Maundy Thursday Service of Holy Communion

The word "maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning commandment.  On this night, the night Jesus was betrayed, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, gave them a new commantment to love one another as he had loved them, and shared a Passover meal together.  On Maundy Thursday, we celebrate Holy Communion in remembrance of this Last Supper.  The final act of worship on this night is the stripping of the altar and Sanctuary of all symbols of Jesus' life and teachings.