March 29, 2013 GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE "THERE IS A BALM"

Good Friday

March 29, 2013 7:00 PM
PRELUDE *CALL TO WORSHIP
All: Save me, O God. Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame
because of me. Answer me, O Lord for your steadfast love is
good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Do not hide your face from your servant,
for I am in distress—make haste to answer me.
*OPENING HYMN In the Cross of Christ I Glory Hymnal # 295 1-4
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH An Affirmation of Faith for Lent **
We believe in God the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath. We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to be in this life with us, reaching out to love us into new life. We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret carrying these to the cross, where he gave himself unto eternity for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that his death was not the end, and that he will come again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks a fiery, passionate truth to all people, in every
language. Our hearts are warmed and we become the living proof of God’s transforming
presence.
We believe that we are the church, the body of Christ, called to serve and to make a
difference in God’s world.
THE LORD’S PRAYER ***
Our Abba, Father, in heaven. Holy, holy, holy is your name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it most surely is in heaven. Give us this day the food we need and forgive us our sins as we forgive the sins of our neighbor. Guide us in right paths. Lead us away from temptation and keep us from evil; for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
HYMN OF CONTRITION: Ah, Holy Jesus Hymnal # 289 1- 3
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 23:26-38
THERE IS A BALM Chapter 1
The Good Samaritan Speaks
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 23:39-43
HYMN OF CONTRITION Ah, Holy Jesus Hymnal # 289 4
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 23: 44-49
THERE IS A BALM Chapter 2
The Woman with the Alabaster Flask Speaks
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Luke describes individuals casting lots after Jesus says: “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Traditionally people have imagined soldiers at the foot of the cross shooting dice, as if gambling for Jesus’ garments, but casting lots was a a method used to foretell the future. In Old Testament stories priests threw painted dice or knuckle bones onto the ground to determine which goat was to be sacrificed to the Lord and which goat would serve as the “scapegoat” carrying upon its back all of the sins of the children of Israel. The “scapegoat” was sent off into the wilderness alone. Today we are aware that as the soldiers cast lots, Jesus has taken on both roles.
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Hymnal # 66
Praise my soul, the King of heaven, to the throne thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore God’s praises sing.
Aleluia! Aleluia! Praise the everlasting King.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we offer these gifts with humble hearts. Bless them we pray to do your work and will in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARATION HYMN O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done Hymnal # 287 1& 2
SCRIPTURE Luke 23:50-56
THERE IS A BALM Chapter 3
The Wife of Chuza Speaks Dr. Amanda Burr
CLOSING HYMN O Sacred Head Now Wounded Hymnal # 286
*BENEDICTION “Go In Peace to Love and serve as never before.”
POSTLUDE Solo: Were You There

The Original Script "THERE IS A BALM" (three Monologues) IS Available from the author Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr The United Methodist Church of Palm Springs