BLESSING OF THE PRAYER GROTTO AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT MT. OLIVET RETREAT AT BISHOP S LODGE 6.30 P.M. THURSDAY 6 TH APRIL, 2017 OFFICIANT: The Rt. Reverend Gilbert A. Thompson, Asst. Bishop WELCOME REMARKS: Mrs. Rose Mae Thompson HYMN: When I survey the wondrous cross When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the cross of Christ, my God: all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. BISHOP: We adore You, O Christ and we bless You. ALL: Because by your holy Cross You have redeemed the world. BISHOP: Let us pray: O God, who in the life-giving passion of your Son has taught us that only by walking in the way of the Cross may we attain to eternal joys: mercifully grant that as in deep devotion we follow the same your Son Jesus Christ on the road to Calvary, so we may also share in his everlasting victory. Who with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns God, world without end. Amen. Bishop Blesses Grotto and Gazebo with Holy Water and Incense! Let us pray: Almighty God you reveal yourself in mighty displays of power and in silence, be pleased to bless and set aside this holy place where we may, in quiet, reflect upon
your passion, death, resurrection and glorious Ascension and through reading, marking, learning and inwardly digesting your holy word and obeying your commandments, may attain to everlasting life through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bishop blesses the Stations of the Cross with Holy Water and Incense. The blessing being finished, the Bishop and assigned persons shall proceed to each station in the usual manner, reading the appropriate meditations and prayers. 2
Opening Prayer: STATIONS OF THE CROSS BISHOP: God of power and mercy, in love you sent your Son that we might be cleansed of sin and live with you forever. Bless us as we gather to reflect on his suffering and death that we may learn from his example the way we should go. We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord. All: Amen. Hymn No.132 (CPWI) Verse 1-Tune Rock of Ages Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the Tempter s power Your Redeemer s conflict see, watch with him one bitter hour; Turn not from his griefs away, learn of Jesus Christ to pray. JUS. JON ISAACS READER: First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane Station donated in memory of DAVID & ANSELM THOMPSON Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with 3
me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."matthew 25:36-41 ALL: Lord, grant us your strength and wisdom that we may seek to follow your will in all things. Move to next station singing Hymn 156 (CPWI) Verse 5 Christ by coward hands betrayed, Christ for us a captive made Christ, upon the bitter tree slain for men, be praise to thee. AUDLEY BAIN READER: Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested Station donated in memory of ADVIRA BAIN Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief 4
priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, "the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely." He came and immediately went over to him and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him. Mark 14: 43-46 ALL: Lord, grant us the courage of our convictions that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 149 (CPWI) 1 ST three lines At the cross her station keeping stood the mournful Mother weeping, where he hung, the dying Lord! MICHELE THOMPSON READER: Third Station: Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin Station donated in memory of EUNICE W. DEANE When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us," but he replied to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be 5
seated at the right hand of the power of God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from His own mouth."luke 22: 66-71 ALL: Lord, grant us your sense of righteousness that we may never cease to work to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 783 (CPWI) Verse 3 St Peter, when the cock crew clear, went out, and wept his broken faith: strong as a rock through strife and fear, he served his Lord till death. SIOBHAN DEANE READER: Fourth Station: Jesus is denied by Peter Station donated in memory of COLIN C. DEANE Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!" As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazarean." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!" A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you 6
too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly. Matthew 26: 69-75 ALL: Lord, grant us the gift of honesty that we may not fear to speak the truth even when it is difficult. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 132 (CPWI) Verse 2 Follow to the judgement hall, view the Lord of life arraigned; Oh the wormwood and the gall! Oh, the pangs his soul sustained! Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; learn of him to bear the cross. ROGANN HUYLER READER: Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate Station donated in memory of VIRGINIA NEELY The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, Are you the king of the Jews? He said to him in reply, You say so. The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of. Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. Pilate, 7
wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified. Mark 15: 1-5, 15 ALL: Lord, grant us discernment that we may see as you see, not as the world sees. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 142 (CPWI) Verse 1 O sacred head sore surrounded by crown of piercing thorn! O bleeding head, so wounded, so shamed and put to scorn! Death s pallid hue comes o er thee, the glow of life decays; yet angel-hosts adore thee, and tremble as they gaze. BARBARA HOLDER READER: Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns Station donated in memory of HOLY CROSS CIRCLE OF PRAYER DEPARTED MEMBERS Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly. John 19: 1-3 8
