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Tenebrae is a Latin word that means "Darkness." The Tenebrae service is a reading of the Passion account from John's Gospel, broken down into 16 readings, and after each of the first fourteen readings a candle is extinguished until the entire sanctuary is clothed in darkness. This represents the light of Christ being extinguised on the cross, and it also represents the three hours of darkness that the people experienced as He hung on the cross. After the 15th reading, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake that occurred at the death of Jesus. It is a somber and solemn service of contemplation. We have attempted to recreate the service in its entirety here, and hope that you will be blessed in its re-enactment.
Entrance - Gathering
The Call to Worship:
God is light, in whom there is no darkness at all.
Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world,
and we loved darkness rather than light.
Hymn:
Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed (UMH #294)
Opening prayer:
Maundy Thursday (UMH #283)
The Passion of Jesus Christ
Sixteen readings, after each is extinguised one candle until the sanctuary is in "Darkness" (Latin: Tenebrae)
Sending Forth
Hymn:
Were You There (UMH #288)
Dismissal with Blessing
All depart in silence.
Recorded at Ebenezer UMC on April 4, 2020 (Originally published April 9, 2020)
S.D.G.
S2E16: Freedom in Forgiveness (Wednesday Worship)
Lectionary Readings for Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17), Year A
S5E16 Renewing Our Minds (Riches in Romans pt. 10)
S2E12: Conforming to the Body of Christ (Theology for Ministry pt. 11)
S11E09: On This Rock (According to Matthew pt. 13)
S8E11: The Art of Rejoicing (The Gospel-Worthy Life pt. 8)
Lectionary Readings for Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16), Year A
S5E15: Mercy! (Riches in Romans pt. 9)
S2E11: Are We Complacent? (Kyle Clement 2014)
S11E08: Out of the Heart (According to Matthew pt. 12)
S8E10: Press On! (The Gospel-Worthy Life pt. 7)
Lectionary Readings for Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15), Year A
S5E14: Can You Believe It? (Riches in Romans pt. 8)
S2E10: The Place of Israel pt. 2
S11E07: Call on the Lord (According to Matthew pt. 11)
S8E09: Before and After (The Gospel-Worthy Life pt. 6)
S5E12: God’s Covenant People (Riches in Romans pt. 7)
S2E09: The Place of Israel pt. 1 (Theology for Ministry pt. 7)
S11E06: Eat and Be Filled (According to Matthew pt. 10)
S8E07: Living Sacrifice (The Gospel-Worthy Life pt. 5)
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