Mulberry Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will host its fifth annual ecumenical service for the community on Good Friday (April 14) at 7 p.m.

During the service, representatives of various area churches will deliver brief messages on the seven last words of Jesus. The order of service is as follows:

First Word: "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.'" Luke 23:34a - Rev. Russell Davis, pastor of New Works Baptist Church.

Second Word: "And he said to him one of the two thieves), 'Truly, I say

to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:43 - Rev. Willie White, pastor of Newberry Missionary Baptist Church;

Third Word: "When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple (John) whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!'" John 19:26-27a - Rev. Terry Joyner, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church.

Fourth Word: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken Me?" Matthew 27:46b - Rev. Freddie Neal, pastor of Harmony Baptist Church.

Fifth Word: "After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), 'I thirst.'" John 19:28 - Rev. Keith Etheridge, pastor of Double Branches Baptist Church.

Sixth Word: "When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, 'It is finished.'" John 19:30a - Rev. Walker Clayton, pastor of Pleasant Grove C.M.E. Church.

Seventh Word: "Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.'" Luke 23:46a - Dr. Gwendolyn Smith, pastor of Hudson Memorial C.M.E. Church.

Residents of the community are encouraged to participate in this evening of powerful preaching and heartwarming music to prepare their hearts for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.

Refreshments will be served following the service.

Mulberry C.M.E. Church's observance of Holy Week will culminate with the celebration of Easter at a sunrise service, beginning at 6:30 a.m., followed by breakfast. Sunday School will then be held at 9:45 a.m., and the morning worship service, at 11 a.m.

Mulberry C.M.E. is located at 5129 Double Branches Road. Rev. Larry Fryer is the pastor.