The Big Idea
In this service we discover how Adam and Eve had unlimited access to God in the Garden of Eden. This access changed when they chose not to listen to God. When the temple was built a curtain was put up between the people and the Holy of Holies, a sort of ‘keep out’ sign. When Jesus died on the cross the temple curtain tore in two from top to bottom and with it came forgiveness from sin and restoring unlimited access to God.
This is the first of a two part series that is based on the book ‘The Garden, The Curtain and The Cross’ by Carl Laferton. This picture book explains why the cross is necessary. While the book is not read in the service, it is useful to have read it to understand the themes and language used in both services.
It is designed to lead into Unlimited Access Part 2 on Easter Sunday.
Music
Songs at the start:
- Here is love, vast as the ocean
- When I survey the wonderous cross
Song in the middle:
- How deep the father’s love for us – Stuart Townsend (verse 1 and 2)
Song at the end:
- There is a green hill far away
Other songs you could consider:
- Sign your cross – Nick and Becky Drake
- The old rugged cross
- Once again – Matt Redman
- I stand amazed in the presence
- Clean – Hillsong united
- God you’re so good – Passion, Kristian Stanfill
Activity
This activity needs a little preparation. Create a bright piece of artwork that demonstrates hope. In the middle of the artwork have the words ‘Unlimited Access’ surrounded by words like hope, light, joy, freedom’. Once this artwork has been made cover it with black paper, bring careful to only glue the sides down and not the middle.
When you lead the activity start by discussing that sin is something that keeps us away from God. Ask the people to think about different things that could be sin (pride, selfishness, lies, greed, hate ect). Write these on the black paper, but leave space in the middle. Explain that these things bring distance between us and God. A bit like the curtain that was used in the temple that surrounded the holy of holies. It is a big sign that says ‘keep out’. Write this in the middle of the black paper.
Leave this on display – you will need it later in this service, and again in Unlimited Access Part 2: Easter Sunday.
Readings
The crucifixion narratives in Matthew, Mark and Luke would work in this service. Do not use John’s gospel as it does not include the detail about the temple curtain being torn in two.
Consider your congregation and if a children’s retelling may be more appropriate. The Jesus Story Book Bible has an excellent account.
Talk
A full talk is available, telling the story of humanity and our relationship with God. It starts with Adam and Even having unlimited access to God, takes us through how this access was lost and then finally tells how God’s love for us removed all barriers to God.
Response
If you have live musicians, play a slow version of the song ‘This is amazing Grace’ by Phil Wickham. While the song is being played/sung – tear a strip of the black paper from the picture used in the activity straight down the middle – this acts as a visual representation of the curtain being torn.
Prayer corner – Use this space to sit and pray perhaps you want to ask forgiveness or receive God’s grace.