The Story Continues......
Join us as we enter into the story of the last week of Jesus' life. The ancient narratives and rituals of these services draw us into a deep experience of the mysteries of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection-and invite our imaginations to see the patterns of life, death, and rebirth all around us. Worship each evening is at 7:00 p.m. and child care is available.
The command in our gospel to "love one another" is possibly what gives this day its name, "Maundy Thursday." Command is "Mandetum", in Latin. The foot washing in the gospel came to signify this command. Foot washing comes into Easter celebration and Baptism in the 3rd and 4th centuries. By the 600s it becomes associated with the Maundy Thursday liturgy. In recent years the practice of foot washing has served as an interesting ecumenical bridge with churches in a wide variety of denominations recovering the ancient practice of Maundy Thursday foot washing. Even in congregations like ours that does not make use of this custom, this is the time to reflect on how we will be humble servants fulfilling the new command to love in word and deed.
As the name indicates, this is a day of paradox. The day is called "Good Friday" because we assemble as people of the resurrection. We are not pretending Jesus is dead, but in solemn devotion we acknowledge that the cross is God's gift of life. We follow the ancient rite of "Tenebrae" on this evening. During the service we hear the Passion from Christ in a form of the Seven Last Words.
And finally as we look ahead to Easter, here is a simple three minute video in palindrome style (you have to watch it, to get the palindrome part) about how Easter faith is a perspective, a perspective that changes everything. Click to watch.
Come and continue the story in worship,
Pastor Jack, Pastor Shelly and Ryan
www.oursaviorelca.com
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