First Christian celebrates season with ‘Living Last Supper’

Published 4:38 pm Tuesday, April 11, 2017

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”

For Christians, this passage out of the Book of Luke, in which Jesus speaks to his disciples the night before his death, is one of the most important in the Christian faith. The story of the Last Supper is commemorated during the Easter season, and is the reason why many Christian churches hold communion once a month.

First Christian Church in Washington is looking to bring this story to life Thursday night, as part of a “Living Last Supper” performance in the church sanctuary.

The production, written by Ruth Elaine Schram, follows the biblical account when Jesus reveals that one disciple will betray him and another will deny him. Actors then delve into what the disciples may have been thinking at that time and recall stories of Jesus’ ministry.

“It’s a program that consists of choral anthems, all focused on the Last Supper in Jesus’ life and ministry, and monologues that are given by each of the 12 disciples,” music director Beth Clark said. “They’re all wondering in their hearts and their minds, ‘Is it I?’”

Clark said the chancel choir has been preparing for this since January, and was inspired to perform it after last year’s successful “Living Last Words,” also written by Schram.

“People seemed to really enjoy that and got a lot out of it,” Clark said. “This is the first year we’ve done this particular program.”

There is no cost to attend, and the public is invited to see “Living Last Supper.”

“I’m hoping they’ll get a sense of Jesus’ life and ministry, and also maybe a little bit of insight,” Clark said. “In their own minds, take a little bit away from it in that, ‘What is my relationship like with Christ?’”

“Living Last Supper” will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at First Christian Church, 307 E. Third St., Washington. For more Easter worship information, look for the upcoming Easter Worship Guide in the Daily News’ weekend edition.