Maundy Thursday

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Grandson David invited me to go to his church for the Agape meal on Maundy Thursday. He had been before, but I didn’t know what to expect. We sat down in the fellowship hall among David’s friends and enjoyed chatting. The people there were so very warm and welcoming.

The scripture describing the Last Supper was read, and we had communion at our seats at the table. Then we had a meal of various breads, cheeses, fruits and nuts passed around on platters. Since Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, the pastor and some elders went around the tables washing the feet of those who desired it. David accepted; I observed. (I wear compression hose and did not want to struggle getting them off and back on. I couldn’t have done it without removing my slacks, so you can understand why I chose not to.) I longed to take a photo of David and his beloved pastor, but it was not appropriate. I memorized the scene, to be replayed on command.

We processed silently into the sanctuary, carrying the flowers on the table, symbolic of going to the garden. We sat in silent prayer as a few people stripped the altar and removed all decorative items from the front of the church. We left, a few at a time, going in silence to our cars.

The experience was moving, and I was very glad to be a part of it. Thank you, David.

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Published by Anne Mehrling

I'm a retiree who loves to write about life in the mountains of North Carolina.

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20 thoughts on “Maundy Thursday”

  5. I had a boss way back that was Presbyterian and he referred to services on Maundy Thursday. I had never heard of Maundy Thursday before then and he explained what happened. That’s nice you and David went to church together for services during Holy Week. I went once to Midnight Mass with my grandmother – it was the only time I ever went and I’m glad she asked me to go with her.

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      1. I really enjoyed it Anne. We had never been to church together before and it was just the two of us attending church so it was very nice. St. Helen’s Catholic Church was at the end of my grandmother’s street. She attended it from the time she married and moved there until a few years before her death. The street was very sloped and it was harder for her to walk there as she had heart problems.

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  7. Maundy Thursday was very popular growing up in italy among catholics. My grandmother and her friends went for the washing of the feet every year I remember . I always thought it was more of a catholic thing but actually here in Ireland many Anglican churches do it as well.
    Glad you had a nice experience and with no better company🥰happy Easter Ann🐣💕

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    1. David’s church is Anglican. Their service on Good Friday was very meaningful, too. I watched the service from my church at noon before going with David to his service at 6:30. Both were solemn — better than saying they were grave.

      Happy Easter to you and your family!

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      1. I like Anglican services they are always meaningful but light if that’s the term to use. Even with funerals they are rarely oppressive and on the opposite they tend to highlight joy and life rather than death.

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