Maundy Thursday Service

All are welcome for Holy Eucharist with “The Stripping of the Altar”. The English word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “commandment.” As recorded in John’s gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). Anyone who feels called is invited to come forward to have their feet washed by the clergy. If it is preferred, participants can come forward for a blessing instead. At the end of the service, all adornment (decorations) in the sanctuary is removed. This is called “stripping the church.” Following this, we wash the altar. The bare church prepares us for Good Friday and the hour of Jesus’ death. People leave in silence.