Communications. Creative. Questioned. Sample FOR CHRIST. A Series of Services For Lent, Holy Week and Easter SNH

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4 Index About This Series... 5 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Ash Wednesday: A Question of Cost Week One: A Question of Priorities Week Two: A Question of Conviction Week Three: A Question of Innocence Week Four: A Question of Sacrifice Week Five: A Question of Authority Palm Sunday: A Question of Humility Maundy Thursday: A Question of Faithfulness Good Friday: A Question of Confidence Easter Sunday: A Question of Faith Music Guide By Rodger Gredvig. Image: Jovan Vitanovski/Shutterstock.com 2015 by for the Parish, 1564 Fencorp Dr., Fenton, MO All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Purchase of this kit gives the purchaser the copyright release to use the material in any format for use in worship. 4 SNH

5 About This Series In this 10-service Questioned for Christ series for on CD-ROM, parishioners will listen in each week as figures from the story of the Passion of Christ are questioned concerning their relationship to Jesus Christ. Is there enough evidence to convict them of being followers of Jesus? Is there enough evidence to convict each one of us? Each service includes a drama set in a police interrogation room with a good cop and bad cop asking their witness about Christ, followed by a sermon by the pastor. The CD includes a.pdf of the entire series, text of the orders of service, prayers, sermons, children s sermons, and hymns in.rtf (rich text format) and PowerPoint documents of all ten services with text (with a copyright release) for use on screens. SNH 5

6 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Ash Wednesday Newsletter Notice Join us for a special series of worship services for Lent called Questioned for Christ. Each service in the series focuses on figures from the story of the Passion of Christ who are questioned concerning their relationship to Jesus Christ. The service for Ash Wednesday is called A Question of Cost and includes a police interrogation of the money men in the story of Christ Zacchaeus, Matthew and Judas. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and the thematic hymns ask the question What is the cost of following Christ? Ash Wednesday Bulletin Notice Welcome to the Ash Wednesday service in our Questioned for Christ series. This service called A Question of Cost includes a police interrogation of the money men in the story of Christ Zacchaeus, Matthew and Judas. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question What is the cost of following Christ? 6 SNH

7 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Week One Newsletter Notice Join us for a special series of worship services for Lent called Questioned for Christ. Each service in the series focuses on figures from the story of the Passion of Christ who are questioned concerning their relationship to Jesus Christ. The service for Week One is called A Question of Priorities and includes a police interrogation of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and the thematic hymns ask the question What priority do we give Christ in our lives? Week One Bulletin Notice Welcome to Week One in our Questioned for Christ series. This service called A Question of Priorities includes a police interrogation of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question What priority do we give Christ in our lives? SNH 7

8 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Week Two Newsletter Notice Join us for a special series of worship services for Lent called Questioned for Christ. Each service in the series focuses on figures from the story of the Passion of Christ who are questioned concerning their relationship to Jesus Christ. The service for Week Two is called A Question of Conviction and includes a police interrogation of Nicodemus, the Pharisee who secretly conversed with Jesus by cover of night. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question What are your convictions about Christ? Week Two Bulletin Notice Welcome to Week Two in our Questioned for Christ series. This service called A Question of Conviction includes a police interrogation of Nicodemus, the Pharisee who secretly conversed with Jesus by cover of night. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question, What are your convictions about Christ? 8 SNH

9 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Week Three Newsletter Notice Join us for a special series of worship services for Lent called Questioned for Christ. Each service in the series focuses on figures from the story of the Passion of Christ who are questioned concerning their relationship to Jesus Christ. The service for Week Three is called A Question of Innocence and includes a police interrogation of Mary Magdalene and another witness, who are accused of many things, but ultimately set free. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question How are we declared innocent through Christ? Week Three Bulletin Notice Welcome to Week Three in our Questioned for Christ series. This service called A Question of Innocence includes a police interrogation of Mary Magdalene and another witness, who are accused of many things, but ultimately set free. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question How are we declared innocent through Christ? SNH 9

