Roman Image of Jesus, AD530
HOLY THURSDAY
MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Nolan Williams, Jr., Lectionary Team Liturgist
Worship Planning Notes
Holy Thursday (also known as Maundy Thursday) commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the disciples.
Many Holy Thursday services include three principle rituals: Holy Communion, foot washing, and a
Tenebrae service (See #15 for a brief service of Tenebrae).
1. Responsive Reading
(Suffering)
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Leader: | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you,
as though something strange were happening to you.
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Congregation: | But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may
be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.
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Leader: | Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to
a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
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Congregation: | I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing
with the glory about to be revealed to us.
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Leader: | And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces
endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
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Congregation: | Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down,
and prayed, “Father,
if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will but yours, be done.”
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Leader: | In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood
falling down on the ground.
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Congregation: | Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?
These are they who have
come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
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Leader: | For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple,
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ALL: |
And the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. And
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
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2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) O Sacred Head Now Wounded. By Bernard of Clairvaux. Arr. by Johann S. Bach
(b) O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go. By George Matheson
(c) Where He Leads Me. By Ernest W. Blandy
(d) I Gave My Life for Thee. By Frances R. Havergal
3. Communion Songs
(a) Taste and See. By Kenneth Louis
(b) Let Us Break Bread Together. Traditional
(c) At the Cross. By Isaac Watts
(d) A Communion Hymn. By Nolan Williams, Jr.
4. Spirituals
(a) Fix Me, Jesus.
(b) I’ve Been ‘Buked.
5. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
Note: The songs selected by the Praise Team should be somber yet worshipful.
(a) There Is Bread in This House. By Covenant Church Choir
(b) Near the Cross. Arr. by Angie Curry and Frank Williams
(c) Thank God for the Blood. By V. Michael McKay
(d) He’s God. By Edwin Hawkins
6. Liturgical Dance Music
In This Very Room. By Karen E. Hylton
7. Anthems
(a) There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood. By William Cowper. Arr. by Wendall Whalum
(b) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Arr. by Gilbert M. Martin
8. Modern Songs
(a) We Give You Glory. By Andraé Crouch
(b) At Calvary. By Dorothy Norwood & The Mississippi Mass Choir
(c) My Life, My Love, My All. By Kirk Franklin
9. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) We Thirst for You. By CeCe Winans
(b) Christ Did It All. By Rodney Posey
10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) I Love You Lord. By Laurie Klein
(b) Take My Life and Let It Be. By Frances Ridley Havergal
(c) A Perfect Sacrifice. By V. Michael McKay
(d) There’s Room at the Cross for You. By Ira Stamphill
11. Sermonic Selection
Solo
(a) He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word
(b) Great Is Our God. By James Hall & Worship and Praise
12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
I Am Redeemed. By The Chicago Community Choir
13. Benediction Song or Instrumental
God Be with You Till We Meet Again. Tune by Charlene Moore Cooper
14. Audio Visual Suggestions
Use images of bread, wine, and the Last Supper, and images of events leading up to the Crucifixion for screens.
15. Other Recommendations:
Service of Tenebrae (In Brief)
Overview of Tenebrae and write-up for bulletin
This worship service, called Tenebrae, from the Latin word for darkness, was a time of quiet reflection.
Those gathering, of course, believed in the Resurrection. They found tremendous comfort and deep worship
in the simple service of reading Scripture as the room around them slowly grew darker and darker.
The tradition was that the service would end as the final moments of the cross were remembered, and
then the last candle extinguished (the Christ candle) as he commends his Spirit to his Father. Then
the Christ Candle will be removed from view, symbolizing the apparent victory of the powers of darkness
at Jesus’ death. The “strepitus,” a loud noise during the time of darkness, will suggest the earthquake
at the moment that Jesus died. The return of the candle to its stand foreshadows the Resurrection.
Like the ancient Tenebrae service, this is not a service of spectacular effects or exhilarating songs
of praise. The music and the readings are simple. You will observe a diminishing of light through the
service in the pattern of Tenebrae worship. The draping of black cloth is symbolic of the darkness that
enveloped the scene. In retracing the steps of Jesus towards the Cross we will meditate on his obedience to God.
We also think of our own life of sacrifice for Christ and those for whom he died. Leave quietly this evening with
your heart centered on the suffering of Christ for you and your salvation.
(A) General Order of Service:
Songs of Worship (See #15 in the Cites section)
Invocation
Welcome and Occasion
Sermonic Selection
Communion Service with Homily (Sermon of 15 minutes in length or less)
Song of Meditation (See (c) Lighting)
| A Service of Tenebrae |
| The Shadow of Prediction - | Matthew 26:2, 14-25 |
| The Shadow of Agony - | Mark 14:32-41a |
| The Shadow of Betrayal - | Mark 14:43-48 |
| The Shadow of Denial - |
Matthew 26:57-60, 63b-65, 69-75 |
| The Shadow of Judgment - |
Mark 15:1-18, 20-21 |
| The Shadow of Pain - | Luke 23:27, 32-43 |
| The Shadow of Forsakenness - | Mark 15:33-36 |
| The Shadow of Death - | Matthew 27:47-54 |
(B) Songs for Worship: The choice of music for the entire service should be reflective and
solemn. (See #15 in the Cites section for suggestions.)
