Logie & St John's (Cross) Church of Scotland, Dundee, Scottish charity no. SC009115
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This time of worship is based on the one, led by Ramanee Bengough, which we used when we met together for a Connect event on Good Friday 2019.
As you scroll down this page, please watch the videos, and read the text and prayers.
Tune “O Waly Waly”, for the hymn “An upper room …”
Welcome to this time to think about Good Friday, and the crucifixion of Jesus.
We know the next part of the story, unlike those who were there at the time, but today we focus on the events surrounding the Cross.
Let us start with this verse from Matthew’s gospel …
“But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”
Matthew 26 v 56
Let us say the words of the Lord’s Prayer together:
Our Father, who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
forever.
Amen.
“There is a green hill far away”, the words will appear on the screen as the video plays.
As many of you know, I spent many years singing with a church choir. I always said that Good Friday has the best music, with moving words and haunting minor keys.
Last year, I joined the University of Dundee choir, and we sang a very modern piece, “Passion Music” by Will Todd. It’s a jazz choral music, something completely out of my comfort zone.
The piece of made of up nine songs, and it pulls no punches telling the crucifixion story. One particularly lively piece is entitled “Seven last words from the cross”. It made me look again at these words across three gospels that Jesus is recorded as saying, it’s really seven phrases.
I want to look at each one very briefly, in the context of the Crucifixion story, and use it as a point of prayer and time of quiet.
It may feel a little disjointed, and we will hear some of the events twice, but it allows us to listen again to His words.
There will be a passage of scripture, followed by a brief reflection and a short prayer. You may wish to add your own prayer before continuing.
In the middle, we will listen to words from John’s Gospel set to music as part of Stainer’s Crucifixion.
At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).
Mark 15 vs 33-34
These words are taken from Psalm 22, and as we will see Jesus refer to Psalms again later.
These are also the only words recorded in Aramaic, and can be thought of as us hearing the actual words He spoke. An amazing thought.
However alone Jesus may appear to be in these words, He was still making a difference to those around Him, prompting the centurion to later say “Surely this man was the Son of God”.
Let us pray:
Lord tonight we are hearing again your words, however familiar.
Let us hear you speak to us afresh this Good Friday & Easter.
Take away our doubts and let us also see you as the Son of God.
In a moment of quiet, let us ask God to remove any doubts in our hearts
Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others – one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, ‘Do not write “The King of the Jews”, but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.’
Pilate answered, ‘What I have written, I have written.’
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
‘Let’s not tear it,’ they said to one another. ‘Let’s decide by lot who will get it.’
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,
‘They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.’
So this is what the soldiers did.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing near by, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
John 19 vs 17-27
We see some amazing statements made by Jesus from the Cross, at a time when He was undergoing terrible torture, and a most horrible death.
Here He is showing care for both His mother and His friend, at a time when you might think He would only be thinking about Himself.
Let us pray:
Lord, you showed caring, compassion and thoughtfulness even at the time of your suffering.
Help us to show care and love to our families and friends, in whatever situations we find ourselves.
And in this time of silence, let us name those who need our prayers this evening.
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19 vs 28-30
I ran these two pieces together. And although I shouldn’t be surprised, everytime you study a familiar bible passage you learn something new.
Perhaps you already knew – but wine vinegar was what soldiers were given to drink when they were on duty.
Again here Jesus acts to fulfil the Scriptures.
And he receives compassion from the soldiers.
And he says “It is finished” – the task Jesus came to do is now over.
In Philippians ch 2 v 8, we also read “He humbled himself, and became obedient to death”.
Let us pray:
Lord we need to hear you, and become obedient to your word.
Help us to focus on the direction you have for us.
In silence, let each pray to hear His word, and know our direction.
Listen to these words in music from John Stainer’s Crucifixion, and performed several years by the University of Exeter Chapel Choir.
God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whoso believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world
John 3 vs 16-17
to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left.
Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23 vs 33-34
Jesus is asking His father to forgive those who torture Him. From time to time, in the news, we hear of others who forgive murderers and those who have committed terrible crimes.
Forgiveness comes from love, and Jesus’ love is for everyone. Us here, and those who not yet heard.
Let us pray:
Lord, we are amazed when we look again at Jesus asking for forgiveness for his torturers.
Thank you that we are forgiven by you, and may we show your love to those we meet, forgiving others, as you commanded us to do.
