Holy Thursday

On Maundy Thursday, Peoples hosted a powerful time of worship including Holy Communion followed by a Service of Tenebrae. The choir also sang a beautiful piece.

During the Tenebrae portion, people from the congregation read Scripture to retell the passion story. As each Scripture was read, the room lights were darkened, one candle was extinguished on the candelabra and one item was removed from the altar. This was a very powerful experience of the coming darkness.

As the crucifixion was recounted, the cross was then covered in a black cloth. All that was left glowing was the white Christ candle with a painting of Jesus on the Communion table. Then Pastor Gwyneth read Psalm 22, words spoken by Jesus from up on the cross: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? At the close of this Scripture, the Christ candle was snuffed out and the beautiful portrait of Jesus was put face-down on the table. We sat in total darkness, and left in silence.

It is important for Christians to re-live the story of the crucifixion of Christ for Easter to be truly meaningful. We hope that Holy Week this year has been a meaningful time for all, and will help us to experience even more joy this Easter.