Here it is for all my WC pals - thanks for your help! Wish us luck, and I wish you a meaningful Good Friday too.

Journey Through the Cross: Good Friday Program

Actors:
Narrator
Bystander 1 Bystander 2
Man (MC)
Woman (MC)
Jesus
Simon
Woman (oil)
Peter
Disciple
Judas
Soldier
Elder
Priest
Man (MC)
Pilate
Mary
Friend
Angel 1

Props: More than enough simple costumes/ Palms/ table, coins, items, table cloth, box/ table, dishes, oil jar, towel/table, dishes, cup, bread/ flowers, money pouch, swords/ podium, basin, towel, water, rope, crown of thorns/ cross, black drape, tv, video/ /(opt. for Easter Scene: stone, oils & spice container/ projector, sunrise,butterflies

Introduction
Narrator: Welcome to our "Journey through the Cross", a walk based on the Stations of the Cross. At times, we can hear scripture with familiarity but not Purpose. Sometimes, the message we need is buried under that familiarity. Jesus himself shook things up, spoke in parables and even shouted sometimes. And so, tonight, we will be journeying with Jesus & his companions, and with some prayer and some imagination, we can share the feelings and importance of these events. There will be opportunities to speak as Disciples or the crowds, so please join in the spirit of the journey, and add your voice. Please respect the dramas by listening, and use quiet voices while we walk. Perhaps even consider this a time of prayer. (Optional: Our journey takes us through to the Resurrection, but if you feel after the Crucifixion scene that you would like to end your journey in a Good Friday spirit, feel free to return to the chapel. For our younger participants, a cheerful Easter ending might be needed, so we will "Journey through the Cross" to the Resurrection with them. )

1. Palm Sunday
Narrator: We'll start here. A lovely hot hazy morning, a wee bit early for most people, but here, on the outskirts of the Jerusalem gates, you are a part of a crowd that has gathered. Join in the cheering!! Out of their homes come 2 neighbours, still sleepy and a little surprised to see all the people. Gazing out down the road towards Bethany, they are startled!

Palm Parade:
Bystander1: Oh, (stretches) wow, it's early in the morning! Look how busy it is here! Look! Who is that riding on a donkey?

Bystander2: It's Jesus! Jesus is coming to Jerusalem! I've seen him speak before. He has been teaching us how to live in God's way! He is a wonderful teacher and he has helped many people. I wonder why he is coming to Jerusalem?

B1: I've heard of him too. My friends say he is going to save us from the Romans! Hear the people shout: Hosanna!! That means Save Us!! (encourage the people to call Hosanna!)

B2: Well, I've heard him speak, and I don't think he'll be a Soldier with an Army "“ he's too loving and gentle! It might be dangerous for him here. He has been making the Roman government nervous lately. They don't like it when someone doesn't always follow the rules.

B1: But Jesus is always doing good things. What do you mean he doesn't follow the rules?

B2: The Jewish laws have been respected mostly, by the Romans, but Jesus has been showing where the rules might be wrong. Sometimes, he has helped people who were sick but he did it on a Sabbath Day when we should not be working. Sometimes, he has helped people who weren't Jews like us. And sometimes, when a person was going to be punished and killed, he stopped it because it wasn't fair. He does good things, but sometimes breaks the rules.

B1: But that would help the Romans make their rules better. Won't they listen?

B2: I think the Romans like being in power and they don't want someone making them look bad. The Jewish leaders feel the same way. For hundreds of years their laws have been trusted. People are calling Jesus a Messiah and a King! The leaders won't want to listen to Jesus.

B1: But today is so wonderful! Everyone has heard of all the great things Jesus has done. Everyone is so happy today! They are spreading their coats on the ground so the donkey can walk on something soft! They are spreading palm branches and waving them! A parade fit for a King! I can feel that something exciting is going to happen! I'm glad he's here! Hosanna! Hosanna!

B2: (Sounding thoughtful) It is great to see all the people! Maybe this will change things! Maybe the Romans will see how wonderful he is! Hey - Pass me some palm branches! I'm glad he's here too! Hosanna! Hosanna!! (wave palms, encourage group)
Together: Hosanna! Hosanna!! Hosanna!!!
Reflection: Our world is broken into many countries with many leaders and many struggles. Can our world know Jesus as King? What kind of king?

