through it.
Opening Hymn.
Scene 1. Bethany
Stage: One large low table just a
foot off the floor surrounded with cushions. This table is set with
two candles (made like ancient oil lamps), wine skins, chalices,
bread, grapes, figs, fish placed on this table in such a way that
they can be seen by the audience before players enter. A smaller
table for children stage left. It has a candle and fruit, crackers,
cookies, drinking vessels.
This scene opens with men women
and children seated behind and at ends of tables, eating food from
the tables.
1.Narrator a. Mk. 14:1-2
[Plot to arrest Jesus.]
2. A Few bars of bright joyful
party music, and sounds. If you can find some of a traditional Jewish
folk band, with vocals, and can add voices talking over it, so much
the better. Music fades.
3.Narrator b. "Meanwhile
Jesus was were he was every night this week - at a party with friends
in the village of Bethany, just outside the city."
4.A few more bars of the party
music rises then fades.
5. N. 1. Mk. 14:3-5. [ Mary
anoints Jesus during a party at Bethany. Some of those present scold
her for what they see as a wasteful action.]
6. Mary, as the passage is read,
rises from her place and kneels behind Jesus with a glass perfume
bottle. She removes the top from the bottle and tips it as if pouring
then poses in that position.
7. Mark 14:6-9 Narrator c. [Jesus
accepts the anointing as a beautiful acts of love and as a
preparation his death.]
8. A few bars of solemn music
swell then fades but continues.
9. Mary returns to her place at
table as this music is played.
10. N. a. Mk. 14:10-11 [Judas
agrees to betray Jesus.]
11. Solemn music swells again
12. Two Carpenters enter stage
right: Three figures in black walk across stage behind the players at
table and diners and exit other side. They are carrying a Cross,
hammer and nails.
Prayer:
One: O God, We thank you
All: for inspiring us to us to be
like Mary,
full of actions that show our love
for Jesus and for one another.
One: O God, we confess that by our
denial of Christ we have been as Judas too.
All: Therefore, we seek your
enabling grace
As we pursue the courage to be
faithful in all we do.
Hymn? Congregation, soloist, or
group may sing a couple of verses of an appropriate song here.
Scene 2. The Upper Room.
Enter Jesus and disciples stage
right: (a party made up women and men and children) who take places
at the table.
1. N. b. "Jesus had arranged
for a room to be available where they could celebrate the Passover.
The institution of the Last Supper.
3. N. a. Luke 22:14 -16
4. N. c. Luke 22: 17- 18
5. Enter, Jesus and Disciples
(men, women and children) take places at table with children at one
end. Jesus stands at table and pours wine into a chalice, elevates it
in thanks giving, then passes it to disciples who each take a sip
from it.
6. N. a. Luke 22:19-20
7. Jesus stands, breaks the bread,
elevates it in thanks giving, then breaks it and distributes it to
the disciples.
Men and women disciples pose
facing one another in groups of three. Children silently play a game
of tops, or other simple game.
8. N. a. Luke 22:24 [dispute over dominance]
9. Disciples pose facing toward Jesus.
10. N. c. Luke 22:25-27 [Jesus
teaches servanthood]
11. Men and women disciples look
away from the Christ.
12. N. a. Luke 22:31-32 [Peter is vulnerable]
13. Disciple representing Peter
stands and faces Jesus
14. N. c Luke 22:33 [Peter asserts
his loyalty]
15. N. a. Luke 22:34 [Jesus
predicts Peter's denial]
Communion
Hymn verses.
During the hymn disciples leave
the stage
The presider offers a prayer of
consecration over the bread and wine and whatever other prayers seem
appropriate, then invites the congregation (including players) to
come forward to receive communion by intinction or otherwise (This
may be facilitated by filling a second chalice with wine).
Post communion Hymn verses
Stage Crew sets stage for Gethsemane
Scene 3, Gethsemane
Setting: a bare stage with riser
at front centre. If you space allows, hang a full moon against the
back wall.
