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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.
Lectionary Readings for Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13), Year A
S5E10: God on Our Side (Riches in Romans pt. 6)
S2E07: Joining Creation’s Song (Theology of Ministry pt. 6)
S11E05: Parables of the Kingdom (According to Matthew pt. 9)
S8E06: Lights in the World (The Gospel-Worthy Life pt. 4)
Lectionary Readings for Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12), Year A
S5E09: Children of God (Riches in Romans pt. 5)
S2E06: Joining the Spirit’s Groan (Theology of Ministry pt. 5)
S11E04: Wheat and Tares (According to Matthew pt. 8)
S8E05: True Humility (The Gospel-Worthy Life pt. 3)
Lectionary Readings for Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 11), Year A
S5E08: No Condemnation (Riches in Romans pt. 4)
S2E05: Focused on the Spirit (Theology of Ministry pt. 4)
S11E03: Good Soil (According to Matthew pt. 7)
S8E03: Joy in Our Circumstances (The Gospel-Worthy Life pt. 2)
Lectionary Readings for Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 10), Year A
S5E05: The Inner Battle (Riches in Romans pt. 3)
S2E03: Sanctifying Grace: Our Need & God’s Provision (Theology of Ministry pt. 3)
S11E02: Are You Weary? (According to Matthew pt. 6)
S8E02: Intro - Why Philippians? (The Gospel-Worthy Life pt. 1)
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