Maundy Thursday

At 6:00 pm on Maundy Thursday in Holy Week, April 21, the Sacrament is observed at dusk and is followed by the ancient liturgy of Tenebrae, which is one of the most beautiful and moving services of the Church year. The bread and wine are placed on a special Table in the unlit chancel. At the end of the Communion service, texts relating our Lord's Passion are read by elders. As each reading ends, a Communion candle on the Table is snuffed out and the church darkens as a choral response is heard from the gallery. At the last reading, with the final candlelight gone, the church is left "without light" as it seemed to the disciples after the crucifixion. In recognition of the promise of Easter to come, the Minister then lights the Christ candle and the congregation leaves the sanctuary in silence.