This service specifically focuses on the Last Supper, the Passover meal which Jesus ate which his closest disciples. We begin at 6:30 p.m. with a potluck supper in the parish hall, then at 7:30 we move into the church, where we have the (optional) opportunity to each others’ hands in recognition of Jesus washing the feet of his friends. “Maundy” means mandate and refers to the commandment he gave them… to “love one another, as I have loved you.”

When the service concludes, the members of the Altar Guild ceremoniously and reverently strip the altar area of all the trappings of worship, leaving it bare and stark.  The reserved sacrament–Communion which has already been consecrated by the priest–is removed from its place and the door is left open, looking like a house that has been robbed.  These items are brought to the Altar of Repose, a place outside the main worship area, and are used at the service on Good Friday, the only day of the year when Holy Communion is not celebrated.  We will have a time afterwards for prayerful reflection there, with gentle, meditative music.

St. Mark’s motto is “celebrating God’s inclusive love” which we seek to put into practice​ every day. Our community is richly diverse in age, ethnicity/culture, lifestyle and experience and we bring our unique backgrounds and perspectives to all we do. If you’ve looking for, or ​thinking ​ about looking for, a new faith community, why not come experience the warmth, joy, and love that have been our hallmarks for nearly 100 years.

PHOTO CREDIT: Foot washing at FPCD – Jim (flickr.com/yumievriwan) used under Creative Commons license. Some rights reserved.