WORSHIP RESOURCES
Good Friday
Hebrews 10:16-25 (A,B,C)
Hope without Wavering
Additional Scriptures
Isaiah 52:13—53:12; Psalm 22; John 18:1—19:42, 31-35
Preparation
Arrange a simple worship setting highlighted by a cross draped with a purple cloth, a large, white Christ candle, lighted, and some greenery. Later in the service the purple cloth will be replaced with a similar black cloth and the lights will be extinguished. Other lighting should also be dimmed throughout the service if possible.
For the Poetry Reading, secure a copy of Kneeling in Jerusalem by Ann Weems,
Westminster John Knox Press, ISBN 0-664-21972-1
Quiet Prelude
OR Enter in silence.
Welcome
Statement on Lent
Lent is the time of preparation on our journey to Holy Week…the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. During this time, we moved intently toward God, ridding ourselves of the distance and distractions we have built into our relationships. Lent is when we are called to respond with radical generosity and spiritual discipline to God’s covenants that we may draw near to the one we seek.
Entering into Worship
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our ancestors trusted, and you delivered them. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near, and there is no one to help.
—Psalm 22:1-4, 11, adapted
Holy Week Hymn
“What Wondrous Love Is This"
CCS 454
OR “’Tis Midnight, and on Olive’s Brow"
CCS 456
OR “Bleibet hier"
CCS 468
English: Stay with me, remain here with me, watch and pray, watch and pray.
Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, once more we gather as followers of Jesus, much as those followers gathered so many years ago. The light we were following seems faint tonight and Jesus’s ministry seems almost lost. Tonight, we come with hearts open, yearning to believe in the unwavering hope that Jesus brought with his persistent message of love, forgiveness, and unity. We come together at this time in unity for the one who opened our eyes and hearts to all people. Amen.
Scripture Reading
When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place because Jesus had often met there with the disciples. Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said.
—John 18:1-5, adapted
Hymn of Assurance
“Jesus, Jesus, Ever Near Us"
CCS 254
OR “Lead Me, Lord” Sing several times.
CCS 450
Poetry Reading
“Come unto Me” from Kneeling in Jerusalem by Ann Weems, Westminster John Knox Press, ISBN 0-664-21972-1, page 53
OR “A Man of Ancient Time and Place,”
CCS 30
Prayer of Peace
Light the Peace Candle.
Prayer
Beaten and broken God,
Across the world, pain and oppression like what you experienced on the first Good Friday still exist. It is because of this that we continue to pray for peace. Peace that releases people from unbearable hurt, peace that feeds the hungry, peace that empowers the overwhelmed. May your peace be delivered to those places as an ember of faith, a small but hopeful beacon of light that shines in the darkness. Tear back the curtains so that all may see peace anew. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:16-25
Hymn of Reflection
“O God We Call” Sing three times/
CCS 195
OR “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley"
CCS 452
Homily
Based on Hebrews 10:16-25
OR Good Friday Reading, see below
After the Homily or Good Friday Reading, remove the purple cloth on the cross and replace it with a black cloth.
Closing Hymn
“God Forgave My Sin in Jesus’ Name”
CCS 627
OR “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” without the optional ending
CCS 457
OR “Jesus, Remember Me” Sing three times.
CCS 459
Scripture Reading
After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished and to fulfill the scripture, he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So, they put a sponge full of this wine on a branch 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.
—John 19:28-30, adapted
Extinguish the Christ Candle.
Hymn of Unwavering Hope and Compassion
“The Love of God"
CCS 210
OR “Beneath the Cross of Jesus"
CCS 206
Silent Reflection and Exit
Invite participants to remain seated in silent reflection for as long as desired, then exit in silence. Some soft lighting might be needed for safety.
Good Friday Reading
Written for two readers but it could be divided up to involve more readers.
Reader 1: In Hebrews Chapter 10, God enacted a new covenant with humankind; it is in their hearts and on their minds. The covenant is with God and with those within the community. God promises not to remember the people’s sins and lawless deeds. Jesus’s self-sacrifice makes unnecessary the old practice of sacrifice to atone for sin. Through it, Christ provides a “new and living way” as acts of forgiveness allow the community to release anger and bitterness and resolve wrongdoing.
Reader 2: In the temples of the ancient world, the entranceway was access to sacred space. As found in Exodus, Chapter 26, the curtain guarding the holy of holies kept God veiled and inaccessible. Once a year, the high priest lifted the curtain; he alone entered the space where God was present. He made an offering for sins committed by himself and the community.
