Estes Park United Methodist Church
April 1, 2021
Maundy Thursday
Order of Worship
Prelude
Greeting/Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Jesus said: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. On this day, Christ the Lamb of God gave himself into the hands of those who would slay him.
People: On this day, Christ gathered with his disciples in the upper room.
Leader: On this day, Christ took a towel and washed his disciples’ feet, giving us an example that we should do unto others as he has done to us.
People: On this day, Christ our Lord gave us this holy feast, that we who eat this bread and drink this cup may proclaim his holy sacrifice and be partakers of his resurrection.
Opening Prayer (Unison)
Ever-gracious God, we gather in this evening hour as friends gathered with Jesus in an Upper Room long ago. We come bearing the marks and burdens of a bitter and broken world. We come from anonymous places, with dry and thirsty spirits. Remind us, in the breaking of the bread, of our need and of your great sufficiency. Refresh us and make us whole with the cup of forgiveness. Draw us nearer to each other in mutual service and closer to you in the covenant of faithfulness and thanksgiving. As the night advances, deepen in us a sense of your steadfast love for us in Jesus Christ, our friend and Redeemer. AMEN.
Opening Hymn – O Love that Will Not Let Me Go
Prayer of Confession
Leader: My sisters and brothers, Christ shows us his love by becoming a humble servant. Let us draw near to God and confess our sin in the truth of God’s Spirit.
People: Most merciful God, we your Church confess that often our spirit has not been that of Christ. Where we have failed to love one another as he loves us, where we have pledged loyalty to him with our lips and then betrayed, deserted, or denied him, forgive us, we pray; and by your Spirit make us faithful in every time of trial;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Silent Prayer
Assurance of Pardon
Leader: Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ. But Christ suffered and died for us, was raised from the dead and ascended on high for us, and continues to intercede for us. Believe the good news: In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
People: Thanks be to God! Amen!
Scripture Lesson – John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Sermon – Love One Another
Holy Communion
Prayer After Receiving
Closing Hymn - Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service
Benediction
Postlude – ‘Tis Midnight and On Olive’s Brow
Service Participants:
Pastor: Rev. Ann Steiner Lantz
Recorded Worship Liturgist: Cay Lacey
Zoom Worship Liturgist: Barbara Bailey
Director of Music: Jim Flanigan
Pianist: Nancy Gunter
Videographer: Jim Ecklund