Each year we commemorate the last Passover supper Jesus ate with his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion. We have chosen to do this according to the Jewish calendar, on the 14th day of Nisan because of its original association with Passover (Jesus’ meal was the evening before Passover, for obvious reasons) rather than on Maundy Thursday. As it turns out, they were the same night this year, a rare occurrence.
We do not have a Passover Seder for the occasion, as it more closely resembles what we Christians refer to as a Eucharistic or Communion service. We worship in song and read from the Gospel accounts of the events of that night. Within our worship we recapitulate three symbolic acts from that night: washing of feet, sharing of bread and sharing of wine. This is the outline of our service:
Congregational songs written locally by members: You Are Lord & Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled
Introduction to Foot Washing with Solo Song: The Foot Washing (Based on John 13:1-12)
Pairing off to wash feet.
Reading to introduce Bread and Wine: Luke 22:13-20
Thanksgiving prayer over bread (body of Christ) and distribution.
Thanksgiving prayer over wine (blood of the new covenant) and distribution.
Reading from John 13:31-16:14
Closing songs of praise and thanksgiving: In My Gracious Lord & Sing Praise to the Lord
John Valade 
Leave a comment