10 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Week Four Newsletter Notice Join us for a special series of worship services for Lent called Questioned for Christ. Each service in the series focuses on figures from the story of the Passion of Christ who are questioned concerning their relationship to Jesus Christ. The service for Week Four is called A Question of Sacrifice and includes a police interrogation of Barabbas, a criminal who was released by Pilate and replaced by Jesus. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question How much did Christ sacrifice for us? Week Four Bulletin Notice Welcome to Week Four in our Questioned for Christ series. This service called A Question of Sacrifice includes a police interrogation of Barabbas, a criminal who was released by Pilate and replaced by Jesus. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question How much did Christ sacrifice for us? 10 SNH

11 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Week Five Newsletter Notice Join us for a special series of worship services for Lent called Questioned for Christ. Each service in the series focuses on figures from the story of the Passion of Christ who are questioned concerning their relationship to Jesus Christ. The service for Week Five is called A Question of Authority and includes a police interrogation of John, the beloved disciple of Christ. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question How does the ultimate authority of Christ affect our daily lives? Week Five Bulletin Notice Welcome to Week Four in our Questioned for Christ series. This service called A Question of Authority includes a police interrogation of John, the beloved disciple of Christ. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question How does the ultimate authority of Christ affect our daily lives? SNH 11

12 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Palm Sunday Newsletter Notice Join us for a special Palm Sunday worship service. The service is called A Question of Humility and includes a police interrogation of the owner of the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem amid praise and palm branches. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question How do we respond to our humble King? Palm Sunday Bulletin Notice Welcome to this Palm Sunday service called A Question of Humility, which includes a police interrogation of the owner of the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem amid praise and palm branches. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question How do we respond to our humble King? 12 SNH

13 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Maundy Thursday Newsletter Notice Join us for a special Maundy Thursday worship service. The service is called A Question of Faithfulness and includes a police interrogation of Peter, the disciple who denied Jesus three times. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question When confronted like Peter was, would we be faithful to Christ? Maundy Thursday Bulletin Notice Welcome to this Maundy Thursday service called A Question of Faithfulness, which includes a police interrogation of Peter, the disciple who denied Jesus three times. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question When confronted like Peter was, would we be faithful to Christ? SNH 13

14 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Good Friday Newsletter Notice Join us for a special Good Friday worship service. The service is called A Question of Confidence and includes a police interrogation of Thomas, the disciple who doubted. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily, thematic hymns and prayers that include the Seven Last Words ask the question How confident are we about our crucified Christ? Good Friday Bulletin Notice Welcome to this Good Friday service called A Question of Confidence, which includes a police interrogation of Thomas, the disciple who doubted. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily, thematic hymns and prayers that include the Seven Last Words ask the question How confident are we about our crucified Christ? 14 SNH

15 Newsletter/Bulletin Notices Easter Sunday Newsletter Notice Join us for a special Easter Sunday worship service. The service is called A Question of Faith and includes the police interrogation of the soldier who stood by the grave from which Jesus rose and the interrogation of the police by the centurion who stood by the cross on which Jesus died. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question What is the faith on which we can stand? Easter Sunday Bulletin Notice Welcome to this Easter Sunday service called A Question of Faith, which includes the police interrogation of the soldier who stood by the grave from which Jesus rose and the interrogation of the police by the centurion who stood by the cross on which Jesus died. Readings from Scripture, a children s message, a homily and thematic hymns ask the question What is the faith on which we can stand? SNH 15

16 Week Two Service: A Question of Conviction Complete Script for Worship Leaders The Theme Verse can be read aloud by the pastor or in unison by the congregation at the start of the service or can be read silently before worship: Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 The Opening Hymn is sung by the congregation to tune Der Am Kreuz : Jesus, grant that balm and healing in your holy wounds I find, Ev ry hour that I am feeling pains of body and of mind. Should some evil thought within tempt my treach rous heart to sin, Show the peril, and from sinning keep me from its first beginning. Should some lust or sharp temptation fascinate my sinful mind, Draw me to your cross and passion, and new courage I shall find. Or should Satan press me hard, let me then be on my guard, Saying, Christ for me was wounded, that the tempter flee confounded. SNH 81

