The Lord's Supper instituted on Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is part of the Triduum, or three holy days before Easter. "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum novum, "new commandment," from Jn 13:34, "Love one another as I have loved you."

Maundy Thursday celebrations also commemorate the institution of the eucharist by Jesus "on the night he was betrayed." The service will begin at 7:30 pm on April 5, 2012.

Egeria, a fourth-century pilgrim to Jerusalem, describes elaborate celebrations and observances in that city on Maundy Thursday. Special celebration of the institution of the eucharist on Maundy Thursday is attested by the Council of Hippo in 381. The Prayer Book liturgy for Maundy Thursday provides for celebration of the eucharist, or Holy Communion, and a ceremony of the washing of feet which follows the gospel and homily.Following this, the altar is stripped and all decorative furnishings are removed from the church in order for Good Friday worship to be conducted in an austere and somber environment. This facilitates contemplation and thought about the day Christ was nailed to the cross and died for us.

This year we will do something a little different and very ancient. We will have a meal that we will share together as it was about 2000 years ago. We will celebrate the institution of the last supper in story and prayer and song. Please join us as we are drawn closer to the One who died and rose again for us.