The

Three Days

Large print service folders,assisted listening devices, and access seating

are available to aid your participation in worship.Please inquire with an usher.

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WELCOME!

Everyone is welcome. As a community of the people of God, the members of Central Lutheran Church are called to welcome all people regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental ability, race or sexual orientation. We affirm that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or female” (Galatians 3:28). Christ has made us one.

Guests are welcome. We are pleased you are worshiping with us today. We invite guests to complete the “Welcome to Central” card found in the pew racks and leave it with an usher or place it in the offering plate. If you would like more information about Central, please speak to a staff member or call the church at 612-870-4416.

Children are welcome at all services. Worship bulletins for children and activity bags are available at Sanctuary entrances.

Welcome to the Lord’s Table. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome at Holy Communion. Please follow the guidance of the ushers and instructions in the order of service. During communion, ministers will bring bread and wine to persons in designated access seating areas. If you are not in a designated access seating area and desire to commune where you are seated, please notify an usher who will direct communion ministers to come and serve you. Communion may be received in one kind (only bread or only wine) from any station if wheat bread or alcohol presents a health concern. Gluten-free breads and alcohol-free wine are available by request at most liturgies from most communion stations.

Welcome to Holy Baptism. All who come seeking Jesus are welcome to receive Holy Baptism. Please visit with any worship leader, staff member, hospitality volunteer, contact the church office, or complete an information card, indicating that you wish to be baptized. A pastor will contact you.

Electronic giving is available at Central. You can go online through Central’s website at www.centralmpls.org and click on Give Today.. If you give electronically, use the green pew card to drop in the offering plate instead of an envelope. Central Lutheran

is supported by givers like you. Questions? Contact the church office at 612-870-4416.

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The community reassembles in silence on Friday.

The community reassembles in silence Holy Saturday Evening

for the Vigil of Easter.

The community assembles to begin its celebration of The Three Days

on Maundy Thursday.

HOLY WEEK: THE THREE DAYSCelebrating the Three Days 2018

Maundy Thursday, March 29 see page 47 p.m. The service of Christ: footwashing and meal

The Great Three Day observance of Christ Jesus’ death and resurrection begins this night with absolution from sin as our Lenten journey concludes. We’ll celebrate the Lord’s Supper remembering Christ’s Last Supper with his disciples, and remember Jesus’ new commandment to them (and to us) to love one another as he washed their feet. As the service concludes, the altar is laid bare as a sign of Jesus’ humiliation and abandonment. Foot washing and hand washing are offered for those who desire to participate in this Maundy Thursday tradition.

Good Friday, March 30 see page 10 Noon and 7 p.m. Prayer around the Cross

This quiet, reflective and prayerful service features the passion reading from John, and a reflection on Jesus’ life and death. It finishes in the darkness with adoration of the crucified as we celebrate the triumph of the cross. We light candles, pray in the darkness, and depart in silence.

Holy Saturday, March 31 see page 177 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter

This is the night. We hold a vigil the evening before Easter. We gather outside around the light of Christ, come inside to share Old Testament stories of salvation, give thanks for our new life in Christ through baptism, and join in the first Holy Communion of Easter. A reception follows.

EASTER MORNING, SUNDAY, APRIL 1

Sunrise Devotions, 7:30 a.m. Sunrise devotions in the Columbarium.

Easter coffee and donuts, 7:30 & 9:30 a.m.

Festival Holy Communion, 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.These celebrations will include special anthems and favorite Easter hymns, the Easter Gospel proclaimed, a special message and gift for the children, Holy Communion, and the wonderful company of celebrating believers. Music by choir, brass and bells.

THE THREE DAYS MAUNDY THURSDAY

GOOD FRIDAYHOLY SATURDAY

March 29-31, 2018

Exploring the promise of God for all

MAUNDY THURSDAYMarch 29, 2018, 7 p.m.

Christ is the servant who washes our feetWith nightfall our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. At the heart of the Maundy Thursday liturgy is Jesus’ commandment to love one another. As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we are called to follow his example as we humbly care for one another, especially the poor and the unloved. At the Lord’s table we remember Jesus’ sacrifice of his life, even as we are called to offer ourselves in love for the life of the world.