17 Ev ry wound that pains or grieves me by your wounds, Lord, is made whole; When I m faint, your cross revives me, granting new life to my soul. Yes, your comfort renders sweet ev ry bitter cup I meet; For your all-atoning passion has procured my soul s salvation. The Opening Verses are spoken responsively by the pastor and the congregation: PP For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, CC That whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. PP For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, CC But in order that the world might be saved through him. PP You are all children of light, children of the day. CC Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. The Confession and Absolution are spoken responsively by the pastor and the congregation: PP Let us confess our sins to God and ask his forgiveness for the sake of Jesus, his Son and our Savior. CC Almighty God, I know that I should be a light in the world, but so often I choose to remain hidden in the guilt and darkness of my sin. I turn from your Word and will and choose to follow my own desires. I listen to the temptations of the world and sin against you in my thoughts, words and actions. Have mercy on me and forgive me for the sake of Jesus, who came to save me. PP For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For the sake of Jesus and by his command, I announce to you that your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. CC Jesus is the light of the world, and in him we are children of the light, children of the day! 82 SNH

18 The Hymn is sung by the congregation to tune St. Crispin LM: God loved the world so that he gave his only Son the lost to save, That all who would in him believe should everlasting life receive. The Prayer of the Day is spoken by the pastor or other worship leader: PP God of light and salvation, so many people are lost in the darkness of sin, unable to see your light, to hear your Word or feel your love. Enable us by your Spirit to speak of your grace to a world that is blind and deaf, bereft of light and joy. Increase our confidence that we might witness to your Son s redeeming death. When we are tempted to conceal our faith or lose conviction, convict us. Lead us to be bold witnesses for you. Help us to share the good news of our Savior. Erase our fears so that we may stand up for Jesus. In the name of the one who stood up for us, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The Hymn is sung by the congregation to tune St. Crispin LM: Christ Jesus is the ground of faith, who was made flesh and suffered death; All then who trust in him alone are built on this chief cornerstone. The Children s Message is delivered by the pastor or other worship leader: (Needed: a flashlight) PP When Jesus lived on earth, he spent day after day teaching and healing people. Many people hundreds and hundreds of people listened to him teach. People talked to Jesus and asked him questions about God. They wanted to know more about God s love and how to be one of Jesus followers. But once there was a man named Nicodemus who didn t talk to Jesus during the day. He came to talk to Jesus at night! Nicodemus was a very important person. Many of his friends did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Nicodemus might have been afraid to let his friends know that he talked to Jesus, so he came at night. Jesus taught Nicodemus about God s love and told him a Bible verse that we all know very well John 3:16. If you know the verse, say it with me: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Just like Nicodemus learned about his Savior, we have also learned that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. But we don t want to be afraid to tell people about Jesus. We want people to know that we believe in Jesus and that he died for them. (Turn on the flashlight.) Just like this flashlight can show us a path to follow in the darkness, we can be lights pointing to Jesus. We can show people the love of Jesus by helping others SNH 83

19 and being kind to them. We can tell people how Jesus loves them and came to die on the cross for them. We don t have to hide in the dark! We want everyone to know that through faith in Jesus, they can have forgiveness and eternal life. Let s ask Jesus to help us be lights for him. Jesus, thank you for coming to be our Savior. Help us to be lights in the world, pointing the way to you. Amen. The Hymn is sung by the congregation to the tune Dundee CM: Our Lord has asked us all to speak When others ask us why. We are reluctant, scared, and weak; Lord, help us testify. The First Reading, John 7:32-34, 40-52, is spoken by the pastor or other worship leader: PP The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. Jesus then said, I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.... When they heard these words, some of the people said, This really is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was? So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, Why did you not bring him? The officers answered, No one ever spoke like this man! The Pharisees answered them, Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed. Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does? They replied, Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee. The Second Reading, John 12:35-42, is spoken by the pastor or other worship leader: PP So Jesus said to them, The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid 84 SNH

