Tenebrae

Maddy is playing the organ for tonight's Tenebrae Good Friday service at church. The deal over a year ago was that if she could play for an entire church service, we'd let her quit piano lessons... Of course she picked the one service where there is NO liturgy and only one hymn that has a billion verses... So I didn't think it counts. She wasn't happy.

She has been playing various hymns off and on for different services, and feels comfortable accompanying with the piano rather than the organ.
So tonight, we'll do that. Tenebrae service is a very sombre service with lights being extinguished after each section until there's hardly any lights on at the end. Then everyone walks out quietly contemplating what sacrifice was made on our behalf.

The first time we came to this service, it felt so weird not running over to a friend afterward and saying "Hi! I forgot what we were supposed to bring for the Easter breakfast!" But we've gotten used to it.

At the end of the service, our pastor uses an enormous Bible and slams it shut after he says, "It is finished." We typically jump a few inches above the pews when he does this, even tho we're expecting it. Meri sometimes brings her best friend and they LIVE for this part!

Robb, Meri & I are in the choir and are singing "Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted". Robb sings bass, Meri is one of the sopranos and me in the alto section. EVERY time we've practiced this, the organist starts to cry. She says because it's so beautiful... and it really is... but Robb reassures her we'll do better next time.

Then after we all quietly walk to our cars, we'll head to the Dairy Queen. We started this several years ago when DQ was having a special on chili dogs on Good Friday. "Know what makes a Good Friday a GREAT Friday?" Chili dogs!!! So we'll get a bunch and head on home.

Have a good Good Friday! and since I rarely blog on the weekends, have a Happy Glorious Easter too! Got Meri's Easter dress done and have to finish Maddy's tomorrow! Wish me luck!