2. Money Changers (move to Narthex)

Narrator: In the temple, the priest asked for donations of Temple money "“ it was special and fancy money that only was used in the Temple. To get it, people coming to pray had to buy it with their regular money, but the Money Changers figured out how to make a profit changing the coins, and they even started to cheat people.
They sold things that people thought they needed to make God happy, but the Money changers charged too much money. All sorts of sellers would set up a booth and going to the temple started to seem like a supermarket instead of a church.

Man: Set up our table, Rebecca. With Jesus in town, many people will be out to the Temple today. The competition is set up already and getting customers before we're even in the gates. There won't be much room in the church today for our business!
Woman: I see Jesus! He is coming to the Temple to pray! Maybe he'll speak to us! Maybe he'll teach us about God! (winks) Maybe he'll buy a sacrificial bird from me!
Man: Well, get those boxes out. All the people with him will be buying too! Lets put our prices up a bit!
Woman: But he looks angry! I don't think I've ever heard of Jesus being angry. I'll make the table look extra cheery and then maybe he'll deal with us. (fusses with items)
Man: oho! He does look angry; here he comes!! Maybe I'll give him a fair deal. Oh "“ wow! He just knocked over Amos' table! He must be mad!!
Woman: And here he comes to us!! (cowering)
Jesus: (throws the table over) "this is God's House! You should be praying here! You should be honouring God! You should be living God's way and being good to each other!! And here I find the Temple is full of cheaters & liars!! This is no Temple! This is a Den of Thieves!! (storms off)
Woman (scrambles for the money & items) I can't believe he did that! Doesn't he know this is the Temple!!
Man: He'll pay for this outrage!! The Roman officials will be very angry about this!! How dare he disrupt our business!!!
Woman: But look at all the people following him! We can't get rid of him! The people love him!
Man: We'll find a way. Jesus must be stopped. Jesus will pay for this!!!.

Together: Jesus will pay for this!!!

Reflection: Look around this world "“ see our nation, and then see Uganda. See the Western World, then see Iraq & Afghanistan. See the hungry & the sick and see how they are shoved away. See our world choked with pollution. See hatred & fear. A God of love and an angry Jesus? Where do we need to be angry in this world? What tables do we need to overthrow?

3. Anointed with oil (1st table in Gym)

Narrator: After a noisy day, Jesus has visited his friend Simon for a quiet dinner with friends. He is not here to teach. He has not been followed by crowds of people, just friends for a nice quiet evening. We are all here as his disciples and his friends: Martha, Peter, Simon, and the others.

Jesus: It's so nice to be with friends! Simon, it is good to see you and I am sad that I have not seen you more often.

Simon: I am glad to see you too Jesus. With my leprosy, very few people even speak to me let alone visit. It was great to have so many friends around.

A woman comes towards Jesus looking shy, carrying a jar.

Jesus reaches to her, and she comes quietly. She gently poured the jar over Jesus' head and stroked his hair, scent of perfume fills the air.

Simon: Whoa "“ what are you doing?

Judas: What a waste! That is very expensive perfume! You could have sold that for lots of money! We could have given the money to the poor!

Jesus: Why are you bothering her? It is a caring & beautiful thing she has done! Yes we always need to help the poor, but sometimes we need to show how important something is. I won't be here forever "“ she has actually anointed me for my burial when I am dead. (Disciples & Simon look confused) People will hear this story and it will help them know that my teachings of God are special and that I have been important! This woman will be remembered for treasuring my life.

Reflection: What treasures do we hold? What value are they to us in the face of suffering and inequality? There is value in cherishing things. What would you lay at his feet? What do you offer this world?

4. Passover Meal (2nd table in gym)

Narrator: No wonder everyone was in such a good mood when Jesus came to town "“ It's Passover! Passover is a very special holiday that Jewish people celebrated to remember Moses leading the Jews out of Slavery. People celebrated Passover by sharing a big meal with friends & family. For Jesus, he met with his friends in a quiet room in Jerusalem where they didn't have to worry about soldiers or enemies. We are here as disciples of Jesus so join in the party! But listen and speak with Peter & Judas. Everyone is in a festive mood through the whole party"“ they laughed and sang and had a good time. But Jesus has something important to tell them. He knows that soon he will be killed, and that this will be his last supper.

