Just put the finishing touches on this one. Should have a nice little group (8 or so) come and celebrate the passion of our Lord. As part of our service there are six sensory stations set up for folks to interact with. I'll have to post some pics of the stations later, but here is the flip side of our order of service sheet. I'm playing Peter Gabriel's Passion (soundtrack for the Last Temptation) in the background, that CD is contemplative and eerie all at the same time.
The Cross (mantle) – this cruel instrument of torture has become one of the most recognizable religious symbols. Often crosses are worn or carried by the faithful as a personal reminder of their faith in the crucified God. A small vessel of holy water rests at the foot of the cross; traditionally the holy water is used to mark your forehead with the sign of the cross.
Reflect: Jesus’ asks you to take up your own cross and follow him.
The Passion (tv) – soundless this film provides a visual depiction of the Stations of the Cross. This film gives a strong sense of the depth of suffering Jesus bore for us. Luther was very disturbed by the tendency, in his day, to beautify the cross (rosy cross, where we get Rosicrucianism), it is important that we never forget that the death of Jesus is an absolute scandal. Yet, Jesus willingly bore all the indignity of his passion for us.
Reflect: Jesus was willing to suffer the scandal of the cross for you.
Prayer Station (living room) – from the Eastern tradition, a small candle represents our prayers ascending towards heaven. Please light a small candle and melt the bottom of that candle to stick it to the board. Please make sure the candle is firmly attached before leaving this station. A pillow below the table serves as a kneeler for those who so desire.
Reflect: Jesus faced the suffering of the passion strengthened by a life of prayer.
Stations of the Cross (I-XIV) – for most of us a yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem is not feasible. The tradition of the Stations of the Cross comes out of a desire for the faithful to walk the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows). In many traditional churches the stations are sculpted into the walls of the sanctuary, seven on each side. The pilgrim is encouraged to stop at each station and reflect on the long and painful journey Christ made to the tomb.
The Garden (dining room) – Matthew, Mark and Luke each give us a rich narrative of night of our Lord’s betrayal. In this blended reading, we are encouraged to reflect on Jesus’ struggle with all that was ahead. Interestingly, only Luke adds the dramatic angelic visitation and “sweat as great drops of blood.” But this is fitting imagery for Jesus’ preparing to enter the God forsakenness of the cross. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
Reflect: Christ knows intimately the struggle to do the right thing, no matter the cost.
The Eucharist (dining room) – The Lord’s Table is central to our Christian faith, it is also where the passion narratives start. For those wishing to participate in common cup, please use the provided clothe to wipe the rim of the cup. Other cups are provided for those who wish their own.
Reflect: Jesus’ longs to share this meal with you.
2 comments:
So,
How did it go?
Hey Hank,
It went really well. Folks who were there gave me good feedback as well, but it was really one of those services that you got out of what you put into. We had about 8 folks which was good, it would have been crowded with more. I think almost all of them engaged with all six stations and after we just hung out sharing.
For me I really engaged with the cross, coming to grips with the fact that Christ's death was a real death. I think we sometimes add a lot of mythology around the cross to keep our image of God intact. But this was for real and that has profound implications for my own Christian walk.
It also made me more appreciative resurrection, Easter Sunday we had a huge church brunch (pictures are up on facebook) with something like 10+ adults and almost as many children! (That's big for us)
Unfortunately I didn't think of photos until after I had dismantled most of the Good Friday stations. :-( Next year I'll have pics (Lord willing).
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