Welcome to worship in St Simon’s on GOOD FRIDAY stsimonspartick.org.uk

The Passion of the Christ according to St John It is traditional to stand but please sit if it makes it easier for you to listen

Prayer of the Faithful Today there are 10 special petitions Response: O Lord hear our prayer (x2) when we call answer us, O Lord hear our prayer (x2) come and listen to us

The Good Friday collection goes to help Christians in the Holy Land. Their need is great at this time. Be generous. Good Friday is the only day in the Catholic Church when there is no Mass. Instead of bread and wine, after the collection, the cross will be brought up to be venerated. After that there will be communion but there is no objection to anyone leaving after kissing the cross.

Behold, behold the wood of the cross on which is hung our salvation (x3) Response: O come let us adore (x3)

The “Reproaches” I give you love and how do you repay? When you were slaves I strove to set you free. I led you out from under Pharaoh’s yoke. But you led out your Christ to Calvary. My people tell me what is my offence? What have I done to harm you? Answer me!

For forty years I was your constant guide I fed you with my manna from on high I led you out to live in hope and peace But you led out my only Son to die My people tell me what is my offence? What have I done to harm you? Answer me!

With cloud and fire I marked the desert way I heard your cries of rage and calmed your fear I opened up the sea and led you through But you have opened Christ with a nail and spear My people tell me what is my offence? What have I done to harm you? Answer me!

When in distress you cried to me for food I sent you quails in answer to your call And saving water from the desert rock But to my Son you offered bitter gall My people, tell me what is my offence? What have I done to harm you? Answer me!

I gave you joy when you were in despair With songs of hope I set your hearts on fire Crowned you with grace, the people of my choice But you have crowned my Christ with thorny briar My people tell me what is my offence? What have I done to harm you? Answer me!

When you were weak, exploited and oppressed I heard your cry and listened to your plea I raised you up to honour and renown But you have raised me on a shameful tree My people, tell me, what is my offence? What have I done to harm you? Answer me!

VENERATION OF THE CROSS The Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross Forgive them Father dear they know not what they do Forgive all those who for my sake forgive as I forgive. This day redemption dawns the world begins anew This day you will enjoy with me the peace of paradise. O woman sinless Eve behold your new born Son O first to claim her as your own behold your mother dear. I cry to you my God why have you left my side? Yet you will be with me at last when victory will be mine. I thirst with those who thirst for living streams of grace I long to lead my thirsting sheep to springs of endless life. My task is now fulfilled my Father’s work is done The Son may now retire to rest within his Father’s house Dear Father I commend my spirit to your care With this last prayer at eventide I sleep in perfect peace

By the blood that flowed from thee In thy bitter agony By the scourge so meekly borne By thy purple robe of scorn Jesus Saviour hear our cry Thou were suffering once as we, Now enthroned in majesty We thy people sing to thee

By the thorns that crowned thy head By the sceptre of a reed By thy footsteps faint and slow Weighed beneath thy cross of woe Jesus Saviour hear our cry Thou wert suffering once as we, Now enthroned in majesty Countless angels sing to thee

By thy weeping mother’s woe By the sword that pierced her through When in anguish standing by On the cross she saw thee die Jesus Saviour hear our cry Thou wert suffering once as we, Now enthroned in majesty Countless angels sing to thee

COMMUNION Our Father…..

Communion Chants Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom Stay with me, remain here with me Watch and pray, watch and pray

William Blake

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross The emblem of suffering and shame And I loved that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown

Oh that old rugged cross so despised by the world Has a wondrous attraction for me For the dear Lamb of God left his glory behind To bear it to dark Calvary So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown

In the old rugged cross stained with blood so divine A wondrous beauty I see For twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died To pardon and sanctify me So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true Its shame and reproach gladly bear Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away There his glory forever I’ll share So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown

Next service in St Simon’s Easter Vigil SUNDAY 6 am We start in darkness and finish in light