One: Grace and peace be with you.
MOST: And also with you.
One: As we enter this time together…
SONG: Gift of Love
One: Please join with me in prayer… [from Book of Common Worship]
SONG: I Love to Tell the Story (by Kate Hankey and Wm. G. Fischer)
I love to tell the story of unseen things above
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true
It satisfies my longings, as nothing else can do
I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love
I love to tell the story; ’tis pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God’s own holy word
I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love
I love to tell the story; for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song
‘Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long
I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love
Maundy Thursday litany – many thanks to Martha Spong for sharing!
One: Picture him in the garden, in the fever of the moment, left with the soldiers while his friends ran away.
Many: We can picture him, surrounded but alone.
One: Did the stories cross his mind, the moments he spent with his friends, the conversations they had?
Many: Did his life flash before his eyes?
One: A woman came into the house, carrying her jar of ointment. Its rich aroma filled the room where it happened, a beautiful sign of love and care.
Many: We remember her anointing as a gentle act of prophecy.
All: O God, make us prophets.
One: The disciples sat close, across from the Temple, and listened to all he said, the last teachings he would offer in words, a warning that all the things they counted on would come crashing down.
Many: We remember how he told them, “Keep awake.”
All: O God, make us wakeful.
One: A widow brought her offering to the Temple, giving all she had, just as he prepared to give his all.
Many: We remember we are to love God with all we have: heart, mind, soul and strength.
All: O God, may we be truly giving.
One: The scribes and Pharisees came to question him, and he taught them with parables, predicting his own death in the story of the vineyard workers.
Many: We remember the beloved son, seized and beaten.
All: O God, help us to see the truth in his stories.
One: The people shouted as he rode into Jerusalem; they laid palm branches on the road, crying “Hosanna!”
Many: We remember, yet tomorrow they will shout, “Crucify him!”
All: O God, forgive them. Forgive us.
One: James and John asked to sit by his side, one on the left and one on the right, but he reminded them of the cup they would have to drink.
Many: We remember. How blind they were to the truth!
All: O God, give us eyes to see.
One: The young man asked his question sincerely, and he stated his faith practices with confidence, but it was not enough.
Many: We remember the camel and the eye of the needle, the fields with persecutions.
All: O God! we may not starve, but it will not be easy.
One: Peter rebuked him when he spoke the truth about the kind of death he would die. He struck back with words. No one can keep this from happening! Get behind me!
Many: Get behind me!
All: Get behind me, Satan!
One: If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.
All: All of them deserted him and fled.
“Precious Lord” by Thomas A. Dorsey – Song Perspectives
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, help me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home
When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near
When my life is al-most gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, help me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home
Joys & Concerns
Litany of Healing (portions from Public Service of Healing)
RESPONSE:
We praise you and thank you, O Lord
RESPONSE:
Hear us, O Lord of life
One: You are the Lord who does wonders:
ALL: You have declared your power among the peoples
One: With you, O Lord, is the well of life:
ALL: And in your light we see light.
One: Hear us, O Lord of life:
ALL: Heal us, and make us whole.
One: Let Us Pray… (concluding with Lord’s Prayer)
SONG: May the Peace of the Lord Christ Go With You (Northumbria Community Trust)
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you,
wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing
once again into our doors.
REPEAT
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you,
wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing
at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing
once again into our doors.
CLOSING (in unison:)
Friends, life is short and there is precious little time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us… So make haste to be kind, and be quick to love, for within every act of love and kindness, the God who first formed us, reforms and transforms us again and again, now and forever! And for that God’s people say: AMEN!
Go in peace, with love and courage that it will be well with your soul…
Thanks for participating in today’s gathering!
In silence, please feel free to leave this Zoom meeting when you are ready…
PARTING MUSIC: Ook Pic
NOTE: The community is grateful to Bill Ri., Bill Ry. , Paul W. and Steve L. for their contributions to today’s gathering
