Holy week begins 28 March 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
Call to Worship
Micah 6:8
God has told you what is good; and what does the Lord require of you?
To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God
Assurance of Pardon
Jesus said, come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Friends, trust that peace and forgiveness are God’s gifts to you. Be renewed by the power of the Spirit that moves with you into each new day. We are called to the promise of God’s amazing grace. Thanks be to God. Amen.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Hymn #644 May the mind of Christ
Holy Week Begins
The worship services during the next week may feel unfamiliar, well, less familiar. Many changes have taken place in the last year due to the pandemic. The less familiar way of being has become the norm. Although the world has spent the last year in this shared pandemic we each have our own story to tell. When we read the scriptures, it is important to remember that the gospels share individual accounts of time spent with Jesus. Although the gospels are similar, they each have their own story to tell. We have been weaving our way through the gospels of John and Mark during this unusual season of Lent. Our journey through Holy Week will focus on Mark’s gospel. Today’s passage will lead to our Good Friday and Easter Sunday worship services.
Readings from the gospel will be interspersed with silence for reflection and hymns. Allow yourself to settle in as you listen to the reading and follow along in your bible if you like. During the silence simply reflect on the passage.
Prayer For Illumination
Philippians 2:5, Isaiah 50:4, 5
Come Holy Spirit, source of all life. Awaken our ears, open our hearts, and sustain the weary with your Word. Amen.
Readings
Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14
Mark 14
It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”
While Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
HYMN #348 Tell me the stories of Jesus
Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as Jesus had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
When it was evening, Jesus came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Hymn #500 Open my eyes
When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But Peter said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And Jesus said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.”
And going a little farther, Jesus threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
And again Jesus went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. Jesus came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
Immediately, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, Judas went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted Jesus and fled.
A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.
Hymn #500 Open my eyes
They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and Peter was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree.
Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But Jesus was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on Jesus, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took Jesus over and beat him.
While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” But Peter denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again Peter denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” But Peter began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
May God bless our understanding of this, God’s holy word. The Word of the Lord.
Hymn #500 Open my eyes
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now. Chinese Proverb
Jesus gave of himself for the life of the world. With humble hearts and in awe, we offer ourselves and our gifts to do good work in God’s creation.
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Join me in prayer:
Holy God, we give thanks for your steadfast love made known to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. We pray for your blessing of the offerings within this congregation that they may be multiplied for those in need. Holy God, we pray for those holding positions of power. May your Spirit guide them to seek justice for all people. Healing God, raise us to a new and rightly ordered world through the reconciling love of Christ,
where all victims of violence, shame, or terror may stand together with you in peace. Enlighten us to care for your creation, awaken us from our denial and abuse, and help us to alleviate suffering. O holy One, we lift up all who are suffering due to the pandemic. We pray your Spirit will linger with them that they may know your love and peace during this difficult time.
There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up Ron, Sandy, Rudy, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, John, Rob, Courtney and Kyla. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
O holy One, we desire to hear your voice of love, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to see you clearly. Make us true neighbors to one another and true children of your own calling. Lead us to serve others faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray…Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Hymn #78 This is the day
Benediction
Philippians 2:5
Let the same mind be in you that was in Jesus Christ. Go forth in peace to love and serve in the world. May the blessing of God, fill you with a zeal for justice and passion for peace, this day and always.
Postlude #623 Holy, holy, holy
Questions for Reflection
The passion of Christ is a story in which, against all odds, love wins. How might this story reshape your week, your life, our world? Where will you commit to letting love win? How will this change your life?
Morning Prayer
Jesus, in your passion and resurrection, you show me there is no place you have not been and no place you fear to go. Morning by morning, you awaken me more deeply to this truth. Send me into the world this day with the courage and wisdom
to be a faithful witness to your coming reign of justice, mercy, and peace. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Although I have sought to serve you this day, I have failed to keep your love.
You know my strengths and weaknesses more than I; reveal them to me that I may be healed this night and begin afresh tomorrow. Amen.
Daily Prayer
God of salvation, our Lord entered his passion to raise us to life. In this holiest of weeks, help us to walk the way of the cross, that we may be raised in a resurrection like his and dwell forever in you, Eternal God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture readings Good Friday
Psalm 22, Mark 15
Scripture readings Easter Sunday
Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Acts 10:34-43; Mark 16
623 Holy, holy, holy Words: traditional Music: F Schubert
Refrain: Holy, holy, holy, God almighty, Lord!
Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!
God without beginning, God eternal One
reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun [Refrain]
Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne
Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone [Refrain]
644 May the mind of Christ
May the mind of Christ, my Saviour, Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph Only through His power.
May the peace of God my Father Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me, As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing, This is victory.
May I run the race before me, Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus As I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel, Seeing only Him.
500 Open my eyes
Open my eyes, that I may see Glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key That shall unclasp and set me free.
Refrain: Silently now I wait for thee; ready, my God, thy will to see;
open my eyes: illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear Voices of truth thou sendest clear,
And while the wave-notes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear.
Refrain
Open my mouth, and let me bear Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare Love with thy children thus to share.
Refrain
78 This is the day
This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.
We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made.
Open to us, open to us the gates of God, the gates of God;
we will go in, we will go in and praise the Lord, and praise the Lord.
Open to us the gates of God; we will go in and praise the Lord.
Open to us, open to us the gates of God.
You are our God, you are our God;
we will praise your name, we will praise your name;
we will give thanks, we will give thanks for your faithfulness, for your faithfulness.
You are our God, we will praise your name;
we will give thanks for your faithfulness.
You are our God, you are our God; we will praise your name.
348 Tell me the stories of Jesus
Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear,
Things I would ask him to tell me If he were here:
Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea, Stories of Jesus, tell them to me.
First, let me hear how the children Stood round his knee,
And I shall fancy his blessing resting on me:
Words full of kindness, deeds full of grace, All in the lovelight of Jesus’ face.
Tell me about the disciples from far and near,
And I will listen among them eager to hear.
Whose loaves and fishes did Jesus bless, Showing the people God’s tenderness?
Tell me, in accents of wonder, How rolled the sea,
Tossing the boat in a tempest on Galilee,
And how the Master, ready and kind, Chided the billows and hushed the wind.
Into the city I’d follow the children’s band,
Waving a branch of the palm tree high in my hand;
One of his heralds, yes, I would sing Loudest hosannas: Jesus is King!