Maundy Thursday ~ Simple Supper & Communion
April 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter, believed to be the day when Jesus celebrated his final Passover with His disciples. Most notably, that Passover meal was when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples in an extraordinary display of humility. He then commanded them to do the same for each other. Christ’s “mandate” is commemorated on Maundy Thursday—“maundy” being a shortened form of mandatum (Latin), which means “command.” We will meet in Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. for a simple supper and communion. If you only wish to participate in communion it will be held about 6:45 p.m.
Scripture readings for Maundy Thursday: Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10); Psalm 116; John 13:1-17, 31b-35.
- The Sunday before Easter (Palm/Passion Sunday) offers a synopsis of the week to come and captures the poignant paradox of the gospel. From the exuberant procession with palms the church quickly turns to the events of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, denial, trial and crucifixion.
- The fifth day of Holy Week (Maundy Thursday) celebrates Jesus’ example of humble service and extravagant love with the washing of feet and sharing of communion. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum (commandment); at this service we remember Jesus’ new commandment to love one another as he has loved us.
- The sixth day (Good Friday/Tenebrae) proclaims Christ’s death on the cross for the life of the world, calling us to join Jesus’ intercession for the world that God so loves.
- Traditionally, no services are held on Holy Saturday. But in the evening of the seventh day the Great Vigil of Easter is celebrated. Like Christmas Eve, the timing reflects the ancient Jewish and early Christian understanding of the new day beginning at sundown.
- Easter