Lighting - night
1. N. b "From the Upper Room
Jesus and the adult disciples walked to the park, known as the Garden
of Gethsemane. The children were taken to Bethany for bedtime. It is
night. Jesus took Peter sand James and John aside to be with him as
he prayed. Some would speculate that Mary of Magdela was also a
member of this inner circle."
2. Enter stage right: figures
representing Jesus, Peter, James and John [and Mary of Magdela].
Jesus goes to riser and takes a posture of prayer. The disciples sit
then take various postures of falling asleep on either side of the riser.
3. N. c Mk. 14:32-36 [Jesus prays.]
4. Moment of silence as Jesus
figure remains in prayer pose, then stands and looks at the disciples
asleep onstage.
5. N.c Mk. 14: 37-38 [disciples
found to be sleeping]
6. Moment of silence.
7. Enter stage left: Judas and
police with swords, Jesus stands to face them.
8. N. c Mk. 14:42 [Jesus
acknowledges Judas]
9. The sword bearers raise their
weapons. Judas comes to Jesus and embraces him.
10. N. a. Mk. 14:43-45 [Judas
Kisses Jesus]
11. Exit stage right: The
disciple, fleeing.
12. Exit stage left: Judas steals away
13. N. a. Mk.14:48-50. [Jesus
speaks to those who have come to arrest him]
14. Exit stage left: Jesus in
custody of police.
One: O Christ, who is judged by
the world you came to save,
All: We acknowledge that we are
that world.
One: O Christ, who brought God's
message of love,
You are judged by the world, which
denies the value of Love,
All: We acknowledge that we are
that world
Scene 4. Judgement Hall.
Stage Crew: sets stage for
Judgment Hall
Setting: bare except for a large
chair at centre stage (on risers if possible). Side view to audience,
facing stage right.
Lighting: Let stage lighting be
dim, or slightly backlit.
1. Enter stage left: high priest,
and other priests. High priest takes seat. Other priests stand on
either side of the chair facing the audience, with arms akimbo.
2. N. b. "From Gethsemane
they brought Jesus to the high priest for judgement."
3. Enter stage right: Jesus, one
or two police and Peter. Jesus faces high priest. Police take
positions that will not block audience's view of Jesus. Peter enters
only as far as the extreme edge of stage right, and sits on floor. He
pantomimes warming himself over a fire
4. Tableau: All figures on stage
remain frozen in tableau.
5. N.b. "Several charges are
made against Jesus, but the witnesses do not agree, Jesus did not
reply to any of their accusations. Finally, in frustration, the High
priest hurls an accusation from the judgment seat."
6. N. a. Mk. 14:60-61b. [High
priest's accuses Jesus of claiming to be messiah]
7. N. c. Mk 14:62 [Jesus asserts
that he is messiah]
8. Chief Priest stands and pulls
at his robe.
9. N. a. Mk 14:63 -65.
[Jesus is sentenced]
10. Tableau: Priests and police
form tableau portraying anger and striking Jesus.
11. Enter stage right, Servant
Girl: Goes to Peter who stands as she looks at him. They remain in
this pose.
12. N. Mk. 14:66-72. Divide these
verses between N. a. and N. c.
13. Exit: All, in the direction
from which they entered the stage.
14. N.b. "In the morning the
whole council met, and decide to hand Jesus over to Pilate, the Roman governor."
15. Enter: Pilate, and soldiers.
Pilate takes judgement seat.
16. Enter: High Priest followed by
Jesus (bound.) who is roughly pushed forward by police. They stand
before Pilate.
17. N. b. Mk.15:2-4. [Pilate
questions Jesus]
Pilate stands and faces
congregation with arms extended asking mutely for guidance.
N. c. Mk. 15:6-14. [The crowd asks
for Jesus' crucifixion]
N. a. Mk. 15:15. [Pilate sentences Jesus]
Pilate: waves them all away, exits.
N. c. Mk. 15:16-20 [soldiers abuse
and mock Jesus]
Soldiers push Jesus to front
centre stage and force him to his knees. A bight cloured cloak is
thrown over his shoulders and crown of thorns placed on his head.
