Monday, April 05, 2010

Easter Monday Share


The RevGals are asking folks to share what went well, or not so well, at their churches this last week.

I'd like to share the Good Friday service at our church that was unusual and particularly meaningful.

As we entered the chapel where the service was being held we were encouraged to sign our names on a large piece of cloth. The entire service was shaped around the theme of Christ as the Lamb of God whose sacrifice atoned for our sins.

The scripture readings were Genesis 22: 1-8a; Hebrews 10: 1-14, John 1: 29-36. We sang the hymns When I Survey the Wondrous Cross and O Lamb of God Most Holy! A quartet also sang Behold the Lamb of God from Handel's Messiah.

The Reflection offered by Dr. Dave Peterson illuminated the Old Testament history of the Paschal Lamb.We all stood for the reading of the entire chapter 19 of the Gospel of John--the passion narrative.

Then a real lamb was brought forward and Dr. Peterson wrapped it in the cloth with all of our names inscribed on it. We were invited to come forward and place our hands on the head of the lamb as the Jews were told to do in Leviticus for the lamb that they offered for sacrifice. We then exited in silence.

Three large wooden crosses were placed in the courtyard opposite the chapel where you could go for more silent reflection.

It was a very powerful Good Friday message.

1 comment:

Dr. Laura Marie Grimes said...

What an incredible service that must have been. Thank you for sharing it.