In a time of silence, let us ask for God’s forgiveness, for things we have done wrong or not done
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’
There was a written notice above him, which read: “This is the King of the Jews.”
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’
But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’
Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’
Luke 23 vs 35-43
What a promise!
Jesus reminds us all of what awaits us, and even at His end, He was making that promise to a thief.
Let us pray:
Lord thank you for this promise.
That Jesus made a way for us to be with you in your heavenly kingdom.
Thank you that we have heard your call.
In silent prayer, we give thanks for this great promise. And pray for those around us who still do not know.
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining.
And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’
When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23 vs 44-46
In the final words from the Cross Jesus quotes from Psalm 31 – which formed part of a Jewish evening prayer.
He speaks to His father, confident of His future.
Let us pray:
Lord, we all commit ourselves to you.
We ask you to guide us through our lives, whatever age we are.
In our final time of quiet, let us commit ourselves again to follow Him, our Lord & Saviour.
“When I survey the wonderous cross”, the words will appear on the screen as the video plays.
We say the words of the Grace to whoever is with us, and to everyone we have thought about during this time of worship.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.
Please share this time of reflection with anyone you think will find it helpful at this time
With thanks to Ed Muirhead, Ramanee Bengough
“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever!”
Psalm 118:1
Welcome to our time of worship for Palm Sunday. Thank you for joining us.
If you haven’t received our newsletter, please contact administrator@logies.org. We will send you a copy, and add you to our mailing list.
We have put together a short time of worship, as you scroll down this page, please watch the videos, and read the text and prayers.
We will start in prayer, using word from the hymn “Be Still for the presence of the Lord:”
Be still for the presence of the Lord,
The Holy One is here
Come bow before Him now,
With reverence and fear
In Him no sin is found
We stand on holy ground
Be still for the presence of the Lord,
The Holy One is here
Amen
You can listen to our Bible reading, or read the text below.
Matthew 21 vs1-11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives,
Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle
and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
by Rev. Anita Kerr
This reflection has subtitles, which you can switch on / off. On a computer you may have a option “CC” to choose subtitles in English. On phone or tablet, you may need to choose subtitles from a settings menu.
“In Christ Alone” written by Stuart Townend and performed by Aled Jones and Russell Watson, from BBC Songs of Praise.
Let us pray together,
Lord we come into your presence in these times of uncertainty and change, thankful that you O God do not change, and that your love endures forever.
We pray for the world which you gave us to care for, every bird in sky and creature in the sea; for the climate we have drastically changed from what you intended; for wildlife, livestock and pets we care for and protect.
We pray for the farmers as they prepare the land for the summer crops, for sun and rain and hands to harvest them; we remember the farms battling against the swarms of locust in Africa.
We pray for all who are still working in shops and in the public sector, collecting our bins, delivering our oil, in the corner shop and the supermarket. We pray for Pharmacists who provide our prescriptions and all working in Research Laboratories to bring us test kits for the virus.
We pray for all in isolation, alone or with families. We pray for an appreciation of each other’s need for space, to speak and be silent. May we be tolerant of each other’s sensitivities and frustrations.
Lord help us when we worry about our finances, our employment, our pensions, our futures- for the day to day food shop and finding what we need. Forgive us Lord when we forget how difficult this is for everyone.
We pray for all who have contracted the Coronavirus and for all who care for them. Giving thanks for the courage and selfless commitment of all who go to work in healthcare. Keep them safe Lord and keep them well.
We pray for all whose life on earth is coming to a close and for all who mourn. Comfort them Lord, reminding them that unspoken words and unfinished conversations can be resolved in you.
“Since if we be all in you, we cannot be far from one another, though some may be in heaven and some upon earth” George Macdonald “Walking with Grief”
In a moment’s silence we pray for ourselves and those whom we love.
Giving thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever.
Amen
Let us say together the words of the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
forever.
Amen.
Our final hymn is “Be Thou My Vision”, the words will appear on the screen as the video plays.
We normally say the words of the Grace to each other. We say them now to whoever is with us, and to everyone we have thought about during this time of worship.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.
“How Great Thou Art” played on our church organ.
Please share this with anyone you think will find it helpful at this time, and join us again next week.
With thanks to Rev. Anita Kerr, Stewart Kerr, Ed Muirhead, Bill Maclean, Hazel and Ramanee Bengough
Download the newsletter for Palm Sunday here.
