Does anyone have any suggestions on what is the time, limit for each speaker's delivery of the last seven words?

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2005

Answers

We ask for 8-10 minutes and pray that they can keep it under 15. We can always count on two or three to go 20+.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2005

I think it depends on the nature/format of the service.

If you're following the "traditional" 3-hour service with seven speakers, then it would seem a maximum of 15 minutes should suffice, allowing additional time between the "Words" for scripture, music, and silent meditation (as well as opportunities for those who come and go).

Our format generally uses only three (3) speakers, using about 15 - 20 minutes and the rest of the time is music, readings, and drama, which culminates with an re-enactment of the crucifixion.

Overall, the drama is in four parts. Part 1 is on Palm Sunday, with Jesus making his entry into the sanctuary on a live donkey [yes, you read correctly - plastic is taped over the capeting, but in the three years we've done this, there have not been any accidents] accompanied by a cheering throng of children and adults.

(As an aside, two years ago, we actually got two new members because of the donkey. A mother and her daughter were on their way to their own church, and saw the donkey outside, about to enter and the daughter - 12 years old at the time - begged her mother to stop so she could see what the donkey was for...and the came and stayed. Hey, if God could use a donkey with Balaam, why not now? :) .) Part 2 is on Maundy Thursday with a dramatization of the Last Supper, and Part 3 is Good Friday as noted above and Part 4 is the Resurrection on Resurrection Sunday.

This is more than you asked, but basically, the time limit varies according to the format. I've been in some services that have only a one hour Good Friday service with one or maybe two speakers, but if all seven words are being presented...you gotta do what makes good sense.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2005

Oops, a typo error on my email in the previous message. The correct email is in this message.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2005