Occurring
for 2 hours, 30 mins
Venue Address
High Street Leigh Tonbridge, TN11 8RG, United Kingdom
The service of Tenebrae – meaning “darkness” or “shadows” - has been practised by the church since medieval times as an important part of holy week.

In this service, we will experience only a small portion of Christ’s pain and
suffering on the day of His crucifixion. One of the most conspicuous features
of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle,
considered a symbol of our Lord, remains.
As it gets darker and darker, we can reflect on the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus that evening.
Toward the end of the service, the Christ candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil over good. At the very end, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of his death (Matthew 27)
and his resurrection (Matthew 28:2).
At the moment of the earthquake, the temple veil was torn apart, making the Holy of Holies exposed to public view.
This is understood to represent God’s change toward us with direct access to
him, no longer requiring the ceremonial acts of the priests for our forgiveness
of sin.
The hidden candle is then restored to its place, symbolizing the triumph
of good over evil. By this single light we all depart this service in silence.

Service includes a meal (cost £5 per person).
Tickets are required.
For more information, please contact David Bennie on 07572508694
or [email protected]

Leigh Church

St Mary's is a parish church in Leigh, Kent, where followers of Jesus have been worshipping for most of a thousand years. The church was originally completed in the 13th century, although an ealier church is believed to have stood on the same site. It is a Grade II* listed building. It occupies the highest point of the village, overlooking the village green.

St Mary's is...Creating a Loving Church Community

St Mary’s is building a loving church community by creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and respected, where individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life can find acceptance and belonging. This is achieved through intentional efforts such as warm greetings, open arms, and a genuine interest in getting to know each person who walks through the church doors. 

Welcoming, Supportive, Loving, Generous & Ambitious.

"We serve the Lord God Almighty: we are a warm, friendly, Christ centred church that welcomes your company and offers support"

Get in touch

Mrs Gill Bennie - Administrator

St Mary's Church
Leigh
Tonbridge
Kent

TN11 8RE
Linda Boyd - Churchwarden
07765 602053

Our website

What's on

TENEBRAE SERVICE 28th March 6.30pm St Mary’s Church

Occurring
for 2 hours, 30 mins
Venue
Leigh Church
Address
High Street Leigh Tonbridge, TN11 8RG, United Kingdom

The service of Tenebrae – meaning “darkness” or “shadows” - has been practised by the church since medieval times as an important part of holy week.

In this service, we will experience only a small portion of Christ’s pain and
suffering on the day of His crucifixion. One of the most conspicuous features
of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle,
considered a symbol of our Lord, remains.
As it gets darker and darker, we can reflect on the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus that evening.
Toward the end of the service, the Christ candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil over good. At the very end, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of his death (Matthew 27)
and his resurrection (Matthew 28:2).
At the moment of the earthquake, the temple veil was torn apart, making the Holy of Holies exposed to public view.
This is understood to represent God’s change toward us with direct access to
him, no longer requiring the ceremonial acts of the priests for our forgiveness
of sin.
The hidden candle is then restored to its place, symbolizing the triumph
of good over evil. By this single light we all depart this service in silence.

Service includes a meal (cost £5 per person).
Tickets are required.
For more information, please contact David Bennie on 07572508694
or [email protected]

Safeguarding

Staying Safe & Secure
‘Safeguarding’ means the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture in all our churches. In order to achieve this, we all need to work together and be aware of our responsibilities. We will promote the welfare of children, young people and adults. We will work to prevent abuse from occurring. We will seek to protect those who are at risk of being abused and respond well to those who have been abused. We will take care to identify where a person may present a risk to others and offer support to them whilst taking steps to mitigate such risks.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
Here at St Mary’s Church, Leigh, we take safeguarding seriously. You will find all information and guidance booklets on our website http://stmarysleigh.org.uk
or hard copies are available in the church porch.
If you are concerned or aware of any safeguarding issues connected with the church, please contact the appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer
St Mary’s Church, Leigh, appointed Parish Safeguarding Officer: Lisa Srotyr
Tel: 01732 833544 / Mobile 07485 4457 16 email: [email protected]
Or
Diocese of Rochester
Lead Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser for Tonbridge Archdeaconry and Rochester Cathedral Safeguarding

Greg Barry - 07585 952174 - [email protected]

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