4-3-26 GT Good Friday Worship Folder

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Tucson, Arizona

April 3, 2026

Welcome to Grace!

Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.

Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org

WORSHIP NOTES

The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. The worship service is printed in its entirety in this folder for you tonight, including the hymns. If you desire to sing from a hymnal, you will find the blue Christian Worship hymnals in the racks in each pew. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at either exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.) There is no cost to park in our parking lot during worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.

TENEBRAE

Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness.” The Service of Darkness is a devotional and meditative service held on Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The Service of Darkness is not a funeral service for Jesus but a time for adoration of the Lamb of God in which we celebrate his sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. The darkness in the church symbolizes the miraculous Tenebrae, the darkness which surrounded the cross and darkened the earth from noon until three o’clock on the day Jesus died.

SEVEN CANDLES

The seven candles in the front of the church are lit prior to our service this evening. Throughout the service the candles are extinguished and the lights are dimmed representing the extinguishing of the life of Jesus. The seventh candle is not extinguished but it is removed from the chancel. Just as Christ’s body was hidden in the grave until the third day so also is the seventh candle removed from sight for a short time. It is returned to its place at the end of the service as a reminder of Christ’s return from death to life.

SILENCE

In keeping with the solemnity of the day, there is no pre-service or post-service music. The service begins in silence and ends in silence. Worshipers are invited to remain after the service for as long as they wish for prayer and meditation. All are asked to leave the sanctuary, the courtyard, and the parking lot in silence. The stillness and darkness of tonight are intended to contrast with the bright and glorious celebration of Easter morning.

GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE

The Suffering Servant

Isaiah 53:1-8 and the Passion of Christ

WorshipersÊgatherÊinÊsilenceÊforÊmeditationÊandÊreflection.

THE SERVANT FORTOLD

PleaseÊstand

OPENING PRAYER

Almighty God, gracious Father, on this solemn day we remember the suffering and death of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

We thank you that he carried our sins and bore the punishment we deserved.

As we listen again to the words of Scripture and reflect on the cross, strengthen our faith in the forgiveness he won for us.

Help us see in his suffering the depth of your love. And lead us to trust completely in the salvation he worked for us.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Amen.

PleaseÊbeÊseated

SCRIPTURE READING

John 18:1-17

After saying these things, Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden. He and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who was betraying him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas took the company of soldiers and some guards from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” “Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus told them. Judas, the betrayer, was standing with them. When Jesus told them, “I am he,” they backed away and fell to the ground. Then Jesus asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” “Jesus the Nazarene,” they said. “I told you that I am he,” Jesus replied. “So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the statement he had spoken: “I did not lose any of those you have given me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath. Shall I not drink the cup my Father has given me?” Then the company of soldiers, their commander, and the Jewish guards arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, because he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews, “It is better that one man die for the people.” Simon Peter and another disciple kept following Jesus. That disciple was known to the high priest, so he went into the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus. But Peter stood outside by the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out and talked to the girl watching the door and brought Peter in. “You are not one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. “I am not!” he said.

TheÊvocalistÊwillÊsingÊstanzaÊ1.ÊPleaseÊjoinÊinÊsingingÊtheÊremainingÊstanzas.

SPOKEN RESPONSE

THE REJECTED MESSAGE

Who has believed our report, and to whom has the arm of the L been revealed?

Isaiah 53:1

MEDITATION

SCRIPTURE READING

John 18:28-38

Early in the morning, the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. They did not enter the Praetorium themselves, so that they would not become ceremonially unclean. (They wanted to be able to eat the Passover meal.) So Pilate went out to them and said, “What charge do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate told them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews said, “It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death.” This happened so that the statement Jesus had spoken indicating what kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled. Pilate went back into the Praetorium and summoned Jesus. He asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight so that I would not be handed over to the Jews. But now my kingdom is not from here.” “You are a king then?” Pilate asked. Jesus answered, “I am, as you say, a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” “What is truth?” Pilate said to him. After he said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against him.”

The first candle is extinguished.

SPOKEN RESPONSES

THE HUMBLE SERVANT

Isaiah 53:2

He grew up before him like a tender shoot and like a root from dry ground. He had no attractiveness and no majesty.

When we saw him, nothing about his appearance made us desire him.

MEDITATION

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 23:6-11

When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad. For a long time, he had wanted to see him, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle performed by him. He questioned him with many words, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the experts in the law stood there, vehemently accusing him. Herod, along with his soldiers, treated him with contempt and ridiculed him. Dressing him in bright clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.

My Lord, what love is this that pays so dearly; that I, the guilty one may go free.

Amazing love, O what sacrifice, the Son of God, given for me; my debt he pays, and my death he dies, that I might live, that I might live!

And so they watched him die despised, rejected; but oh, the blood he shed flowed for me!

And now, this love of Christ shall flow like rivers; come wash your guilt away, live again!

Amazing love, O what sacrifice, the Son of God, given for me; my debt he pays, and my death he dies, that I might live, that I might live!

Amazing love, O what sacrifice, the Son of God, given for me; my debt he pays, and my death he dies, that I might live, that I might live!

Amazing love, how can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

The second candle is extinguished.

THE REJECTED SAVIOR

SPOKEN RESPONSES

He was despised and rejected by men, a man who knew grief, who was well acquainted with suffering.