(C) Lighting: During the Song of Meditation, the sanctuary lighting
should begin to dim. The lighting should be progressively dimmed at phases throughout
the Service of Tenebrae. By the time of the Shadow of Death reading, all lights
should be out except one sole light positioned on the altar (or handled by a designee).
This light represents the light of Christ!
(D) Conclusion of Service: At the conclusion of the last reading (Shadow of Death),
the congregation sits in silence with all attention focused upon the light of Christ
candle. Lighting is then partially restored, enough for the congregation to safely
depart the sanctuary in silence. The Pastor should be first to rise, along with other
clergy, thus initiating the congregation’s departure. No benediction is offered.
This service is the first step toward Resurrection Sunday when the benediction of
God is finally offered as a culmination of the Passion narrative.
Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed
1. Responsive Reading—Suffering, used with permission.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #47
2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
Hymn
(a) O Sacred Head Now Wounded. By Bernard of Clairvaux. Arr. by Johann S. Bach
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #251
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. Nashville, TN: The African Methodist Episcopal Church, (2000) sixth printing 2004. #133
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. Nashville, TN: A.M.E. Zion Publishing
House, 1996. #172
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #30
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #102
(b) O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go. By George Matheson
Location:
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #279
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #210
(c) Where He Leads Me. By Ernest W. Blandy
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #550
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #631
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #120
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #229
Church of God in Christ. Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. Memphis, TN: Church of God in Christ Pub. Board in association with the Benson Co., 1982. #409
(d) I Gave My Life for Thee. By Frances R. Havergal
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #233
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #432
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #266
3. Communion Songs
(a) Taste and See. By Kenneth Louis
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #680
(b) Let Us Break Bread Together. Traditional
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #686
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #530
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #338
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #135
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #358
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #30
(c) At the Cross. By Isaac Watts
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #264
African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. #139
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #164
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #137
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #104
(d) A Communion Hymn. By Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #682
4. Spirituals
(a) Fix Me, Jesus.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #436
(b) I’ve Been ‘Buked.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #386
5. Gospel Songs for Choirs, Ensembles, or Praise Teams
(a) There Is Bread in This House. By Covenant Church Choir
Location:
Atmosphere: A Covenant Worship Experience. Vol. 2. Covenant Church. 2002.
(b) Near the Cross. Arr. by Angie Curry and Frank Williams
Location:
Mississippi Mass Choir. Greatest Hits. Jackson, MS: Malaco Records & Tapes, 1995.
(c) Thank God for the Blood. By V. Michael McKay
Location:
Gospel Music Workshop of America. Florida Mass Choir Recorded Live in Miami, Fla. Jackson, MS: Malaco, 1987, reissued 1995.
(d) He’s God. By Edwin Hawkins
Location:
Hawkins, Edwin R. If You Love Me. Pomona, NY: Fixit, 1993.
6. Liturgical Dance Music
In This Very Room. By Karen E. Hylton
Location:
7. Anthems
(a) There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood. By William Cowper. Arr. by Wendall Whalum
Location:
(b) When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Arr. by Gilbert M. Martin
Location:
8. Modern Songs
(a) We Give You Glory. By Andraé Crouch
Location:
Mighty Wind. New York, NY:
Zomba Recording Corp., 2006.
(b) At Calvary. By Dorothy Norwood & The Mississippi Mass Choir
Location:
No Request. Malaco Records, Jackson, MS: Malaco Records & Tapes, 2007.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #246
(c) My Life, My Love, My All. By Kirk Franklin
Location:
The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 2002.
9. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) We Thirst for You. By CeCe Winans
Location:
Throne Room.
New York, NY: Epic,
2003.
(b) Christ Did It All. By Rodney Posey
Location:
Walker, Hezekiah. Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College.
Nashville, TN: Benson Music Group, 1994.
10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) I Love You Lord. By Laurie Klein
Location:
Katina Boyz. Lifestyle: A Worship Experience. Brentwood, TN: Chordant Distribution, 2002.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #573
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #248
(b) Take My Life and Let It Be. By Frances Ridley Havergal
Location:
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #470
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #213
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #337
(c) A Perfect Sacrifice. By V. Michael McKay
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #229
(d) There’s Room at the Cross for You. By Ira Stamphill
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #245
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #182
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #468
11. Sermonic Selection
Solo
(a) He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word
Location:
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #156
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #251
(b) Great Is Our God. By James Hall & Worship And Praise
Location:
The Best of James Hall & Worship and Praise. Alpharetta, GA: CGI Platinum, 2000.
12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
I Am Redeemed. By The Chicago Community Choir
Location:
Chicago Community Choir, and Jessie Dixon. We Give You Praise. Chicago, IL: Ambassador Records, 1993.
African American Heritage Hymnal. #512.
13. Benediction Song or Instrumental
God Be with You Till We Meet Again. Tune by Charlene Moore Cooper
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #634
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #598
Lead Me, Guide Me: African American Catholic Hymnal. #309
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #213
Yes Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #86
14. Audio Visual Suggestions - See #14 above.
15. Other Recommendations
Service of Tenebrae Music
(a) Remember Me. Arr. by Nolan Williams, Jr.
Location:
inSpiration. Washington, D.C.: NEWorks Productions, 2006.
(b) Remember Me. Arr. by Leon Roberts
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #434
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #209
(c) First Word (Father, Forgive Them). By Theodore Dubois
Exultate Festival Chorus. The Seven Last Words of Christ. Minneapolis, MN: Exultate, 2007.
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #209
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