This 2020 lenten season, while we are worshiping in our homes, the TLO Good Friday service will include a Commissioning of Crosses. Commissioning of the Crosses is a way for each household to set apart a cross or crosses in their home as a constant reminder of God’s goodness toward us in Christ who suffered on the cross for us and for our salvation.

Families are invited to choose a cross or crosses that you have in your home that you would like to be commissioned. Choose a cross that is hanging on a wall in your home; Choose a cross necklace or pin; or be creative. Build and decorate a cross as a family craft project before the service begins. Children can draw and color a cross or build a cross with Legos. (Downloadable coloring pages below.)

The cross is a symbol of the Christian faith, and a reminder of the depth of God’s love for us. For Christ died on a cross on Good Friday to grant us forgiveness. A cross in our homes helps us remember that in the midst of our suffering, the resurrected and ascended Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord, is present with us. “For the Word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). 

Here is the prayer that will be spoken during the April 10 worship service:

Lord God, let these crosses from our homes serve to connect the goodness of Good Friday to our everyday lives. Let them be for us constant reminders of the depth of Your love for us, of the astounding forgiveness by which You renew our lives, of Your presence with us in the midst of our suffering, and of the peace that You give now and into eternity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

After the Good Friday service, email a photo of your family with the crosses you dedicated that we can post in a future TLO Together.