 | Good Friday: The Most Dangerous Story of All |
| Good Friday: The Most Dangerous Story of All |
Previous to those opening words, Fr. Jim and Joan Riebel, an SJA Prayer Partner, together strode up the aisle and up three steps onto the bleak platform. They dropped to a prone position in quiet meditation before the plain wooden cross, surrounded by black cloth.
At this point I’d like to quote parishioner, and this year’s slide projectionist, Jerry Hartlaub. Last year he wrote an article describing Good Friday for the SJA website in a clear and succinct manner. This beautifully emotional response that Jerry expressed applies to this year’s service even though the two services revolved around different themes and included different players. The reaction, however, remains the same:
Then, in the darkened room of the gym, the contemporary Way of the CROSS was narrated by four speakers. Each station began with a brief scripture reading, setting the stage for the contemporary narrations. Hauntingly clear voices and over 100 startling slides created pungent, painful reflections. People and current events around the world were brilliantly tied to the contemporary narrative. I didn't want for take my eyes from the screen. The sights and words were riveting. After each station, a candle was carried to the CROSS until 14 candles were assembled. Reflective, quiet musical interludes by SJA musicians were calming.
Following the contemporary Way of the CROSS, a veneration of the Cross, three resounding wooden claps invited the congregation to silently depart. It was a powerful, sobering liturgy!”
The above quote can only give us a topical impression of the extent of this spiritually rich hour-long service filled with soulful and familiar music so well executed by Anna and Fred Vagle, George Maurer, Deb Harley, Dick Hedlund and Pat Frederick.
“Stay Awake and Watch With Me”; “Somlandela (I Will Follow Jesus)”; Shine Out Your Light”; “Jesus Remember Me”; “Lord Look At Me”; were some of the reverent and melodious response music between the Stations of the Cross” as the candle bearers brought their individual lit candle to be placed on and around the cross.
Other music included a special original version of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” sung by Pat Frederick and some appropriate music for the procession of the people to venerate the cross. (Each congregant offered a simple bow or kiss as they approached the cross held by Fr. Jim and Joan Riebel.
The reading of each selection whether it was a scripture reading, meditation or prayer was brought to life by a talented group which included the easily recognizable voices of Julie Madden, Jane Cavanaugh, Peter Aitchison and Roger Dick.
The 14 candle bearers were different at each of the Good Friday services, 3:30 and 7:30 pm.
As usual, a child, or in this case, two children, Declan and Betsy Freis, each placed a bouquet of flowers on the foot of the cross thus ending the service by remembering all children of the world.
In my opinion, there is only one way to truly realize the impact of this service and that is to be in attendance. It cannot be read, or even visualized or recorded. It needs to be experienced physically present. I have attempted to describe as best I can, with the help of Jerry Hartlaub’s words, why this is a must-be-there event.
I doubt it has ever been duplicated anywhere. The talent and wisdom and experienced knowledge of many combined years have brought this service to an unmatched peak. I invite you not to miss this service, twice offered on every Good Friday. You will be richly rewarded spiritually, emotionally and prayerfully if you positively RSVP to my invitation.
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