The Uniting Church of St James
Curtin, ACT
Minister-in-Placement: Revd Rex A E Hunt, MSc(Hons), GradDipCommMgt
eMail: rexae@optusnet.com.au
Web site: www.rexaehuntprogressive.com
A TIME OF REFLECTION ON GOOD FRIDAY
9.00am. 21 March 2008. Good Friday A.
Acknowledgement of land
(An act towards reconciliation by the Church of St James, Curtin.)
For thousands of years Indigenous people have walked
in this land, on their own country.
Their relationship with the land is at the centre of their lives.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal People and their stewardship
of this land throughout the ages.
St James is a safe place for all people to worship regardless of
race, creed, gender, cultural background or sexual orientation
The candle is lit
Gathering The people gather in silence.
Silence
Greeting
We come here today to remember a man. A man…
who had dreams,
who had those dreams shattered,
who needed time to think and pray,
who knew he was likely to die for what he believed…
A man of extraordinary religious insight.
A man who did die - a cruel death.
On this day we look at the cross, and we remember…
the betrayal of friendship and its consequences,
the casual cruelty of Roman authority and execution,
and how unreliable others proved to be in a crisis.
On this day may we also remember
that religious bigotry, cruelty and unreliability
are still a part of our everyday lives.
On this day, then, may we learn some new precepts for living…
do not avoid contact with suffering, or close your eyes before suffering;
do not maintain anger or hatred;
do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest, or to impress people;
do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature…
On this day we remember. (Edited – M Dobson, M Morwood, Thich Nhat Hanh)
Hymn The people stand as they are able, to sing
"A man of ancient time and place" (Tune: 'Tallis' Canon' 88 88, 443 TiS)
A man of ancient time and place
with foreign speech and foreign face,
reveals the glory, power and grace
of costly, unexpected love.
A rabbi, schooled in Moses’ Law,
a male, amending Herod’s flaw,
arouses wonder, rage and awe
with costly, unexpected love.
By teasing word and healing deed,
a leper touched, an outcast freed,
he bears the fruit and plants the seed
of costly, unexpected love.
The cost we barely can surmise
when, lifted up before our eyes,
the face of God we recognise
in crucified, unfathomed love.
May faith and hope within us grow,
the way of Christ to tell and show,
and may the Spirit breathe and blow
in costly, unexpected love. Brian Wren
Remain standing
Opening sentences
In hope, in longing:
All We’re glad to come together.
In solidarity with those who struggle:
All We’re glad to come together.
In resistance to those who dominate:
All We’re glad to come together.
In memory of Jesus, who lived with compassion:
All We’re glad to come together.
In memory of all who act with courage:
All We’re glad to come together. J Nelson-Pallmeyer
Hymn “Great prophet” (Tune: St Denio’, 11 11 11 11, 143 TiS) 83 RP
Great prophet of pity, subversive in love,
unsettle our comfort, divert and reprove;
that, moved from self-interest, and shielded from pride,
we might yet embody the gifts of your bride.
Oh raise up your people and fit them to care,
for all who are lonely or lost in despair.
The reed that is bending, the wick that burns low,
through grace and persistence, God, help them to grow.
From each generation, race, colour or creed,
Christ, gather together, united by need,
the ones that you value, and God, may we find,
in spite of ourselves that your welcome is kind. Andrew Pratt
The people sit
Reading 1
Luke 23:1-32 (Inclusive text)
v2 The elders of the people and the chief priests and scribes rose,
and they brought Jesus before Pilate.
They began their accusation by saying,
"We found this man inciting our people to revolt, opposing payment of tribute to Caesar,
and claiming to be Christ, a king."
Pilate put Jesus this question,
"Are you the king of the Jews?"
"It is you who say it," Jesus replied
Reflection 1
v3 I remember a man who had dreams of what might be:
that people would be set free from ideas and images
about God that enslaved them,
that people would believe that through their everyday acts of human kindness
they are intimately connected with the sacred,
that people would live
'in peace, in God's presence all the days of their lives'
I remember a man driven by his dreams.
Silence
Reading 2
v2 Pilate then said to the chief priests and the crowds,
"I find no case against this man.”
But they persisted,
"He is inflaming the people with his teaching all over Judea;
it has come all the way from Galilee, where he began, down to here."
Reflection 2
v4 I remember a man who had his moments of breakthrough,
when it must have seemed his dream was being realised:
the times people really listened and responded,
the men and women who were prepared to walk with him and support him,
times when he spoke better and more convincingly than other times.
I remember a man enthused by his successes.
Silence
Hymn In solidarity with those for whom standing is not easy or possible we will remain seated to sing...
