​Today is the day we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and his death on Calvary. The source of our term for the Friday before Easter, "Good Friday," is not clear. It may be a corruption of the English phrase "God's Friday."

"Good Friday" is not a universal name for the day. The liturgical title for the day in the Western church was "Friday of Preparation," since the time Jews used the word paraskeue (getting ready) for Friday, meaning the "day of preparation." Popular names for the day are "Holy Friday" among the Latin nations, "Great Friday" among the Slavic peoples, "Friday of Mourning" in Germany, "Long Friday" in Norway, and "Holy Friday" (Viernes Santo) among Hispanic peoples.

The service of Tenebrae, meaning “darkness” or “shadows,” has been practiced by the church since medieval times. Readings trace the story of Christ’s passion and the power of silence and darkness suggests the drama of this momentous day. As lights are extinguished, we ponder the depth of Christ’s suffering and death.

​PREPARE FOR WORSHIP

Gather 7 different candles, flashlights, lamps or other lights and place them on a table or other worship space. You will "extinguish" these one by one throughout the service, along with the scripture reader on the screen.

TODAY'S ACTIVITY

As we commemorate Jesus' death on the cross, make some crafts or artwork that feature the cross:

• Painter's Tape Cross (https://www.theresourcefulmama.com/tape-resist-easter-cross-craft/)

• Chalk the Walk with crosses - use sidewalk chalk to draw crosses of various colors and designs on your driveway or sidewalk

• Rustic Stick Cross (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/766808274041316817/)

​Today we give thanks to God for the servant ministry of Jesus Christ. As Jesus makes his way to the cross he continues to teach his disciples to carry on his mission of loving God and others.

Maundy Thursday is the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. The English word "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, which means "commandment." On his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and gave them a new commandment to love one another. He also instituted the practice of communion as he shared, “Do this in remembrance of me.”

​PREPARE FOR WORSHIP

Set upon a table a pitcher of water, a bowl and a towel. Set the table like you would for an important guest with the color purple if you have it to mark that someone royal is coming. Light a candle to welcome your guest Jesus Christ. Leave an empty seat at the table for Jesus. Gather some bread or crackers and some juice, water or wine and a cup or drinking glass for each person at your table.

TODAY'S ACTIVITY

I think that one of the most important things to consider during this time is that not all people have the privilege of being "bored" right now. A lot of people are struggling without work, food, and basic needs. Some, who are more vulnerable to infection, may be isolating and avoiding public places to shop for essential items. God calls us to look after one another. Here are some ideas for serving others today:

• Take the time to search your home for any canned or boxed non-perishable food items, or unopened personal care items, and drop them off for the Comet Cupboard Tiny Free Pantry at church.

• Make a donation to the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network. When you make a donation now through April 14, your donation will be matched as part of the Douglas Woods challenge (a retired police office who will match all contributions during this time up to $20,000). Right now, the need is great! DMARC has served around 1,200 new clients for the last two weeks of March, during this COVID-19 outbreak. The majority of them have been recently unemployed and are using the Mobile Pantries. You can donate through our church: https://polkcityumc.org/give, through the GivePlus mobile app, or by writing a check to our church with "DMARC/Woods challenge" in the memo line.

• Check in on friends or neighbors who are vulnerable and offer to deliver their grocery or carry-out order.