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Good Friday Tenebrae Program

Tonight we are remembering the death of Jesus. This is not a happy topic, but without His death, there would be no resurrection. So before we reach Easter, we need to understand Good Friday. This service is loosely based on the Good Friday "Tenebrae" services that date back to early church history. There are seven "shadows" that represent seven stages of the Good Friday events. At each stage, there will be some scripture read, some thoughts shared, a time of silent prayer, and then a song for us to sing. The scripture will consist of an Old Testament prophetic scripture, a New Testament scripture, and the gospel narrative that describes one of the Good Friday events. At each stage, a light will be extinguished, until all the lights are off. This is a somber service, with time for reflection on the sufferings of Christ. We will be having communion after the readings are finished.

 1) Shadow of Betrayal
​       Psalm 41:9; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 26:6-25
        song: “Knowing You”

2) Shadow of Denial
      Zechariah 13:7; John 10:14-15; Matthew 26:31,33-35, Luke 22:54-62
      song: “Only By Grace”

3) Shadow of Aloneness
      Psalm 31:9-14; John 12:23-28; Mark 14:32-41
      song: “Amazing Love”

4) Shadow of Accusation
      Isaiah 53:7; John 8:44-45; Mark 14:53,55-64, Mark 15:1-15
       song: “At The Cross”

5) Shadow of Suffering
       Isaiah 53:1-6; I Peter 2:21-24; Mark 15:16-20
       song: “Sacrifice of Love”

6) Shadow of Crucifixion
      Psalm 22:1-2,6-8,14-18; Luke 9:23; Matthew 27:31-43
      song: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”

7) Shadow of Death
      Exodus 12:21-23; John 1:29; Luke 23:44-46
      song: “Were You There?”
​After the Shadows
      Revelation 5:6-12