Maundy Thursday Service

What is a Maundy Thursday service?

• It’s a service observed on the night of the last supper that Jesus had with his disciples in the upper room before his death.
• The name, “Maundy” comes from the Latin word for “mandate.” During supper that night, Jesus gave his disciples a new mandate: “I give you a new command: Love one another” (John 13:34a; restated at John 15:12 and 15:17). One of the most important, final commandments Jesus left with them was to love.
• Therefore, love is the thrust of our worship and all that we do in the service. We will sing, read Scripture, and pray; and there are two major practices of the Maundy Thursday service, modeled after Jesus’ time with his disciples that night:

Foot Washing (John 13:1-20)… In one action, Jesus demonstrated true humility for both the foot washer and the one being washed. “He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet,” but the disciples refused to allow him to wash their feet. He told them, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me,” and they submitted (found in John 13:5,8). Foot-washing stations will be located in the worship center; separate stations for men and women, and a couple stations for families or groups who want to share in the experience together. A clean towel will be provided for each person, and no water will be reused. 

The Table (Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-23)… It was in the upper room when Jesus established the communion meal, the Lord’s Supper. For a special night of worship like Maundy Thursday, we can do things a little different than usual… using real bread and practicing the supper in a way that allows us to share together as a community. We will conclude in song and prayer, and so following Jesus to the Garden and preparing us for the service of Good Friday. 

Nursery will be available.