Good Friday

Today, Crystal and I went to a city-wide Good Friday Service at the Conexus Art Centre, hosted by the Regina Evangelical Ministerial Association (REMA). I hadn't been to one of these since I was much younger, when they were hosted by the MB's at the Centennial Auditorium. We experienced what was more of a joyful celebration of Good Friday, complete with a lot of upbeat singing.

I remember the first time I was introduced to the Tenebrae service format by Paul Woodburn back at Forest Grove. The Tenebrae is a very solemn, dark (ie. low light), and reflective service. We held them in the evening, and instructed people to leave in silence at its conclusion. The point of this was to commemorate the death of Jesus on the Cross, which is what Good Friday serves to mark. By doing so, the following days until Easter are theoretically somber days, as we remember the time that Jesus was in the tomb. It is Easter Sunday, our high holy day, that recalls his resurrection and is full of joy and good spirit.

There was nothing wrong with the REMA service today, but I must admit I much prefer the Tenebrae format now. I even look back fondly on the one Matt and I created one year, even though the final outcome of our efforts was not utilized. In honour of that year (and only a few will likely remember/know why I do so), I've posted a favorite song/video of mine, "Were You There (when they crucified my Lord)?" by Johnny Cash and the Carter family. The first version of it is for all the 'older' folks and more traditional. The second version is pure genius. Enjoy!