MAUNDY THURSDAY
ORDER OF SERVICE
THE OFFICE OF TENEBRAE
THE EXTINGUISHING OF THE LIGHTS
APRIL 17, 2025
WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UCC
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829
www.westcenterchurch.org
PRELUDE: “BE THOU MY VISION” (IRISH MELODY)
The Greeting
Welcome in the name of Christ.
God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you.
Words of welcome or introduction may be said.
Prayer of Preparation
Lord, speak to us that we may hear your word. Move among us that we may behold your glory. Receive our prayers that we may learn to trust you. AMEN.
* OPENING HYMN: NO. 94 “AN UPPER ROOM DID OUR LORD PREPARE”
INVITATION TO CONFESSION
My brothers and sisters, as we prepare to celebrate the presence of Christ in word and sacrament, let us call to mind and confess our sins.
Lord our God, in our sin we have avoided your call. Our love for you is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes away early. Have mercy on us; deliver us from judgement; bind up our wounds and revive us; in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
May the God of love bring you back to yourself, forgive you your sins, and assure you of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
The Collect – the prayer of the day: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN.
Gospel Reading: St. John 13: 1 - 17,
[1] Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. [2] And during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, [3] Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, [4] rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. [5] Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. [6] He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" [7] Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand." [8] Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him,
"If I do not wash you, you have no part in me." [9] Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!"[10] Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you." [11] For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "You are not all clean." [12] When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? [13] You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. [16] Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
A REFLECTION UPON THE GOSPEL: FOLLOW THE CHRIST - Rev. Dr. Chris Ponnuraj
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (NICENE CREED): We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.
OFFERTORY: “WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS”
HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE
God is love and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them. The peace of the Lord be always with you and also with you.
COMMUNION HYMN: NO. 513 “LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER”
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord is here.
His Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
When we turned away you did not reject us but came to meet us in your Son.
You embraced us as your children and welcomed us to sit and eat with you.
Loving God in Christ you spared our life that we might live in him and he in us.
Jesus on the night he was betrayed, at supper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
God, we do this in remembrance of your Son Jesus Christ: his body is the bread of life.
At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine, he gave you thanks, and said: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me.
God, we do this in remembrance of your Son Jesus Christ: his blood is shed for all.
As we proclaim his death and celebrate his rising in glory, send your Holy Spirit that this bread and this wine may be to us the body and blood of your dear Son.
As we eat and drink these holy gifts make us one in Christ, our risen Lord.
With your whole Church throughout the world, we offer you this sacrifice of praise and lift our voice to join the eternal song of heaven:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Let us say together the prayer our Lord taught us: (The Lord’s Prayer) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
Giving of Communion
God’s holy gifts for God’s holy people. Jesus Christ is holy,
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Things of God for the people of God
Deacons to serve the communion people: (The celebrant will administer the bread & wine)
Prayer after Communion
In darkness and in light, in trouble and in joy, help us, heavenly Father, to trust your love, to serve your purpose, and to praise your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
HYMN: NO: “543 ABIDE WITH ME” (First 4 Stanzas Only)
THE OFFICE OF TENEBRAE
Shadow of Betrayal: St. Matthews 26: 20-25
[20] When it was evening, he sat at table with the twelve disciples; [21] and as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."[22] And they were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?" [23] He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me, will betray me. [24] The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." [25] Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Is it I, Master?" He said to him, "You have said so."
Shadow of Desertion: St. Matthew26: 31-35
[31] Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of me this night; for it is written, `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' [32] But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." [33] Peter declared to him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away."[34] Jesus said to him, "Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times."[35] Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." And so said all the disciples.
