NEWS RELEASE
“Living Last Supper” at First Presbyterian
Churches throughout the world commemorate the central events of their faith during Holy Week, which begins this year on Palm Sunday, March 16th. At First Presbyterian Church, now celebrating 125 years of ministry in Mineola, the week will include the presentation of a dramatic choral experience – “The Living Last Supper.”
On Thursday, March 20th, at 7:30 in the evening, the Maundy Thursday service will feature this poignant portrayal of Jesus’ celebration of the Passover meal. The service and performance will be held in the main sanctuary at the corner of First and Main Streets, across from the Mineola Post Office. Interspersed with anthems sung by the choir, twelve men representing the disciples of Jesus will each share a short monologue revealing their inner thoughts about the man who has brought them together. “Who is this Jesus?” And, “Am I the person who will betray him?”
At the conclusion of the service, the sacrament of Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, will be celebrated. The sacrament is open to anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ as his or her Savior and Lord. Pastor Chester (Chet) Easton, serving the congregation since 1993, is excited about the plans for the Thursday service: “All of us know that our lives fail to be what God desires in some way. The crisis is knowing our brokenness and not knowing where to turn. In the events of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, we find the exclusive way to renewed and eternal life. It doesn’t get much better than this!”
“The Passover Supper is rich in beauty and symbolism, but its significance is lost to many Christians today,” writes composer Ruth Elaine Schram. Christians deepen their understanding of God’s plan when studying the significance of the unleavened bread, the bitter herbs, the spotless lamb and its blood splashed on the doorposts, and the four cups of wine.
The congregation of First Presbyterian Church is honored to extend an invitation to the community to join this special service of Holy Week. Especially welcome are those who have ceased regular attendance at worship. The first-time visitor at the church will be welcomed warmly and given the chance to participate in this truly moving worship experience. The focus will be on what God has done for us out of His great love.
Since its founding in June of 1883, the congregation meeting at First and Main Streets has been a place of vibrant worship and service to all of God’s children. First Presbyterian hosts outreach ministries to Brazilian and Korean Christians, Boy Scout Troop 45, Cub Scout Pack 246, a Twelve-Step group, and Little People Academy (a half-day nursery school). Other groups use the busy facilities throughout the year.
Elder Victor Chambers, chairperson of the Worship and Music Committee, states, “We are delighted to continue to serve Mineola and the surrounding area in this, our 125th year. God continues to call us to renewed faithfulness and commitment to the cross of Christ. We look forward to all that the future holds, and the many faces and lives that will cross our paths. Our doors are open – come and join us!”
