Tenebrae is from an early Christian service. The name Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows”. Tonight we will experience only a small portion of Christ’s pain and suffering on the day of His crucifixion through a series of readings. One of the most conspicuous features of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. As it gets darker and darker we can reflect on the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus that evening and also on how we are called to respond to the pain that he endured for us. There will be short periods of silence after each candle is extinguished to give you the time and space to do this. At the end of you service you may stay for a time of silent meditation and leave when you are ready in silence.