April 1 “Jesus’ Mandate and the Uncertainty of Serving” On the last night of his life Jesus washed the disciple’s feet, setting the example of service for them to follow. For followers of Christ there is the uncertainty of serving with issues such as vulnerability, rejection, and loss. By serving, through Jesus we can embrace the uncertain and face unsteady times.


Maundy/Holy Thursday 7:00 p.m.

Trinity UMC Milford on Vimeo.

Maundy Thursday

Prelude:  “Air on A Ground Bass” – Purvis 

The Greeting: 
The time of trial approaches. Betrayal and denial are near at hand. Our minds race ahead, yet the One we love calls us to be here now—grounded in love and transformed through service to others. They will know we are Christians by our love. This is Maundy Thursday, Maundy, meaning commandment. Tonight, we remember that Jesus commands us to    serve one another, and commands us to take part in Holy Communion in remembrance of him. Let us celebrate and remember in love and obedience to our Lord.   

  The Call to Worship
Leader: Jesus calls us to the feast.
People: We come, ready to join his disciples at the table of grace.
Leader: Jesus calls us to join him in love and service.
People: We come, ready to wash one another’s feet.
Leader: Jesus shows us how to love one another.
People: We come, ready to worship the God who calls us.  

*The Opening Hymn  286   “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”   

The Old Testament Lesson – Exodus 12:21-28  

The Invitation
Our Lord Jesus says:
“If you love me, keep my commandments.”
“Unless I wash you, you have no part in me.”
Therefore, let us confess our sins against his love,
and ask him to cleanse us. 

 The Prayer of Confession
Merciful God,
we confess that so often our discipleship has been weak.
Where we have failed to serve as Jesus served;
forgive us.

Where we have failed to love one another as Jesus loves us;
forgive us.
Where we have been happy to proclaim our devotion to Jesus with our lips and then denied him by our actions;
forgive us.
Merciful God, empower us by your Spirit to be steady and true to you in every time of trial;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
 

  The Moments of Personal and Silent Prayer 

The Words of Assurance (based on John 12:47; 13:1) 

Jesus said: “I came not to judge the world, but to save the world” and “having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” The good news therefore is this: In Jesus Christ, we are loved and we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! 

 The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.  Amen. 

 The Epistle Lesson – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26          

  Special Music“In The Garden” –  Rosetta Brewer and Melody Gulleman 

 First Gospel Lesson – Matthew 26:17-19

  The Hymn –  “What Wondrous Love Is This” #292        

  Second Gospel Lesson – John 13:1-15

 The Message –  “Jesus’ Mandate and the Uncertainty of Serving”  Jennifer Burns 

 

Special Music “Were You There” Bowed Psaltry,  Lindsey Pertuset 

 Prayer  

 The Communion Hymn – “Let Us Break Bread Together” (verses 1-3) #618

The Communion Invitation
God invites us to the table.
All are welcome, even those of us with our own agendas.
Christ serves us at this meal.
All may partake, even those of us who feel unworthy.
All are welcome; all are served; all are loved.
The Celebration of Holy Communion 

 *Closing Commission (based on John 13: 31-35) 

Christ has given us a new commandment:
that we love one another, as Christ has loved us.
By this, everyone will know that we are Christ’s disciples,
if we share that love with the world.
And through this love, all things will be made new.
Go now, and do as Christ commands. Amen. 

 The Hymn – “Ah, Holy Jesus”   #289       

 The Sending Forth
As you depart, remember Jesus Christ, who bent down low enough to wash dirty feet and gave his disciples a new commandment to love one another. May all glory, honor and dominion be his in this world and in our lives, now and forever. Amen. 

Postlude:  “Adiagio in G Minor” – Porter 

Organists: Lindsey Pertuset, Janet Oligee
Choir Director: Juli Peterson

Comment (1)

  1. Karen and Rich Bell April 1, 2021 at 7:18 pm

    We truly appreciate everyone’s efforts, devotion, and talents in providing us with the opportunities to be part of the services. Lovely, lovely services. We are grateful and blessed!

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