Maundy Thursday
April 17, 2025
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”
John 13:34
Maundy Thursday is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter, remembering Jesus’ last meal with his friends and the love they shared together. “Maundy” is a shortened form of the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.” It was on the Thursday of Christ’s final week before being crucified and resurrected that he gave his final commandment to his disciples: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34).
At St. Philip’s we observe this day with a 6 p.m. Agape Meal, a 7 p.m. worship service, and an overnight vigil.
Agape Meal
Parish Hall • 6 p.m.
RSVP to Agape Meal
All ages are invited to an Agape Meal featuring a short prayer service, the retelling of Jesus’ last meal with the disciples, and Biblically-inspired (think Mediterranean) food served family style.
Agape is the Greek word to describe the deepest kind of spiritual love. An Agape Meal is a “Love Feast” that encourages harmony, community, and goodwill. When we share an Agape Meal, we’re re-enacting and remembering Christ’s last meal with his friends.
St. Philip’s Agape Meal service is meant to complement the 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday service. Join us for one or both services!
Maundy Thursday service
Church and Online • 7 p.m.
At 7 p.m. we’ll gather in the church for a Maundy Thursday liturgy remembering Jesus’ last hours with the disciples.
In this service, we’re invited to wash one another’s feet just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. We’ll hear again his great commandment, that we should love one another as he loved us. And, as if for the first time, we gather around the table and receive the bread –”this is my body” – and wine – ”this is my blood.”
Keeping Watch: Overnight Vigil
Church • 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
“Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?'”
Matthew 26:40
Following our Maundy Thursday liturgy, we’ll take turns staying awake at the Altar of Repose until 8 a.m. on Good Friday. In the ancient vigil tradition, we’ll keep watch with the suffering of Jesus. You’re welcome to keep watch – either sign up for a shift below, or just knock on the church door to be let in.
Sign up for a one-hour vigil shift.