April 5 is our Maundy Thursday service. I plan to do things a little different this year. We usually have a soup and bread meal, but I think I’ll skip it – mostly because it’s a lot of work and I’m just not real motivated at the moment. So here is the plan: Have people gather in the sanctuary and give a little commentary on what the evening is about, maybe sing a song. Those desiring to participate in feetwashing can then go to one of two rooms to do that, and those not wanting to get their feet wet can go ahead and go downstairs and walk through the Stations of the Cross, or simply sit in the darkened sanctuary and listen to the music. Then as people filter back into the sanctuary – either from feetwashing or the Stations – they can come to the altar as individuals or couples and receive communion. People can sit as long as they like, or leave whenever.I don’t know how people will like this ‘coming-and-going-as-you-wish’ thing… we don’t do much stuff like that. But an element I always try to incorporate in Maundy Thursday services is that of “not knowing exactly what to do or what’s going on.” I think that’s a lot of what it was like at the last supper with Jesus. I don’t know. What do you think?
6 comments:
The service you describe, or are "planning", sounds pretty close to the Maundy Thursday services I've taken part in the last few years. So far as I'm concerned, they have been wonderful, holy meetings.
WP,
Thanks for the input. I have always felt these maundy service events were some of the most special times I've had. Glad to hear others enjoy them too.
I think Maundy Thursday and Good Fridays services should be a time of deeper reflection on all of our parts. Trying to keep these services from being social events or "chit chat" times is a challenge, but is well worth it if it can be pulled off. I think if we could some how try and think about what actually took place on these two days, we wouldn't be so casual about them. The services we have had have been really great. I look forward to more.
How weird, that's very similar to what we have planned for Maundy Thursday too! Great minds think alike...
I think some "chit chat" probably occurred during the last supper.
Hi Josh,
Yeah... chit chat, and probably a few hushed whispers: "What the heck is he talkin' about now?" "What's with Judas tonight?" "Hey, you're leanin' a little hard, don't ya think." "Is that your elbow!?"
Thanks for dropping by.
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