WATERFORD — A community Seder and Maundy Thursday service will be held at the Wilkins Community Center and Waterford Congregational Church on Thursday, April 17. Sponsored jointly by the Waterford and North Waterford churches, the Jewish ritual dinner begins at 5 p.m.
By ancient tradition, the Seder marks the beginning of Passover and features the retelling of the Jews’ exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery.
The dinner costs $7.50 for adults, and $3.50 for children aged 7 to 10. There is no charge for children 6 and under. Seder meal charges may be paid in advance by check to the Waterford Congregational Church or at the door.
Following the Seder, the two churches will join to offer a Tenebrae service at the Waterford Congregational Church next door to the Wilkins House. The service of Tenebrae, meaning “darkness” or “shadows,” has been practiced by the church since medieval times, when it originated in monastic communities.
Tenebrae is a meditation on Christ’s suffering. Through readings, congregants trace the story of Christ’s passion, enhanced with music offerings and the gradual extinguishing of candles. The power of silence and darkness suggests the drama of this momentous event, encouraging participants to ponder the depth of Christ’s suffering and death as they await the ultimate joy of resurrection.
For both the North Waterford and Waterford churches, Easter Sunday, April 20, begins with a Sunrise Service at 5:45 a.m. on the Keoka Lake Town Beach on Route 35/37 in Waterford, followed by a breakfast hosted by the North Waterford Congregational Church on Green Road.
Easter Sunday Worship will be held at the Waterford Congregational Church on Plummer Hill Road at 9:30 a.m., and at the North Waterford Congregational Church at 10 a.m. All are welcome to all events.
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