Dear Family,

We will not be holding a service of worship for Maundy Thursday, which is tomorrow night.

As an alternative I would like to make a few suggestions:

Maundy Thursday is the solemn time when we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, the instructions he gave them, his betrayal, trial and death. Maundy is derived from the word Maundatum, It means command in Latin. It refers to the new commandment Jesus gave his disciples as he washed their feet in John 13:34-35, “34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

If you can, set aside some time Thursday evening as the sun goes down. The reading of Jesus’ meal, betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion and betrayal is called Tenebrae which means darkness. Take time to contemplate, meditate and ponder these events. In our Bible, John 18 & 19 contain most of this narrative.

You may wish to add some solemn music to your observance. Here are three YouTube programs I discovered, I’m sure there are many more available or you may have your own favorite recordings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN6UWH6QP8w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OIxpMyJ9QI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3qb6tP7DLA

I hold each of you in prayer and will rejoice greatly on the day we are free to gather together and celebrate our release from the tomb of Covid-19 distancing.

In Christ,
Pastor Sharon