Tonight celebrates the Passover Meal at which Jesus also “initiates” the Lord’s Supper / Communion / Eucharist (according to Matthew, Mark and Luke) and at which Jesus washes his disciples’ feet (according to John). Below is a service that comes from the United Methodist Book of Worship. May it be a moving event for you.
For a reflection upon Holy Week in general, and Maundy Thursday in particular, here is a past post in which my reflection includes the scriptures and some historical context from Saving Paradise (Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker. Beacon Press. 2008).
Blessing on this Maundy Thursday.
Rev. Joel
(Hymn numbers refer to the United Methodist Hymnal)
A Maundy Thursday Service
Greeting:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you
And also with you.
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Christ has prepared a Feast of Love.
Hymn: What Wondrous Love Is This ………… #292
Opening Prayer
O God; by the example of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, you taught us the greatness of true humility, and call us to watch with him in his passion. Give us grace to serve one another in all lowliness, and to enter into the fellowship of his suffering; in his name and for his suffering; in his name and for his sake. Amen. ………… (W.E. Ochard, England, 20th Cent. Alt)
Confession and Pardon
My sisters and brothers, Christ shows us his love by becoming a humble servant. Let us draw near to God and confess our sin in the truth of God’s Spirit.
Most merciful God, we your Church confess that often our spirit has not been that of Christ. Where we have failed to love one another as he loves us, where we have pledged loyalty to him with our lips and then betrayed, deserted, or denied him, forgive us, we pray; and by our Spirit make us faithful in every time of trail; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ. But Christ suffered and died for us, was raised form the dad and ascended into heaven for us, and continues to interceded for us. Believe the good news: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven!
Glory to God. Amen.
Scripture Lessons:
Exodus 12:1-14 ; Psalm 116 ; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ; John 13:1-17; 31b-35
Prayers and the Lord’s Prayer / Our Father
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trail,
And deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever. Amen.
Communion / Eucharist / Love Feast
(Now is the time to celebrate the Eucharist. If you don’t have a clergy person present, one could celebrate a Love Feast instead.)
Hymn Jesu, Jesu ………… # 432
Footwashing
(The first person comes forward and washes the feet of the next person, who turns and washes the feet of the next person, the last person will wash the feet of the first.)
Stripping the Church (or alter area on your boat, if you so desire)
Benediction
Go in peace. May Jesus Christ, who for our sake became obedient unto death, even death on a cross, keep you and strengthen you this night and for ever. Amen.
Depart in Silence