The two Good Friday services today at noon and 6:30pm in the Sanctuary continue our journey through the Three Days of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.  As we return in silence to a barren worship room, we celebrate the wonder and mystery of the cross in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection. Nursery care is available at 6:30pm.

At the heart of this service is the passion reading according to John, which celebrates Christ’s victory on the cross.  The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) focus on Jesus’ Suffering and are proclaimed on Passion/Palm Sunday.  John, by contrast, proclaims that the death of Jesus is, paradoxically, the triumph of the divine Christ.  The gospel of John enables us to call this Friday “good,” for it celebrates Christ’s victory on the cross.  Jesus’ final words are not ones of desolation, but triumph, “It is finished.”  

On this solemn day we use the ancient bidding prayer (used since the 200’s), offering petitions for the whole world for which Christ died.  

Finally, we honor the cross as the sign of the world’s redemption; from it flows forgiveness, healing, and salvation.  A procession of the cross has been part of Good Friday devotions since at least the fourth century.  We acclaim the cross as the tree of life, for as Christ vanquishes death and evil, the world is given new birth and a living hope.  With all the faithful we are invited to bow before this mystery of faith.  Christ has died, so that we may live. 

Today’s service is referred to as a Tenebrae service (meaning ‘shadows’ or ‘darkness’).  The extinguishing of the candles recalls the darkening shadows of Calvary as Jesus’ life was slowly extinguished, as well as the flight and denial of the disciples and friends of Jesus.  We exit the worship area in silence.