MAUNDY THURSDAY GATHERINGThe community assembles to begin the Three Days liturgy on Thursday evening.

PRELUDE

Please stand at the sound of a bell.

CORPORATE CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESSP Friends in Christ, in this Lenten season we have heard our Lord’s call to struggle against sin, death, and the devil— all that keeps us from loving God and each other. On this night let us confess our sin against God, our neighbor and the creation, and enter the celebration of the great Three Days, reconciled with God and with one another.

silence is kept for reflection

P Most merciful God,a we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves.

We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed,by what we have done and by what we have left undone.We have not loved you with our whole heart;we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ,have mercy on us.Forgive us, renew us, and lead us,so that we may delight in your will

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Maundy Thursday is the beginning of the Three Days – the ancient observance of the mystery

of our salvation, which plunges the faithful into the death of Jesus

and brings them with him to resurrection life. The Three Days

liturgy extends from Thursday evening through the

first Holy Communion of Easter.

and walk in your ways,to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

P God our creator, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin.and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of + Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.

a Amen. You are to invited present yourself at the chancel kneeler for a word of individual assurance. The pastors will be at the kneeler – when a place in front of a pastor is available, please step forward one at a time. Please respond: Amen.

MUSIC FOR MEDITATION“Mein teuer Heiland” J. S. Bach

from the Passion according to Saint John (sung in German) My beloved Savior, let me ask you, you, who were nailed to the cross and said, “It is accomplished,” have I been set free from death? Through your pain and death can I inherit the kingdom of heaven? Is this the redemption of the whole world? You can not speak for anguish; but bow your head and silently say: yes! Jesus, once dead, now you live forever. In my final hour may I turn only to you, who have redeemed me. O my dear Lord, give me only what you have won, I could not wish for more.

GREETING AND PRAYER OF THE DAYP The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.a And also with you.

P Let us pray.Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts, and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

a Amen.

MAUNDY THURSDAY WORDFIRST READING The passover of the Lord Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2 This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. 4 If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it.

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Maundy Thursday

Israel remembered its deliverance from slavery in

Egypt by celebrating the festival of Passover. This festival

featured the Passover lamb, whose blood was used as a sign

to protect God’s people from the threat of death. The early

church described the Lord’s supper using imagery from

the Passover, especially in portraying Jesus as the lamb

who delivers God’s people from sin and death.

11 This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.14 This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

The word of the Lord.a Thanks be to God.

SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes

Paul writes: For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

The word of the Lord.a Thanks be to God.

CANTICLE “Love One Another” c Refrain a Refrain

c Jesus said, “I am the real vine, God is the gardener, I am the vine and you are the branches, you shall bear much fruit. a Refrain

c If you love me, keep my commandments; you will remain in my love, just as I have remained in God’s love, your joy shall be complete. a Refrain

c This is the greatest commandment: Love one another, for I have chosen you; go now and bear much fruit. a Refrain

c If you continue in my Word, you are truly my disciples.

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In the bread and cup of the Lord’s supper, we experience

intimate fellowship with Christ and with one another, because it involves his body given for

us and the new covenant in his blood. Faithful participation

in this meal is a living proclamation of Christ’s death

until he comes in the future.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. a Refrain

GOSPEL The service of Christ: footwashing and meal John 13:1–17, 31b–35

The gospel according to John.a Glory to you, O Lord.

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him.

And during supper 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” 11For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”12After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord — and you are right, for that is what I am. 14So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.”31b “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The gospel of the Lord.a Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON silence for reflection ACT OF LOVING SERVICE Footwashing and handwashing are offered during the singing of the hymn.

HYMN (hymn) 708 “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love”

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Maundy ThursdayThe story of the last supper

in John’s gospel recalls a remarkable event not mentioned

elsewhere: Jesus performs the duty of a slave, washing the feet of his disciples and urging them

to do the same for one another.

On this night we have heard our Lord’s commandment to love

one another as he has loved us. We who receive God’s love in Jesus Christ are called to love

one another, to be servants to each other as

Jesus became our servant. Our commitment to this

loving service is signified in the washing of feet (or hands),

following the example our Lord gave us on the night

before he died.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Lord, in your mercy.a Hear our prayer.

