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'Dying to Life' (Lent, a journey to Easter & beyond)

Maundy Thursday 17th

Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Once again, a variety of choices for you to consider. Some congregations use a Tenebrae liturgy, which is best in the evening and is also used on Good Friday evening. We remember the new commandment Jesus gave his disciples - 'to love one another'. We have betrayal, foot washing, and the last supper as actions remembering the place of the celebration of the Passover in our Christian heritage. The Exodus reading recalls the institution of the Passover, and the Corinthians one the institution of the Eucharist.  Your service could include all these elements and conclude with the stripping of the sanctuary.

Some years ago when I was training, the Reverend Dr Allan Davidson led our Holy Week Worship using the Advent wreath, with its 4 candles of Peace, Joy, Love and Hope with the Christ candle at its centre as the focus, reminding us that each day in the week the things which those candles stood for was extinguished right down to the Christ candle on Good Friday. An idea worth thinking about.

Maundy Thursday Meditation....

He gathered around the table for a festive meal with his friends. Suddenly without warning, he got up from the table, wrapped a towel around his waist, took a basin of water and assumed the role of a servant washing the guest's dusty feet. His friends could barely stand it and protested loudly. Could it be that the man with wet hands and a damp towel did not understand the meaning of the Passover meal? Or could it be that he understood better than anyone else? Could it have been that he was telling them he would empty himself and take on the role of a servant even unto death for them, for us? Could it be that he was announcing that this meal, the water and the wine, would all too soon become a symbol of salvation, celebration, and call to servant ministry in his name?

From 'Table Talk'

Music....

  • Come and find the quiet centre - FFS 10
  • I wash my hands - The Mystery Telling 9
  • Kneels at the feet of his friends - WOV 561
  • Lord Jesus Christ - WOV 451
  • Take our bread - WOV 656