This Good Friday, we invite you to a unique and powerful experience at St. Bartholomew’s—a contemplative service centered on The Seven Last Words of Christ, brought to life through the haunting beauty of live music by Joseph Haydn.

Written in the 18th century for a Good Friday service in Spain, Haydn’s Seven Last Words was composed to accompany quiet reflection on the final sayings of Jesus on the cross. The music—slow, expressive, and deeply moving—was designed to fill a darkened church with sound and stillness in equal measure. At St. Bart’s, a professional string quartet will play Haydn’s string version adaptation of his original version for orchestra, creating an intimate atmosphere of reverence and reflection.

This service is especially crafted for anyone seeking a moment of stillness, meaning, or beauty—whether or not church is a regular part of your life. Between each movement of the music, brief reflections will be offered on the ancient words spoken from the cross, inviting all present into a quiet, shared experience of the sacred.

No expectations, no pressure—just an open door, candlelight, and music that speaks to the soul.

Free and open to the public. Come as you are.
St. Bartholomew’s
Friday, April 18 at 6:30 PM