On Thursday, April 6, 2023, there will be a Soup & Bread Supper at the church, beginning at 5:30pm. (Note: There is a sign-up sheet at the church if you are able to bring soup or bread for the meal.)
The supper will be followed by the Maundy Thursday service at 7:00pm.
INTRODUCTION
On Maundy Thursday our Lenten observance comes to an end, and Christians around the world gather to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. On this occasion, we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.
The Lessons: (Link to the Readings)
First Reading: Exodus 12:1-15
Israel remembered its deliverance from slavery in Egypt by celebrating the festival of Passover. This festival featured the Passover lamb, whose blood was used as a sign to protect God’s people from the threat of death. The early church described the Lord’s supper using imagery from the Passover, especially in portraying Jesus as the lamb who delivers God’s people from sin and death.
Psalm: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. (Ps. 116:13)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
In the bread and cup of the Lord’s supper, we experience intimate fellowship with Christ and with one another because it involves his body given for us and the new covenant in his blood. Faithful participation in this meal is a living proclamation of Christ’s death until he comes in the future.
Gospel: John 13:1-17, 31b-35
The story of the last supper in John’s gospel recalls a remarkable event not mentioned elsewhere: Jesus performs the duty of a slave, washing the feet of his disciples and urging them to do the same for one other.
Eternal God, in the sharing of a meal your Son established a new covenant for all people, and in the washing of feet he showed us the dignity of service. Grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit these signs of our life in faith may speak again to our hearts, feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen