EASTER | A Twist on Maundy Thursday

Tomorrow night worship moves from the sanctuary to the table, from the corporate to the intimate, from the complex to the simple. It is Maundy Thursday, the occasion set apart from the normal rhythm of the church's life to recall and reenact the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. For this occasion we move our table from 701 Whaley to Trenholm Plaza. mack.home is the location, and when you arrive, you'll see why it's not crazy for the church to gather in a retail location. After hours on Maundy Thursday, mack, through the hospitality of the owners, Marnie Clayton and Anna Kemper, who both worship with their families at DTC on Sundays, is transformed from a retail store to a public space that feels as sacred as any church building I've entered.

The Twist

In the Gospel of John, the events of the Last Supper include a description of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. It is an intimate expression of humility. For the master to wash the feet of his disciples reversed the order of things. Imagine if you went to the home of your housekeeper and cleaned it for free.

This year, a foot washing station will be set up in a quiet corner if you want to participate in the ritual. Don't expect soap, a callous rasp, or nail clippers. The ritual isn't a pedicure. An empty basin, a pitcher of water, and a clean towel will be available in front of a chair. Instructions will be provided. Wash the feet of your spouse, friend, child, or neighbor, if they are willing. There is no expectation that you participate, but the opportunity is available if you want or need to be at the feet of someone else, in an intimate act of service.

The Church On the Move

Don't bother asking me why we do this each year. Moving the church to a retail location for an evening of intimate worship isn't typical, but when you don't own a building, circumstances push you out of what's comfortable to do what is necessary.

In this case we can't complain. Maundy Thursday at DOWNTOWN CHURCH is a remarkable experience because it isn't typical. The Spirit of God blindsides you from an angle that you weren't expecting, in a place you didn't expect to find it.

Details

[box border="full" type="note" icon="none"]When: Thursday April 17, 6-8 pm Where: mack.home directions Who: You. Bring your kids and your friends[/box]