Reader 1: When Jesus died, the curtain was torn in half. Through his death, Jesus becomes the entry or access point; he shows believers the way into God’s presence. Just as tearing the curtain in the temple made God visible and accessible to all, Jesus’s flesh torn through crucifixion, makes God available to all.
Reader 2: Jesus—serving as the entryway to God’s presence—allows us to come to God with a “full assurance of faith”; we can enter in certainty and confidence.
Reader 1: Are there “curtains” through which you feel you need to pass to gain access to God? How does seeing Jesus as the entryway to God’s presence shape your acts as a disciple?
Is access to others prevented because they believe differently than you, offer a different perspective than you, or look different? Maybe they are homeless or want to worship in a way that is uncomfortable for you.
Reader 2: Jesus’s self-sacrifice and death made God accessible to all; he provided a way for all humanity to enter God’s presence and receive forgiveness. This new covenant assures us of God’s unconditional love for all people and gives us hope.
Reader 1: This covenant is completed when we “provoke one another to love and good deeds” and meet regularly. The message is strong encouragement to put our faith into action every day, to make good things happen, and to share our lives as disciples.
Reader 2: On Good Friday, when we remember Christ’s suffering and death, feelings of anger and shame can arise regarding those who crucified Jesus and for ourselves as we recognize our failings and sin.
Reader 1: We remember God’s love and that our purpose for gathering is directed outward in love for others.
Reader 2: When we gather to worship, we remember the sacraments and God’s promises and faithfulness. We can express our love to God and practice love for one another, including our neighbors.
Both: Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering.
SERMON AND CLASS HELPS
Years ABC—Letters
Good Friday
Hebrews 10:16–25
Exploring the Scripture
Today’s passage begins with declaring a new covenant God makes with humankind. Jesus secured this new covenant (promised in Jeremiah 31) through his self-sacrifice and death. The new covenant is not written. Instead, it is “in their hearts” and “on their minds” (v. 16). The covenant is with God and with those within the community.
God promises not to remember the people’s sins and lawless deeds (v. 17). Jesus’ self-sacrifice makes unnecessary the old practice of sacrifice to atone for sin. Through it, Christ provides a “new and living way” as acts of forgiveness allow the community to release anger and bitterness and resolve wrongdoing (v. 20).
In the temples of the ancient world, the entranceway was access to sacred space. The curtain guarding the Holy of Holies kept God veiled and inaccessible (Exodus 26:31–37). Once a year, the high priest lifted the curtain; he alone entered the space where God was present. He made an offering for sins committed by himself and the community. When Jesus died, the curtain ripped in half. Through his death, Jesus becomes the entry (access point). He shows believers the way into God’s presence.
Just as tearing the curtain in the temple made God visible and accessible to all, Jesus’ flesh torn through crucifixion, makes God available to all. Jesus—serving as the entryway to God’s presence—allows us to come to God with a “full assurance of faith” (v. 22). We can enter in certainty and confidence.
In the new covenant, we are assured of God’s unconditional love for us through baptism, where our hearts are cleaned and our bodies washed (v. 22), and we trust God’s forgiveness through the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The “confession of our hope” is a statement of belief, like a creed or statement of faith (v. 23). Because we belong to God’s family, we have God’s gift of hope to anchors us in times of trouble.
To complete the covenant, we should “provoke one another to love and good deeds”
(v. 24) and meet regularly (v. 25). The message is strong encouragement to put faith into action, make good things happen, and share lives as disciples. Such a discipline requires trust in God and the community that bears Christ’s name.
In early Christian understanding, “the Day” is the expected day of the Lord or the day of judgment when Christ returns and God wraps up history (v. 25). On Good Friday, when we remember Christ’s suffering and death, feelings of anger and shame can arise regarding those who crucified Jesus and for ourselves as we recognize our failings and sin. We should remember God’s love and that our purpose for gathering is directed outward in love for others.
When we gather to worship, we remember the sacraments and God’s promises and faithfulness. We can express our love to God and practice love for one another, including our neighbors. “Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (vv. 24–25).
Central Ideas
- God enacted a new covenant with humankind; it is in their hearts and on their minds.
- Jesus’ self-sacrifice and death made God accessible to all. Jesus provided a way to enter God’s presence and receive forgiveness.
- The new covenant assures us of God’s unconditional love and gives us hope.
