Sunday March 30, 2008 -- At left, Deb Snow directs the children's hand-chimes choir during 10 AM worship. Trish Halloran stands behind the children assisting.

Holy Thursday Worship included the Service of Tenebrae, a Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows.” It is service that is not designed to make you feel comfortable, but allows you to reflect on the passion of Christ.

Somber and sad, it is very distant from the joy of Easter morning, because it is the middle of the Easter story, a painful place between the celebration of Palm Sunday and the happy ending of Christ’s resurrection. The congregation experiences a small portion of Christ’s pain and suffering on the day of His crucifixion. The candles on the altar are gradually extinguished between scripture readings until only a single candle, a symbol of our Lord, remains. As the sanctuary grows darker and darker, we can reflect on the emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus that evening. Toward the end of the service, the Christ candle is hidden, symbolizing the apparent victory of evil over good. And then, a loud noise is made symbolizing the earthquake at the time of his death and His resurrection. The hidden candle is then restored to its place, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. By this single light the congregation departs the service in silence.

The Tenebrae can be dark and depressing, but to experience the joy of Easter Sunday without the sadness of Holy Thursday and the Good Friday---the most solemn day on the Christian calendar--that follows, is to witness only part of the Easter story, and not to fully realize the sacrifice Christ made for us.

HOLY COMMUNION CELEBRATED DURING HOLY THURSDAY WORSHIP

PALM SUNDAY MARCH 16

Pastor Beverly and children distribute the palms at 8 AM worship, March 16. (photos above and at right by Mark Zaccaria)

Palm Sunday at 10 AM - photos by Viv Flade and Ellen Jacke

10 AM Worship