MUSIC 1: “WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS”
Agony of Soul: St. Luke 22: 39-46
[39] And he came out, and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. [40] And when he came to the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." [41] And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, [42] "Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44] And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground [45] And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46] and he said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Unshared VigilSt. Mark 14:32-41
[32] And they went to a place which was called Gethsem'ane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I pray." [33] And he took with him Peter and James and John and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. [34] And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch." [35] And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. [36] And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what thou wilt." [37] And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? [38] Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." [39] And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. [40] And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer him. [41] And he came the third time, and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
MUSIC 2: “SOFTLY AND TENDERLY”
The Hour is Come St. John 17: 1-6
[1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify thee, [2] since thou hast given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him. [3] And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. [4] I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; [5] and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made. [6]"I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them to me, and they have kept thy word.
That They May be OneSt. John 17: 15-22
[15] I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. [18] As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. [19] And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. [20]"I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, [21] that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. [22] The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
MUSIC 3: “O HOW HE LOVES YOU AND ME”
Arrest in the GardenSt. John 18: 1-5
[1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. [2] Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with his disciples. [3] So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. [4] Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" [5] They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
Shadow of the CrossSt. Mark 15: 16-20
[16] And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the praetorium); and they called together the whole battalion. [17] And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him. [18] And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" [19] And they struck his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and they knelt down in homage to him. [20] And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
MUSIC 4: “LORD, YOU ARE MORE PRECIOUS THAN SILVER”
Pastor: The Final ReadingSt. John 1: 9-14
[9] The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. [11] He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. [12] But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. [14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
BENEDICTION:
WE DEPART IN SILENCE
THE OFFICE OF TENEBRAE: THE EXTINGUISHING OF THE LIGHTS
The Office of Tenebrae was adapted in the early fourth century AD. The gradual extinguishing of the lights is symbolic of the flight of the disciples and the Passion of Christ. The moment of total darkness recalls the days in the tomb, and the relighting of the single candle is a prophecy of the coming of Easter morning. The custom of silence at the close of the service is a vital part of its spiritual power.
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025
MEDITATION ON THE CROSS 1:00 -2:00 PM
EASTER DAY, APRIL 20, 2025
Celebrate Easter morning with us!
WORSHIP AT 11 AM
Joyous Words and Music
Easter Potluck lunch follows worship
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
[email protected] (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist
[email protected] (203) 921-5210
ORDER OF SERVICE
THE OFFICE OF TENEBRAE
THE EXTINGUISHING OF THE LIGHTS
APRIL 17, 2025
WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UCC
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829
www.westcenterchurch.org
PRELUDE: “BE THOU MY VISION” (IRISH MELODY)
The Greeting
Welcome in the name of Christ.
God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you.
Words of welcome or introduction may be said.
Prayer of Preparation
Lord, speak to us that we may hear your word. Move among us that we may behold your glory. Receive our prayers that we may learn to trust you. AMEN.
* OPENING HYMN: NO. 94 “AN UPPER ROOM DID OUR LORD PREPARE”
INVITATION TO CONFESSION
My brothers and sisters, as we prepare to celebrate the presence of Christ in word and sacrament, let us call to mind and confess our sins.
Lord our God, in our sin we have avoided your call. Our love for you is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes away early. Have mercy on us; deliver us from judgement; bind up our wounds and revive us; in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
May the God of love bring you back to yourself, forgive you your sins, and assure you of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
The Collect – the prayer of the day: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may find comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN.
Gospel Reading: St. John 13: 1 - 17,
[1] Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. [2] And during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, [3] Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, [4] rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. [5] Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. [6] He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" [7] Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand." [8] Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him,
"If I do not wash you, you have no part in me." [9] Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!"[10] Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you." [11] For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "You are not all clean." [12] When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? [13] You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. [16] Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
A REFLECTION UPON THE GOSPEL: FOLLOW THE CHRIST - Rev. Dr. Chris Ponnuraj
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (NICENE CREED): We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.
OFFERTORY: “WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS”
HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE
God is love and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them. The peace of the Lord be always with you and also with you.
COMMUNION HYMN: NO. 513 “LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER”
The Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord is here.
His Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
When we turned away you did not reject us but came to meet us in your Son.
You embraced us as your children and welcomed us to sit and eat with you.
Loving God in Christ you spared our life that we might live in him and he in us.
