Good Friday, April 3, 2015
Peace Mennonite Church
Welcome and Introduction
Hymn: Abide with me
Call to Worship
We are Jesus’ disciples, following him even as he moves toward the cross.
Even as he wraps a towel around his waist. Even as he kneels to wash the filth from the feet of his friends.
We are Jesus’ disciples, longing to be faithful even as the night grows dark.
Even as betrayers loom. Even as the powers that oppose the way of Christ press in around us.
We are Jesus’ disciples, struggling to love others even as Jesus loved us.
We are Jesus’ disciples, gathered here to worship God: Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. Amen.
Service of Footwashing
Scripture Reading: John 13:2b-17
Prayer of Preparation (In Mennonite Hymnal #782, “All” section only)
Washing each other’s feet
Ubi caritas et amor
What wondrous love is this
Responsive Prayer
Holy, loving, suffering God,
as we have served each other in this place,
let us also reach out to serve others who are hurting.
Give us eyes to see
the injustice and suffering that abound.
Give us hearts to feel
the depth of this world’s brokenness.
Give us ears now to hear
the words of your passion.
Amen.
Passion Narrative
The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus (John 18:1-11)
Responsive Reading
On this dark night, as the shadows deepen,
We come to be present with Jesus.
With the glory of Palm Sunday behind us and the victory of Easter not yet come,
We will sit together in this space with our breaking, our broken hearts.
In this world that is at once beautiful and holy and tragic,
We seek to be present with all who suffer.
In the dark valleys of life, when sorrow threatens to overwhelm,
We long for a safe and sacred space to sit with our grief and our questions.
Jesus Christ, holy friend,
we know that you are here with us.
Let us be here with you. Amen.
Jesus before the High Priest (John 18:12-14, 19-23)
Prayer against Police Brutality
Holy God,
We grieve for the reality of police brutality in our country and communities.
We pray tonight for the families and friends of Michael Brown, Ezell Ford, Eric Garner, John Crawford, Dante Parker, Tamir Rice, and others who have died at the hands of police. Grant them comfort; grant them strength; grant them a way forward toward justice.
We pray for those who suffer verbal and physical abuse at the hands of police: for the mentally ill who do not understand; for those targeted because of the color of their skin; for those protesting the violence and injustice of the past; for the innocent who are in the wrong place at the wrong time; for the guilty who need to be shown a better way. Grant them healing of body; grant them healing of spirit; grant them a way forward toward justice.
We pray for the police officers who risk their lives to serve our communities: for those who have grown harsh and bitter; for those who hold fear deep within them; for those haunted by mistakes they made in the heat of the moment; and for the many working against the violence and racism within the systems and within themselves. Grant them wisdom; grant them protection; grant them a way forward toward justice.
We hold our community in the light of your love, your justice, your peace. Amen.
Jesus before Pilate (John 18:24, 28-38)
Prayer for those in Power by Brian McLaren (excerpted)
Jesus Tortured (John 18:38-19:5)
Misheberach (prayer for healing) for Victims of Torture by Rabbi Gilah Langner
Jesus Sentenced to Death (John 19:6-16)
Prayer for Abolition of the Death Penalty by Sister Helen Prejean
The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 9:17-27)
Prayer for Those who Grieve
God of the broken-hearted,
God of the broken heart,
Receive our sighs
too deep for words.
In your time
by your grace
heal us.
In this meantime
hold us
as we weep.
Hold us and rock us
with the rhythm
of your own
grief-struck
quaking
body.
Amen
The Death of Jesus (John 28-30)
Silence
Hymn: When I survey the wondrous cross
Depart in silence
*Unless otherwise noted, liturgy elements are written by me and you are welcome to use them in your own worship contexts.
Spacious Faith 
This was wonderful! I know Easter is over, but not really if you’re a true believer. To know our Saviour arose again that Sunday morning is one of the basis’ of our faith.
I also like the prayer for those grieving. I printed it and plan to share it w/ my bro. who just broke up w/ his g/f. He is devastated. So I am trying to be kind bc we all live back together again now. (same old story, just different characters…) If you would, Joanna, say a prayer for him (Steve) and me. ty, ahead of time.