MAUNDY THURSDAY MEALPEACEP In Jesus, God has made peace with us.

The peace of Christ be with you always.a And also with you.

The assembly is invited to share God’s peace with one another.

GATHERING OF GIFTSAn offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. During this time, the table is set. After the offering is gathered, bread, wine, money, and other gifts are brought forward. The assembly stands as the procession reaches the chancel.Offering of Music “Christus factus est” Felice Anerio

Christ became obedient unto death, even to death on a cross.Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him a name which is above all names. (sung in Latin)

Offering Prayer A Let us pray together.a God of glory, receive these gifts and the offering of our lives.

As Jesus was lifted up from the earth,draw us to your heart in the midst of this world,that all creation may be brought from bondage to freedom,from darkness to light, and from death to life;through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

GREAT THANKSGIVING P The Lord be with you.a And also with you.

P Blessed are you...Blessed be God forever.a Amen. The presider continues with the Great Thanksgiving, concluding: Lord’s Prayer (1975) P Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us: a Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Breaking of the Bread and Invitation to the TableP Where charity and love abide, there is God.

Rejoice in this holy communion.8

All are invited to receive these gifts of God.

Grape juice and gluten-free bread are available upon request.

Communion at this service is served kneeling by individual

cups around the communion rail.

Children are welcome to receive communion or a blessing.

Communion “Carol” Gerald Finzi

MAUNDY THURSDAY SENDING STRIPPING OF THE ALTAR

The service concludes with the stripping of the altar. The sacramental elements and vessels, linens, paraments, banners, and books are removed from the worship space.

“We Adore You, O Christ” Richard ProulxLight diminishes as the altar is laid bare.

SILENCE

The assembly may remain in silent prayer.The community departs in silence, to reassemble on Good Friday to continue our Three Days liturgy.

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Maundy Thursday

From Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2018Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26515.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights

reserved.

At the service’s conclusion, the altar is stripped of furnishings as a sign of Jesus’ humiliation

and abandonment.

GOOD FRIDAY Prayer Around the Cross

March 30, 2018, Noon & 7 p.m.

The crucified Lord brings joy to the worldAt the heart of the Good Friday liturgy is the passion according to John, which proclaims Jesus as a triumphant king who reigns from the cross. The ancient title for this day—the triumph of the cross—reminds us that the church gathers not to mourn this day but to celebrate Christ’s life-giving passion and to find strength and hope in the tree of life. In the ancient bidding prayer we offer petitions for all the world for whom Christ died. Today’s liturgy culminates in the Easter Vigil tomorrow evening.

GOOD FRIDAY GATHERINGThe community reassembles to continue the Three Days liturgy on Friday evening.

MUSIC FOR CONTEMPLATION “Trauermusik” (“Music of Mourning”) Paul Hindemith

The assembly gathers in silence.

PSALM My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Psalm 22:1-11

A My God, my God, why have you for|saken me * and are so far from my cry, and from the words of | my distress? a O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you | do not answer; * by night as well, but I | find no rest.

A Yet you are the | Holy One, * enthroned upon the prais|es of Israel. a Our forebearers put their | trust in you; * they trusted, and you de|livered them. A They cried out to you and | were delivered; * they trusted in you and were not | put to shame. a But as for me, I am a worm | and no man, * scorned by all and despised | by the people.

A All who see me laugh | me to scorn; * they curl their lips and wag | their heads, saying, a “He trusted in the Lord; let him de|liver him; * let him rescue him, if he de|lights in him.”

A Yet you are he who took me out | of the womb, * and kept me safe upon my | mother’s breast. a I have been entrusted to you ever since | I was born; * you were my God when I was still in my | mother’s womb.

A Be not far from me, for trou|ble is near, * and there is | none to help.

PRAYER OF THE DAY P The Lord be with you.a And also with you.

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The community reassembles in silence on Friday.

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P Let us pray…one God, now and forever.a Amen.

GOOD FRIDAY WORD

READING The suffering servant Isaiah 53:2b-9

He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.4 Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

8 By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people.9 They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.

