Events for the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, Washington
In-person and on-line Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist with foot washing
Thu, April 17 at 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm PDT
Everyone is welcome at Church of the Redeemer. We look forward to seeing you at this 7:00 pm service of Holy Eucharist with foot washing at Church of the Redeemer. It is in-person and on-line.
While not required, you may wear a mask when in the building. We have masks available for you, if you want.
This service will conclude with the stripping of the altar and procession to the garden of repose.
Maundy Thursday
The Thursday in Holy Week is called Maundy Thursday. It is part of the Triduum, or three holy days before Easter. The name comes from the Latin phrase mandatum novum, “new commandment,” taken from John 13:34. The ceremony of washing feet was also referred to as “the Maundy.” Maundy Thursday celebrations also commemorate the institution of the eucharist by Jesus “on the night he was betrayed.”
Egeria, a fourth-century pilgrim to Jerusalem, describes elaborate celebrations and observances in that city on Maundy Thursday. Special celebration of the institution of the eucharist on Maundy Thursday is attested by the Council of Hippo in 381.
Foot Washing
The washing of feet was a menial act of hospitality in the Hebrew Scriptures (see Genesis 18:4, 19:2). It was often performed for guests by a servant or the wife of the host.
The Gospel of John (13:1-17) records that Jesus washed the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus urged the disciples to follow his example of generous and humble service. They should wash one another’s feet, as their feet had been washed by Jesus, their Lord and Teacher.
Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet was a lived expression of his teaching that “whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). The foot-washing also expressed Jesus’ “new commandment” for his disciples to love one another, as he had loved them (John 13:34). The washing of feet continued in the early Christian church. The requirements for enrollment on the list of widows includes the expectation that a widow would have “washed the saints’ feet” (1 Timothy 4:9-10). The ceremonial washing of feet is mentioned by Augustine of Hippo (354-430).
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Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The Episcopal Church welcomes you.