from pastor keith:
Hey Folks,
In an effort to continue our Maundy Thursday tradition as best as we can during these crazy times, I've compiled the Tenebrae Scripture readings and the Meditation I read each year. I encourage you to round up seven candles (If you don't have seven candles, get at least one and then you can just turn off houselights for the extinguishings), print out the readings and gather after sundown as we carry out this tradition together/apart. To download the readings, CLICK HERE.
Here are the instructions for how to do this service:
Set up the candles in a line on any table or counter and light all seven. Then make sure there are no more than six lights in your home that are turned on (If you have a hard time reading in dim light, you may want to have a flashlight ready as the room gets darker).
Here is a wonderful rendition of "When I survey the Wondrous Cross" performed by my friend Jim Martinez. You may use this video as a sort of Call to Worship.
As you begin your service, take a moment to calm yourself and pray silently that God will speak to you during this time of worship. Then begin with the first reading and read the reading out loud (even if you are alone). After you complete the reading, extinguish one of the candles on the end of the line of candles, then turn off the light that is the farthest away from where you are gathered. Take a moment to reflect on the reading. (If you are a musical person, you may want to hum the tune to "Were You There when They Crucified My Lord".)
When everyone has finished their moment of reflection, follow the same pattern for the second reading, candle (on the other end of the line) and light. Then the third, and so on (remember that if you are not alone, it may take the others a bit longer to reflect, so be patient and wait for them).
When you finish the last reading, the only light in the home should be the last candle. Extinguish the last candle and finish your time by reciting the Lord's Prayer (make sure that the last electric light you turn off is close enough so you can turn it back on safely, so that you won't hurt yourself).
When you've finished your service, leave the candle in the center of the line (the one you extinguished last) out, so you can light it again when you first awake on Easter morning. Then leave it lit until after you've watched the video service on Easter.
I hope that your worship experience is the best possible under these difficult circumstances!
In an effort to continue our Maundy Thursday tradition as best as we can during these crazy times, I've compiled the Tenebrae Scripture readings and the Meditation I read each year. I encourage you to round up seven candles (If you don't have seven candles, get at least one and then you can just turn off houselights for the extinguishings), print out the readings and gather after sundown as we carry out this tradition together/apart. To download the readings, CLICK HERE.
Here are the instructions for how to do this service:
Set up the candles in a line on any table or counter and light all seven. Then make sure there are no more than six lights in your home that are turned on (If you have a hard time reading in dim light, you may want to have a flashlight ready as the room gets darker).
Here is a wonderful rendition of "When I survey the Wondrous Cross" performed by my friend Jim Martinez. You may use this video as a sort of Call to Worship.
As you begin your service, take a moment to calm yourself and pray silently that God will speak to you during this time of worship. Then begin with the first reading and read the reading out loud (even if you are alone). After you complete the reading, extinguish one of the candles on the end of the line of candles, then turn off the light that is the farthest away from where you are gathered. Take a moment to reflect on the reading. (If you are a musical person, you may want to hum the tune to "Were You There when They Crucified My Lord".)
When everyone has finished their moment of reflection, follow the same pattern for the second reading, candle (on the other end of the line) and light. Then the third, and so on (remember that if you are not alone, it may take the others a bit longer to reflect, so be patient and wait for them).
When you finish the last reading, the only light in the home should be the last candle. Extinguish the last candle and finish your time by reciting the Lord's Prayer (make sure that the last electric light you turn off is close enough so you can turn it back on safely, so that you won't hurt yourself).
When you've finished your service, leave the candle in the center of the line (the one you extinguished last) out, so you can light it again when you first awake on Easter morning. Then leave it lit until after you've watched the video service on Easter.
I hope that your worship experience is the best possible under these difficult circumstances!