Went to Hollywood Presbyterian Church for the Good Friday service tonight. Their website catch phrase is "raising the cross over Hollywood". I thought they were just being metaphorical. So I was a bit surprised when the famous Hollywood sign on the hill was in direct view as I was driving up Gower Ave. to the church. As I drove towards the beautiful old stained glass church I realized from a distance it literally looks like the cross a top the church is hanging over the Hollywood sign.

I absolutely loved the services. I first went to the quiet contemplative communion service in a small candle lit chapel. Then we all moved solemnly over to the main sanctuary for "The Service of Gathering Darkness"

During this service we sang hymns, listened to a choir sing in Latin and then watched the passion story reenacted. And as Jesus grew closer to the cross more and more candles went out in the sanctuary until one last candle was carried out after Jesus was crucified. This to symbolize that the light of the world had died. Then the whole congregation walked out in darkness and silence.

It was emphasized that this is the first part of the service and the continuation will be on Sunday when we celebrate His resurrection.

I reveled in the seriousness and symbolism of that time. It was just what I needed. I probably would have shared more about the service tonight but my upstairs neighbors got in a HUGE fight while I was writing this entry and that has kind of kicked the inspiration out of me.