GOOD FRIDAY - MARCH 29, 2013

GOOD FRIDAY

SERVICE OF TENEBRAE

March 29, 2013

The Service of Tenebrae, or “shadows” is a commemoration of the passion of Christ.  The most significant feature is the gradual extinguishing of the candles following each reading.  The bare altar and unvested furnishings emphasize the starkness of the events recalled.  The candles represent the apostles and all followers and the larger candle represents Christ.   The dramatic high point occurs with the complete darkness and the loud noise at the death of Jesus.

+GREETING

Leader:  God is light, in whom there is no darkness at all.

People:  Jesus Christ is the light of the world.

Leader:   And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world,

People:  and we loved darkness rather than light.

+HYMN                      “Go to Dark Gethsemane”              #290

PRAYER

Almighty God, graciously behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

OFFERING

OFFERATORY 

HYMN                        “Were You There”                            #288

THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST ---

TENEBRAE - (shadows)

Fourteen candles, along with a central Christ candle, are lighted at this point; then one is extinguished at the conclusion of each reading. 

Readings 1-9

HYMN            “To Mock Your Reign O Dearest Lord”       #285

Readings 10-16

+HYMN                 “What Wondrous Love Is This”           #292

+DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING

Go in peace. May Jesus Christ, who for our sake became obedient unto death, even death on a cross, keep you and strengthen you this night and forever. Amen.

All depart the church in silence.