Just a quick word about tonight's 'online' version of Maundy Thursday. Tonight's service will differ somewhat from the last couple of Sunday services. I'll be streaming live, from the sanctuary, at a table.
My hope, tonight, is to offer an experience of sacrament and symbolic action. I won't do a lot of extra speaking, or explanation of things. I simply wish to invite you to remember our stories (Jesus and his friends, Jesus washing their feet, the circle breaking bread). I hope the narrative, the energy, the symbolism speaks for itself. And I invite you to pray with me--and with your church friends--as we experience this together.
From time to time, I'll simply sit still, and play some music, which I hope you'll hear! And I hope these offerings inspire a deep thoughtfulness on your part, and a sense of wonder and gratitude for God's gift in Jesus.
Musical Set List for Maundy Thursday at 7:
"Wayfaring Stranger" (Renata Bratt, Cello, Scotts Valley, CA)
"Olam Chesed Yibaneh" (Psalm 89, Composed by Rabbi Menachem Creditor)
"The Ocean Refuses No River" (Sufi Chant)
"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (Arr. by David Ervin, Durham, NH)
"Precious Lord" (Catherine York, Organ, Durham, NH)
"The 23rd Psalm" (Set by Bobby McFerrin, with his words)
"Were You There?" (Lori Rivera, Santa Cruz, CA)
In the end, after extinguishing candles (during the 'service of tenebrae'), I'll play one last musical selection ("Were You There"). That concludes the service itself. But I'll continue to sit in silence and darkness for another 15 minutes--before ending the livestream. You're welcome (as always) to do whatever fits your needs: to sit with me in those last moments, or to prepare yourselves for an evening of rest. There will be no benediction.
Thanks for your willingness to try new things...and for your encouragement throughout this strange 'viritiual' season of worship and prayer. I'm deeply, deeply grateful. God's peace!
