Living Last Supper is act of faith

The presentation, a cooperative effort among churches, counts on men to participate.

In the drama, each apostle gets a turn in the spotlight.

BY LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR

EAST PALESTINE — Cooperation and a shared Christian faith make possible the living Last Supper staged at First United Presbyterian Church.

Just as Jesus gathered his disciples, the church seeks out “apostles” at area churches. “It’s a cooperative effort,” said the Rev. Don Aull, interim pastor.

He also noted the project is an avenue to draw more men into the ministry of the church.

“And it’s a challenge as well,” the Rev. Mr. Aull said. “I hope those attending take away a real sense of humanity of these men. They were real people with real emotions of loyalty, fear and doubt.

“I hope the audience can imagine walking in the sandals of these people. ... They wanted to be loyal [to Christ] but they were scared, too,” he said. “I hope it gives people a sense of who we are today. ... We are disciples ... as Christians we are disciples.”

The Holy Week drama was originated at First United Presbyterian by Deann Bowers.

“When I was a kid in Louisville, I remembered seeing the drama. I asked the pastor at the church and got permission to use their script,” she said. “It’s a hand-me-down blessing.”

This is the third year for the dramatic re-enactment of the Last Supper at the church. Bowers is assisted by Beth Crawford and Sheryl Biddle. The group rehearses a few times before the presentation on Maundy Thursday.

The event, which portrays Jesus at the Last Supper with his disciples, will begin with worship and Scripture readings. There also will be Holy Communion by intinction, that is bread dipped in wine.

After the service, those attending can meet the cast.

The atmosphere is set by lowering the church lights and the apostles are seated at a table on the altar. Mirroring the Leonardo da Vinci painting, Jesus is at the center and is flanked by the apostles. The characters assume poses from the famous work of art.

In the drama, each apostle gets a turn in the spotlight. Each one says his name and tells a bit about himself:

“I am Matthew ... I was a tax collector.”

“I am Andrew ... I was the first apostle to follow Jesus.”

“I am Peter ... I am a fisherman. I am said to be impulsive and an extrovert.”

“I am Judas Thaddeus ... I am steady and faithful.”

“I am Judas Iscariot ... They elected me treasurer ... but I am a thief.”

Jim Crawford is in the title role, so to speak, but he is silent throughout the presentation. His wife, Beth, got him involved in the presentation.

“We have the same initials,” Crawford noted. “It’s great to play him but I’m no match for him.”

The bearded Crawford gets into the role by letting his hair grow long; the others in the cast wear wigs and fake beards.

Phil Bartholomew, who plays Matthew and is from Second Shift ministry, is participating for the first time. “I think it’s a great opportunity to tell the story,” he said.

Chuck Hillman, who plays Andrew, is from the host church. “It’s a good way to make people think about what they read about.”

“It’s good fellowship,” said Scott Grim, who plays Judas Thaddeus.

Playing “doubting” Thomas is CH McCutcheon of Centenary United Methodist Church. “This is my second year doing this. ... Deann got me involved,” he said. “I really enjoy being a part of this.”

Rick Wyatt of Salem First United Methodist Church plays Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrays Jesus. “I had never seen anything like this before. I think it’s very impressive. It’s not what you expect,” he said. “What’s really good is the churches working together.”