“We are incredibly grateful to Mayor Farmer and the City of Benton for being such wonderful neighbors,” said Rev. Keith Dodson, Senior Pastor at Benton FUMC. “Their flexibility and support reflect the spirit of community that makes Benton so special.”
Third Thursday is coming on April 17th, and there’s an Easter-related event going on at the Methodist Church during that same time. Take note about a few parking spaces blocked off for the church, and read more below to find out what exactly is happening, and maybe set a reminder on your phone!
Read more below about the Maundy Thursday Service, the Parking, and the Third Thursday Fest…
THE SERVICE
On Thursday, April 17, at 6:00 PM, Benton First United Methodist Church will hold a special Maundy Thursday service. This meaningful worship experience is open to everyone in the community, offering a powerful opportunity to reflect and prepare for Easter Sunday.
Maundy Thursday marks the night of the Last Supper, when Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment—to love one another as he has loved us (John 13:34). The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “mandate” or “commandment.” Traditionally, Maundy Thursday services include practices such as foot washing, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and stripping the church—a symbolic act dating back to the seventh century, which represents the desolation and abandonment Christ endured during his night in Gethsemane.
At Benton FUMC, the Youth group leads this moving service, dramatically portraying the Last Supper and participating in the solemn ceremony of stripping the altar and sanctuary. The church’s stark, bare appearance at the end of the service serves as a powerful visual reminder of the sorrow of Jesus’ final hours, the remembrance of the sacrifice of our Lord on Good Friday, and ultimately helps us prepare for the glorious resurrection of Christ our King on Easter Sunday.
THE PARKING
This year, Benton FUMC is grateful for the City of Benton and Mayor Tom Farmer for their cooperation and partnership. When the church learned that the service coincided with our community’s first “Third Thursday” gathering, Mayor Farmer graciously adjusted the start time of the live music to avoid conflict with the worship service.
He also encouraged the church to block off public parking spaces in front of the church, ensuring that older members and guests can attend with greater ease on what is typically one of the busiest evenings in downtown Benton.
Additionally, Benton FUMC kindly asks the community to refrain from parking in the church’s lots off Sevier Street and Conway Street until after 6:00 PM. Keeping these lots clear will help ensure that church members and guests attending the service have convenient access to parking.
THE INVITE
Benton FUMC invites all to attend this moving Maundy Thursday service at 6:00 p.m. at 200 N. Market Street as we journey together toward the resurrected hope that awaits for us on Easter Sunday!
THIRD THURSDAY FEST
To read more about the Third Thursday street festival, visit www.mysaline.com/tt.
