Preparing to Engage in this Service

We recommend doing this worship service after sundown. You will need seven lighted candles placed about the room and either a snuffer or some means to extinguish the candles. There are seven sections with a three-fold pattern in each section: (1) Listen to the Scripture Reading;
(2) Respond by singing or praying as prompted; (3) Extinguish a candle.

This service follows an early Christian observance called Tenebrae - Latin for “darkness or shadows.” We are invited to reflect deeply on the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and death. The service framework includes a gradual extinguishing of seven candles as we recount the sufferings and death of Jesus on our behalf and for our salvation. When the final candle is extinguished and we are left in total darkness, sit for a while in solemn stillness and silence before you transition away from the worship experience.

Dramatic readings of the Gospel narrative are presented by Peter Schell.

Prelude

The Walk to the Garden - Frederick Delius
John Pavik, Piano

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The Darkness of Betrayal

The Gospel According to Matthew 26:20-25, John 13:30

Hymn: Go to Dark Gethsemane (vv. 1-3)

John Pavik, Piano
Cassie Carroll, Chris Studer, Vocals

Extinguish First Candle

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The Darkness of Desertion

The Gospel According to Matthew 26:30-35

Hymn: Ah, Holy Jesus

John Pavik, Piano
Jennie Warmack and Chris Studer, Vocals

Extinguish Second Candle

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The Darkness of Temptation

The Gospel According to Luke 22:39-46

Song: Brokenness Aside

Chris Studer, Piano
Penny Cleary and Chris Studer, Vocals

Extinguish Third Candle

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The Darkness of Accusation

The Gospel According to Mark 14:43, 53-65

 

Prayer

Rev. Emily Stockert

Extinguish Fourth Candle

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The Darkness of Crucifixion

The Gospel According to Matthew 27:31-44

Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (vv.1-3)

John Pavik, Piano
Vocals: Chris Studer

Extinguish Fifth Candle

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The Darkness of Death

The Gospel According to Luke 23:44-46

Song: You Love Us

Chris Studer, Piano
Cassie Carroll, Jennie Warmack and Chris Studer, Vocals

Extinguish Sixth Candle

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The Darkness of Burial

The Gospel According to Matthew 27:57-60

 

Hymn: Were You There?

John Pavik, Piano
Chris Studer, Vocals

Extinguish Seventh Candle

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Hymn: When I Survey The Wondrous Cross (v. 4)

Solemn Stillness

Closing Reflection

Ausklang (Evening Hymn) op. 64 - Richard Strauss
John Pavik, Piano

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