The word of the Lord.a Thanks be to God.

HYMN (hymn) 351 “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” stanza 1

GOSPEL The passion and death of Jesus John 18:1—19:42

On Good Friday the story of Jesus’ passion—from his arrest to his burial—is read in its entirety from the Gospel of John.

The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.a Glory to you, O Lord.

[Jesus] went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them,

The fourth servant poem promises ultimate vindication

for the servant, who made his life an offering for

sin. The early church saw in the servant’s pouring himself out to death and

being numbered with the transgressors important keys

for understanding the death of Jesus.

Good Friday

The assembly may remain seated.

“Whom are you looking for?”

5“Jesus of Nazareth.”

“I am he.”

Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7Again he asked them,

“Whom are you looking for?”

“Jesus of Nazareth.”

8 “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.”9This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken,

“I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.”10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. 11Jesus said to Peter,

“Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

12So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people.

15Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?”

“I am not.” 18Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.19Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20Jesus answered,

“I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together.I have said nothing in secret.21Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.”22When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?”

23“If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?”24Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.25Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, “You are not also one of his disciples, are you?”

He denied it and said, “I am not.”

26One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?”

27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.

HYMN (hymn) 351 “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” stanza 2

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28Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?”

30“If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.”31“Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.”

“We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” 32(This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

34“Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”35“I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?”

36“My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”37“So you are a king?”

“You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”38“What is truth?”

After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. 39But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”

40They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit.

HYMN (hymn) 349 “Ah, Holy Jesus” stanza 1 (harmony)

19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe.

3They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face.

4Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” 5So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.

“Here is the man!”

6When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” 7The Jews answered him,

“We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.”

8Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?”

11“You would have no power over me

Good Friday

unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out,

“If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.”

13When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. 14Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews,

“Here is your King!”

15“Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!”

“Shall I crucify your King?” “We have no king but the emperor.”

16Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

HYMN (hymn) 349 “Ah, Holy Jesus” stanza 2 (unison) & 4 (harmony)

So they took Jesus; 17and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

21Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’”

22“What I have written I have written.”23When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24So they said to one another,

“Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.”

This was to fulfill what the scripture says,“They divided my clothes among themselves,and for my clothing they cast lots.”

25And that is what the soldiers did.Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.”27Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”

And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.28After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.”29A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.”

Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

MUSICAL MEDITATION “Prayer” Ernest Bloch

31Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and

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of the other who had been crucified with him. 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35(He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” 37And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”38After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid.

42And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

The gospel of the Lord.a Praise to you, O Christ.

HYMN “Were You There” (hymn) 353

stanza 1HOMILY

GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER

BIDDING PRAYERThe Good Friday bidding prayer is one of the church’s oldest prayers in continuous use. It is called a bidding prayer because of its structure. After each bid or invitation to prayer, the assembly prays silently. The presider concludes each bid and the assembly responds: Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER (1975)P Finally, let us pray for all those things for which our Lord would have us ask:a Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION AND PRAYER AT THE CROSS

A large cross is passed through the midst of the assembly and placed in the center aisle. All are invited to reach out and participate in moving the cross forward

Good Friday

ADORATION OF THE CRUCIFIED The following response is said three times:

P Behold, the life-giving cross on which was hung the salvation of the whole world.a Oh, come, let us worship him. Those who desire may come forward to offer a sign of reverence, such as placing a votive candle near the cross, touching the cross, kneeling briefly, or bowing.

Music for Reflection “Spiegel im Spiegel” Arvo PärtThe sanctuary is shrouded in darkness.

HYMN PROCLAIMING THE TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS “Sing, My Tongue” (hymn) 356

stanza 1, 6 & 7 in unison

P We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. By your holy cross you have redeemed the world. SILENCE

The assembly may remain in silent prayer.The community departs in silence, to reassemble on Holy Saturday for the Vigil of Easter.

Good Friday offerings may be left at the door with an usher.

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From Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2018Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26515.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights

reserved.

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THE VIGIL OF EASTERHoly Saturday + March 31, 2018

Christ is the Light!This is the night! This is our Passover with Christ from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom, from death to life. Tonight the resurrection of Christ is proclaimed in word and sign, and we gather around a pillar of fire, hear ancient stories of our faith, and share the food and drink of the promised land. Raised with Christ, we go forth into the world, aflame with the good news of the resurrection.