20 himself from them. Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them. Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue. The Hymn is sung by the congregation to the tune Dundee CM: We listen now as witnesses With questioners contend. Will Nicodemus now confess? Whose name will he defend? The Drama, The Interrogation of Nicodemus, is presented by three readers: (Nicodemus is escorted into interrogation room under pretext of helping with investigation.) We re grateful that you were willing to come down to headquarters to help us with our investigation. Nicodemus: I m glad to cooperate, boys. In fact, I m very interested in making sure justice is done in this case. We are pleased to hear that. It s going to take the cooperation of the Sanhedrin to convict this Jesus. Nicodemus: Well, you don t want to get ahead of yourselves. You boys investigate; if there is evidence of criminal activity, then we will try the case. Bad Cop: It would help if the Sanhedrin kicked in a few bucks to loosen the tongues of witnesses. You know the chief priest has already offered an award of 30 silver coins? Nicodemus: Yes, I m aware of that. However, it wouldn t be prudent for the judicial branch to be soliciting witnesses for money. We would run the risk of tainted testimony. Bad Cop: Does that really matter? As long as we get a conviction, the end justifies the means. SNH 85

21 Nicodemus: That s just my point. False testimony will jeopardize the case, and justice will not be served. It sounds like you don t want to help us. Is there some reason you might sympathize with this Jesus? Nicodemus: No, certainly not. I m just interested in fair play. Bad Cop: So, you don t have any pertinent information about this Jesus? If you had firsthand knowledge, or direct contact, you would be immediately forthcoming, right? Nicodemus: What are you getting at? Bad Cop: Where were you on the night of the 15th of Tishri? Nicodemus: I don t recall. Bad Cop: Let me jog your memory. You were with Jesus! Nicodemus: Why would you say that? You forget we have informants throughout the city. Do you think the activities of a prominent member of the Sanhedrin would go unnoticed? Nicodemus: Oh, that evening. I was simply trying to help with the investigation gathering information. Why has it taken so long for you to present that information to the authorities? Nicodemus: Frankly, there wasn t anything important to share. Bad Cop: Let us be the judge of that. Nicodemus: We just talked about the weather and such. What do you mean, weather? Nicodemus: Oh, he spoke of the wind and how it blows here and there. Sir, we deal with liars all day long. Unless you want others on the council to get (makes quote gesture) wind of this, you d better spill the whole story. Nicodemus: (relenting, taking a deep breath) Look, like I told you, there wasn t anything 86 SNH

22 said that was significant for your investigation. He said the spirit is like the wind. He talked about being born again... Bad Cop:... from inside your mother s womb? Nicodemus: That s just what I said! It didn t make sense. He spoke of water and the spirit. He spoke of mysterious, spiritual things. Bad Cop: He must have said something critical, something we could use against him. Nicodemus: It was mostly about God s love certainly nothing criminal. Tell us exactly what you remember. What did he say? Nicodemus: Let s see. He said, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Bad Cop: So, he s claiming to be God s Son? We can use that! That s blasphemy! Nicodemus: I don t think you can make a case for that. Scripture says we are all sons of God. Even David was called a son of God. That s a pretty thin accusation. Did he say anything else about himself? Nicodemus: He did make a cryptic remark a reference to Moses lifting up the bronze snake in the wilderness. He said, he too, would be lifted up, that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. Do you believe this man? Nicodemus: I don t know what I believe. Is that why you threw a roadblock into the investigation? Nicodemus: What do you mean? You complicated the whole situation when, in Council, you insisted that due process be followed. Nicodemus: The law is there to protect the innocent. Bad Cop: Who s innocent? They re all guilty! Nicodemus: Indeed, we are all guilty before God. SNH 87