Like someone whom people cannot bear to look at, he was despised, and we thought nothing of him.

MEDITATION

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 53:3

Luke 23:17-23

Pilate needed to release one prisoner to them at the Festival. But they all shouted together with one voice: “Take him away! Release Barabbas to us!” Barabbas had been thrown in prison for a rebellion in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them again, because he wanted to release Jesus. But they kept shouting, “Crucify! Crucify him!” He said to them the third time, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found no grounds for sentencing him to death. So I will whip him and release him.” But they kept pressuring him with loud voices, demanding that he be crucified. And their voices were overwhelming.

Used

The third candle is extinguished.

SPOKEN RESPONSES

THE SUBSTITUTE

Surely he was taking up our weaknesses, and he was carrying our sufferings.

We thought it was because of God that he was stricken, smitten, and afflicted.

MEDITATION

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 53:4

John 19:1-6

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns and placed it on his head. Then they threw a purple robe around him. They kept coming to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they kept hitting him in the face. Pilate went outside again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” So Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and guards saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”

HYMN—Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted ChristianÊWorshipÊ430

StanzaÊ1:ÊALL,ÊStanzaÊ2:ÊMen,ÊStanzaÊ3:ÊWomen,ÊStanzaÊ4:ÊALL

The fourth candle is extinguished.

THE PIERCED ONE

SPOKEN RESPONSES

But it was because of our rebellion that he was pierced. He was crushed for the guilt our sins deserved.

The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

MEDITATION

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 53:5

Mark 15:20-25

When they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothing on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. A certain man, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), was passing by on his way in from the country. They forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means, “The place of a skull.” They tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. They crucified him. And they divided his garments, casting lots for them to decide what each of them would take. Now it was the third hour when they crucified him.

CELLO AND ORGAN DUET O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

TheseÊwordsÊareÊprintedÊforÊyourÊsilentÊmeditation:

O sacred head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down, now scornfully surrounded, with thorns your only crown, O sacred head, no glory now from your face does shine; yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call you mine.

Now from your cheeks has vanished their color, once so fair; from your red lips is banished the splendor that was there. Grim death with cruel rigor has robbed you of your life; thus you have lost your vigor, your strength, in this sad strife.

My burden in your passion, Lord, you have borne for me, for it was my transgression, my shame, on Calvary. I cast me down before you; wrath is my rightful lot. Have mercy, I implore you; Redeemer, spurn me not!

THE SILENT LAMB

SPOKEN RESPONSES

We all have gone astray like sheep. Each of us has turned to his own way, but the L has charged all our guilt to him.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.

Like a lamb he was led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent in front of its shearers, he did not open his mouth.

MEDITATION

Two other men, who were criminals, were led away with Jesus to be executed. When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

The sixth candle is extinguished.

CUT OFF FROM THE LAND OF THE LIVING

SPOKEN RESPONSES

He was taken away without a fair trial and without justice, and of his generation, who even cared?

So, he was cut off from the land of the living. He was struck because of the rebellion of my people.

MEDITATION

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 53:8

Luke 23:44-46

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun was darkened. Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The seventh candle, the Christ Candle, is not extinguished, but it is removed from view, just as Christ was, for a time, hidden from sight in the tomb.

The Christ Candle is returned, foreshadowing the Resurrection. Even on Good Friday, we know the story does not end in darkness. The suffering servant who died for our sins will rise. The light of Christ cannot be extinguished.

SILENT PRAYER AND MEDITATION

SILENT DISMISSAL

YouÊareÊinvitedÊtoÊremainÊinÊtheÊchurchÊfollowingÊtheÊserviceÊfor prayerÊandÊmeditation.ÊWhenÊyouÊchooseÊtoÊleave, pleaseÊleaveÊtheÊsanctuary,Êcourtyard,ÊandÊparkingÊlotÊinÊsilence.

Please join us at one of our sites on Easter Sunday to worship our Risen Savior!

Grace-Tucson 830 N. 1st Avenue, 85719 Sunrise Service 7:00 AM

Breakfast 8:00 AM Easter Concert 9:00 AM Festival Worship 10:00 AM

Grace-Sahuarita 75 W. Sahuarita Road, 85629 Worship 7:45 & 10:00 AM

Breakfast 9:00 AM

Grace-Benson 451 W. Duane Street, 85602 Worship 7:30 AM

Fellowship following worship

Grace-Vail 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, 85747 Worship 10:00 AM

Easter Brunch 11:00 AM

THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP TODAY

Minister ..........................................................................................................................Pastor Ron Koehler

Scripture Readings Adam Kuehl

Accompanist .............................................................................................................................. Kathy Parra

Vocalists Dylan Guenther, Courtney Kuehl

Choir Director ........................................................................................................................ Paul Kassulke

Choir Accompanist.................................................................................................................... Jim Bakken

Clarinet and Organ................................................................................................................Beth Kassulke

Cello ..........................................................................................................................................Joshua Vierra

Trumpet.............................................................................................................................. Nathan Kassulke

Candles .................................................................................................................................... Sam Kassulke

Lighting ....................................................................................................................................... Zach Miller

Sound and Recording Technicians Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler

Cover Art .................................................................................................................................... Laura Lipke