(everyone is laughing and having a good time but Jesus looks tired, a bit sad)
Judas: What a great meal!! What a great party!!
Peter: Jesus, why do you look sad? We're having fun!
Jesus: Peter, everyone "“ (everyone listens to Jesus) One of you is going to betray me to the Romans and I will be killed.
Peter and the others (look at each other shocked): Jesus will be killed?
Everyone says: Jesus will be killed?
Jesus: One of you here will hand me over to the soldiers. (looks at Judas)
Judas: Not me Jesus!
Jesus: (looking very sad) Do you mean that, Judas?
(Judas walks away looking guilty)

Jesus: (sadly) Thanks for being here everyone "“ Share this bread and wine with me. Whenever you eat together, promise to remember me. Even when I die, remember that God has promised to love you and be with you forever.
(Jesus breaks the bread and shares it around the group. Then he takes a sip from the cup and passes it around)

Peter (sad): this can't be true!!
Jesus: All of you will run away from me tonight.
Peter: Not me Jesus! I won't leave you alone!
Jesus: Peter, my friend, even you will say three times that you don't know me.
Peter: I will never say that, even if I had to die first!. Not me! I won't deny you!.

Together: Not Me! I won't deny you!

Reflection: How is this group tonight a community? Are we welcome at the Lord's table? We need to remember it is God's house that people are being welcomed to. The people who are coming in are already part of us and we are a part of them; All are a part of God's family.

5. In the Garden (parlour)

Narrator: What a change from the party. With Judas gone, the disciples are heartbroken. Their friend has betrayed Jesus. Everyone is sad and worried. Not far is the Garden of Gethsemane, a lovely place. It is dark now, with dinner a distant memory. Jesus knows that this is his last quiet time. You, as his disciples, have walked with him here, sad & afraid. Follow with Peter and fall asleep at all the wrong times "“ every time Jesus asks you to stay awake. When you hear marching, maybe you will march too.

Jesus: I needed to find a quiet place. This garden of Gethsemane has always been a favourite spot. Thanks for coming with me. I don't want to be alone tonight.
Peter: Do you want to talk about everything? I have lots of questions.
Jesus: Thank you, but I think I need to pray right now. Can you stay here and keep watch while I talk with God for awhile?
Disciple: Sure we will.
(Jesus goes and sits in a quiet place for prayer.)
Peter: Boy, he's so sad "“ it breaks my heart! I've never seen him like this before. I'm glad we're here with him.
(the disciples fall asleep)
Jesus: (sadly) Hey! You promised to stay awake & keep watch!
Disciple: (waking) Oh, sorry, yes, we'll stay awake this time.
(Jesus goes to pray again. Disciples fall asleep)
Jesus: Peter! Andrew! John! Stay awake please and keep watch!
Peter & Disciples: Oh, oh, Sorry Jesus, we'll really do it this time, you can count on us!
(Jesus goes to pray, and again the disciples fall asleep)
Jesus (sighs, and prays) My God, if this awful thing has to happen, I will trust in you.
(Soldier marches loudly, other soldiers join in, Jesus stands, wakes the disciples) Wake up. They are here to arrest me.

The Arrest
(Judas and soldiers arrive. Judas goes and gives Jesus a kiss. The soldiers take Jesus by the arms and pay Judas)
Soldiers: You're under arrest!
Jesus: Judas, my friend "“ did you need clubs and swords to arrest me like an outlaw?
(Judas runs away to hallway)

Peter & Disciples: NO!! NO!!

Together: NO!!
(All run away - Judas, Peter & Disciples need to separate from the group. After the reflection, Peter will go to Hall, all others rejoin the group)

Reflection: "˜Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.'

6. Trial in the Temple (Chapel)

Peter sticks his head in the Chapel door, when a soldier sees him:
Soldier: You there! Aren't you a friend of Jesus?
Peter: No, I do not know this Jesus. Not me! (and leaves, goes to parlour to other chapel door and peeks his head in to listen to drama)
------------

Narrator: Jesus is marched to the temple where he is beaten, and questioned for a long time. Perhaps you are a soldier, or a Priest, or just watching. Maybe you are like Peter, a friend trying to stay hidden, but watching the trial. The Soldiers and a crowd are treating Jesus like a criminal, laughing at him for calling himself a King! They put a crown made of sharp thorns on his head until he bleeds. But the Priest & Elders are not sure that Jesus is really a problem.

(Jesus robes are torn, he stands looking beaten & ragged)
Priests & Elder: (to one another) What did he do wrong?
Priest: He has done many good things. He has taught about love & God's way.
Elder: He broke some laws but only to do good things though.
Priest: I don't know what to do with him.
Elder: Me neither! Set him free?
Priest: Are you sure? What does this man say?
Man: He said he could bring down the temple and build it back up in 3 days!
Priest: That's blasphemy! It is a lie about God!
Elder 1: Jesus, what answer do you have?
(Jesus stays quiet)
Elder 2: You must answer! Are you the Messiah?
Jesus: (quietly) So you say. From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God.
Priest: Lies! Blasphemy! He must be killed!