“On Friday, when the sky was dark” (Tune: CM, 'Richmond 86 86, 425 TiS)
On Friday, when the sky was dark,
disciples fled in fright
and dazed, through Saturday, they wait
the dawn of Sunday's light.
From dull despair to blazing light,
from agony and death,
God's people sought for grace and hope,
and for the Spirit's breath.
The silent waking of the Christ
brought all the world to praise,
as death was done and life re-born
with hope for all our days.
That hope returns with each new year,
the prompt for faith's re-birth
and brighter than a thousand suns
God's glory flames on earth!
As new life forces through the earth,
the world is sprung with green,
and all creation rings again
as joy is sung and seen. © Andrew Pratt 21/3/2005
Reading 3
v2 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean.
And finding that he came under Herod’s jurisdiction, he passed him over to Herod
who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
Herod was delighted to see Jesus;
he had heard about him and had been wanting for a long time to set eyes on him;
he was hoping to see some miracle worked by Jesus.
So Herod questioned Jesus at some length, but without getting a reply.
Reflection 3
v5 I remember a man who learned of the cruel death of his cousin.
He got into a boat, seeking a lonely place, where he could be with his friends
to absorb the shock,
to grieve quietly,
and to calm the feelings of powerlessness and frustration and fear for his own future.
I wonder what he prayed about that night?
I wonder what helped him leave that lonely place
and go forward to confront life,
rather than retreat into isolation and safety?
I remember a man driven by his convictions.
Silence
Reading 4
v2 Then Herod, together with his guards, treated Jesus with contempt and made fun him;
Herod put a rich cloak on Jesus, and sent him back to Pilate.
And though Herod and Pilate had been enemies before,
they were reconciled that same day.
Pilate then summoned the chief priests and the leaders and the people.
"You brought this man before me," Pilate said. "as a political agitator.
"Now I have gone into the matter myself in your presence and found no case against him
in respect of all the charges you bring against him.
"Nor has Herod either, since he has sent him back to us.
As you can see, the man has done nothing that deserve death,
so I shall have him flogged and then let him go."
But altogether they howled,
"Away with him! Give us Barabbas!"
Pilate was anxious to set Jesus free and addressed them again,
but they shouted back, "Crucify, crucify him!"
Reflection 4
v6 I remember a man whose dream was shattered:
who broke down and cried over what could have been,
who knew the pain of failure and powerlessness,
who knew what it was like to feel broken and terribly alone.
I remember someone human like all of us.
Silence
Reading 5
v2 Pilate then gave a verdict: their demand was to be granted.
Pilate released Barabbas whom they asked for and who had been imprisoned for rioting and murder,
and handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they pleased.
Reflection 5
v7 I remember a man who knew he was going to die:
who gathered with his friends knowing it was for the last time,
who spoke to them about what he really believed,
who wanted them to remember him and to keep his dream alive.
I remember a testament to love.
Silence
Music of reflection
Reading 6
Luke 23:33 (Inclusive text)
When they reached the place called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the two criminals also,
one on the right, the other on the left.
Reflection 6
v7 I remember a man crucified.
He was a failure, abandoned by his male friends, taunted, despised,
enduring a shameful and agonising death,
no consoling or heartfelt presence of his God to help him.
I remember a man whose faith in all he believed was tested to the limits.
Meditation
"A time of preparation and change"
Adapted from Trisha Watts. Sanctuary. Where heaven touches earth.
…the leaves are falling around us
through days growing ever
clearer and more barren.
Surrounded by little deaths,
the drying of the grass
and shrivelling of the flowers,
we gather our lives in
like the harvest.
Our friendships,
our experiences,
our achievements
we wrap around ourselves,
against the coldness which is to come.
For in this time,
our lives will be lived within.
Like the grapes that are harvested
in happy sunlight,
turning to wine in dark cellars,
our thoughts will transform
and grow richer.
Come, Spirit of Mysteries,
into the centre of our containment.
Grow treasure from within us.
Silence
Cross 1 The cross is lifted from the cradle and held by four men
Shroud A white shroud is put in place by four women
Cross 2 The cross is carried horizontal and placed on the white shroud
Silence
The gift of 'paper' petals and autumn leaves
The women’s prominence at the cross stands in contrast to the men.
And having women as witnesses
was part of a consistent subversiveness
which belonged at the heart of Jesus’ approach.
Therefore, remembering the stories.
And remembering the death of innocent, fragile things in the world around us...
I invite the women of the congregation to come
and scatter some 'petals' and leaves
over the cross, as our witnesses.
