FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
North Attleborough, MA
MAUNDY THURSDAY
March 29, 2018
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
CALL TO WORSHIP
In remembrance, we gather
To be with the One who teaches us the meaning of faithfulness.
In remembrance, we worship
Lifting our voices to the One who calls us to love one another.
In remembrance, we feast
Breaking the bread which makes us whole,
Drinking the cup which fills us with grace.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Preparation for the Passover Meal — Matthew 26:17-19
Silent Prayer of Confession
Song of Preparation
Invitation
The Passover Meal — Matthew 26:26-30
Blessing
Sharing of the Bread and Juice
(All are invited to come forward, take a piece of the bread, dip it into the cup, eat it, and return to your seat.)
Prayer of Thanksgiving
SERVICE OF TENEBRAE
SHADOW OF BETRAYAL — Matthew 26:20-25
‘Tis midnight and on Olive’s brow
The start is dimmed that lately shown
‘Tis midnight in the garden now,
The suffering Savior prays alone.
SHADOW OF DESERTION — Matthew 26:31-35
‘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 LETHARGY — Mark 14:32-41
‘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 VIOLENCE — Matthew 26:47-52
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?
SHADOW OF DENIAL — Luke 22:54-62
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?
SHADOW OF CYNICISM — John 18:33-38a
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?
SHADOW OF IRRESPONSIBILITY — Matthew 27:20-26
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?
SHADOW OF MOCKERY — Mark 15:16-20
THE LIGHT IS TAKEN AWAY
A READING OF 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 C#569 — “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