It’s Maundy Thursday. Not Monday, but Maundy. The word, “Maundy” comes from the Latin Mandatum which means mandate. On this night, Jesus gave his disciples a mandate: Love one another.
We meet at The Palms this Thursday afternoon at 5 pm with our sister churches to remember Christ’s gathering his disciples in an upper room for a special meal before moving toward the events culminating in his crucifixion. It was upon this occasion that Jesus took bread and cup and identified them with himself as a means for remembering him always.
The service tonight is designed to draw us back in time to recall and experience the significance of that night. The central focus of the service is upon the Lord’s table. The extinguishing of lights in memory of Christ’s passion is called the Office of Tenebrae (Latin: darkness, shadows) and dates back to the fourth century. The gradual extinguishing of lights is symbolic of the flight of the disciples, the approach of the enemies, and the suffering of Jesus. We hope you can attend.
Tomorrow, Friday, April 18, is Good Friday. Our Worship team has put together a service of reflection and prayer which will take place in our newly renovated Chapel at 2 pm. We hope you can attend.
This Sunday there are two opportunities for worship – both unique. Pastor Jim will be preaching at our 8 am service for which we will gather outside on our Fountain Patio. Then at 10 am I will preach for our service in the sanctuary. I encourage you to attend both!
Shalom, Paul