FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
North Attleborough, MA
MAUNDY THURSDAY
March 28, 2024
A Service of Communion and Tenebrae
Welcome to the Oldtown Church!
We are so glad that you have chosen to worship with us this evening. We invite you to join in on the bold print in the bulletin. The restrooms are out the back door of the sanctuary to the right, as is the nursery in case your little one needs a walkabout. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and please remember to mute your devices during worship.
PRELUDE
WORDS OF WELCOME
TIME OF CENTERING
Gathered here in the mystery of the hour.
Gathered here in one strong body.
Gathered here in the struggle and the power.
Spirit, draw near.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
PREPARATION FOR THE PASSOVER MEAL—Matthew 26:17-19 (NRSVUE)
Silent Prayer of Confession
Hymn of Preparation
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees,
With my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.
The Invitation
THE PASSOVER MEAL—Matthew 26:26-30 (NRSVUE)
Blessing
Sharing of the Bread and Juice
Prayer of Thanksgiving
THE SERVICE OF TENEBRAE
“Tenebrae” is the Latin word meaning “darkness”
SHADOW OF BETRAYAL—Matthew 26:20-25 (NRSVUE)
SHADOW OF DESERTION—Matthew 26:31-35 (NRSVUE)
‘Tis midnight, and on olive’s brow, the star is dimmed that lately shown. ‘Tis midnight in the garden now. The suffering Savior prays alone.
SHADOW OF LETHARGY—Mark 14:32-41 (NRSVUE)
SHADOW OF VIOLENCE—Matthew 26:47-52 (NRSVUE)
‘Tis midnight, and from all removed, the Savior wrestles lone with fears. E’en that disciple whom he loved heeds not the Savior’s grief and tears.
SHADOW OF DENIAL—Luke 22:54-62 (NRSVUE)
SHADOW OF CYNICISM—John 18:33-38a (NRSVUE)
‘Tis Midnight and from heavenly plains is borne the song that angels know. Unheard by mortals are the strains that gently soothe the Savior’s woe.
SHADOW OF IRRESPONSIBILITY—Matthew 27:20-26 (NRSVUE)
SHADOW OF MOCKERY—Mark 15:16-20 (NRSVUE)
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble,
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble,
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble,
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble,
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
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 us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
BENEDICTION—”Jesus, Remember Me”
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Depart In Silence