Dancing in the Dark

In Awe of Grace

Good Friday, Year A

How do you preach on this day? Maybe you don’t. Maybe you simply tell the story. Read the Passion story, extinguish the candles one by one, and leave the sanctuary in darkness.

Every day is a holy day if you live into the truth of the ever-present God. Every moment is a moment rich with possibility and hope; every relationship is a potential insight into the activity of the Spirit; every conversation, a living word of grace and peace. “Best of all,” John Wesley supposedly said as his last words, “God is with us.” Amen.

Palm/Passion Sunday is technically the end of the season of Lent and is usually included in the Lenten worship series. This year, however, we decided to put together this short series to shepherd us through this roller coaster of a week, attempting to touch on the highs and the lows and ever-present redeeming grace of God. While we didn’t include services for the Monday through Wednesday of Holy Week, it would be easy to do so. Carry through the sense of wonder and amazement; walk with Jesus in the last week of his incarnated and earthly life. Read the story and then bow in wonder, reflect in awe, corporately or individually. Give your congregation guides to prayer for them to use at home or call them together to worship on bended knee. But we invite reflection and prayer, confession, and thanksgiving for this amazing week. Invite your congregation this Holy Week and Easter to stand in awe of grace.

Following are suggestions for this high, holy time of the church year. You know your context best, so choose those songs that will bring comfort but also challenge people to look deeper at their faith and spiritual journey.

Abbreviations:

  • TFWS: The Faith We Sing
  • UMH: The United Methodist Hymnal
  • W&S: Worship and Song

Good Friday, Year A

  • Lord of the Dance UMH 261
  • We Sang Our Glad Hosannas TFWS 2111
  • Were You There UMH 288
  • O Sacred Head, Now Wounded UMH 286
  • When I Survey the Wondrous Cross UMH 298
  • Ah, Holy Jesus UMH 289
  • Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) W&S 3104

In This Series...


Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Maundy Thursday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Good Friday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Holy Saturday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Easter Sunday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes

Colors


  • (none)

In This Series...


Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Maundy Thursday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Good Friday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Holy Saturday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes Easter Sunday, Year A - Lectionary Planning Notes