Good Friday Service

Come gather in quiet reverence as we remember Christ’s sacrifice and the depth of God’s love poured out on the cross. Through Scripture, prayer, and reflection, we walk the solemn path to Calvary and pause in the sacred weight of this day. This meaningful service invites us to reflect, give thanks, and prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter. All are welcome.

Our sermon series, “Tell Me Something Good” includes artwork and an artist’s description for each Sunday and the days of Holy Week.  We hope that this artwork will help you to connect more deeply with the scripture throughout the season. 

“Revealed through Nonviolence”
by Lauren Wright Pittman
Inspired by Luke 22:47-53; Luke 23:33-38, 44-46

Creating this image was overwhelming. I sought to capture Jesus’ nonviolent response to relentless
violence. As I considered each moment of his journey to the cross, I felt despondent. I know how hard it is to resist the reactive urge that courses through me even experiencing mild forms of violence. How much more difficult then for Jesus to endure such dehumanizing acts? Was he stripped so completely of his humanity that only divinity remained—and even that restrained from retribution?

Begin at the center with Judas’s kiss—intimate, subversively violent. Follow the sword behind Judas to the top left: a disciple fiercely defends Jesus, while to his right, the high priest’s slave screams after his ear is cut. Jesus reproves the violence and heals the servant.

Moving clockwise, a man—representing the chief priests and temple police—points an accusatory finger, wielding the authority to kill an innocent man. To his right, a man crafts Jesus’ cross, quietly
sustaining the violence of the status quo. Below him, an opportunist casts lots for Jesus’ clothes, while a leader laughs at the impossibility that the Messiah will save himself. Finally, in the bottom left, a man offers Jesus sour wine in a moment of deep thirst—physical and spiritual.

At the heart of it all is Jesus, tearful, looking at us. His halo shines, revealing the many faces of violence around him. From the foundation of his steady posture grows an olive tree. Its branches extend beyond his clothing, reaching out to embrace those around him.

Through his nonviolent stance, the truth of a violent world is revealed. And in that truth, the good news of peace finds soil in which to take root, to grow, and to flourish. —Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman

Allow your eyes to follow the olive tree as it weaves through the composition and touches each figure.
What meaning do you glean from the olive tree?