Lesser-known Maundy Thursday observes Last Supper, foot-washing

It’s Holy Week, the most sacred time of the year for Christians and an observance of Jesus’ final days on Earth. It began this past Sunday, Palm Sunday, with a commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and will end next Sunday, Easter Sunday, with a celebration of his resurrection from death.

Two other important days during the week are Maundy Thursday, commemorating Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, and the better known Good Friday, the day on which Jesus was crucified and died.

While many churches provide special Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter services, others also offer Maundy Thursday — or Holy Thursday — rites. The services commemorate not only the Last Supper but also Jesus’ washing of the feet of his disciples that day, leading many churches to incorporate foot-washing into their services. The term “maundy” is derived from “mandatum,” the first word, in Latin, reflecting Jesus’ phrase, “A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” He said this after washing the disciples’ feet.

Following are some local churches offering Maundy Thursday services this week (the list is not exclusive; visit the web to check on a church near you):

Ascension & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 334 Burns Ave., Wyoming
7:30 p.m.: Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist (with foot washing).

The Mission Cincinnati, 3220 Central Parkway, Clifton
Noon and 7 p.m.: Two intimate, contemplative gatherings for Maundy Thursday that will feature lectio divina, visio divina, prayer, contemplation and foot-washing.

Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. Fourth St., Downtown
7 p.m.: Maundy Thursday Liturgy with foot washing.
9 p.m. through noon Friday: Vigil at the Altar of Repose.

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1101 Madison Ave., Covington
6 p.m.: Mass of the Lord’s Supper with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to follow until 10 p.m.

Indian Hill Episcopal Presbyterian Church, 6000 Drake Road, Indian Hill
6:30 p.m.: Annual Maundy Thursday worship service and light supper in the Guild Hall, with a string quartet at the service. A light meal will be served as a part of the worship and Communion service commemorating Jesus’ Last Supper.

Covenant-First Presbyterian Church, 717 Elm St., Downtown
6:30 p.m.: Simple meal and Communion served at the tables.

Church of the Saviour United Methodist, 8005 Pfeiffer Road, Montgomery
7 p.m.: In-person and online worship service.

Crestview Presbyterian Church, 9463 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, West Chester
7 p.m.: In-person and online service. Communion will be provided in person.

Knox Presbyterian Church, 3400 Michigan Ave., Hyde Park
7:30 p.m. Sanctuary service.

The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 2944 Erie Ave., Hyde Park
6 p.m.: Gather in the Great Hall for an agape feast before moving into the sanctuary for the celebration of the Last Supper with holy foot-washing and the Stripping of the Altar. Feast is a potluck supper; everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to share.

All Saints Episcopal Church, 6301 Parkman Place, Pleasant Ridge
7 p.m.: Go to the Parish Hall and partake in an agape meal of fruit, cheese, bread and soup while participating in the Liturgy of the Word. Halfway through the service, at the Passing of the Peace, the celebration will move into the church for the institution of Holy Eucharist and the Stripping, Washing and Anointing of the Altar.

Zion Baptist Church, 630 Glenwood Ave., Avondale
6 p.m.: Zion will host Carmel Presbyterian Church and commemorate Christ’s last night with his disciples.

Sharonville United Methodist Church, 3751 Creek Road, Sharonville
7 p.m.: Service.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 5841 Werk Road, Green Township
7 p.m.: In-person worship service.