Soldier sees Peter in the door (from the Parlour)
Soldier: You There! I saw you before. You are a friend of Jesus!
Peter: Ooops! Not Me! I don't know this Jesus. (watch end of trial then hurry to Hall, and watch in through Chapel door again)

Narrator: Having decided that Jesus was guilty, the Priests have called in the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, to make the final condemnation. Pilate is probably a fair leader most of the time, but he is rich, and far removed from the politics of the Jewish people. This man, Jesus of Nazareth, is known to him, perhaps even Pilate has heard about his teachings. But what are they to him, Governor of Jerusalem?
Pilate enters:
Priest: All Hail Pontius Pilate, Governor of Jerusalem!
Pilate: Tell me, Why should we kill this man? He has done nothing but good deeds.
Priest: This man turns the people against the Emperor!
Pilate: (to Jesus) I am in charge here. Answer me. Are you the King of the Jews?
Jesus: So you say.
Pilate: (looking at crowd) You people are angry, but I can't condemn this good man.
Soldier: He is dangerous! Crucify him!!
Priest, Elders, Soldiers: Crucify Him!

Pilate (Pauses, looks around at the crowd) I won't be responsible for this. This is your doing! (Washes his hands and walks away)

Together: Crucify Him!!

Soldier sees Peter looking through Chapel door:
Soldier: You there! It is you! You are a friend of Jesus!
Peter: No sir! For the 3rd time, I tell you I do not know Jesus!
Oh! What have I done? (Let door close, Pause, then come to follow with group)

Reflection: "He took some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd and said "I am not responsible for the death of this man! This is your doing?...
- But could I have done something?

Narrator: We know what is coming next. This is a time to be solemn. To be respectful. Please take this time while we walk to pray. To consider what you have heard. To imagine Jesus struggling to carry his cross to Golgotha. We are going to a dark place. Make room for everyone when you arrive, and remain quiet. This is a very sad time.

7. Crucifixion
TV/VCR set up at crucifixion story. From VBS material -Wood Lake Books

Reflection: We offer prayers in silence. (Skip to End Narration if not using Easter drama)

8. The Stone covers the tomb(optional if using Easter Story) (Sanctuary)

Narrator: A friend, Joseph of Arimithea, gave his own family tomb to be used to bury Jesus. His body was laid there, and attended to by his friends, and then the stone was rolled in front to seal the tomb. (Roll stone in front of door by Sanctuary) The friends of Jesus went home, broken-hearted. They spent the time praying.

3 days later, the women came back to anoint the body with spices and oils. And they found the stone had been rolled away! (roll stone away from door)

Mary: "I went to the tomb where we buried Jesus. I was so sad! How awful that such a good person had been killed! So many good things happened when Jesus was here. So many people lived the way God wants. We were all learning wonderful things that would change the world. How can we continue to spread the message of God's love if Jesus is dead!

Mary: But look! The tomb is open! Where is Jesus? (Scared, Louder) Where is Jesus??? (looks into doorway, takes empty cloth)
Angel 1 &2 appears:
Angel 1: He is not here! Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive?

(Move into the Bright Area "“ lit sanctuary, image of Sunrise on Projector)

Angel 1: God's love is stronger than death! Jesus will live on! Carry this message to the others!
Mary: And we ran to tell our friends the good news! Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!!

Together: Hallelujah!! Christ is Risen!!

End Narration
Narrator: Tonight is still Good Friday as we move into worship. We are still in a dark place, but we know the promise of the Sunrise, we know that Easter is coming. This God is stronger than evil, stronger than darkness. Christ lives in our world. Be strong, take heart.

You have some time here for reflection. Perhaps you'd like to share together your discoveries this evening, perhaps you'd like to find a quiet corner and pray or journal. Perhaps, you're ready to greet people as they come for worship. Feel free to go where the Spirit leads you. Amen!

_________________
Some Extras:

Sign on Bus Station bathroom wall:
"Judas: All is forgiven "¦ Come home!"
-------
Peter and Jesus in Heaven, As Peter was closing the gates. He noticed Jesus standing outside, searching off in the distance. Peter waited for awhile, but grew impatient, as the party inside had already started. He approached Jesus. Gently, he asked, "Jesus, you're missing the party. Everyone's inside. Who are you waiting for?"
Jesus' shoulders sagged, and he replied, "You go on, Peter. I'm waiting for Judas. I'm waiting for Judas."