We’re sending out a church newsletter by post or email, to our church family. If you would like to receive a copy please email administrator@logies.org or leave a message on 01382 668514.
“Canon in D” composed by Pachelbel
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.”
Psalm 55:22
Welcome to our time of worship, here online for the first time. Thank you for joining us. This week we have been trying to contact as many members of the extended church family as possible. If you haven’t received our newsletter, please contact administrator@logies.org. We will send you a copy, and add you to our mailing list.
We have put together a short time of worship, as you scroll down this page, please watch the videos, and read the text and prayers.
We will start in prayer, let us pray:
Lord, we thank you above everything else for Jesus,
our Brother who walked in the light and gave light to others,
our Saviour who has shown us Your light and let it illuminate our lives,
our Friend who has brought heaven and earth together,
the One who listens to our concerns,
who shares our hopes and our fears.
Amen
You can listen to our Bible reading, or read the text below.
John 8 v 12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 9vs5-11
“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. ”
After saying this, he spat on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
His neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”
But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.
He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”
by John Dent.
This reflection has subtitles, which you can switch on / off. On a computer you may have a option “CC” to choose subtitles in English. On phone or tablet, you may need to choose subtitles from a settings menu.
“Shine Jesus Shine” written and performed by Graham Kendrick, from BBC Songs of Praise. The words will appear as the song is played.
Let us pray together
Father God,
For all that is good in life, thank you,
For the love of family and friends, thank you,
For the kindness of good neighbour and Samaritan stranger, thank you.
May those who are vulnerable, hungry or homeless, experience support,
May those who are sick, know healing,
May those who are anxious or bereaved sense comfort.
Bless and guide political leaders and decision-makers, with wisdom,
Bless and guide health workers and key workers, with strength and well-being.
Bless and guide each one of us as we adapt to a new way of living.
And may the light shining from our windows across road and wynd, glen and ben,
kyle and isle be reflected in our hearts and hands and hopes.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Let us say together the words of the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
forever.
Amen.
Our final hymn is “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah (Redeemer)”, the words will appear on the screen as the video plays.
We normally say the words of the Grace to each other. We say them now to whoever is with us, and to everyone we have thought about during this time of worship.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.
“Love Divine” (tune Blaenwern) played on our church organ.
Please share this with anyone you think will find it helpful at this time, and join us again next week.
With thanks to John Dent, Ed Muirhead, Bill Maclean, Hazel and Ramanee Bengough
We’re sending out a church newsletter by post or email, to our church family. If you would like to receive a copy please email administrator@logies.org or leave a message on 01382 668514.
As a Kirk Session we are putting together a short time of worship to share with you for Sunday 29th March. There will be a reading and reflection with music and a hymn.
From the Church of Scotland website:
Speaking on the first Sunday that traditional church services have been suspended, the Moderator of the General Assembly said the future for many people is “very challenging” with no immediate prospect of a return “to business as usual”.
Mr Sinclair said: “Now is the time to stand up and show that our faith is more than words.
“It is the rock on which we stand and the driving force in our lives.
“We need to practice faith, hope and love and not just recite them as a creed.
“With God’s help we will get through this together and who knows perhaps the divisions in our communities and country that emerged over the last few years can now be healed as we work together.”
Join Christians around the country tomorrow (Sunday 22 March) at 7pm, in lighting a candle and place it in your window*.
Join in prayerful solidarity with this witness, a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, the source of hope in this life.
You may wish to say this prayer when lighting the candle:
For all that is good in life, thank you,
For the love of family and friends, thank you,
For the kindness of good neighbour and Samaritan stranger, thank you.
May those who are vulnerable, hungry or homeless, experience support,
May those who are sick, know healing,May those who are anxious or bereaved, sense comfort.
Bless and guide political leaders and decision-makers, with wisdom,
Bless and guide health workers and key workers, with strength and well-being,
Bless and guide each one of us, as we adapt to a new way of living.
And may the light shining from our windows,
across road and wynd, glen and ben, kyle and isle,
be reflected in our hearts and hands and hopes.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
* Please take all necessary fire precautions when using a lit candle. Ensure you remain with the lit candle at all times, and do not leave it to burn if you leave the room. Ensure there are no fabrics or materials such as curtains near the candle.