Maundy Thursday

Some of you may be looking at the title and wondering, "what's that all about?" or "what does Maundy Thursday mean?".

Well, we are in the midst of "Holy Week", and Maundy (or Holy) Thursday solemnly commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and it is the oldest of the observances peculiar to Holy Week as well. There are many ancient traditions that take place today such as; reconciliation of penitents, consecration of the holy oils, the ringing of the bells, the stripping of the altars, fasting, and of course the partaking of the Eucharist. Due to all of these festivities or activities this day has received many different names, however, traditionally, "Maundy Thursday" has remained one of the most popular.

Despite the fact that we at Lighthouse will not be celebrating, "corporately", the Eucharist as a church body this evening we have and are taking opportunities to liturgically dive deeper into what we as the Church celebrate during this blessed season, and especially this week which we refer to as "Holy Week" or "The Passion Week".

First of all, a couple weeks ago we participated in a "Seder Meal". Jews for Jesus came to our church and guided us through an abbreviated Passover Meal. Basically, they walked us through the elements of a traditional Jewish Passover Meal while bringing to life "Christ in the Passover". It was a tremendous opportunity to hear the scriptures of the Old Testament reveal the Christ who came and suffered and died during Passover 3000 years ago, for us all.
Not only did they explain the elements of the Seder plate, and share the scriptures but we got the opportunity to taste a few of the elements and then we had the wonderful opportunity of eating together a delicious Jewish meal. If you would like more information on the Seder Meal please go to www.jewsforjesus.org

And in the next couple days we will be hosting the "Stations of the Cross Interactive Prayer Labyrinth" designed by one of our very own pastors. It is an excellent opportunity to journey towards the cross in a unique and mysterious manner. The Stations are designed to be self-guided and suitable for all ages. We know that this will be a tremendously enriching time spent contemplating, reading, praying, touching, feeling, and sensing while journeying towards the cross and ultimately to the resurrection! If it sounds mysterious, it is! Yet this is not a mystery to be solved but one to be experienced. Just as the the cross and resurrection are some of the greatest mysteries of all time, so are our lives lived for the Christ of the cross and resurrection! Come, participate and allow the one behind the mystery to reveal himself to you in a unique way.

Finally, we welcome you to come and celebrate with us Easter Sunday as well. Coffee and snacks are at 10:00am with corporate worship at 10:30 as well as Clubhouse Kids. Then directly following service there will also be some fun times with an Easter egg hunt and a pot-luck dinner! And, if you can't make any of these events, come join us at 6:00pm for a time of praise and fellowship!

Blessings to you all this Holy Week!