Holy Thursday Communion and Tenebrae Service April 21, 2011

Franconia United Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, invites you to our Holy Thursday Communion and Tenebrae Service on Apr 21 at 7:30 PM. The word "tenebrae" comes from the Latin meaning "darkness." The Tenebrae is an ancient Christian 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, with a final candle, the Christ candle, carried out of the sanctuary, symbolizing the death of Jesus. A loud noise also sounds 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. We are located at the corner of Beulah and Franconia, next to the Franconia Elementary School, convenient to the Fairfax Connector routes 231, 232, and 310. Our church is handicapped accessible, and assisted listening devices are available. Contact us at 703 971-5151 or admin@franconiaumc.org, and http://www.franconiaumc.org.

Official Website: http://www.franconiaumc.org