APRIL 6, 2023 • 7:30 pm
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This poor fellow next to me… he looks worse off than I am. What a beating they must have given him… From all I hear he was no robber, rebel, crook, or murderer, but a simple country carpenter caught up in a religious dispute with the temple. What has he done to deserve this? What was that?... That look he gave, those eyes! It was as if he knew me, saw deep into the desperation and despair, the empty loneliness that tears me even more than these grim, agonizing wounds. It was as if he looked past all the blood and sweat, the wear and tear of wasted years, the placard here above my head that tells of murder, plunder, savage deeds and cruel fates. It was as if he recognized just who I am, what I want to be as well as who I have been, the self that I have longed to give and never had the reason or the person, or the trust. It was as if he loved me… Strange, really, how the pain has eased so, since he looked over here, since he spoke to me. I don’t suppose, it couldn’t be, that he is blessing me somehow, that he is actually what these pompous fools taunt him with being, the Healer, the Deliverer, that One who is to come and save and set our people free from pain and punishment and death… Lord, Lord, over there, yes, Jesus, Lord, remember me, please don’t forget, as I will never forget you, Lord, don’t forget me please, remember me, hold me in your love, when you come into your kingdom.
The Face of the Penitent by J. Barrie Shepherd
7:30 pm • April 6, 2023
Maundy Thursday
Silent Meditation
You are invited to enter in a spirit of holy reflection as this service informally begins with an extended period of silence. During this time, we ask that you reflect on the journey of Lent, on your own mortality, and on the need we all have for God's grace. There is poetry below for your reflection.
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. God is light, in whom there is no darkness at all. Jesus Christ is the light of the world. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, And we loved darkness rather than light.
Song
“O Lord, Hear My Prayer” Words: Psalm 102, Taizé Community; Music: Jacques Berthier Sung four times:
Silence
Scripture Matthew 26:26-29
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Holy Communion
In the United Methodist Church, communion is available to all people. You do not need to be a member of this or any church, but only the desire to receive God’s grace. Communion will be served at the kneeling rails at the front of the nave. Please come forward via the center aisle to receive Communion, and take any open space at the rail — the ushers will assist you in locating a space. After receiving the elements, place your empty cup in the basket and return to your seat by way of the side aisles. If you need assistance, signal to any of our ushers, and they are ready to help.
Hymn during Communion
#623 “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face”, verses as needed
Song after Communion
“Stay with Me” Words: Matthew 26:38, Taizé Community; Music: Jacques Berthier Sung four times:
Scripture Matthew 26:20-25
When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 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.” Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”
The PASSION
Scripture Matthew 26:31-35
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.
Choral Response
“What Wondrous Love Is This”
Scripture Mark 14:32-36
They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he 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 he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he 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.”
Scripture Mark 14:37-42
He came and found them sleeping; and he 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 he 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. He 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.”
“Ah, Holy Jesus”
Scripture Mark 14:43-52
Immediately, while he 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, he 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 him 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.
Scripture Mark 14:53-65
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 he 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 he 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 him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.
“Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies”
Scripture Mark 14:66-72
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 he 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 he 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 he 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.
Scripture Mark 15:16-20
Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
Participants in the Service
Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Rev. Kathy Thiel, Rev. Pat Dupont, Rev. Rachel Dupont, Mike Mullin Organist: Duane Prill Sanctuary Choir Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Acolytes: Charlie Cady, Ellie Cady, Sophie Seiffert, Charlotte Stinehour, Eloise Stinehour, Maddie White Coordinator: Angie Burch Christ Figure: QP Parks Participants: Matt Bielewicz, Frances Bryniarski, Jeff Dugan, Christopher Goerss, Andrew Hunt, Bonnie Mathaidess, Trevor Nelson, Claudia Nolan, Dennis Roote, Victoria Slattery, Deanna Varble
Permissions: “O Lord, Hear My Prayer” ©1982 GIA Publications, Inc.; “Stay with Me” ©1991 Les Presses de Taize, GIA Publications, Inc.; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Aleeya Bourcy, and Freepik and Vecteezy.
“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
Procession of the Cross
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Extinguishing of the Light of Christ
When you are ready, you may exit silently through the doors at the back of the Sanctuary to gather in front of the church as the cross is placed. The service is complete, but we invite you to meditate on the last earthly moments of Christ and leave as you are ready.
Asbury First’s Good Friday service on April 7 at noon is a multimedia presentation of music and readings which are accompanied by large-screen projections of works of art that explore Christ’s last hours. The service includes images selected by Lucy Winters Durkin, an Instructor in Art History at the Eastman School of Music; choral music; and organ music played by Duane Prill with Brian Donat joining on cello. This year’s service explores the “Instruments of the Passion,” the many emblems that remind us of episodes in Jesus’ journey between Palm Sunday and Good Friday without any words. These rich and complex visual symbols traditionally are interpreted as the tools used by God to wage war against sin and the devil. The lessons interweave readings of scripture and related poetry, including a 9th century poem written in the voice of the cross itself.
join us!
ENVISIONING THE PASSION
Learn more at asburyfirst.org/easter
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at 206-222-1050, OR MAIL IN YOUR CHECKS TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607
*Childcare is available at these services, (LS) services will be livestreamed
asburyfirst.org/easter
Friday, April 7, 12 pm, In-Person and Livestream
Sunday, April 9 9 am* SERVICE — Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday 11 am* SERVICE (LS) — Traditional service celebrating Easter Sunday