Ever wonder how the word of Jesus' death was communicated to his many followers? This ecumenical Good Friday worship service is based on the authors' speculation that such an important event must have first been proclaimed and passed from eyewitnesses to others through letters to friends.

This complete worship service was the outgrowth of a small ecumenical group working and studying together in their rural Nebraska town. Combining insights from their diverse backgrounds, the authors created a fresh, dynamic service for their congregations -- and yours.

This service requires no special props or costumes and can be conducted by the pastor alone or with the help of several laypeople.

Paul J. Weckle is currently serving as an interim pastor in the United Church of Christ in Hickman. Nebraska; Daniel Thompson is the pastor at the interdenominational Believers' Fellowship in Lincoln, Nebraska; his wife, Annette Thompson, is the principal at that church's private Fellowship School; Rev. Franklin A. Dvorak is ordained in the Roman Catholic Church and is the pastor at Holy Trinity Church in Hartington, Nebraska.