A Traditional Maundy Thursday Service

The following service is a creative adaptation of the traditional pattern and texts for worship on Maundy Thursday. It will be of particular help to those who plan more formal Maundy Thursday worship. For others, the commentary included with this service will provide a guide to thoughtful planning. GATHERING FOR WORSHIP Commentary: Since the Maundy Thursday service centers around the events held in the Upper Room the night before Christ's death, the service should reflect the nature of these events. One important aspect in the Upper Room was Jesus' fellowship with his disciples. This may be emphasized in a congregation's celebration by holding a fellowship meal prior to the service. The visual environment for the service can build on what is done for other services during Holy Week, including the use of purple and other dark colors, rough fabrics, somber lighting, and symbols of Christ's passion. Yet the unique emphases of this service-the institution of the Lord's Supper, the act…