Maundy Thursday

Join us on April 17 on Maundy Thursday for an Agape Feast Potluck at 6:00 pm in the Great Hall. All are welcome.

The Maundy Thursday worship service, with Holy Eucharist, will begin at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. This service includes footwashing (and hand washing) and the Stripping of the Altar. Can’t make it in person? Watch ONLINE!

Following the service spend some time in prayer and meditation in the presence of the Reserved Sacrament. The Reserved Sacrament will remain overnight while parishioners take shifts watching over it and praying. This will continue until 11:30 am on Good Friday.

Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter and marks the beginning of the Triduum, the three holy days leading up to Easter. On this day, the Episcopal Church commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, during which he instituted the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “commandment,” referring to Jesus’ commandment to his disciples to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

The liturgy for Maundy Thursday includes the celebration of the Eucharist, and often features the ceremonial washing of feet, recalling Jesus washing the feet of his disciples as an example of servanthood (John 13:1-15). The service may conclude with the stripping of the altar, symbolizing the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples and preparing the church for the solemnity of Good Friday. The Book of Common Prayer and The Book of Occasional Services provide guidance for this service. (Source: Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices, The Book of Common Prayer, The Book of Occasional Services)