Good Friday

Our service this evening is a version of the ancient order of the Tennebrae (Latin for “darkness”) to impress upon us the tragic consequences of sin and the greatness of our Savior’s sacrifice on Golgotha.

The extinguishing of the lights and candles one by one signifies the final words of our Lord’s Passion and His gradual expiration and death on the Cross.  It also reminds us of the darkness that covered the earth when Jesus hung on the cross and the darkness that covered and still covers the people who reject the son of God.  As the darkness in the chancel increases, the death of our Lord draws closer.

The removal of the Christ Candle symbolizes the death of Jesus and His stay in the tomb. The sound of the closing Bible is to signify the sealing of the tomb, acknowledging that the humbling work of Christ for our salvation is complete.

If you are worshiping with us online, we invite you to create a setting for Tennebrae in your homes. You may use candles, lights, or even the diminishing natural light to set the backdrop of approaching darkness. We traditionally have nine “stations,” where a scripture is read, a hymn is sung, and after which a candle is extinguished and a set of lights are turned off. Following the litany (a special historical prayer), all lights are turned off.

The Rest of the Story is on Easter Sunday!

• Sunrise Worship with Holy Communion at 6:30 am (outside, weather permitting)
• Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt at 8:00 am
• Festival Worship with Holy Communion at 9:00 am