GATHERINGGREETINGP The Lord be with you.a And also with you.

P Sisters and brothers in Christ, on this most holy night when our Savior Jesus Christ passed from death to life, we gather with the church throughout the world in vigil and prayer. This is the passover of Jesus Christ. Through light and smoke and the word, through water and oil, we proclaim Christ’s death and resurrection, share Christ’s triumph over sin and death, and await Christ’s coming again in glory.

The presiding minister continues with words of welcome and instruction.

LIGHTING OF THE NEW FIRE P The Light of Christ.a Thanks be to God.

Repeat three times:

P May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.As you share the light of Christ, please greet one another using the words “The Light of Christ.” Accept the flame with the words “Thanks be to God!”

CHORAL INTROIT “O Night More Light Than Day” Mark Sedio

EXULTET The ancient song of salvation history is sung by the deacon: Rejoice now ... resound with the triumphant voices of the people:

The community reassembles in silence on Holy Saturday for

the Vigil of Easter.

The lighting of the new fire will happen on the North

plaza in front of the church. Please join us around the fire.

Easter Vigil

.. one God, now and forever.

a Amen. (chanted on a single tone)

PRAYER OF THE DAY P Let us pray.

Eternal giver of life and light, this holy night shines with the radiance of the risen Christ. Renew your church with the Spirit given us in baptism, that we may worship you in sincerity and truth and may shine as a light in the world, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

a Amen. Please extinguish your candles following the prayer of the day.

WORDREADINGS

Each reading will conclude: “The word of the Lord.” The assembly responds: Thanks be to God.

God created the heavens and the earthGenesis 1:1-2:4a

RESPONSE “Benedicite omnia opera” Join the choir in singing the response:

Prayer A Let us pray: Almighty God, you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more wonderfully restored it.

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In your mercy, let us share the divine life of that one who came to share our humanity, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.a Amen.

FloodGenesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13

Response “Come to the Waters of Life” African, arr. Sedio

Prayer A Let us pray: O God, strength of the powerless and light in all darkness: Look in mercy upon your church, a wonderful and sacred mystery, that it may be an ark of peace in the midst of chaos. Let the whole world come to see that what was fallen is being raised up, that what was old is being made new, and that all things are being restored to wholeness through the one from whom they first took being, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. a Amen.

Deliverance at the Red SeaExodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21

Response “Wade in the Water” spiritual, arr. Mark Hayes

Prayer A Let us pray: O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to our own day: By the power of your mighty arm you once delivered your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, a sign for us of the salvation offered to everyone by the water of baptism. Grant that all the peoples of the earth may partake in the salvation of the Israelites and together dance on the safe side of the sea, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. a Amen.

Delivery of JonahJonah 1:1-2:1

Response “Surely God Is My Salvation” Hasidic tune Join the choir in singing the response:

Easter Vigil

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

INVITATION

PROFESSION OF FAITHP I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the Church. P Do you renounce evil and all the forces that defy God?R I renounce them.

P Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?R I renounce them.

P Do you renounce all the ways of sin that draw you from God?R I renounce them.

P Do you believe in God the Father?a I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

P Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?a I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. P Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?a I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The presiding minister fills the font with water in remembrance of God's saving activity around the waters of creation.

THANKSGIVING AT THE FONTP The Lord be with you.a And also with you.P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.a It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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P We give thanks, O God...in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.a Amen.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM FOR NEW MEMBERSP Dear friends, we rejoice to receive you as members of Central Lutheran Church, joining with us in exploring the promise of God for all.

You have made public profession of your faith as we proclaimed the Apostles’ Creed As you stand to bear witness to your faith... Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear his Word and share in his supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth? If so, say “I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.”

R I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.

P People of God, do you promise to support these sisters and brothers and pray for them in their life in Christ? If so, please say, “We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.”a We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.

