The congregation of Gibson Memorial United Methodist Church in Spring Hope invites everyone to a community Maundy Thursday service of Holy Communion and Tenebrae on April 6 at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary. This is a powerful retelling of Christ’s passion through a series of readings and music, from the Passover meal in the upper room, through his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death. Tenebrae, with its special candelabra, is a service of darkness, and the sanctuary will become progressively darker throughout the service as a candle is extinguished after each reading. The Christ Candle that is lit every Sunday will be the final light to go out as Jesus dies. The congregation is then invited to help “stip” the church of all colors, and the chancel will be left bare and draped with a black cloth. Please plan to join us for this special time.
The church will be open for private prayer during the day on Good Friday, April 7th, for you to come in when you can and stay as long as you want to. There will be information available to guide prayers and help us remember Jesus’ last earthly hours and to help us remember his sacrifice and feel that purpose and passion.
Easter Sunday, April 9th, will be a glorious celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. During the prelude, we will bring back those items we removed on Maundy Thursday. We will have joyous music and a special Easter choir! We have been practicing for several weeks and hope you will all come to support their efforts to bring praise to God through song. Please join us on this holiest of days.