Conestoga United Methodist Church (UMC), 71 Sand Hill Road, Conestoga, will host a variety of events for Easter weekend, beginning with a Living Last Supper service on Maundy Thursday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Men from area churches - including Live With Purpose Church and the United Methodist congregations of Safe Harbor, Highville, Marticville, and Conestoga - will take part as the scene of Jesus and His disciples eating their final Passover meal together is portrayed. The Rev. Dr. Richard J. Rimert Jr., along with a second person, will read the script, which is based on Mark 14:12-26. According to Rimert's wife, Diane, the disciples John and Peter will enter and prepare the table while the Scripture is read. As the other disciples approach one by one, the script will describe each man and how he was called for ministry. Eventually, the men will share the elements of Communion, which will also be served to attendees.
"Come hear about each disciple and their call to ministry with Christ. Come see as they share their meal together. Come taste the bread and the wine - grape juice - as they did on that very special night," Diane invited.
The actor who portrays Jesus will preside over Communion, offering bread that will be dipped into grape juice in a process called intinction. Gluten-free wafers and juice will be available for those who need them.
Diane said the goal of the Living Last Supper is to make a key part of the Easter story real to attendees.
"It's learning about the disciples, but which one of those disciples would you relate to? (We want you to consider), 'What's your life like with Christ?'" Diane asked.
On Good Friday, April 19, at 7:30 pm., a Tenebrae service will be held at Safe Harbor UMC, 3687 River Road, Conestoga, where Rimert also serves as pastor. Then, an Easter egg hunt will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at Conestoga UMC. The hunt will be held rain or shine, and Diane said the church expects about 100 children to attend.
On Easter Sunday, April 21, a sunrise service will be held at 7 a.m. across the road from Safe Harbor UMC at a neighbor's farm. The farm contains an old lime kiln that looks like the open mouth of a tomb, Diane said. Attendees should bring chairs. After the service, a hot breakfast will be served in the church's fellowship hall. The service will be held indoors if it is raining; otherwise, it will take place outdoors.
"If it's cold weather, we just bundle up because we want to be outside," Diane remarked.
Worship services will be held at Safe Harbor UMC at 9 a.m. and at Conestoga UMC at 10:30 a.m.
For more information about the Holy Week events, readers may call the Rimerts at 717-872-2907.
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