You are invited to be part of a worship service that is truly one of the most powerful spiritual experiences in the whole liturgical calendar–Tenebrae on April 2, Maundy Thursday. Come and experience it for yourself. Bring a friend.
WHAT IS TENEBRAE?
You’ve been seeing a flyer about the Maundy Thursday service in recent weeks. I want to encourage you to attend this moving service that leads us into the solemnity of Good Friday.
At First Congregational Church, our Maundy Thursday practice includes the reading of the Tenebrae. What is Tenebrae, which is the Latin term for “shadows”? Our worship will be centered around this ancient ritual, which chronicles the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. As we worship, this space will grow increasingly darker as the shadow of the cross falls upon each of us. Thus, the sanctuary is cast into darkness as the readers assemble and speak. The twelve candles on the table represent Jesus’s twelve disciples; the large candle is the Christ candle.
Throughout the service, there are readings, prayers, and most important sacred music for the occasion. We are fortunate to have Nikita Zabinski, our Music Director, who has prepared a powerful blend of works by J. S. Bach and Sergei Prokofiev, and contemporary choral music by Heather Sorenson and Ruth Elaine Schram.
Additionally, special musical offerings include vocal solos by Cara Massey, Sarah Albanese, and Katherine Harcourt, as well as a featured violin sonata performed by Alexi Shabalin, violinist with the Rhode Island Philharmonic.
The service is on April 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. All are welcome.