Maundy Thursday focuses on Jesus’ deep love for his friends as he prepares for the difficult ordeal that is coming. He washes their feet, they eat together, and he asks them to pray with him. When we gather in person for Maundy Thursday, our service usually includes a simple meal, foot- or hand-washing, communion, and reflection on Jesus’ invitation to “stay with me” and “remain awake” during the time of trial.
This simple, self-guided service is designed to be done at home, alone or with others, over a meal. There is no need to prepare special food; have supper as you normally would and consider how Jesus shows up in the ordinary moments of life – eating and talking and resting at the close of the day.
If more than one of you is gathered, decide in advance who will read the prayers and scriptures. You may wish to divide them or read them responsively.
You will need:
– A Bible
– A candle and match or lighter
– A candle “shroud” (any small cloth will do)
– Water, large bowl or bin, and towel if you plan to do foot- or hand-washing
– Optional: discussion partners (see below)*
ORDER OF SERVICE
CANDLE-LIGHTING & OPENING PRAYER
Light a candle in the center of the table
Pray:
God of love, as we begin this time to eat and remember,
we thank you for our food and for Jesus, who is the light of the world.
Help us be a light to the world, too,
so that your love flows through us to all people. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING: John 13:1-9, 31b-35
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Eat dinner. As you eat, reflect on and/or discuss these questions:
– Where do you see people giving & receiving God’s love?
– In your experience, where is love most needed today?
*Optional: If you would like to share discussion with others while you eat, reach out ahead of time to another FMC person or household whom you can call by phone or video chat during this time.
SERVING ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE:
FOOTWASHING & SPECIAL OFFERING
Play this recording of Andrea Welty Peachey singing “Jesus took a towel.”
While listening, do one or both of the following:
1. If you are with others who choose to do so, wash one another’s feet or hands.
2. As an act of love and service, give to the Maundy Thursday Special Offering, 100% of which will be directed to the New American Welcome Center’s (NAWC) Immigrant Relief Fund. Two ways to give:
Mail a check to First Mennonite Church, 902 W Springfield Ave, Urbana, IL 61801. Write “Maundy Thursday / Immigrant Relief Fund” in the memo line.
Give online at tithe.ly. Select “To: Maundy Thursday / Immigrant Relief.”
Service & Outreach chose the Immigrant Relief Fund in response to acute local community needs during the COVID19 crisis. Immigrants in Champaign-Urbana, especially people without documentation, are at significant risk for lost income resulting in food and housing insecurity, among other things. They are also unlikely to be given access to most forms of public aid. From April 1, 2019 – February, 2020 the Immigrant Relief Fund distributed $2300 in aid to immigrants in Champaign County. Over the past two weeks, the NAWC has received applications for $24,000 in emergency assistance. For those interested, read more about the needs and how funds are distributed in the NAWC Immigrant Relief Fund Report.We cannot wash each other’s feet in person this year, but we can enact Christ’s call to serve each other by giving generously to support our neighbors in crisis.
Please make or mail your offering no later than April 15 (best: do it now while “Jesus took a towel” is playing!)
SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 26:36-46
Time of silence
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, we pray for places and people in the shadows of hate, indifference, and sorrow.
We pray for your love and joy! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Extinguish the candle. Place the shroud over the candle and return to use it again on Good Friday and Easter morning.
NOTE: Selections of this service are adapted from the Holy Week Tenebrae Home-Based Devotional from SALT Project, provided through the generous donation of graphic designer Hilary Breeze Rhodes.