The word “tenebrae” comes from the Latin meaning “darkness.”

The Tenebrae is an ancient Christian Good Friday service that makes use of gradually diminishing light through the extinguishing of candles to symbolize the events of that week from the triumphant Palm Sunday entry through Jesus’ burial.

This increasing darkness symbolizes the approaching darkness of Jesus’ death and of hopelessness in the world without God. The service concludes in darkness, sometimes with a final candle, the Christ candle, carried out of the sanctuary, symbolizing the death of Jesus.

A loud noise may also sound symbolizing the closing of Jesus’ tomb. The worshipers then leave in silence to ponder the impact of Christ’s death and await the coming Resurrection.

A tenable service will be held at the Columbus United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 29. This service is open to the public and all are welcome.

Other events at Columbus United Methodist Church during Holy Week include:

• Palm Sunday service, 9 a.m.

• Maundy Thursday Tenabrae service, 7 p.m.

• Easter Sunday service, 9 a.m.

– Submitted by Cynthia Teriwlliger