Maundy Thursday Service
7 pm: In person Service with Eucharist, Stripping of the Altar, and procession to the Garden
Or watch the online Maundy Thursday Service here.
Maundy Thursday is the doorway to the mystery of the Triduum. The focus of Maundy Thursday is the servant ministry of Jesus. Before this servant ministry was expressed fully in the shocking events of the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus gathered his disciples at table and taught them about love. He taught them about love because, in the midst of trauma and death, only love has the power to bring healing and life.
On this day, take some time for spiritual practices that connect you to love and to others. We know that time is as dear to you as it ever was, perhaps even more now, but these are so many ways to step into the sacred space and time today.
Spiritual Practices for Maundy Thursday
We invite you to join us in observing this day by trying out a spiritual practice that unites you to love and service of others, even in the midst of social distancing. Below are videos designed by your fellow people of St. James’ to introduce the practice, as well as resources to guide you. Join us as we explore the way of love today.
Hand washing in the time of COVID
Foot washing
Stripping the Home Altar
Matthew 26:36-46
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.
I come to the garden alone
I Love the Lord
Note: This video filmed prior to current social distancing guidelines.
Jesu, Jesu
Note: This video filmed prior to current social distancing guidelines.
Stay with Me
Note: This video filmed prior to current social distancing guidelines.