Image courtesy John Zich, zrimages.com

On GOOD FRIDAY we pick up where we left off on Holy Thursday with the Liturgy of the Passion at 7:30 p.m. This liturgy is not a Mass. The church is dark, and we begin in silence. The presider and ministers lay face down on the floor as the congregation kneels remembering Christ's Passion on the cross. The Passion on Good Friday is proclaimed from the Gospel of John who portrays Jesus as humble king. John helps us to remember that through the glorious cross, we are given life. The general intercessions on Good Friday take a different form, a more profound and ancient form of intercessory prayer. We pray for specific intentions, both for the church and for the world, for unity, acceptance, and peace. We also have the opportunity to adore the cross on Friday. The cross is unveiled in the back of the church and processed up the aisle as we sing an acclamation remembering that it is through the cross that we are set free. We take time to individually touch or kiss the cross, adoring the sacred tree on which hung the savior of the world. The congregation of Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church joins us in prayer for Good Friday. This ecumenical outreach represents the long-standing, close relationship between our two congregations. Each year the members of LPPC join in our Good Friday liturgy by participating in the choirs and entering into the ritual.

Please join us in the church tonight, Good Friday, for Liturgy of the Passion beginning at 7:30 p.m.