Tenebrae Service

Wednesday, April 16
7 p.m. • Church

The Tenebrae service is an ancient Christian tradition recalling the somber events of Jesus’ last days. The word Tenebrae – Latin for “shadows” or “darkness” – calls our attention to scriptural accounts of Christ’s crucifixion, when “darkness came over the whole land” (Mark 15:33; Matthew 27:45, Luke 23:44).

During the service, candles are extinguished one by one. Meanwhile, scripture and music tell the story of Holy Week. As the candles go out, the gradual descent into gloom is a representation of Jesus’ increasing sorrow as Passion Week unfolded.

At the end of the service, a loud noise sounds, representing the closing of Christ’s tomb. All depart in silence in the shadows cast by a single candle.

Join us for this somber yet beautiful service of Holy Week.