Maundy Thursday April 2, 2026 • 7:00 PM • Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday Central United Methodist Church April 2, 2026 • 7:00 PM
PRAYER OF PREPARATION (Prayed silently as the people gather)
Gracious God, your Anointed One, on the night before he suffered, instituted the sacrament of his body and blood Mercifully grant that we may receive it with thanksgiving, in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life. Amen.
WORDS OF INTRODUCTION
*CHIMING OF THE HOUR (*those who are able are asked to stand)
*GREETING
Leader: You who call upon the name of the Christ, we are gathered to recall the night in which Jesus was betrayed. Are you prepared to come to the table of Jesus Christ, whose life was poured out for you?
People: By the grace of God, we are.
Leader: Are you able to watch with Jesus at prayer in the garden: indeed, to struggle to be in unity with God’s will?
People: By the grace of God, we are.
Leader: Will you follow Jesus even into the night of betrayal?
People: By the grace of God, we will.
Leader: Then let us worship God, even in this hour of darkness!
People: God of all grace and steadfast love, greatly is your name to be praised in all the earth!
*HYMN IN PROCESSION 294 ................................................................................................................ MARTYRDOM Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed
COLLECT
People: Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
ANTHEM . Stephen
Lamb of God
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Exodus 12:1-14
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
EPISTLE LESSON ........................................................................................................................ 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Leader: The Word of the Lord! People: Thanks be to God!
CONGREGATIONAL PSALM 837 (R2) ....................................................................................................... Psalm 116
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
People: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all people: We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against your divine majesty. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us.
Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. For your Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
All offer prayers in silence
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. All: Glory to God; Amen.
ANTHEM .................................................................................................................................
Ave, verum corpus natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum immolatum in cruce pro homine, cujus latus perforatum unda fluxit et sanguine, esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING (UMH 15)
BREAKING OF THE BREAD THE LORD’S PRAYER
Ave Verum
Hail, true body born of the Virgin Mary, who truly suffered, sacrificed on the cross for man, whose pierced side overflowed with water and blood, be for us a foretaste in the test of death.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
GIVING THE BREAD AND CUP PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
STRIPPING OF THE ALTAR SERVICE OF TENEBRAE
(The altar is prepared for the Tenebrae Service. The Holy Communion elements are removed. The Paschal Candle is is lit by the acolyte.)
A Service of Tenebrae, or “Darkness” is based on a twelfth-century night/early morning service and is an extended meditation on the passion of Christ. Fourteen candles, along with a Paschal Candle, are lighted. A candle is extinguished at the conclusion of each reading. Before the final reading, the Paschal Candle is taken away followed by a loud noise.
After the final reading, silence is observed. The room remains darkened with only illumination necessary for safety. The room now remains bare until the Easter Celebration. There will be no benediction as the three days of preparation for Easter constitute one, ongoing service. You are invited to continue the service at noon on Good Friday with a service in the sanctuary
ASSISTING IN WORSHIP
Senior Pastor Rev Thomas Smith
Associate Pastor ........................................................................................................................................ Rev. Rusty Crimm
Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship Rev Meg Bryce Jiunnies
Organist/Choir Director Dr Don Grice
Organist/Choir Accompanist .................................................................................................................. Beverly Hazelwood
Anthem Soloist Sary Jackson
Acolyte ........................................................................................................................................................ Caroline Peebles
Crucifer .................................................................................................................................................. James Wade Timms
Communion Server Gilliam Skinner
Chancel Choir
GOOD FRIDAY
F r i d a y , A p r i l 3
Good Friday is the day on which Jesus died for our sins. He was nailed to the cross and died on Friday afternoon. After His death, His body was laid in a tomb. 12:00 PM • Sanctuary S u n d a y , A p r i l 5
EASTER SUNDAY
7:30 AM • Gather at the Front Steps 9:00 AM • The Well 11:00 AM • Sanctuary
Easter is a celebration of new life, hope, and the incredible love of Jesus Christ! Just as the disciples discovered the empty tomb at sunrise, we worship, rejoice, and proclaim together: Christ is risen! Come and be part of this life-changing moment. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!