Upcoming Events

Maundy Thursday Seder Dinner

Last week I sent am email out to all members for whom I had an email address and asked what type of service they would prefer on Maundy Thursday--1) a traditional service with footwashing in nave OR 2) a "Christianized Seder (or Passover)" in the fellowship hall.    The results are in and the Seder came in as the winner--20 to 1. One person suggested I try to add footwashing as part of the Seder, and though Jesus did wash the disciples feet on the night of the Last Supper, unlike Jesus, I'm not sure if I want to be handling feet and food all at the same time.    But some might ask, "What kind of 'service' is a Seder?" The Seder or Passover is the memorial meal that Jews still use to commemorate their delivery from slavery in Egypt. This was the meal that Jesus ate with his disciples before he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was at this meal that Jesus initiated Holy Communion (Eucharist).    Though, for a few years, we alternated footwashing and Seder, we've done footwashing for at least the last two years. So, it seems appropriate that it's time to give Seder it's time again. For those who have not experienced it before, it's a service for the whole family -- adults and children. There's no need for perfect silence, in fact children can ask questions of their parents throughout. It's also "experiential" -- you get to "act out" the Last Supper rather than just come up and receive it at the altar. The way I like to do this service is to modify the traditional Seder and celebrate Communion around the tables.               -Pastor