Remembering the Last Supper

On an evening when church members read scripture, the choir’s hymn selection set a tone, and two ministers conveyed messages of caring and looking out for each other, the poignant moments of The Last Supper were re-enacted and remembered.

On this Maundy Thursday, members of the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church and the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene gathered to witness and reflect on Jesus’ final gathering with his disciples before his crucifixion.

The service included a tableau of Jesus washing the feet of anyone wishing to participate. There also was a washing of hands, again for anyone wishing to participate.

From John 13:12-17

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you,’ he asked them. ‘You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

From Matthew 17:26-29

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ “

Everyone who attended the Maundy Thursday service, was then asked to come together as family and come forward to receive Communion.

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

For this Maundy Thursday service, Jesus was portrayed by Matt Braun and his disciples were portrayed by Zach Wright and Bryan Cobb. The Rev. Ruth Morrison of the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church and the Rev. Jon Twitchell of the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene led the service.