On Good Friday I took a service of reflection at St John’s Launceston on The weekend that changed the world. My thanks to Revd Roger Hesketh and his team at St John’s Launceston for the wonderful service they put together. As promised, the three-hour service outline is below,
Introduction and Overview:
Many Christians – and perhaps some who would not claim that title – are strangely drawn to the man on the cross, lifted up to die. There is a mystery about the cross. It has a magnetic power. It has a way of speaking to a tortured world, a twisted conscience, a torn heart. It has a way of sorting us out.
We shall never plumb the full meaning of the death of Jesus. Leon Morris once wrote that, “Not much in the New Testament writing makes sense other than on the basis that God sent his son to die on a cross and so made a way of forgiveness for sinners.”
This morning Bishop John will lead us in contemplating the significance of some of the great ‘picture words’ the Bible writers have given us; atonement, redemption, absolution, reconciliation and rescue. We will also be praying, singing and reading the Scriptures. There will be opportunity to pray, reaffirm our Baptismal vows, kneel at the cross and spend time in silence and in the presence of Jesus.
Our prayer is that God, by his word and spirit will penetrate through the thick of human verbosity to the silent centre of the heart. Let us take heed of the words of James the brother of the Lord and so, ‘Submit ourselves, then, to God…Draw near to Him and he will draw near to us…Humble ourselves before the Lord, and he will lift us up.’
9:00 am
Hymn: (All) 342, When I survey
Welcome/Overview/Introduction
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Bible reading Romans 1:16-32
9:15 am Atonement:
Hymn (All): 341, My song is love unknown
Responsorial Psalm
[People are invited to lay a nail at the foot of the Cross- piano plays]
Choir: Celtic Benediction
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Bible readings Isaiah 43:1-4 Romans 5:1,6-8
9:50 am Redemption:
Confession
Renewal of Baptism Vows
Choir: Brother James Air— 23rd Psalm
Hymn (All): 730, Jesus remember me
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Bible readings Luke 15:11-32 1 John 4:10
10:25 am Absolution:
Hymn (All): SCE 1311 In Christ Alone
[People are invited to a Ministry of Prayer and /or to light a candle to symbolise the breaking of the power of darkness that Jesus sacrifice achieved while the organ plays softly]
Choir: When His time was over & Living God I cry to you
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Bible readings Colossians 1:13-22 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
11:00 am Reconciliation:
Hymn (All): SCE 353 Meekness and majesty
[Silence]Reflective Prayer
Choir: Proclaim, proclaim the story
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Bible readings Matthew 20:1-15 John 8:3-11
11:35 am Rescue:
Reflective Prayer
Hymn (All): How deep the Father’s Love for me
Concluding Prayer