Soldiers and priests stand on either side and behind him in various
poses of mocking and hitting]
Exit: Jesus is pulled to his feet
and roughly led off stage right. Priests exit stage left.
One: O Christ, who has been judged
by human society,
We are determined by faith, not to
judge our neighbours,
as if we were more righteous than they.
All: We pledge by faith to judge
one another only by grace,
And correcting one another only by
love and equity,
Knowing that our Creator is the
judge of us all.
Music: Hymn or other appropriate music.
Stage hands: Set stage for scene 5.
Scene 5, Golgotha
Setting: bare stage. Lighting, dim.
1. N. c. Mk. 15:21 - 24 [Jesus is crucified]
2. Enter stage right: During the
above reading, the following characters the stage from right to left
and exit stage left.
-Simon bearing the Cross
-Jesus and soldiers.
-A company of at least three women
and one man
3. Offstage sounds from stage
left: after the reading and above action: nailing, grunting as from
lifting the cross with Jesus on it, then wailing as in deep grief,
finally hearty laugher and voice, "You win Proximus, the pants
are yours!"
4. N. a. and N. b. Mk15:25-31a -
read dramatically [Jesus is derided by passers by].
Offstage Voice stage left: loud
and sarcastically - Mk15:31b-32, "He saved others&ldots;"
5. N. c. Mk 15:33 - 34a [darkness
at noon]
6. Offstage- after a moments
silence, the loud anguished cry of Jesus:
"Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani !".
7. N. c. Mk: 15:35-36 [they think
he's calling for Elijah]
8. Enter stage right- A figure
races across the stage with a wet sponge on the end of a pole.
9.Offstage left: a second loud
anguished cry, followed by the sound of weeping.
10. N. c Mk. 15:37-39 [Jesus dies]
11. N. a. Mk 15:40-41. [Women at
the Cross]
12. N. b Mk. 15:42-47 [Jesus is buried]
13. Enter stage left: During the
above reading, several women and one man carry a stretcher covered by
a white cloth across stage left to right and exit stage right.
14. Hymn.
15. Prayers.
16. Dismissing the congregation.
Alternative media:
-Players as noted in the script
-Slides using power point or slide projector
Lighting: It would be best to hold
this service in a darkened area or at night so some lighting can be controlled.
Scripture: I have selected certain
verse to be read and omitted others. Feel free to change any of this
as seems good to you.
Players and readers: consider
having people play more than one role.
-Jesus
-Disciples:
+ Two unnamed women
disciples - Upper Room, and Golgatha,
+ Mary - Bethany and Golgatha
+ At least two unnamed male
disciples - Bethany and Upper Room. (may also play soldiers or police).
+ James, John - Bethany, Upper
Room, Gethsemane (one of them may also play Simon of Cyrene, and the
other play Joseph of Aramathea.
+Peter is also at Judgement Hall
+ Judas - Gethsemane
+ Two to four children -
Bethany, Upper Room
-Simon of Cyrene
-Joseph of Aramathea
-High Priest - Judgement Hall
-Priests (at least two) Judgement Hall
-Roman soldiers (at least two)
Judgement Hall, Golgatha
-Temple police (at least two)
Gethsemane, Judgement Hall.
-Pilate Judgement Hall
- Two Carpenters - Bethany (may
also play police or soldiers)
-
Equipment needed for staging with players:
- A low large table. Can be made
of a wooden door laid on a couple of boxes.
- A similar smaller table
- Cross
- Risers (see scenes 3, 4 )
- A large chair for judgement seat,
- Chalice, and other drinking
vessels, and food plates
- Two loaves of bread, and other
food (see scenes 1 and 2)
- sponge on a stick
- Two swords
- A stretcher for carrying a body
- Costumes: All players, wear
black (pants or dresses), shirts. Priests and Pilate also wear dark
robes. The priest's robes are black, Pilate's is wine coloured.
Soldiers wear helmets, police wear soft headwear. A robe to be placed
on Jesus in scene 5.