Jesus on the night he was betrayed, at supper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
God, we do this in remembrance of your Son Jesus Christ: his body is the bread of life.
At the end of supper, taking the cup of wine, he gave you thanks, and said: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me.
God, we do this in remembrance of your Son Jesus Christ: his blood is shed for all.
As we proclaim his death and celebrate his rising in glory, send your Holy Spirit that this bread and this wine may be to us the body and blood of your dear Son.
As we eat and drink these holy gifts make us one in Christ, our risen Lord.
With your whole Church throughout the world, we offer you this sacrifice of praise and lift our voice to join the eternal song of heaven:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Let us say together the prayer our Lord taught us: (The Lord’s Prayer) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
Giving of Communion
God’s holy gifts for God’s holy people. Jesus Christ is holy,
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Things of God for the people of God
Deacons to serve the communion people: (The celebrant will administer the bread & wine)
Prayer after Communion
In darkness and in light, in trouble and in joy, help us, heavenly Father, to trust your love, to serve your purpose, and to praise your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing
The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
HYMN: NO: “543 ABIDE WITH ME” (First 4 Stanzas Only)
THE OFFICE OF TENEBRAE
Shadow of Betrayal: St. Matthews 26: 20-25
[20] When it was evening, he sat at table with the twelve disciples; [21] and as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."[22] And they were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?" [23] He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me, will betray me. [24] The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." [25] Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Is it I, Master?" He said to him, "You have said so."
Shadow of Desertion: St. Matthew26: 31-35
[31] Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of me this night; for it is written, `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' [32] But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." [33] Peter declared to him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away."[34] Jesus said to him, "Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times."[35] Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." And so said all the disciples.
MUSIC 1: “WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS”
Agony of Soul: St. Luke 22: 39-46
[39] And he came out, and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. [40] And when he came to the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." [41] And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, [42] "Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44] And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground [45] And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46] and he said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Unshared VigilSt. Mark 14:32-41
[32] And they went to a place which was called Gethsem'ane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I pray." [33] And he took with him Peter and James and John and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. [34] And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch." [35] And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. [36] And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what thou wilt." [37] And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? [38] Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." [39] And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. [40] And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer him. [41] And he came the third time, and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
MUSIC 2: “SOFTLY AND TENDERLY”
The Hour is Come St. John 17: 1-6
[1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify thee, [2] since thou hast given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him. [3] And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. [4] I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; [5] and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made. [6]"I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them to me, and they have kept thy word.
That They May be OneSt. John 17: 15-22
[15] I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. [18] As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. [19] And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. [20]"I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, [21] that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. [22] The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
MUSIC 3: “O HOW HE LOVES YOU AND ME”
Arrest in the GardenSt. John 18: 1-5
[1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples across the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. [2] Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with his disciples. [3] So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. [4] Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" [5] They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
Shadow of the CrossSt. Mark 15: 16-20
[16] And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the praetorium); and they called together the whole battalion. [17] And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him. [18] And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" [19] And they struck his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and they knelt down in homage to him. [20] And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
MUSIC 4: “LORD, YOU ARE MORE PRECIOUS THAN SILVER”
Pastor: The Final ReadingSt. John 1: 9-14
[9] The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. [11] He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. [12] But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. [14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
BENEDICTION:
WE DEPART IN SILENCE
THE OFFICE OF TENEBRAE: THE EXTINGUISHING OF THE LIGHTS
The Office of Tenebrae was adapted in the early fourth century AD. The gradual extinguishing of the lights is symbolic of the flight of the disciples and the Passion of Christ. The moment of total darkness recalls the days in the tomb, and the relighting of the single candle is a prophecy of the coming of Easter morning. The custom of silence at the close of the service is a vital part of its spiritual power.
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025
MEDITATION ON THE CROSS 1:00 -2:00 PM
EASTER DAY, APRIL 20, 2025
Celebrate Easter morning with us!
WORSHIP AT 11 AM
Joyous Words and Music
Easter Potluck lunch follows worship
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
[email protected] (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist
[email protected] (203) 921-5210