Good Friday Tenebrae Service

GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP
Tenebrae Service of Shadows
March 26, 2027 at 7:00 pm in the Matthews UMC Sanctuary

Matthews UMC Sanctuary Choir will share special music for our Good Friday worship service.

With roots in monastic practice, Tenebrae is an ancient liturgical tradition of the Christian church. It is the Latin word for “shadows/darkness” and the ritual typically involves the gradual extinguishing of candles. As light and darkness form the heart of the visual and musical experience, each extinguishing punctuates the conclusion of our hearing of the seven last words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our Tenebrae service will conclude with the traditional stripping of the chancel and strepitus, or “loud noise.” This is often the slamming shut of the Bible in total darkness close to the end of the ritual to represent the earthquake that followed the death of Christ. Then, the vigil candle, hidden during the closing part of the service, is finally revealed.

Nursery is available (3 and under).

This service will also be livestreamed.