- Other scenery and backdrops as
you may make.
Bible *Advt.-Xmas- Ep. * Lent -Easter* Pent. 1-14 * Pent 15-end * Child * Story * Liturgy * Social * Pastor * Mission
The Invitation <
A109>
A Chancel enactment of the parable
of the Wedding Feast
Palm Sunday (see A212) or After Pentecost 23. Matthew 22:1-14.
Before the enactment begins you may want to announce that at one point in the play members of the congregation, chosen randomly by the players, will be asked to come onto the stage as guests of the Monarch
The Invitation
Hymn, during which players take their place on stage.
note: If play this used with the Palm Sunday Service A212, the hymn may be, "This is the Day." Otherwise it might be the first verse of, "Jesus Calls Us."
The monarch sits in the large chair.
Reader - The Gospel according to Mark describes Jesus' ministry in one brief statement. Mark says that Jesus went into Galilee inviting everyone to enter into the Realm of God. He said told each one he met that the Realm of God is very near, so now is the time to believe this Good News and turn to God (Matthew 4:17).
In Matthew's gospel we find Jesus telling a parable about this invitation to enter the Realm of God. We players are going to enact that parable. WE invite you to see our offering as your invitation to renew your membership in God's Realm, or to enter it for the first time.
Reader - Let us pray: O Holy God who invites us to be citizens of Heaven both now and forever, by your Spirit open our hearts and minds so that we respond with gladness to this invitation. May we now hear Christ offering us this Good News.
Reader - Here is the parable of Christ: The Realm of Heaven is like this. Once there was a Monarch who prepared a wedding feast for one of his children.
Servants - remove plain cloth to reveal table set for banquet. Place candles on table and light them.
Reader - The monarch made up a guest list and sent servants to deliver the invitations.
Monarch's ministers - Come to monarch to receive invitations, and give them to the Runners, who leave to deliver them. While off stage, they crumple the invitations to signify they have been rejected.
Reader: But those who were invited to the banquet refused to come.
The Runners return and make a show of giving the crumpled invitations to the Ministers, who nervously take them to the Monarch who is astounded, and cannot believe the refusal.
Reader: Again the monarch sent servants out with a second invitation to the same people saying: (Matthew 22: 4b).
The Monarch gives out the second set of invitations to the Ministers who give them to the Runners, who leave to deliver them.
Reader: (Matthew 22:5-6)
The Runners return and sit on the floor. Some are limping, some holding onto broken arms, some with bandages on their heads. The Monarch goes to them in concern, and the ministers bring cushions for the servants to sit on the floor.
Reader: The Monarch was enraged, and sent police to arrest those who abused his servants. (Matthew 22:8-10)
The Ministers go into the congregation and invite people to come to the banquet. The expectation here is that at least six members of the congregation will allow themselves to be escorted to the stage. The Monarch welcomes them warmly as they arrive. The ministers show them to the six smaller chairs.
Hymn, concluding verses of, Jesus Calls Us.
During final verse of this hymn,
all the players and the guests leave the stage.
Properties:
Two tablecloths large enough to
cover table; one festive and one plain.
Dishes and cutlery for a banquet.
Three sets of invitations.
Two candles, set in silver holder.
Candle lighting equipment.
Simple scarves, and headwear and/
or costumes to suggest roles, bandages, hymnbooks or copies of the
hymn, Jesus Calls Us.
Characters: Monarch, 2 or more
Monarch's Ministers, 4 or more Runners, Reader
Staging: -Place Communion Table or
other large table on stage centre front in clear view of congregation
-Cover the table with the festive
cloth and set it for banquet.
-Place a large chair behind the
table. Place three smaller chairs on each side of the large chair.
-Place invitations on table in
front of the large chair.
-Place a copy of the hymn, Jesus
Calls Us, in front of each chair, and place other copies where they
can be found by Ministers and Runners at the close of this play.
-Cover all this with a second cloth.
