Maundy Thursday marks a significant moment during Holy Week as we are in the last days of
preparing for Easter. During the Passover Meal that Jesus celebrated with his Disciples in the Upper
Room, Jesus told them, “as often as you do this, remember me.”
The term “Maundy” is derived from the English form of the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning
“commandment” or “mandate.” This day and this Communion Service are for us the fulfillment of
Jesus’ mandate to remember Him in the breaking of bread and sharing of the cup, along with the
new commandment Jesus gave his disciples: “Love one another even as I have loved you.” 
(John 13:34).
There is great power in that statement. Some might find it even more powerful than the statement
in Jesus’ Great Commandment that includes “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt. 12:30-31) Even
in this statement, our love might be weak, as some of us have difficulty loving ourselves. But the most
powerful love into which we are invited is the love from which we first experienced in Christ Jesus.
That is the love that is not contingent upon our behavior. Just think of the Disciples around that
table who knew of their own past and the history of each other. A tax collector who had abandoned
his family and Jewish roots to serve the Roman Empire, robbing them of their money. An arrogant
fisherman who caroused and fought with the rough element in town. One who, at his first
introduction to Jesus, insulted his family and hometown. You get the idea. And you might have a
similar record before recognizing the love that Jesus has for you.  
The heart of Maundy Thursday lies in Jesus’ call to us to love. On this sacred night, Jesus not only
shared a final meal with his followers but also demonstrated humility and service by washing their
feet. He made it clear that love should be the guiding force in our relationships, urging us to serve
others selflessly, just as he did. As we remember Maundy Thursday, we are invited to reflect on how
we can embody this commandment in our daily lives and extend compassion to those around us.           
We hope you are able to join us as we have Communion at the rail in the sanctuary. The choir from
the UMC of Stow will join us and invite anyone who would like to sing to be at rehearsal at 6:00 PM
before the service. The choir will not robe; Please wear black.