For centuries, Christians have been observing this watch, usually beginning on Maundy Thursday evening after the altar has been stripped and the consecrated Body and Blood (reserved sacrament) have been taken out of the tabernacle, where it is usually locked up and lit by the sanctuary lamp.

    One of the most dramatic moments of the stripping of the altar is when the sanctuary lamp is extinguished, symbolizing Jesus' life ending. What remains of the elements of his body must then be consumed or guarded until the first Good Friday service, which is Communion from the Reserved Sacrament. Notice this difference from our usual Sunday service, which is called Holy Eucharist. When the elements are not consecrated in the service, it is simply called Communion.

      This year, we will be observing the ancient practice of the Altar Watch, beginning at the end of the Maundy Thursday liturgy, around 9 p.m. and continuing for the 15 hours until the Good Friday noon service. We invite you to sign up for an hour- or two-hour block of time by calling the office, and come Thursday night and sit in the church, pray or meditate, read or kneel before the altar. This is a time when you are being asked to stay with Jesus in his hour of need, and to contemplate what you already know will be the greatest sacrifice God has ever made for humankind.

      "Stay with me, remain here with me..."