You may select from the following menu
or You may do a Search
on This Site or on the World Wide Web.
The script for this program was written by Jay D Weaver and was used at Trinity Presbyterian Church in the Spring of 1996. You are welcome to use it in your church with permission of the author. You can either save this page in your computer or print it out.
A Musical Program for the Lenten Season
Theme - "For God So Loved the World"
Introduction
First Reader: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
Second Reader: Lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings; lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!"
Both: Listen closely as we tell you the Old, Old Story of Jesus and his Love.
| Congregational Hymn: Tell Me the Story of Jesus - Sweney |
Jerusalem
Second Reader: After Jesus had entered the city of Jerusalem during the week of his passion, the Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." Jesus replied that he could not leave because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem. He said,
First Reader: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" Today you are privileged to look out over the city of Jerusalem. What is your response to Christ's call to be sheltered under His wings?
| Solo or Anthem: The Holy City - Adams |
The Last Supper
Second Reader: When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
First Reader: Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
| Anthem: In Remembrance - Red |
The Garden Scene
Second Reader: Before beginning his ministry, Jesus went into the wilderness in preparation for his work here on earth. On that occasion he met the master of evil. The devil made three different attempts to get Jesus to follow his program. Time and again, Jesus turned him back.
First Reader: Now the time has come to meet the devil on his own turf, and ultimately defeat him. The contest appears formidable. Again, Jesus retreats, this time into the Garden of Gethsemene to come to terms with his calling. He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done."
Second Reader: Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
| Anthem: Into the Woods my Master Went - Lutkin |
Second Reader: When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial."
First Reader: Jesus triumphed over his enemy through his resurrection in another Garden. We also enter our gardens of trial. We come alone, but the living Christ walks with us in all our experiences. We must not sleep because a time of triumph awaits.
| Hymn or Anthem: In the Garden - Miles |
The Trial
Second Reader: 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 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.
First Reader: 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.'"
Second Reader: 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.
| Anthem: Jesus Before the People - Smith | (from the "Service of Shadows") |
The Crucifixion
Second Reader: There were many who were present at the crucifixion scene. With him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed derided him. In the same way the chief priests and scribes, were also mocking him among themselves. Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was God's Son!" What say you? Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
| Hymn or Anthem: Were You There? - African American Spiritual |
First Reader: There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem. Yes, many were near the cross.
| Hymn or Anthem: Near the Cross - Crosby/Doane |
Closing
Second Reader: The twenty-four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing,
Both: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
| Anthem: Christ, We Adore Thee - Dubois | (from "Seven Last Words of Christ") |
| Congregation: Write a New Song on Our Hearts - Jay D Weaver |
| (Sung to the hymn tune: Ode to Joy) |
Print words in worship folder (Include all 5 verses)
1. God of love and God of music, teach us how to sing thy song.
Let it flow from deep within us, as we sing it all day long.
Write a new song on our hearts. Jesus comes to us today.
He was born in humble stable. He will live to endless day.
2. May the melody flow freely in our living of these days.
Let the sweetness of the music sound his everlasting praise.
Write a new song on our hearts. Jesus taught us how to pray.
He has set the great example; How to live from day to day.
3. May the harmony give structure to our faith and keep us strong.
Show us how to live together; to thy family we belong.
Write a new song on our hearts. Jesus taught us how to die.
Gave his life for us a ransom. "God have mercy!" is our cry.
4. May the rhythm of creation beat as one with your desire.
Send your Pentecostal Spirit. Set our very souls on fire.
Write a new song on our hearts. Jesus rose up from the grave.
He has gone again to Glory. He will all creation save.
5. Give us words to share with others. May we do our very best.
May the music travel onwards to the East and to the West.
Write a new song on our lips. Jesus, teach us what to say.
Savior, we will ever love thee as we march to endless day.
Copyright (c) Jay D. Weaver November 30, 1992
This Program was created for performance at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Venice, Florida It was first performed on March 17, 1996. It was created by a committee consisting of Dr. Henry Busche, choir director; Mrs. Mona Lee Burr, choir member and accompanist and Jay D. Weaver, choir chaplain.
The narration was written by Jay D. Weaver. All scriptures were chosen from the New Revised Standard Version of the Holy Bible.
Anyone using this program should seek permission from Jay D. Weaver, by clicking the E-mail bar at the bottom of this page. If you find it necessary to copy any music, please seek permission from the owner of the copyright before doing so.
Please feel free to use your own creativity in presenting hymns and anthems as congregational numbers, choir presentations. solos, quartets, duets, etc. You might also substitute other hymns and/or anthems that treat essentially the same subject matter as the above.
Copyright (c) - March 17, 1996 - Jay D. Weaver