- Believers must put faith into action, make good things happen, and share in life as disciples.
Questions for the Speaker
- What are the “curtains” through which we pass to gain access to God or prevent access to others? (Consider “proper” belief, a particular spiritual experience, a way of living, upholding a specific value, a way of worshiping or interpreting scripture, an approach to social justice, and so forth.)
- How does seeing Jesus as the entryway to God’s presence shape your acts as a disciple?
- What role does meeting together play in our ability to express love and offer good deeds?
- What has been your experience of offering or receiving forgiveness?
SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY
Year B Letters
Good Friday
Hebrews 10:16–25 (A, B, C) NRSVUE
Gathering
Welcome
Good Friday is a somber gathering as we observe the death of Jesus on the cross. All candle flames are extinguished as we symbolically wait in darkness. Easter Sunday is coming but has not yet arrived.
Prayer for Peace
Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.
Beaten and broken God, across the world, pain and oppression like what you experienced on the first Good Friday still exist. Because of this we continue to pray for peace. Peace that releases people from unbearable hurt, peace that feeds the hungry, peace that empowers the overwhelmed. May your peace be delivered to those places as an ember of faith, a small but hopeful beacon of light that shines in the darkness. Tear back the curtains so all may see peace anew. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Body Prayer
Say: Today our spiritual practice will be a body prayer.
Show the group members three postures they will experience for this spiritual exercise.
First posture: Head bowed with hands folded.
Second posture: Sitting or standing with arms stretched outward.
Third posture: Hands clasped over the heart.
Say: “A chime will signal when to move into the next posture. You will not offer any words of prayer but instead will focus on sensing what type of prayer wants to emerge as you hold each posture.”
Lead the group in three deep cleansing breaths as preparation. Ring a chime.
First posture: Head bowed with hands folded (one minute). Ring a chime.
Second posture: Sitting or standing with arms stretched outward (one minute). Ring a chime.
Third posture: Hands clasped over the heart (one minute). Ring a chime.
Close with a spoken “Amen.”
Invite participants to share what they experienced during the body prayer.
Sharing Around the Table
Hebrews 10:16–25 NRSVUE
“This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds,”
and he adds,
“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews was written to confront arguments that Jesus might not have been the expected Messiah because he had not come with military might. Although resurrected, Jesus had left the Earth, and disciples were facing constant persecution. The audience, likely Jewish converts or perhaps a Jewish and Gentile mixture, struggled with disillusionment and persecution. People were in doubt and in danger of losing their Christian identity. They were in jeopardy of reverting to Judaism. It was a challenging and dark time.
Hebrews reassures listeners of the new covenant and God’s grace embodied in Christ and urges them to remain committed. The writer focuses on “encouraging one another” through challenging times.
We, too, like the early Christians, live in challenging times. Sometimes we question the meaning of Christ in our time, place, and culture. Like the recipients of this letter, we may even waver in our commitment as disciples. As we commemorate Good Friday, we recognize these doubts and misgivings. Jesus is crucified. It is a time of darkness, grief, and sorrow. We lament and reflect on the meaning of Christ in our lives.
We profess our sacred covenant relationship with God through Christ. We yearn to be in a relationship with the Divine. This covenant signals a bright future as we look toward Easter Sunday. We are called to join where God is working in our world and to discern God’s will in our lives and the community. We are called to encourage one another in times of struggle and recognize that we are a community of hope and love—grounded in a strong faith (trust) to live in the light of the reign of God.
Questions
- When have you experienced dark and challenging times?
- What provided hope for you in your time of darkness?
- What encouraging words might you share with others struggling with doubt regarding their relationship with God?
Sending
Generosity Statement
Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.
—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a
The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.
The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:
God who knows all sorrow, we share our resources to bring light into corners of darkness. May the offerings we share bring joy, hope, love, and peace into the lives of others so they might experience your mercy and grace. Amen.
Invitation to Next Meeting
Closing Hymn
Community of Christ Sings 463, “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
Closing Prayer
Optional Addition Depending on Group
- Thoughts for Children
Thoughts for Children
You will need:
- Good Friday coloring sheet
- Coloring supplies
On Good Friday we remember the day that Jesus died on the cross. Before Jesus died, he prayed and asked God to forgive the people who put him on the cross. Forgiveness is very important. As you color your Good Friday picture, think of someone you need to forgive.
Ask God to help you be forgiving like Jesus was.