ALL: Lord, grant us patience in times of suffering that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 134 (CPWI) Refrain only Lift high the cross The love of Christ proclaim Till all the world adores His sacred name CHERYL WATKINS READER: Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross Station donated in memory of LEONIE SANDS When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him."... They cried out, "Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. John 19: 6, 15-17 ALL: Lord, grant us strength of purpose that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day. 9
Move to next station singing Hymn No. 509 verse 1 Take up thy cross, the Saviour said, if thou wouldst my disciple be, deny thyself the world forsake, and humbly follow after me ANGELIA REID READER: Eighth Station: Jesus is helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross-- Station donated in memory of PERCY & MARJORIE ROACH They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. Mark 15: 21 ALL: Lord, grant us willing spirits that we may be your instruments on earth. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 147 (CPWI) Verse 1 10
When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. MARJORIE CULMER READER: Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem-- Station donated in memory of IRENE MACKEY A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?" Luke 23: 27-31 ALL: Lord, grant us gentle spirits that we may comfort those who mourn. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 147 (CPWI) Verse 3 See from his head, his hands, his feet sorrow and love flow mingling down: did e er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown? 11
TERRENCE THOMPSON READER: Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified Station donated in memory of CHARMAINE THOMPSON When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."]luke 23: 33-34 ALL: Lord, grant us merciful hearts that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 159 (CPWI) verse 1 Lord, when thy Kingdom comes remember me! Thus spake the dying lips to dying ears, O faith, which in that darkest hour could see the promised glory of the far-off years! 12
REV D. DON HAYNES READER: Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief-- Station donated in honour of EMERSON HAYNES & in memory of GENE HAYNES Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23: 39-43 ALL: Lord, grant us perseverance that we may never stop seeking you. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 747 (CPWI) Verse 1 Shall we not love thee, mother dear, whom Jesus loves so well? and, to his glory, year by year, thy joy and honour tell? 13
FRANCESCA SANDS READER: Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple Station donated in memory of COBURN & GLORIA SANDS Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. John 19: 25-27 ALL: Lord, grant us constancy that we may be willing to stand by those in need. Move to next station singing Hymn No. 144 (CPWI) Verse 1 Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle, sing the last the dread affray, o er the cross, the Victor s trophy, sound the high triumphal lay how, the pains of death enduring, earth s Redeemer won the day. 14
JACK FORD READER: Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross Station donated in memory of BEVERLY FORD It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit"; and when he had said this he breathed his last. Luke 23: 44-46 ALL: Lord, grant us trust in you that when our time on earth is ended our spirits may come to you without delay. Move to next station Hymn A & M No. 122 verse 2 tune A & M No. 109 Lifeless lies the broken Body; hidden in the rocky bed, laid aside the folded garments where is now the Spirit fled? 15
DOROTHY GODET READER: Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb Station donated in memory of GEORGE & EDITH GODET When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. Matthew 27: 57-60 ALL: Lord, grant us your compassion that we may always provide for those in need. Return to seats in silence ALL: CLOSING PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven and reconciles all people to you. May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. Amen. 16
NB: The above Stations of the Cross are based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ's passion. Prayer for Good Friday JUS. RUBIE NOTTAGE: Almighty God, We pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. BISHOHP: Christ became obedient unto death. ALL: Even the death on the cross. REV D. ANGELA PALACIOUS: Direct us, O Lord, in all our doing, with your most gracious favour, and further us with your continual help: that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns one God, world without end. Amen. The Bishop then blesses the congregation: The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen. PRESENTATIONS! HYMN: Praise to the Holiest Praise to the Holiest in the height, and in the depth be praise; in all his words most wonderful, most sure in all his ways! O loving wisdom of our God! When all was sin and shame, a second Adam to the fight and to the rescue came. O wisest love! that flesh and blood, which did in Adam fail, 17
should strive afresh against the foe, should strive, and should prevail; And that a highest gift than grace should flesh and blood refine: God's presence and his very self, and essence all-divine. O generous love! that he, who smote in man for ma the foe, the double agony in Man for man should undergo. And in the garden secretly, and on the cross on high, should teach his brethren, and inspire to suffer and to die. Praise to the Holiest in the height, and in the depth be praise; in all his words most wonderful, most sure in all his ways! Amen! STATIONS OF THE CROSS-DONORS NO. IN MEMORY/HONOUR NAME OF STATION DONOR I David & Anselm Thompson Trust Rose Mae Thompson II Advira Bain Courage Dorothy Godet III Eunice W. Deane Justice Michelle Thompson IV Colin C. Deane Truth Michelle Thompson V Virginia Neely Wisdom Rose Mae Thompson VI Holy Cross Circle of Prayer Patience H.C.F.C. Of Prayer VII Leonie Sands Strength Diane Stewart VIII Percy & Marge Roach Light Marjorie Roach IX Irene Mackey Comfort Marjorie Culmer X Charmaine Thompson Forgive Dorothy Godet XI Emerson & Gene Haynes Repent Gene Haynes XII Coburn & Gloria Sands Honour Sands Family XIII Beverly Ford Love Diane Stewart XIV George & Edith Godet Sacrifice Dorothy Godet GAZEBO donated in memory of Vernon & Ellen Grant by the Grant Family 18