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Reflective
Reflective Journey
Welcome to the 12th Annual Good Friday Reflective Journey
3rd April 2015
As we journey together we remember and reflect on the life and work of Jesus Christ who died for us.
Our Journey together begins 11am and concludes at 12pm.
Please feel free to carry the cross.
Locations Page
The Fig Tree
1. The Last Supper..........................................................................................3
2. Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives............................................................4
The Fig Tree looking towards the Court House
3 Jesus Before Pilate.......................................................................................5
Grass area looking towards the cannon
4. The Soldiers Mock Jesus.............................................................................5
Queens Park Lake looking towards the Island
5 Jesus is helpedby the Cyrenian....................................................................6
Queens Park looking towards Elderly People’s Home
6. Take Time to Reflect...................................................................................7
Burke & Wills Memorial
7. Journey with the Cross...............................................................................8
Sunken Garden
8 Jesus is Stripped and Nailed to the Cross...................................................9
9. Jesus Dies on the Cross.............................................................................10
10. Jesus is Buried...........................................................................................11
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For God so loved the world thathe gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shallnot perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son
into the world to condemn the world,but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17
Sing Together Jesus, all for Jesus
Location: The Fig Tree
1. The Last Supper
Reading Luke 22:17-19After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
ReflectionThe beauty of Queens Park has attracted many generations of families to picnic here and to celebrate special occasions. Children play and enjoy themselves parents sit and chat. This is where a community meets and shares. Today we are here to acknowledge this special day Good Friday. We remember Jesus who says to us “I am the Bread of Life.”
Pray togetherJesus we thank you for Your gift of life as we celebrate this reflective journey with You. We pray that those who are here today, will be enriched or discover the power of Your companionship, grace and love.
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Jesus, All for JesusAll I am and haveand ever hope to be.Jesus, All for JesusAll I am and haveAnd ever hope to be.All of my ambitions, hopes and plans,I surrender these, into your handsAll of my ambitions, hopes and plans,I surrender these, into your hands
For it’s only in your will that I am free,For it’s only in your will that I am free.
Jesus, All for JesusAll I am and haveAnd ever hope to be.
2. Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
Reading Luke 22:40-46On reaching the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When He rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” He asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
ReflectionThis garden reminds us of the Mount of Olives, a place of beauty and peace, where Jesus was alone, praying to his Father and struggling with the foreknowledge of his impending fate at the hands of his enemies.
Pray togetherLord Jesus, may this park continue to be a place of beauty and peace, a place apart for those struggling with the demands of life, a place simply to enjoy the beauty of creation and for parents to share this beauty and tranquillity with their children.
Sing together A New CommandmentA new commandment I give unto you,That you love one another as I have loved you,That you love one another as I have loved you.
By this, will others know that you are My disciples,if you have love one for another.By this, will others know that you are My disciples,if you have love one for another.
A new commandment I give unto you,That you love one another as I have loved you,That you love one another as I have loved you.
By this shall all men know that you are My disciples,if you have love one for another.By this, will others know that you are My disciples,if you have love one for another.
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Location: The Fig Tree looking towards the Court House
3. Jesus Before Pilate
ReflectionThe courthouse reminds us that a person is given the right to prove innocence and truth in an impartial setting; unlike Jesus appearing before Pilate.
Reading Luke 23:1-3 18-25Then the whole assembly rose and led Him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying. “We have found this Man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a King.” So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” “Yes it is as you say,” With one voice they cried out, “Away with this Man! Release Barabbas to us!” Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” For the third time he spoke to them “Why? What crime has this Man committed? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have Him punished and then release Him.” But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that He be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand.He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered to their will.
Pray togetherLord we ask that unlike Pilate, those presiding in this courthouse will administer justice and fairness to all. We pray that, in our community people would walk in truth.
Location: Grass area looking towards the cannon
4. The Soldiers Mock Jesus
ReflectionThese cannons are a reminder to us that there is still conflict throughout our world causing death, destruction and grief. Jesus carried His cross against a background of hostilities; He gave us the perfect example to follow of love, peace & forgiveness.
Reading Mark 15:16-20The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on Him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on Him. And they began to call out to Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”. Again and again they struck Him on the head with a staff
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and spit on Him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him.
Pray togetherMerciful God, we bring before you all the victims of violence, natural disasters, disease, terrorism of the world and even the conflicts in our own hearts and lives. Jesus, you are our peace. You have reconciled all into one body through the cross, putting to death all hostilities. You came to proclaim peace within ourselves and peace with each other, to all who put their trust in you.
Sing Together & Chant
Location: Queens Park Lake looking towards the Island
5. Jesus is helped by the Cyrenian
ReflectionWhen we look across to the islands we remember all people who have come to live in Australia. We give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity to embrace the diversity of people in our country.
Reading Luke 23:26-28As they led Him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and for your children.
Pray together Psalm 67May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.May the peoples praise you, O God; may all peoples praise youMay the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the people justly and guide the nations of the earth.May the people praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
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Father we adore YouLay our lives before YouHow we adore You!
Jesus we adore YouLay our lives before YouHow we adore You!
Spirit we adore youLay our lives before youHow we adore You!