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Death and Resurrection
ecclesicakes <A425>
Easter Sunday
Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 24; John 20
Do you ever think about death, I mean your own death, your own personal death? How about resurrection? Do you ever think about your own personal resurrection?
I find myself thinking about my death a fairly often lately, at least more than I ever did before. This is almost entirely because of my age. It is said that the young think they are immortal, but when we get near 65 we know that that is not true. We know we will die.
Our bodies tell us that, as they begin to sag and have more problems. The cost of Medicare could be cut in half if it weren't for us oldies. I've been to the doctor twice in this last month, and am expecting an appointment with a specialists in Winnipeg at the end of this month. My body is dying, and some day will just quit. I won't be alone. 50 million humans die each year, and nothing can stop it.
It is actually comical to hear news reports that seem to imply that finding a cure for cancer will save thousands of lives. a cure for cancer would eliminate a lot of human suffering, and may mean that some of us will,live longer, but it will not prevent humans dying.
better nutrition, safety practices, and medical science has made it possible for more of us to live more years, but it has not changed the maximum that anyone can live. Every human body, even in the best of health will quit working sometime before 105 years. The few exceptions to this are not significant.
However, we humans have this brain which can imagine time beyond our own life, and so we want immortality. I know that I would to like to see what will happen next. Lately in the news I have heard of developments that may take place within the next four decades, and I say, "Ah, shucks I won't be here to see that!"
So we humans have developed several ways to gain immortality. For instance, some of us can make a name for ourselves so that we will remembered for a long long time. We still talk about the ideas of the Greek Philosopher, Socrates, or the Hebrew Prophet, Isaiah. But not many of us will get that kind of immortality.
Another way would be to build something that will last several generations like Eaton's Store (which just closed last month). I have noticed in the Lake of the Woods that some of the camps still bear the name of the original builder.
Writing a hymn that is sung for generations is yet another way to gain a certain kind of immortality.
Luminaire, the inventor of movies thought getting yourself into a motion picture would be one way to attain immortality. There you would be alive on film for your family to see year after year.
But all these ways of gaining immortality will eventually fail except in a few rare cases. William Willimon tells of visiting an English country grave yard that had in one section the graves of twenty Australian mean who died young in 1918. In the midst of these graves stood a marker which proclaimed: WE SHALL NEVER FORGET YOUR SACRIFICE. So Willimon wondered what this sacrifice might be, and went into the town and asked at the library, and the local historical society about these young Australians. He could find no one who knew.
With so many of us dying each year, there is no time to remember.
Christianity takes a different approach. We say we have a gift from God called Resurrection. God raised Christ from the dead, and does so to all who believe in him.
The resurrection of Christ defeated death, and so all who have faith in Christ shall never die. You and I have this promise. We shall never die. We shall leave this life, but we shall not die.
In fact, the resurrection happens long before our body dies.
Christian Resurrection is like an aircraft. I rode several aircraft a couple of weeks ago went I went to visit my daughter and her family in Texas. I know why it is that aircraft are able to fly. The ability to fly is built into every plane sitting on the tarmac, then when the engines draw the aircraft forward at the right speed, the plane uses its ability to fly, and takes off into the air.
This is how it is with us and resurrection. By faith God builds resurrection into us. So we are all like airplanes ready to take flight, and soar when the moment comes.
Not only that, we who have resurrection built into us are able to take many practice flights before the Day of that final take off.
What would a practice flight of resurrection look like. Liberace was once asked: "How does one get to Carnegie hall?" He replied, "Practice"
If you saw a Christian practicing resurrection what would you see?
A couple of very large crows have come to live near my cottage. I see them flying, and sitting in the trees. Sometimes they look funny to me. They look humorous when they walk. While the lake is still frozen, they sometimes go for a walk along the ice. It gives me a chuckle to see these creatures so well- made for flying taking a stroll.
In the same way, we Christians look comical, when we who have been fitted for resurrection, live in a dying way. Rather than walking like Crows. we should be souring in hope, faith, love, compassion, kindness, in joy! We are called to be perfecting our resurrection ability. We don't want to crash land in Heaven because we never practiced.
