The congregation has gathered around long tables arranged in a large U with the communion table located in the open end. The communion table has a place setting for one, the Christ candle, as well as the communion elements. The fare is simple - homemade soups, vegetable trays, breads. It is evening, and the lights are somewhat dimmed. On the tables around the room are yet fifteen unlit candles, each having a couple of numbered verse references (one each for lighting it and blowing it out) and matches. The meal begins, conversation and fellowship. Part way through the meal, though, the room is hushed as the Christ candle is lit by the pastor, then one by one, the Scriptures of Christ's last week are read, and the candles are lit. Then the pastor gives a brief meditation on the "Mandate of love" - Jesus's command to his disciples to love one another. Communion is observed simply - a hymn sung, the elements shared, another Psalm. Then the room lights dimmed way down, the readers begin again - the events of Jesus' passion - with the conclusion of each, a candle extinguished. The last reading. The Christ candle extinguished. The room plunged into darkness. Silence, then a prayer of confession - a single candle lit in the hope of the resurrection. A final hymn. The clean-up is one of hushed voices and quickly done - the congregation scattering till Sunday morning and the celebration of Easter.

Events of The Last Week

Sunday 1. Matthew 21:1–11

Triumphal Entry

Monday 2. Matthew 21:12–17 3. Mark 11:12–14, 19–25

Cleansing the Temple Jesus curses the fig tree

Tuesday 4. Mark 11:27–-33 5. Luke 20:9–18 6. Luke 21:5–19 7. John 12:20–-36

Question of Authority Parable of the tenants Sign of the End Greeks come, predictions made

Wednesday 8. Matthew 26:1–-13 9. Matthew 26:14–-16

Plot and anointing Betrayal

Thursday 10. Luke 22:7–-14 11. John 13:2–-17 12. John 13:18–-30 13. John 13:31–-38 14. John 14:1–6; 16–-21 15. Luke 22:15–-17

Preparation Washing feet Predicts betrayal Predicts Peters denial Comfort Passover

Celebration of the Lord's Supper
Confession of sin and need of Christ
The Lord's Prayer
Hymn : O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Exhortation - The New Command
Institution of the Supper Matt 26:26–-28
Delivery of Communion Elements
Hallel : Psalm 146 Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah

Passion of the Lord Jesus Christ

1. Matthew 26:30–-35 2. Matthew 26:36–-46 3. Matthew 26:47–-56 4. John 18:15–-27 5. Luke 22:63–-71 6. John 18:28–-38 7. Luke 23:5–-21 8. John 19:1–-17 9. Luke 23:26–37 10. John 19:19–-22 11. Luke 23:39–-43 12. John 19:23–-27 13. Matthew 27:45–-48 14. Luke 23:45b–-48 15. John 19:28–-37

Jesus' warning Gethsemane Arrested Sanhedrin, Peter's denial Beaten and condemned Pilate Herod Pilate Crucified on Calvary "King of the Jews" Two Thieves Divided Garments Forsaken Into God's hands It is finished

Christ's Candle extinguished
Silent Prayers
Mark 10:33 - 34 (light one Candle)
Hymn : Man of Sorrows