MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE

All are invited to sit and gather around the table

REMEMBERING THE LAST SUPPER

Greeting

Invocation (responsive)
Everlasting God, who was and is and is to come, we are grateful that you have invited us here as guests to a banquet, as witnesses to your holy love. Inspire our singing, our praying, our proclamation, so that your Spirit may come alive in us once again. Let our worship this evening bring the stories and passions of Scripture to new life for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Source: Touch Holiness edited by Ruth Duck and Maren Tirabassi

*Hymn                                      “Will You Let Me Be Your Servant”

Scripture                                                       John 13:1-8

Foot and Hand Washing

Scripture                                            John 13:14-17, 31b – 35

Hymn                                “Live in Charity and Steadfast Love”

Communion Liturgy (responsive)
One: We remember that on the night before Jesus was betrayed, Jesus gathered around a table, much like this one, with a motley crew of friends.
Many: Jesus welcomed all disciples to the table, regardless of who they were or how much dirt was matted on their sandals.
One: Jesus took their sore, calloused feet in his hands, washing off the caked dirt and muddy layers until their skin shone clean.
Many: After the foot washing, Jesus and his disciples supped together.
One: While they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed it, giving thanks to you O God, and then he broke it, saying: This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
Many: In all times, the Bread of Life sustains us.
One: On that same night, Jesus took the cup and blessed it, giving thanks to you O God, and gave it to the gathered friends, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Many: This is the cup of reconciliation. We are nourished in our bodies, our spirits, our minds and our hearts as we share this cup.
One: And so, let us now join together as the priesthood of all believers in blessing the elements before us,
All: Come Holy Spirit, come and pour out your Spirit upon us and on these gifts of bread and fruit of the vine. Transform them and us into the Body of Christ that we might truly become the hands and feet of Jesus. Strengthen and energize us to love and to serve. We ask this through Jesus, with Jesus, in Jesus. Amen.

Adapted from a Communion liturgy from Cambridge Welcoming Ministries

Sharing the Bread and the Cup

Scripture                                                       Matthew 26:36-38

Meditation on Matthew 26:36-38

Choral Anthem                              “’Tis Midnight, and on Olive’s Brow”
You could also do the Taize song, “Stay with Me”.

TENEBRAE

After each reading, one of the candles will be extinguished. At the end of the readings, the area will be completely dark, except for one remaining candle.

First candle is extinguished                           A Pharisee
(Read first hand perspective of a Pharisee at the Passion in the book The Risen Dust: Poems and Stories of Passion and Resurrection by Rachel Mann, page 40.)

Second candle is extinguished                             James
(Read first hand perspective of James at the Passion in the book The Risen Dust: Poems and Stories of Passion and Resurrection by Rachel Mann, page 44.)

Third candle is extinguished                              Soldier
(Read first hand perspective of a soldier at the Passion in the book The Risen Dust: Poems and Stories of Passion and Resurrection by Rachel Mann, page 46.)

Fourth candle is extinguished                 Mary, Mother of Jesus
(Read first hand perspective of Mary, mother of Jesus, at the Passion in the book The Risen Dust: Poems and Stories of Passion and Resurrection by Rachel Mann, page 43.)

Fifth candle is extinguished                          Luke 23:44-49

Covering of the Cross

*Closing Hymn                    “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?”          Verse 1

*Dismissal

Print in bulletin: Please depart in silence.
There is no benediction because the events of this night do not conclude until Easter morning resurrection. Keep the faith in vigil through Good Friday and Holy Saturday.