Elgin’s Holy Trinity Lutheran hosts Maundy Thursday Tea

After remembering Jesus’ final week on earth, Holy Trinity Lutheran in Elgin hosted a special “Maundy Thursday Tea.”

During the service that day, ladies of the church prepared lovely tables near the altar and within the pews. Everyone shared token foods as they recalled the story of the passion of Jesus: costly oil, 30 pieces of silver, unleavened bread, olives, Gethsemane figs, and sunflower seeds representing the tears of the disciple, Peter.

As they departed in silence, the congregation shared deep awareness of Jesus, who faced his last days receiving comfort from His followers.

The following day, Good Friday, worshippers studied contemporary paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross. Resounding bell tones marked each station as organist Michael Fetzer played melancholy hymns, including “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?”

Congregation members wrote on cards to remember people they feel called to serve and those they profoundly love and deposited the cards near the cross. Again, remembering with sadness, everyone departed in silence.