Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means “commandment.” In the act of washing the Apostle’s feet, Jesus gives them the commandment to “love and serve one another as I have loved you.”
The Service of Tenebrae is an adaptation of a Fourth Century service traditionally observed on Thursday of Holy Week. The Latin word, Tenebrae, means shadows or darkness. The service moves from light to darkness, the candles being extinguished to symbolize the denial of the disciples and friends of Jesus. The darkness also symbolizes the darkening of the world as Jesus, the light of the world, was leaving it. Finally, upon his death, the Christ candle is extinguished.
Silence is observed as we contemplate the shock, despair, gloom and sadness of that day and night long ago… and their meaning for our lives today. The service is phrased in words of scripture, which together with the music, speak to us of our Lord.
As each light is extinguished, let us be aware of the many ways we have denied Christ in our own lives, that the darkness of the cross might be made real for us today.
You can view the bulletin here.
The sermon manuscript is here.
The Audio file can be accessed here.
Scripture is read from NRSV Bible (New Revised Standard Version)
Permission to podcast/stream the service music obtained from ONE LICENSE,
License A-730666 and CCLI Streaming License CSPL069066 and WORSHIPCast Streaming License. All Rights Reserved.
GTG = Glory to God Hymnal
PH = Presbyterian Hymnal
Sermon: “The Backstory Matters” Rev. Ken Locke
Children’s Time: Jennifer Zander
Liturgist: Jolene Schry
Readings; Nancy Hilbert, Eddie H, Emily Hayes,
Neiciah P. Jolene Schry
Cantor: Carol W.
Organist/Pianist: Kris Bartelt
Gathering Music: “Wondrous Grace” by Mary Ann Fritz
from Wondrous Grace
Hymns, Spirituals and Classics for Lent and Holy Week
Compiled by David Sarandon
Copyright (c) 2010 Lorenz Publishing Company All Rights reserved.
PH 572 “Lord Have Mercy”
Text: Kyrie
Music: John Merbecke, 1550, arr. Healey Willan, 1930
Hymn GTG 507 “Come to the Table of Grace”
TEXT: Barbara Hamm, 2008; © 2008 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188.
MUSIC (TABLE OF GRACE 7.7.10.7): Barbara Hamm, 2008; © 2008 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by Permission. Reprinted/Podcast/Streamed with Permission under One License A -730666. All Rights Reserved
Service Music GTG 552 “Holy, Holy, Holy”
TEXT: Trad. liturgical text
MUSIC (LAND OF REST): American folk melody; adapt. Marcia Pruner, 1980; arr. Richard Proulx, 1984; adapt. © 1980 Church Pension Fund; arr. © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc.
Reprinted/Podcast/Streamed with permission under One License #A-730666. All Rights Reserved
Service Music GTG 553 “Christ Has Died; Christ is Risen”
TEXT: Trad. liturgical text
MUSIC (LAND OF REST): American folk melody; arr. Richard Proulx, 1984; © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc.
Reprinted/Podcast/Streamed with permission under One License #A-730666. All Rights Reserved.
Hymn PH 80 “Jesu Walked This Lonesome Valley” vs. 1 & 2
American spiritual
Hymn Tune: Lonesome Valley
Hymn PH 93 “Ah Holy Jesus”TEXT: Heermann, 1630, Trans. Robert Bridges, 1899
Music: Johann Crüger, 1640
Hymn Tune: Herzliebster Jesu
Hymn PH 97 “Go To Dark Gethsemane” (vs. 1 & 2)
TEXT: James Montgomery, 1820, 1825, alt.
Music: Richard Redhead, 1853
Hymn Tune: Redhead
Hymn PH 85 “What Wondrous Love is This”
American folk hymn c. 1811
Walker’s Southern Harmony, 1835, Harm. Cantate Domino, 1980
Hymn Tune: Wondrous Love
Hymn 102 “Were You There?”
African American spiritual
arr. by Melva Wilson Costen, 1987