On Maundy Thursday evening, April 9, 2009, the Sanctuary Choir presented Joseph Martin's The Weeping Tree. The central focus of the work was the "weeping tree" (or cross), and some of the symbols associated with the crucifixion. At the conclusion of the service, worshipers came forward to the weeping tree to receive communion, and left imprints of their thumbs on the cross. Instrumentalists from the Macon Symphony Orchestra accompanied the service.
Two men carry in The Cross, or Weeping Tree, and mount it into the tree root base at the foot of the altar.
The Weeping Tree. Two unseen narrators spoke during the performance; the female narrator introduced each symbol; the male narrator recited scripture passages. Beautiful anthems were sung between the narrations.
A purple cloth was draped over the Weeping Tree. Next, a crown of thorns was placed at the top of the cross.
A metal spike was pounded into the Weeping Tree by its designer and builder, Steve Gray.
Red rose petals, representing the blood of Christ, were dropped down from the Weeping Tree.
A white linen cloth was draped around the trunk of the Weeping Tree.
Communion was first served to the choir, then to the congregation.
As persons approached the altar, they were invited to dip their thumbs in ashes and oil and place their thumbprints on the white cloth, in an act of acknowledging their contributions to the death of Christ upon the cross.
This solemn performance, rich in symbolism and music, stirred everyone in attendance.
