Tenebrae Service: A Service of Shadows for Holy Week
The service of Tenebrae, meaning “darkness” or “shadows,” is a prolonged meditation on Christ’s suffering. Readings trace the story of Christ’s passion, music portrays his pathos, and the power of silence and darkness suggests the drama of this momentous day. As lights are extinguished, we ponder the depth of Christ’s suffering and death; we remember the cataclysmic nature of his sacrifice as we hear the overwhelming sound of the “strepitus”; and through the small but persistent flame of the Christ candle which departs until Resurrection morning when we celebrate the ultimate victory.
WORSHIP LEADERS
Liturgist
Mary Hulst
Readers
Judah Manoraj, Joanna Wigboldy, and Sheila Witvliet
Musicians
Capella Choir directed by Pearl Shangkuan
Linda Hoisington (accompanist)
Chan Gyu Jang (organ)
Emma Gordon (solo)
Jonathan Pheifer (strepitus)
Dancers
Julia Start Fletcher (choreographer)
Rachit Kharel and Sara Brown
ENTRANCE TO WORSHIP
Organ Prelude: "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber
Music: Samuel Barber, arr. William Strickland © 1949 G. Schirmer, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Led by Chan Gyu Jang
Introduction
Prayer
Led by Mary Hulst
THE SHADOW OF AGONY OF SPIRIT
Luke 22:39-42, 45-46, read by Judah Manoraj
Sung response & silence following each reading: "Stay with Me"
Text: based on Matthew 26
Music: Jacques Berthier © 1984 Ateliers et Presses de Taizé, Taizé Community, France, GIA Publications, Inc., exclusive North American agent
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Led by Chan Gyu Jang
Congregational Reflection: "Go to Dark Gethsemane"
Text: James Montgomery, 1825, alt. P.D.
Music: Richard Redhead, 1853, P.D.
Led by Chan Gyu Jang
THE SHADOW OF ARREST
Luke 22:47-53, read by Joanna Wigboldy
Choral Reflection: "In Your Footsteps" by Dan Forrest
Text: Duane Nichols © 2010 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
Music: Dan Forrest © 2010 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
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Led by Pearl Shangkuan, Linda Hoisington, and Calvin University's Capella
THE SHADOW OF DENIAL
Luke 22:54-62, read by Judah Manoraj
Poetic Reflection: "The Meaning of the Look" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Text: Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861), P.D.
Read by Sheila Witvliet
THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Luke 22:63-23:12, read by Joanna Wigboldy
Congregational Reflection: "Ah, Holy Jesus, How Have You Offended"
Text: Johann Heermann, 1630, P.D.; tr. Robert Bridges, 1899, alt., P.D.
Music: Johann Crüger, 1640, P.D.
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Led by Chan Gyu Jang
THE SHADOW OF SENTENCING
Luke 23:13-25, read by Judah Manoraj
Choral Reflection: "See Gethsemane" by Lloyd Larson
Text: J. Paul Williams © 1991 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
Music: Lloyd Larson © 1991 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
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Led by Pearl Shangkuan, Linda Hoisington, and Calvin University's Capella
THE SHADOW OF CRUCIFIXION
Luke 23:26-43, read by Joanna Wigboldy
Congregational Reflection: "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded"
Text: Latin, medieval, P.D.; German tr. Paul Gerhardt, 1656, P.D.; English tr. James W. Alexander, 1830, P.D.
Music: Hans Leo Hassler, 1601, P.D.; adapt. and harm. Johann S. Bach, 1729, P.D.; arr. John Ferguson © 1997 Augsburg Fortress Press
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Led by Chan Gyu Jang
THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:44-46, read by Judah Manoraj
Choral Reflection: "Just As I Am," arr. Howard Helvey
Text: Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871), P.D.
Music: William B. Bradbury (1816-1868), P.D.; arr. Howard Helvey © 2020 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-703303.
Led by Pearl Shangkuan, Linda Hoisington, and Calvin University's Capella
THE SHADOW OF BURIAL
Luke 23:47-56a, read by Joanna Wigboldy
Solo Meditation: "Were You There?"
Text: African American spiritual, P.D.
Music: African American spiritual, P.D.; harm. C. Winfred Douglas, 1940, P.D.
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-703303.
Led by Emma Gordon
Congregational Reflection: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"
Text: J. Paul Williams © 1991 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
Music: Lloyd Larson © 1991 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.
All rights reserved. OneLicense.net A-703303.
Led by Chan Gyu Jang