On this day of Jesus’ crucifixion, a minister holding a simple cross leads a silent procession toward the bare altar as the congregation kneels in silent prayer. We stand symbolically with Jesus’ family watching as he was led to the cross and reflect on the lament of Psalm 22 — “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” — and take in the story of Jesus’ arrest, suffering and death.

This is the only day during Holy Week in which Holy Eucharist is not celebrated. Instead, we leave the church in silence after praying “to set your passion, cross, and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death.”

After the service, the church will remain open until 3 p.m. for anyone to meditate on the Stations of the Cross.