P Let us welcome these new members into our household of faith.

a We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: Join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM FOR THE ASSEMBLYA And do you, People of God, affirm this night the covenant God made with you in holy baptism? (if so say “I do”)a I do.A Let us pray. Merciful God, we thank you that you have made us your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called us and enlightened us with the gift of your Spirit and nourished us in the community of faith. Uphold us in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite all those you have brought to new birth in Christ Jesus, n whose name we pray.a Amen.

BAPTISMAL RESPONSE WITH ASPERGES (sung by the choir) “Alleluia! Buried with Christ” Sergei Khvoshchinsky

GOSPEL Seeing the risen Christ Luke 24:1-12

The holy gospel according to Luke.a Glory to you, O Lord.

On the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] came to the tomb, taking

Easter Vigil

the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.”8 Then they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

P Alleluia! Christ is risen!a Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! (repeated three times)

ANCIENT HOMILY (4th Century, adapted)

HYMN OF THE DAY “Come You Faithful, Raise the Strain”

The resurrection of Jesus is announced, and the response is

one of terror and amazement.

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Evidently expecting to find Jesus’ corpse, some of his

women followers go to the tomb with embalming spices. After a perplexing encounter with the empty tomb and angelic

visitors, the women become the first to proclaim the amazing

news of resurrection.

MEALGREAT THANKSGIVINGP The Lord be with you.a And also with you.

The presider continues with the Great Thanksgiving, concluding:Lord’s Prayer (1975)a Our Father in heaven

hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours

now and forever. Amen.

Breaking of the Bread and Invitation to the Table

Communion “Christ has Arisen Alleluia!” Traditional Tanzanian

SENDING BLESSINGa Amen.

DISMISSALA Alleluia! Christ is risen!a Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!A The peace of the risen Christ be with you always.a And also with you. The assembly is invited to share God’s peace with one another.

Offerings may be left at the door with an usher.

APPETIZER POTLUCK Please join is for an Easter reception.

Easter VigilGod feeds us

with the presence of Jesus Christ

All who come seeking Jesus are invited to receive these

gifts of God.

Grape juice is available upon request.

Communion at this service is served standing at stations.

Children are welcome to receive communion or a blessing.

God blesses and sends us in mission to the world

Material may be reprinted under One license.net #A-704051.Portions of the liturgy are from Sundays and Seasons.com © 2018 Augsburg Fortress.

All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress liturgies license #26515.

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SERVING DURING THE THREE DAYSMaundy Thursday

Pastor Peter Nycklemoe presiding Pastor Stephanie Friesen preaching Brian McKinley assisting minister Lois Wolff reader Mark Sedio cantor/organist Pastor D. Foy Christopherson, Pastor Melissa Pohlman, Pastor Judith Stone communion ministers Froya Olson soprano, clarinet Robin Helgen alto Mike Fairbairn tenor Harrison Hintzsche bass Mark Kieffer sound operator Usher Ministry Team ushers and greeters

Good Friday Pastor Melissa Pohlman presiding Pastor D. Foy Christopherson preaching Sara Masters assisting minister, noon Megan Bowman assisting minister, 7 p.m. Steven Langmo, Lois Wolff, Shirley Flachman readers, noon Diane Olson, Barb Hoernemann, Karl Starr, Christopher Haug readers, 7 p.m. Mark Sedio cantor/organist Ryan Teynor viola Mark Kieffer sound operator Usher Ministry Team ushers and greeters

Easter Vigil Pastor D. Foy Christopherson presiding Pastor Melissa Pohlman homilist David West assisting minister Mark Sedio organist Central Choir choir Brad Boogren crucifer Michael Dee candle bearer Pastor Peter Nycklemoe, Pastor Stephanie Friesen communion ministers Mark Kieffer sound operator Adrian Morales, Rosalinda Morales, Alan Filzen, Derek Rasmussen, Jon Siewert, Jerry Chaumard, Bill Krannich, Patricia Bader, Carney Bergeson-Meekins ushers, greeters, hosts

Richard Stegall, Bruce Bergeson-Meekins, Bill Masche, Dave West, sacristans

Central Lutheran333 South 12th Street

Minneapolis MN 55404

612-870-4416

info@centralmpls.org

Member of the

Minneapolis Area Synod

and the ELCA