Sing Together Lord, The Light of Your Love
Location: Queens Park looking towards Elderly People’s Home
6. Take Time to Reflect
Who we are, how fragile we are, yet how precious we are to the Lord. (Pause)
Reading together Psalm 139 1-21O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.You hem me in behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attainWhere can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?If I go up to heavens, you are there;if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you;the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Sing Together & Chant Be Still and Know that I am God
Be still and know that I am God, x3
I am the Lord that healeth thee, x3
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Lord, the light of Your love is shiningIn the midst of the darkness, shining,Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon usSet us free by the truth You now bring usShine on me, shine on me
Shine Jesus ShineFill this land with the Father’s gloryBlaze Spirit blazeSet our hearts on fireFlow river flowFlood the nations with grace and mercySend forth Your word, LordAnd let there be light
Lord, I come to Your awesome presenceFrom the shadows into Your radianceBy the blood I may enter Your brightnessSearch me, try me, consume all my darkness,Shine on me, shine on me
As we gaze on your kingly brightnessSo our faces display Your likenessEver changing from glory to gloryMirrored here may our lives tell Your storyShine on me, shine on me.
In Thee O Lord, do I put my trust x3
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Good
Fr
iday
Location: Burke & Wills Memorial
7. Journey with the Cross
Reading Luke 23:32-34
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
ReflectionThis location is indicative of the desolation many people of our society feel through depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, broken relationships, rejection and shame. As Jesus showed compassion to the criminal on the cross who came to believe, He also shows compassion and love to us.
Sing together Amazing Grace
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Amazing grace! How sweet the soundThat saved a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found;Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,And grace my fears relieved;How precious did that grace appearThe hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares,I have already come;’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,And grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,Bright shining as the sun,We’ve no less days to sing God’s praiseThan when we’d first begun.
Reading Luke 23:39-43One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this manhas done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Sing Together & Chant
In my life Lord, be glorified, be glorified.In your church Lord, be glorified today.In my life Lord, be glorified, be glorified.In your church Lord, be glorified today.
Location: Sunken Garden
8. Jesus is Stripped and Nailed to the Cross
Reading Mark 15:24-32And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.It was the third hour when they crucified Him. The written notice of the charge against Him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. Those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save Yourself!”In the same way the chief priest and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but He can’t save Himself!Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with Him also heaped insults on Him.
Pray togetherLord Jesus you took the sins of the world when You were nailed to the cross. We praise and honour You for Your loving sacrifice for us. Fill our hearts with a desire to seek You to know your healing love and forgiveness and help us to share it with others.
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9. Jesus Dies on the Cross
Reading Mark 15:33-39
At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi Eloi, lama sabachthani?” - which means, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, He’s calling Elijah.”One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take himdown,” he said.With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last.The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and saw how He died, he said, “Surely this Man was the Son of God!”
Reflection A minute silence
Pray togetherLord Jesus we thank you for paying the ultimate price when You laid your life down for us. You took the sins of the world when You were nailed to the cross. Your blood was shed so that we could live and have freedom.Today we pray that salvation will come to all who do not know You, and that Australia will become a nation strengthened by Your saving grace.
Sing together How deep the Father’s Love for us
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How deep the Father’s love for usHow vast beyond all measure,That He should give His only SonTo make a wretch His treasure.How great the pain of searing loss;The Father turns His face away,As wounds which mar the Chosen OneBring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,My sin upon His shoulders;ashamed, I hear my mocking voicecall out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him thereuntil it was accomplished;His dying breath has brought me lifeI know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anythingno gifts, no power, no wisdom;but I will boast in Jesus Christ,His death and resurrection.Why should I gain from His reward?I cannot give an answer.But this I know with all my heart:His wounds have paid my ransom.
10. Jesus is Buried
Reading John 19:38-42Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Message
Pray togetherGod of hope and new life, we pray for all those in our community who are experiencing hopelessness and desolation. We hold them in your love, knowing you can bring hope and new life out of the deepest darkness. As we wait in expectation for Easter Sunday may we be people of hope who are willing to journey with those who struggle to find your new life.
Sing together My Shepherd
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The Lord is my Shepherd and I want to follow,Wherever he leads me, wherever he goes,Over the mountains, the waters and byways,Valleys and highways, he waiting for me.
I want to go to meet him there,To lay myself down in his love...The Lord is my Shepherd and I want to follow,Wherever he leads me, wherever he goes.
And while on the journey to where we are going, He promised to be there to help us along, And over the mountains, we’ll walk on together,To know all the wonders, he’s given to me.
I want to go to meet him there,To lay myself down in his love...The Lord is my Shepherd and I want to follow,Wherever he leads me, wherever he goes.
Used by
Thank you for joining us today, we hope you have been blessed by this experience.
Please join us for a cuppa at St. Thomas’ Church 756 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds
(next door to the Clock Tower Centre)
Coordinated by local churches of Moonee ValleySt Thomas’ Anglican Church 9370 5516St Monica’s Catholic Church 9370 5035St John’s Uniting Church 9370 9263Essendon Baptist Community Church 9331 4500
All songs used by permission CCL16911
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If you would like to be part of the Good Friday Reflective Journey Committee or have any suggestions for next year, please contact one of the above churches.