23 Before God? That s what sacrifices are for. We are talking about criminal activity, not morality and virtue. Nicodemus: I believe that this is what Jesus was getting at that it is our guilt before God that is at stake, and what matters is the messianic sacrifice that was promised long ago. Bad Cop: So you believe this Jesus is the Messiah? Nicodemus: I didn t say that. What I am saying is that we should be careful about rushing to convict an innocent man. Oh, don t worry about that we ll have plenty of evidence by the time we bring this guy to trial. Nicodemus: Be sure that you do. You wouldn t want to find yourself fighting against God. I think we ve heard enough. Next time fill us in on your private investigations otherwise, we can t be sure whose side you re on. (All leave.) The Homily, A Question of Conviction, is delivered by the pastor: PP Each week we have been asking a question. If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Tonight we explore the motives and actions of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. As we look at his life we must ask ourselves if we, too, are closet Christians? Do we boldly witness, or do we more often act with caution? Are we hesitant to witness to our faith? I m sure you remember Nicodemus late-night visit. He went to see Jesus because he was very curious. He had an open mind and heart. He went because, as he said: Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him (John 3:2). Most of the Pharisees had closed their minds to the possibility that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus himself had said of them, They are blind guides (Matthew 15:14). Why did they choose to remain blind to such wondrous miracles and signs? The short answer is sin. Sin, our disobedience to God s Word, blinds all of us to the work of God all around us. We fail to give God credit for all the little miracles performed each day. But beyond that, when we begin to minimize God s might or involvement in the world, when we over-emphasize our participation and effort, we become blind and 88 SNH

24 deaf to his Word and work. How easy it is for us to believe in scientists, to trust the doctors, to rely on technology. We often think, If we just put our minds to it, we can do anything. The Pharisees believed salvation was tied to their efforts. They felt that strict observance of the law was the only way to please God and earn a place in heaven. To ensure complete faithfulness to the law, they added specific and measurable criteria. They calculated a Sabbath day s journey as about a half-mile. Tithing included not only income, but even the spices grown in your garden. There was no aspect of daily living that didn t require strict observance of rituals, washings and prohibitions. By the time of Jesus, the Pharisees had added an estimated 613 laws to the Torah, or Law of Moses. The Sanhedrin was an elite council of 70 Jewish leaders, including Pharisees. It was a position of honor and respect. The Sanhedrin had assumed responsibility for judging cases of law. And what better yardstick to use in judging the behavior of others than their own righteous observance of the Law! Jesus did not measure up. He had no formal education, no urban culture, no pedigree, no credentials. So you can understand the sensitive and awkward position in which Nicodemus found himself. How could a fair-minded member of that strict Jewish sect entertain the possibility of Jesus being the long-sought-after Messiah? Worse yet, what if Jesus was the Messiah, God s Anointed One, who offered salvation through his personal sacrifice? How could Nicodemus square this fact with his long-held belief in the righteousness of his own works? Nicodemus, a great judge of Israel, heard Jesus say: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Something would have to give. But who wants to abandon an honored lifestyle and position of authority for such a radical change, a change that would be condemned by one s colleagues? Would you? Going to church on Sunday is one thing, but what if you were known on your block as the one who was gung-ho for Jesus, who represented Christ, someone who gave evidence of your love for your Savior in your words and actions? Here is what Jesus said to Nicodemus during that nighttime visit: Whoever believes in [the Son of God] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God (John 3:18-21). Through faith in Jesus, you have come to the Light. Jesus carried out the work for which his Father had sent him. As he told Nicodemus, SNH 89

25 Week Two Service: A Question of Conviction Music Guide Der Am Kreuz St. Crispin LM Dundee CM Webb D Wem in Leidenstagen SNH 335

26 Tune... Der Am Kreuz SNH

27 The Opening Hymn is sung by the congregation to tune Der Am Kreuz : Jesus, grant that balm and healing in your holy wounds I find, Ev ry hour that I am feeling pains of body and of mind. Should some evil thought within tempt my treach rous heart to sin, Show the peril, and from sinning keep me from its first beginning. Should some lust or sharp temptation fascinate my sinful mind, Draw me to your cross and passion, and new courage I shall find. Or should Satan press me hard, let me then be on my guard, Saying, Christ for me was wounded, that the tempter flee confounded. Ev ry wound that pains or grieves me by your wounds, Lord, is made whole; When I m faint, your cross revives me, granting new life to my soul Yes, your comfort renders sweet ev ry bitter cup I meet; For your all-atoning passion has procured my soul s salvation. SNH 337