FUMC Family Center nears completion

Sat, May 17 2008

— Special to The Leader

The membership of First United Methodist Church of Orange, 502 N. Sixth St. is eagerly awaiting the opening of their new Family Center later this spring.
Passersby have been watching for more than a year now as the impressive edifice has taken shape. The architects designed the building to reflect the style of the church's 1921 Sanctuary and most agree that the reflection is a triumphant blend of the best of classic construction and modern details.
The sanctuary, deep into its ninth decade of service, still serves the congregation well and will be the site where Holy Week services will be held.
On Thursday (Maundy) evening at 7 p.m., a Tenebrae, or Service of Shadows is planned. Worshippers will hear readings from the Gospel of Matthew, share in the singing of music and Holy Communion will be served.
It is the United Methodist Church's policy that all believers who wish to partake of Communion, regardless of denominational affiliation shall receive the elements.
The passages from Matthew tell the events of that Thursday, 2000 years ago when Jesus and his disciples gathered in the upper room to share the Seder. Passages will also be read about the garden of Gethsemane where Judas betrayed Jesus and also of Peter's denial outside the home of Caiaphas, the high priest.
On Friday (Good) evening, as worshippers arrive they will have the opportunity to drive a nail they received on Ash Wednesday into a cross. Nails will be available for those who did not receive one or have misplaced theirs. The nails have represented what the believers have decided to do for their Lord or what they have decided not to do for their Lord during Lent, but may also represent that same item going forward from Good Friday on.
The cross will be on the upstairs porch to the sanctuary and will later be carried down the aisle and placed in front of the altar as the centerpiece of the service. The service itself will be a performance of “The Weeping Tree”, a new cantata by Joseph M. Martin. The Chancel Choir of First UMC, its soloist, and readers will present this gorgeous musical and visual performance at 7 p.m.
Easter Sunday (Resurrection), the church will have all three of its services at their usual times and places: 8:30 a.m. in Slade Memorial Chapel; 8:55 a.m. “Celebration” in the Sanctuary; and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
The 11 a.m. service will feature the Chancel Choir singing the chorus “Hallelujah” from Messiah by G.F. Handel as well as the anthem, “This Day Above All Days”. The “Flowering Cross” will be a part of all three services and church members are encouraged to bring fresh flowers to place on the cross. As always, the public is cordially invited to attend all these worship opportunities.

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.