A Service of Holy Communion & Tenebrae
The Church of Christ, Union
Maundy Thursday, April 6, 2023
7:00 pm Service of Foot and Hand Washing
Jesus taught that leadership begins with service. The act of washing the feet of guests after a journey was usually the work of slaves, but Jesus insisted on washing the feet of his disciples on the night before he was betrayed. It was an act intended to honor and welcome those who serve. Either hands or feet will be washed with warm water scented with oil, then dried with fresh towels. You are welcome to participate in washing the hands or feet of others as you are moved.
7:30 pm Gathering to hear and know
Prelude Contemplation on Ubi Caritas, Chant Antiphon arr. C. McMichael
Union Church Handbell Ensemble; Bernardo Scarambone, organ; Charles Hoffman, cello
Welcome
Greeting and Invitation
¨ Hymn #222 My Song Is Love Unknown Rhosymedre
1 My song is love unknown, my Savior’s love to me, love to the loveless shown that they might lovely be. Oh, who am I that for my sake my God should take frail flesh and die? My God should take frail flesh and die?
2 God left the richest throne salvation to bestow, but Christ as flesh and bone the world refused to know. But O, my friend, my friend indeed, who at my need did life expend! Who at my need did life expend!
3 Sometimes they threw down palms and his sweetest praises sang, hosannas and glad psalms through streets and markets rang. Then “Crucify!” is all their breath, for blood and death they thirst and cry; for blood and death they thirst and cry.
4 What has my Sovereign done? What makes this rage and spite? Christ gave new strength to run, restored the gift of sight. Sweet injuries! Yet they at these themselves displease and ‘gainst Christ rise; themselves displease and ‘gainst Christ rise.
5 I sing my plain belief, one song my heart outpours; never was pain or grief, never was love like yours. This is my Friend, in whose sweet praise I all my days could gladly spend; I all my days could gladly spend.
Judas’ Decision
Hearing the Story Matthew 26:14-19
Choir Anthem It Was a Sad and Solemn Night Isaac Watts/Freeman Lewis
Story of the Meal
Hearing the Story Matthew 26:20-30
Receiving Communion
Tonight we will receive by intinction (dipping the unleavened bread in the cup) and by serving one another at the two tables on either side of the chancel. The bread is gluten free. Both wine and grape juice are offered tonight and will be clearly marked.
Hymn #219 Journey to Gethsemane Redhead No. 76
1 Journey to Gethsemane, go and feel the tempter’s power; Your Redeemer’s conflict see; Watch the anguish of this hour; Turn not from His griefs away;
Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
2 Follow then to Pilate’s hall; view the Lord of life arraigned; crowned with thorns and mocked by all, faithfully this pain sustained; Greater still than shame, or loss; Jesus now must face the cross.
3 Calvary’s mournful mountain climb, see the Savior lifted high, Mark the miracle of time, God’s own Child is sacrificed “It is finished!” Jesus cries; learn from Jesus how to die.
4 Early hasten to the tomb, hear the cry of great surprise; then the silence in the room, Jesus there no longer lies: Christ is risen! Realize that with Christ we, too, may rise.
Prediction of Peter’s Denial
Hearing the Story Matthew 26:31-35
Musical Meditation Minuet in D-minor Johann Buttstett
Jesus Prays in the Garden
Hearing the Story Matthew 26:36-56
Choir & Orchestra AnthemLamb of God arr. F. Melius Christiansen
Union Church Choir, Orchestra and Organ
Lamb of God most holy, who on the cross did suffer, patient, still and lowly, thyself to scorn didst offer; our sins by thee were taken, or hope had us forsaken: Have mercy on us, O Jesu!
Jesus Taken to the High Priest’s House
Hearing the Story Matthew 26:57-27:2
Stripping the Sanctuary
As Jesus was stripped of all finery before the soldiers, so we remove the finery and trappings of our sanctuary. We remove or cover all symbols of Christ’s presence and proclamation including the table, the Peace Bell, and even the pulpit where “good news” is proclaimed. These are covered to symbolize the darkness of the world and the death of Jesus.
Suicide of Judas
Hearing the Story Matthew 27:3-10
Musical Meditation When Jesus Wept William Billings
Henry Heydinger and Jameson Tuwe, singers
When Jesus wept, the falling tear in mercy flowed beyond all bound; When Jesus groaned, a trembling fear seized all the guilty world around.
Pilate Questions Jesus
Hearing the Story Matthew 27:11-14
Piano Solo What Wondrous Love Is This Jan Sunborn
The Release of Barabbas InStead of Jesus
Hearing the Story Matthew 27:15-26
Hymn #226 O Sacred Head Now Wounded Passion Chorale
Jesus Mocked by Soldiers
Hearing the Story Matthew 27:27-31
Organ Solo Meditation on Deo Gracias Johannes Brahms
Jesus Crucified at Golgotha
Hearing the Story Matthew 27:32-44
Cello Solo Ah, Holy Jesus Charles Hoffman
The Death of Jesus
Hearing the Story Matthew 27:45-56
Silence
Jesus’ Body Laid in the Tomb
Hearing the Story Matthew 27:57-61
Musical Meditation “Were You There?” Spiritual Jameson Tuwe, soloist
The Candle of Hope Carried Forth
Leaving, Waiting, Watching
Silence and Darkness
Those who wish may remain to pray. Tomorrow the church will remain locked and unlit. We depart to our homes to pray for the light.
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