“Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”
The haunting refrain of this African-American spiritual extends beyond race and time, calling all Christians to worship on Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
For the third consecutive year the Milford Clergy Association invites Milford and surrounding communities to its Community Good Friday worship, March 25 from noon – 1:30 p.m. at Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church, 168 South Broad Street on the Milford Green. All are welcome.
The worship is based on the “Seven Last ‘Words’” of Jesus Christ from the cross as recorded in Christian scripture. Brief messages based on those scriptures will be interspersed with hymns and silent prayer as worshippers consider the love of God in Christ.
The Rev. Dr. Brian Bodt, host pastor, observes, “This service on one of the holiest days of the Christian year is especially designed to reach people who have a lunch hour or portion, or who are unable to be out at night.” The service format is designed to allow worshippers to attend for all or part of the 90-minute service. “Those unable to attend for the entire time are encouraged to ‘come when you can, leave when you must,’” said the Rev. Karl Duetzmann, Convener of the Clergy Association and pastor of the United Church of Christ in Devon. “Congregational hymns allow for graceful entrances and departures for those coming from work or errands to remember Christ’s wondrous love.” Those hymns will be led by organist Dr. Rick Riccardi, with solo voice by Barbara Repetsky.
In addition to Rev. Duetzmann and Rev. Bodt, clergy offering messages will include the Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum of Wildermere Beach Congregational Church, the Rev. Chris Files of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Cynthia Knapp of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Rev. James Loomer of Milford Christian Church, and the Rev. Kimball Cartwright of Woodmont United Church of Christ.
Clergy reading scripture, besides those offering messages, will include Rev. Hal Vink of the host church and Rev. Art Yost of the host church and Woodmont UCC.
For more information, contact the host pastor, the Rev. Dr. Brian Bodt, at 203-874-1982 or brian.bodt@yahoo.com.
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