Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series II, Cycle B
Consider a silent communion with the worshipers focused on the Cross and communion table still covered with the daily newspaper.
Some ideas for the bulletin; some ideas for the pastor:
1. Simulate the washing of the people's feet as they enter the sanctuary, by shining their shoes. Be prepared to have some reject the act; be prepared for the hostility of others.
2. The end is near -- Jesus knew it; disciples sensed it; clergy demanded it; people seconded it.
3. Judas pushed Jesus to fulfill Judas' expectations; Peter denied that he ever knew Jesus; Mark, scared to death, ran naked into the hills; disciples stood by helplessly in silence. Which best fits how you would have responded? (Two minutes of silence.)
4. Read silently "Beneath the Cross of Jesus."
5. Offer your confession, and prayer of thanksgiving for God's forgiveness.
6. For the sacrament, have the elements placed on the communion table. Ask the people to come forward when they are ready to receive dark bread (symbolizing Jesus' dark body), and to receive a large glass of wine/grape juice (preferably laced with vinegar, symbolizing the bitterness of his death). When the people have received the sacrament, invite them to return to their pew, and to remain as long as they choose.
7. When all have received the elements, have the organist, pianist, or guitarist play quietly "There Is a Balm in Gilead."
8. Print these words in the bulletin, or on a large piece of paper: "We are here to discover the meaning of death, so that we, on Easter, will experience the joy of life. We will not experience resurrection, until we first experience crucifixion" (WHK). God's approach is this statement by Samuel Gordon, "The way from God to a human heart is through a human heart."
Some ideas for the bulletin; some ideas for the pastor:
1. Simulate the washing of the people's feet as they enter the sanctuary, by shining their shoes. Be prepared to have some reject the act; be prepared for the hostility of others.
2. The end is near -- Jesus knew it; disciples sensed it; clergy demanded it; people seconded it.
3. Judas pushed Jesus to fulfill Judas' expectations; Peter denied that he ever knew Jesus; Mark, scared to death, ran naked into the hills; disciples stood by helplessly in silence. Which best fits how you would have responded? (Two minutes of silence.)
4. Read silently "Beneath the Cross of Jesus."
5. Offer your confession, and prayer of thanksgiving for God's forgiveness.
6. For the sacrament, have the elements placed on the communion table. Ask the people to come forward when they are ready to receive dark bread (symbolizing Jesus' dark body), and to receive a large glass of wine/grape juice (preferably laced with vinegar, symbolizing the bitterness of his death). When the people have received the sacrament, invite them to return to their pew, and to remain as long as they choose.
7. When all have received the elements, have the organist, pianist, or guitarist play quietly "There Is a Balm in Gilead."
8. Print these words in the bulletin, or on a large piece of paper: "We are here to discover the meaning of death, so that we, on Easter, will experience the joy of life. We will not experience resurrection, until we first experience crucifixion" (WHK). God's approach is this statement by Samuel Gordon, "The way from God to a human heart is through a human heart."
