TENEBRAE - A SERVICE OF SHADOWS
Tenebrae is Latin for "darkness" or "shadow." This traditional service dates back to the 4th century and has been observed by numerous Christian traditions for generations. This service is a prolonged, corporate meditation on the suffering of Jesus.
Tonight, we are invited to contemplate the reality of death, sadness, suffering and despair in a world broken by sin.
This service is unlike a celebratory worship service that we are accustomed to on Sunday mornings in that its focus is on the darkness we all experience and the uncomfortable reality of death. You may feel unsettled this evening. You are invited to lean into this feeling as we meditate on Jesus's death together.
The readings for tonight walk us through the final moments of Jesus's life as he betrayed, rejected, arrested, crucified, and buried. Sounds, music, poetry, silence, and darkness help to illustrate the drama and power of this world-changing event.
As each reading concludes, a light will be extinguished. As each light is removed, we ponder the depth of Jesus's sufferings. As the strepitus (a loud sound) strikes, we remember the overwhelming moment of the Christ's death. As the small persistent flame of the Christ candle shines, we anticipate the Christ's victory.
Tonight, we are invited to contemplate the reality of death, sadness, suffering and despair in a world broken by sin.
This service is unlike a celebratory worship service that we are accustomed to on Sunday mornings in that its focus is on the darkness we all experience and the uncomfortable reality of death. You may feel unsettled this evening. You are invited to lean into this feeling as we meditate on Jesus's death together.
The readings for tonight walk us through the final moments of Jesus's life as he betrayed, rejected, arrested, crucified, and buried. Sounds, music, poetry, silence, and darkness help to illustrate the drama and power of this world-changing event.
As each reading concludes, a light will be extinguished. As each light is removed, we ponder the depth of Jesus's sufferings. As the strepitus (a loud sound) strikes, we remember the overwhelming moment of the Christ's death. As the small persistent flame of the Christ candle shines, we anticipate the Christ's victory.