This is the last night of Jesus’ life. The name comes from the “mandate” that Jesus gives to his disciples to love one another, and to show that love by washing each other’s feet. This night also marks Jesus’ Last Supper, which was not a Passover seder, but rather something new that Christians would emulate in the centuries after. On this night we gather in the parish hall at 6:00 pm for an Agape Meal, also known as a Love Feast. This simple meal of olives, nuts, cheeses, soups, and breads not only resembles the Last Supper, but it helps prepare our bodies and souls to endure what Jesus is about to go through. It even gradually evolved into our celebration of the Holy Eucharist! When the meal concludes, we seamlessly move into our worship, just as Jesus and his disciples did, washing one another’s feet as we sing and hear the story once more. Afterwards, we will process into the sanctuary to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and witness the Stripping of the Altar, calling us back to Jesus’ arrest. The reserve Sacrament will be set upon the Peace Altar, which will serve as our Garden of Gethsemane, and you will be invited to sit and pray in the nave for as long as you wish. This vigil watch will continue throughout the night, so be sure to sign up and come sit with our Lord for an hour.