'Shadows' service among special Holy Week events

Beth Myers, of Perrysburg, lights the candle of a worshipper before the start of the Tenebrae Service at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Perrysburg.

Christians throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan joined with others around the world in Holy Week observances that included cantatas, prayer walks, stations of the cross, musical dramas, and special services remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

One type of ceremony unique to Holy Week is the Tenebrae Service, observed either the Wednesday before Easter, on Maundy Thursday, or on Good Friday. Locally Tenebrae Services were held at Toledo's Rosary Cathedral and St. Timothy Episcopal Church in Perrysburg.

Named for the Latin word for shadows, Tenebrae Services use candles and lighting to create an atmosphere recalling the betrayal, suffering, and abandonment of Jesus' last days, according to Ginger Brown, St. Timothy's pastoral associate.

The service, which include solemn hymns, a sermon, and Communion, usually start with a well-lighted sanctuary that slowly becomes darker as candles are extinguished after each Scripture reading.

After the first part of Psalm 22 is read, which quotes Jesus on the cross, the Christ candle is put out, leaving the congregation in near-total darkness. The service then ends, with no benediction, and people leave in silence, returning on Easter Sunday to "complete the story" by celebrating Jesus' resurrection.

Here is a list of some local events planned for Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday:

Today, Holy Saturday

Sand sculptor Roger Powell will be finishing his larger-than-life Bible scenes at Riverside Park in Findlay, with singing by the campfire tonight at 7 p.m. and an Easter sunrise service tomorrow.

Celtic Service, 4:30 p.m., Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 1375 Sylvania Ave.

"Jesus Is Alive," Easter Musical Drama, Dayspring Assembly of God Church, 17360 North Dixie Hwy., Bowling Green. Free admission, but tickets recommended. 419-352-0672.

"Jesus Occupied Death So We Could Occupy Life," Easter Musical, 7

7 p.m., Cathedral of Praise, 5225 West Alexis Rd., Sylvania. Free admission, but tickets recommended. 419-882-8463.

Easter Vigil, 7:30 p.m., St. Petri Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3120 South Byrne Rd.

Great Vigil of Easter, 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, One Trinity Plaza, Toledo.

Easter Vigil, 8 p.m., Community of Christ Lutheran Church, 6517 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse.

Tomorrow, Easter Sunday

6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service, 6 p.m. Music and Drama, The Body of Christ Fellowship, 5612 West Bancroft St.

7 a.m., St. Petri Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3120 South Byrne Rd.

7 a.m., Perrysburg First United Methodist, 200 West Second St., Perrysburg.

7 a.m. Service, Church of the Cross, 1806 Cass Rd.

7 a.m. Unity United Methodist Church, 441 Oakdale Ave.

7:30 a.m., Heritage Church of God, 3520 Strayer Rd., Maumee.

7:30 a.m., Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 1375 Sylvania Ave.

"Behold the Lamb," Easter Cantata, 10 a.m. tomorrow, Toledo Baptist Temple, 5732 Douglas Rd.

"Simon of Cyrene," Easter Cantata/Drama, 4 p.m. tomorrow, Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 640 Indiana Ave.