About this series theme
Inspired by New Testament scholar Amy-Jill Levine's book, Entering the Passion of Jesus, this worship series moves through the last week of Jesus' life over the course of 6 weeks, "freeze-framing" various parts of the Holy Week story so we can dive deep into the narrative–one that has as much relevance for our time and our lives as it did for the disciples who witnessed it first-hand. Every week a work of art from the Vanderbilt School of Theology's digital collection will inspire us to consider what it might have been like to be there. Getting people to Holy Week services can be difficult. This series will help your congregation be touched by the power of love, grace, forgiveness, and heartache that is part of Jesus' story, and ours.
The events of Christ’s Passion, which take place during the last week of Jesus’ life, often don’t receive enough time in our worship and study. These stories are important to our faith journey and our identity as followers of Jesus. And yet we often move too quickly from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday with little time to take in the dramatic story of that last week. How might taking a closer look at the ancient story open us to deeper conviction for our role in its ongoing message?
See more about the scriptures, theology, content, and format of the series
by checking out these files:
As I worked with the book that was the inspiration for this series (Amy-Jill Levine’s Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginners Guide to Holy Week), I was struck with how this Jewish New Testament scholar was helping us dive more deeply into each scene, “framing” the moment with the historical and cultural context.
The artwork on the cover of the book inspired me to create a way to incorporate the amazing collection of artwork at the Vanderbilt Lectionary website, which I have enjoyed for many years (special thanks to Anne Richardson, Special Projects Librarian at the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, for her assistance). I was also aware that they had recently added more contemporary works of art (aided by my friend, Dr. Kathy Black) by artists from a diversity of ethnic backgrounds.
I am excited to introduce you to the collection if you do not already know about it. Throughout the season, we will “frame” our own current events and stories so that we might dedicate ourselves again to our work as disciples of Jesus. My prayer is that you and your congregation will learn much from Levine’s resource as well as from your own experience of reframing life along the lines of the Divine Artist.
Watch the series trailer
This clip is included in the downloads as an unbranded video (without the WDS logo) for you to share on your church website, on social media, and e-newsletters.
This fully-scripted series includes:
Full scripts for Ash Wednesday, Lent 1-6, a “First Dinner” experience and a “Last Supper” ritual
Communion liturgy that can be used any week
Scripts for Children’s Time by Guest Expert on Children and Worship, Mark Burrows
Original theme song music by Chuck Bell and Dr. Marcia McFee, plus bonus prayer song by Rev. Marsha Moors-Charles
Tons of suggestions and resources for bringing the series to life through visual, media, dramatic and music arts
Small group study suggestions and individual reflection pages based on the books study by theologian Amy-Jill Levine
Series logo and trailer
Sermon fodder to help jumpstart your sermons
Watch the “Get-Ready” webinar HERE (some references in the video to former platforms where the materials resided are obsolete… you will simply download files in this new format… EASY!)
Click HERE to go to the chat thread for this series (see and add photos, ideas, experiences, questions)
Access the Series
Paid Subscribers, scroll all the way to the bottom of this page to get to your download button. 👇 If you do not have a paid subscription, you may purchase this series a la carte for $50.
When you purchase the series a la carte, you will be redirected to the file-sharing site called Hightail/Open Text immediately. You do not need an account in Hightail, simply download all the files to your computer. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at marcia@marciamcfee.com.
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Marcia McFee, PhD is the creator and visionary of the Worship Design Studio. Find out more about her work HERE. Questions? E-mail marcia@marciamcfee.com
