As some may know Linda and I assist Dave and Linda Draper with a Tuesday night Bible study at the University of Findlay. They started this student group about twenty years ago, and we’ve been helping for the last eight. Giving up this ministry is one of our regrets in moving back to PA. Five years ago we held the first campus Seder Service, and it’s now a regular part of outreach on campus. Many young adults in our study group have never experienced a Seder Service and so the experience and symbolism is especially meaningful for them. However, for those of us who’ve done it before it’s no less special. The Seder Service commemorates the flight of the Jews from Egypt 3500 years ago, and tells the story of Passover and God’s redemptive grace. For Christians, it also provides the setting for the Lord’s Supper and brings a deeper understanding to Jesus’ sacrifice as the Lamb of God. If your church has never held a Seder Service, I highly recommend it. When we served a local congregation, it became our annual Maundy Thursday service. I guarantee both your understanding of the Lord’s Supper and the gospel story will be transformed. The internet offers many helpful resources. |
This year we again held the service on the stage at Winebrenner Seminary on Tuesday night at 9 p.m. The time seems very appropriate given the biblical account. In fact John Winebrenner felt that the Lord’s Supper should always be observed at night and in a sitting posture. This year because my Linda was back in PA and the Drapers were recovering from surgery, preparations fell mostly to Matt Ginter and me. I took care of the food stuffs and Matt handled (literally) the set up. Thankfully some of the Bible study members helped as there’s a lot to do getting everything ready. At the head table we used good linens, cutlery, china, etc., the best we could find, but the other tables were set a bit more simply. |
Here’s wishing you all a blessed Eastertide!
Ed
Soli Deo Gloria!