Faith The Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross - Sunday, March 9, 11:00 a.m.

The chancel choir and other soloists will present a musical program during morning worship based on the seven last sayings of Jesus. Typically presented on Good Friday or during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, the service will interweave scripture readings, congregational hymns and choral renderings based on such sayings as “Father, Forgive Them,” and “My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?” The service will conclude with the tolling thirty three times of the Angelus carillon bells, a lonely peal marking Jesus’ years on Earth. The service has gained popularity in both Europe and North America in recent years and is a moving testimonial to Jesus’ life and ministry. One of the most famous choral compositions to come from these sayings is  French composer Theodore Dubois’ “Seven Last Words of Christ,” and many other composers have
also sets them to music as well. We will use selections from Dubois’ cantata and conclude with a setting of the Isaiah text  “The Suffering Servant” about an innocent, righteous servant, with music by K. Lee Scott.

In his book, Seven Lasting Words, author Christopher R. Seitz comments on the First Word, taken from Luke 23:34: “Father, Forgive Them, for they know not what they do.”

“What makes Jesus different and this day good has nothing to do with us. This is the day when we have nothing to give and everything to receive, when we can weep or unclench our hands and let Jesus speak his word of forgiveness again. This is a day when our place is to open our hearts and let him in where we have shut  him out – this past year, this past season, or all our lives, in one way or another.”

The title of the Central Christian Church newsletter “Euangelion” may seem a bit odd. But actually it is the New Testament Greek word for “Good News” or “Gospel”. This reflects our philosophy of being a “Good News Community” as we experience Christ living through us. In the newsletter you can stay informed, for example about church happenings, prayer requests, and unique editorials from our pastors Norm and Todd.

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