All are welcome to join in our Holy Week Worship.
Holy Week Worship is considered one continuous worship that includes Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.
Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 2, 7:00 pm
Community Life Center (Livestream available on our YouTube channel).
About Maundy Thursday:
The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin “mandatum” - command. After Jesus and the disciples finished the Last Supper, Jesus taught them a new commandment: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34 NRSV).
Trays of Sand- a confession and forgiveness experience: Worshippers are invited to come forward for an experiential time of confession and forgiveness. As you come forward, you will find a table with three different trays of sand. Take your place at whichever tray is open. You are encouraged to confess your sins by prayerfully writing them in the sand. When you are finished, wipe the sand clean so it is ready for the next person. You will then proceed to the bins of water where you can wash your hands—recalling both your baptism and the way Jesus cleansed his disciples’ feet. An assistant will then provide you with a towel for you to dry your hands. The towel is a gift, please take it with you. Our hope is that it will remind you of this holy night and the gift of love that Jesus provides.
Individual Absolution of Sins: God never wearies of forgiving sin and giving the peace of reconciliation. On this night, we take time for personal confession and the individual absolution of sins. You will hear the words: "In obedience to the command of our Lord, I forgive you all your sins." and be anointed with oil.
The Last Supper: Jesus gave the disciples his body and blood together with the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins. Holy Communion is offered to all Bread and wine are served. Gluten-free wafers and grape juice are available. Simply tell your server what your body needs. All are welcome to receive. Children who do not commune are welcome to receive a blessing.
Foot-Washing: The story of the Last Supper in John’s Gospel records a remarkable event that is not mentioned in the other Gospels. To illustrate humility, Jesus performs the duty of a slave, washing the feet of his disciples, urging them to do the same- be in service to one another. (Note: We hear the story but we won't actually be washing anyone's feet in worship.)
Stripping of the Altar: After the Last Supper is celebrated, it is customary to “strip the altar”, which symbolizes the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples and the stripping of Jesus by the soldiers before his crucifixion. It represents the humiliation of Jesus and the consequences of sin as a preparation for the celebration of new life in the resurrection at Easter. Psalm 22 is typically read or sung while the paraments are being removed from the altar.
Our Holy Week Worship continues with:
All are welcome. Please join us.