The women of the congregation come forward and scatter paper 'petals' and gum leaves over the cross
The gift of
fragrant oil
Some
fragrant oil is sprinkled over the leaves, reminding us of
the gift of the unnamed woman
Hymn The people stand as they are able, to sing
“Perfect singer” (Tune: ‘Catherine’, 77 77. 622 TiS) 332 SLT
Perfect Singer, songs of earth
rise on every field and hearth;
let our voices sound again
ancient songs of joy and pain.
All your creatures strive for life
suffer hurt in angry strife,
seek compassion, find release
in the covenant of peace.
Sing a sacred melody
for the justice that shall be;
let our harmonies resolve
dissonance in steadfast love.
Steadfast Seeker, find our song
woven into lives made strong;
let the patterns of surprise
kindle hope with each sunrise. G K Beach
Reflection 7
v8 I remember a man of extraordinary religious insight:
utterly convinced of the connectedness
between human loving and living in God,
determined to give people personal authority in their relationship with God,
wanting to set people free from fear of the unknown,
setting his heart on breaking down barriers between people...
We give thanks for the ways
in which the life, teaching, and death of Jesus, have set us free.
Silence
v1 Jesus provides a glimpse into another this-world reality.
His vision is worth exploring.
For I am encouraged to celebrate life,
to suck the marrow out of existence, to explore, and probe,
and experiment, to venture into unchartered seas,
without fear of a tyrannical and vindictive God.
He does not set limits on my curiosity… (R Funk/adapted)
Silence
An affirmation of faith
It is now time for us to leave this place.
Let us commend ourselves into the hands of God.
The people stand as they are able
v1 We believe in God around us,
v2 Dreamer and sustainer of life.
All When there was nothing but an ocean of tears,
God sighed over the waters and dreamed a small dream:
light in the darkness,
a small planet in space.
v1 We believe in God beside us,
v2 Jesus as the Christ, dream made flesh.
All When hate and fear were raging, when love was beaten down,
when hope was nailed and left to die,
Christ entered into our deep secret places
and went down into our death to find us.
v1 We believe in God within us,
v2 Spirit who empowers the dream.
All Who weeps with us in our despair,
who breathes on prison doors, never admitting it's hopeless,
always expecting the bars to bend and sway
and break forth into blossom. Adapted/D McRae-McMahon/eoj
Silence
Sending out
Now... go in peace and faith.
For nothing can separate you from the love and source of life - God.
Candle is extinguished
Hymn "Lift high the cross" (Tune AHB 271) 87 AA
Refrain:
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore his glorious name!
Come, Christian people, sing your praises, shout!
If we are silent, even stones cry out...
Jesus, you wept to see our human strife,
teach us compassion for each human life...
Peace was your plea and peace your loving theme
let peace be our passport, peace a living dream...
Great is the cost of walking on this road,
to follow and suffer with the Son of God...
Worlds to be born and children yet to be
come, take up this song into eternity... (Shirley Murray)
People leave the worship space in silence as and when they are ready
You are invited to keep this copy of the liturgy and take it home with you
to share with another member of your family, or with a friend.
The contemporary hymns used in this liturgy,
are reproduced with permission under license #A1197.
LicenSing - Copyright cleared music for churches.
Some of the resources used in shaping this liturgy:
Alleluia Aotearoa. Hymns and songs for all churches. 1993. NZ: Raumati. New Zealand Hymnbook Trust.
Dobson, M. 2004. Multi-coloured maze. Drama, hymns, prayers and poems for worship and everyday living. GtB: London. Stainer & Bell.
Duncan, G. (ed). 2003. Let justice roll down. A worship resource for lent, holy week & easter. OH: Cleveland. The Pilgrim Press.
Funk, R. W. 1996. Honest to Jesus. Jesus for a new millennium. NY: New York. HarperSanFrancisco.
Inclusive readings. Year C. 2003. Qld: Brisbane. Inclusive Language Project. In private circulation.
Morwood, M. 2003. Praying a new story. VIC: Richmond. Spectrum Publications.
McRae-McMahon, D. 1993. Echoes of our journey. Liturgies of the people. VIC: Melbourne. JBCE.
Nelson-Pallmeyer, J; B. Hesle. 2005. Worship in the spirit of Jesus. Theology, liturgy, and songs without violence. OH: Cleveland. The Pilgrim Press.
Pratt, A. 2006. Reclaiming praise. Hymns from a spiritual journey. GtB: London. Stainer & Bell Ltd.
Singing the living tradition. 1993. MA: Boston. UUA.
Watts, T; G. Lord. 2005. Sanctuary. Where heaven touches earth. A group resource for those seeking simplicity, silence, and nurture. Canada: Kelowna. Wood Lake Books.
Web sites:
Andrew Pratt email distribution. UK.
Stainer & Bell Ltd. Web site: hymns.uk.com