“The Song is now silent.  The comforting music of healings and blessings, of smiles and friendships which Jesus shared throughout his life and ministry has now ended.  Today the song is laid to rest in a tomb near Calvary .  The battle between the Prince of Peace and the Prince of Darkness has been fought to a bitter end, and the victory belongs to our triumphant King.

“Today our ears will hear melodies, and our lips will speak words, but the song will be silent.  As we worship together, we will look back on the many prophecies that spoke so clearly of Jesus’ suffering and death.  We will relive that Friday we call ‘Good’ as we follow our Savior moment by moment, hour by hour, until he breathes his final breath.  But throughout our entire meditation we will refrain from singing.  We will allow our melody and our song to remain distant from one another until they once again unite in magnificent praise and rejoicing on the glorious resurrection morning.” (from the Introduction)

Note that school children, Sunday school children, youth groups and special adult readers may participate. 

This service includes the following:

• Opening by the Pastor
• Introduction and Invocation
• Confession
• Psalm 22 (Responsive)
• Old Testament Readings (Each a prophecy of the Lord’s passion)
• Scripture Reading (Isaiah 53 Responsive)
• Meditation Sermonette #1 (Based on Isaiah 53:7,8)
• The Events of Good Friday (An hour by hour presentation)
• Meditation Sermonette #2 (Based on Revelation 5:9)
• Choral Recitation
• Closing

Items on the Program CD:

• 81/2 x 11 Leader’s Guide (pdf)
• 81/2 x 11 Program (pdf and Word)
• 51/2 x 81/2 Program (pdf)
• Hymnal Bookmark topper that may be inserted in all the hymn books (One for Good Friday and one for Easter Sunday)
• Poster Artwork
• Bulletin Cover B/W Artwork

Items on the Music CD:

• “Sing a New Song” for Good Friday
• “Sing a New Song” for Easter Sunday