​

Seder Meal followed by Tenebrae Service. A Christianised version of the Passover tradition will be held on Thursday 6th April at St Annes URC from 5pm – 8pm.  All welcome.​

​

What is a Seder meal?​

The Seder is the traditional Passover meal that includes bible reading, drinking 4 cups of wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing, and other Passover traditions.​

As per Biblical command, the Seder is held on the day of Pesach, the anniversary of the Jewish nation’s miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago.​

We follow a Christianised/Westernised version of the celebration. The meal is simple: lamb chops and baked potatoes. We drink fruit juice rather than red wine.​

 Seder is a festival; We get time to laugh with our friends, listen to songs and praise God in a party atmosphere. ​​

What is a Tenebrae Service?​

The word Tenebrae is Latin for “shadows”.​

The Tenebrae service is an ancient tradition in Christian history that takes place in the last week of Lent. The purpose of this service is to remember the sombre events that occurred in Jesus’ life from the exuberant entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the night of Jesus’ burial on Good Friday. ​

The most distinctive aspect of the service is the use of a Tenebrae “hearse,” a holder for several lit candles. The flames of these candles are extinguished one by one as Scripture readings are shared to tell the story of Holy Week. This gradual descent into gloom is a representation of Jesus’ increasing sorrow as the events of Passion Week unfolded. After the last verse is read, the last candle is put out, and the room is plunged into darkness.​

At this point, another lit candle, which has been hidden from view, is put at the top of the hearse, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection. The service ends, and the participants leave in contemplative silence.​

​

​

​