St Paul says that our resurrection happened on the day we were baptized. On that day the wings of faith were fitted to us. We must not let them rust and drop off!
There is a story of Communist leader speaking to a huge crowd of Russians, telling them that they no longer need believe in God, the state has replaced religion. An old priest asked if he could say just three words. He was given permission so he show how foolish belief in God is. The old man climbed up to the podium and called out: "Christ is Risen!"
The whole crowd responded by saying: "Christ is Risen Indeed!" The people were not willing to give up resurrection, and walk like strolling crows.
In our culture, we too are told to give up on Christian values that make is soar to the heavens. In place of this faith we are offered life by way of stocks and bonds. The bank has replaced the church.
So, If I like that priest in Russia, I call out to you, Christ is Risen, how will you respond?
Some day this body will die, but I will not die, and every day I practice resurrection
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Palm Sunday <A212>
For
Yr. C Planning
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for SUMMER
Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 24; John 20
A service of worship for Palm
Sunday in which the message is given throughout the service
Introduction to the service:
The focus of this worship service is the ministry of Jesus through
Holy Week as given us by St. Matthew. Holy Week begins with Palm
Sunday and goes through Maundy Thursday; from Jesus entry into
Jerusalem on a donkey to his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Call to Worship:
Leader: Let us then enter
into this celebration of Holy Week.
As Jesus humbly entered the Holy
City riding on a donkey, accepting the cheers of the people, let us
now enter into this act of worship with a humble and joyful heart.
Prayer for Grace: We come together
as believers to remember the drama of Jesus' holy week in Jerusalem.
May the God of Grace bless the reading of this word.
People: May the Word of Christ
inspire and encourage us;
May the Spirit dwell in us richly
Just as she dwelt in the men,
women and children
who were Jesus' faithful companions."
Hymn, "All Glory Laud
and Honour."
Reflection: Apparently
Jesus had arranged to enter Jerusalem with a symbolic ride on a
humble donkey.
Reading1: Matthew 21:1-11
(I suggest that this be read dramatically with at least two readers
who have rehearsed.)
Reflection: According to
St. Matthew, Jesus spent the week before the Last Supper
demonstrating what he meant when he first announced the coming of the
"Bascillia," the Realm of Heaven.
We see this first in Jesus' donkey
ride into Jerusalem. This humble rabbi is escorted into the
city by a procession of women, men and children; middle class and
poor; people of differing abilities and levels of health; all crying
out: "Hosanna (save now)!"
Here is a travelling demonstration
of the Realm of Heaven - the Good News way to live. They are coming
down the road, about to claim the Temple as a centre for the Grace
and Love of God.
Hymn, "Hosanna Loud
Hosanna," or other Palm Sunday hymn.
Procession of Palms [it is
suggested that the procession happen after the above hymn so people
can pay attention to and participate in the procession as an act of
worship in its own rite.]
Procession: A figure
representing Jesus (wearing a symbolic garb) leads Choir, other
adults and children in procession inside the sanctuary waving
Palm Branches. Choir goes to the loft, Jesus figure, children and
other adults go to one side of the platform and sit together facing
the congregation. They represent Jesus and disciples and friends in
the Temple.
Congregation waves branches
and shouts "Hosanna" many times during the procession
Music - Accompany this with lively
happy instrumental music played lightly.
Second lesson Matthew 21:12-17
Print in bulletin - Jesus
enters the Temple where he clears Solomon's porch of the money
changers and is greeted by children and opponents.
Reflection: When they
reached the temple they found the outer court filled with money
exchangers selling special temple money to be used in worship.
After they cleared away the money changers they used this same area
as a centre for learning and wholeness and children's spirituality -
a model of the Realm of Heaven.
Each day during this week Jesus
will teach and heal in the Temple. Each evening he and his friends go
to the nearby village of Bethany where Jesus has many friends such as
Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Simon the Leper.
Children's Time A
story - teller engages the children, disciples and the Jesus figure
in a conversation / interview about Jesus' week in Jerusalem.
