Christ Church Oak Brook to present 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' cantata

Historians and theologians have for centuries examined the meaning behind the last words known to have been spoken by Jesus Christ before His crucifixion.

This Palm Sunday, these words will be put to music at Christ Church Oak Brook, located at 501 Oak Brook Road.

"The Seven Last Words of Christ" written by French composer Theodore Dubois in 1867, will be presented in English by professional soloists accompanied by the church's chamber choir and orchestra at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday, March 28, live and livestreamed, and on demand in the afternoon at ChristChurch.us/seven.

"The tradition of singing the story of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection began in the early centuries of the Christian church," said Noelle Combs, Senior Director of Worship and Music. "To add solemnity to Holy Week services, priests would chant the appointed Gospel account rather than simply read it. There are numerous musical settings of the seven poignant phrases Jesus Christ uttered from the cross at His crucifixion."

Christ Church of Oak Brook premiered and annually presents the magnificent and massive modern work, "The Passion" by Greg Nelson, on Palm Sunday. In order to preserve the safety of musicians and congregants in this pandemic, a powerful and beautiful, smaller-scale work is being presented.

Registration is required for the in-person presentation. For more information on how to attend in person and online and to register, visit ChristChurch.us.

The public is also invited to the Christ Church Palm Sunday services on March 28 and to engage with its Holy Week experience "Journey to the Cross," starting on March 29. It will provide a moving experience through an interactive narrative of the final days of Jesus Christ on earth before and after His crucifixion via video and podcast. Attendees will be immersed in relevant Scripture, song and reflection.

Founded in 1965, Christ Church is a multisite, nondenominational church in the Chicago suburbs with more than 6,000 members. Christ Church features a variety of inspiring worship options including classic, classic communion and contemporary services. All people are offered the opportunity to build life-changing relationships with God and one another with a rich range of spiritual growth resources, and a selection of service ministries aimed at creating positive change in the world. Weekend services are held at the Oak Brook and Butterfield locations, as well as via livestream at ChristChurch.us/online. For more information, visit ChristChurch.us.