It would be best of this was done in a relaxed improvisational
manner (many improvisations c include all involved in planning and
thinking about how it will go, but little rehearsal).
Hymn, "Tell Me the
Stories of Jesus," using only verses that tell of children with
Jesus and of Palm Sunday.
Children got to Church school or
stay for the service. Jesus figure removes symbolic dress and goes to
usual place in the congregation, other adults to places incongregation.
Reflection: Next we hear
the parable of the wedding banquet. In this parable many people
refuse the invitation, so the host says go into the streets and
invite everyone to come. The Realm of Heaven is like this.
While the many of the leaders of society may have refused the
invitation to come, ordinary people do come, and the banquet hall is filled.
Reading 3:
Matt 22:1-14 (two voices?)
Hymn, some of "Jesus
Calls Us."
Reflection: What are the values by
which we are live in this Realm of Heaven? When Jesus is asked what
he considered to be the greatest commandment of all, he quoted the
Hebrew injunction to love God and neighbour. This is the basic value,
which is to guide all who respond to God's invitation. Love is the
foundation of life in the Realm of Heaven. This love is to be
expressed by our graceful acceptance of one another, young and old,
weak and strong, neighbour and stranger. This calls for a particular
kind of leadership, one that serves.
Reading 4: 22:34-40
Hymn, some of "Love
Divine, All Loves Excelling."
Reflection: During this time Jesus
tells us how God judges human behaviour: As you do to the least of
these little ones, you do to me."
Reading 5: Matthew 25:31-40
Prayer of confession,
Liturgist: Holy God, we confess
that we have not always welcomed Christ into our lives.
People: We have not wanted to
empty ourselves to take on the servants role. We shrink from its pain
and shame. We blame you when the hosannas die and the parade turns
into a mob scene. We heap our doubts upon you even though our own
inaction adds power to those who want to shout "Crucify".
We rebel against the risks of discipleship and we are guilty of
running away from life with you. O God of Endless Grace, hear us as
we cry out to you: Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.
Liturgist - Merciful God, free us
from our uncertainties. Allow this day to set a new direction in us.
Let no temptation overcome us and grant us strength to prevail in
time of trial. Thus we pray in the power of spirit of Jesus,
and in the name of Jesus.
Assurance of Grace
Doxology
Reflection: Jesus
reminds his friends that it will not be easy to live as a member of
the Realm of Heaven; there will be opposition. So he offers
encouragement and hope.
Reading 6: Matthew 24:3-14.
Prayers of the people
Reflection: The
relationships proposed and demonstrated by Jesus and his friends
bring strong opposition, which quickly materializes in a plot to
arrest him. Judas, a trusted friend becomes implicated in this plot.
Reading 7: Matthew 26:1-5; 14-16.
Hymn, "Lord of the
Dance" vs.1,2,3.
Reflection: Those who
gather with Jesus at Bethany each evening have a quite different view
of Jesus. In contrast to those who plot against him, Mary identifies
Jesus as God's chosen. She does this by pouring expensive perfume
onto his head. In doing so she is enacting the ancient rite of
anointing. In ancient times this was done to consecrate monarchs.
Jesus title, Christ, means Anointed One.
Some of those gathered there,
including Judas, scolded Mary for wasting the perfume which could
have been sold to raise money for the poor. Jesus does not support
them. Perhaps they did not understand that in the Realm of Heaven
charity was not needed. It would be replaced by love and justice.
This took place on the final
evening at Bethany.
The next night Jesus gathered with
his disciples in an upper room to celebrate Passover for the last time.
Reading 8: Matthew 26:6-13; 17-19.
Reflection: In the days
after his death and resurrection, Jesus' friends would be inspired by
the Holy Spirit to continue the mission he started. They will teach
and demonstrate the way of the Realm of Heaven. This is our calling too.
Creed
Offering, and Dedication of offering
Announcements, the mission
of this congregation and of the wider church.
Hymn, "I am the Light
of the World."
Commissioning and Benediction.
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