THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 16, 1995 TAG: 9504150144
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: Shirley Brinkley
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
The first time Kent and Norma Spain and their family participated in Maundy Thursday worship at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, he declared it the most moving service he had ever attended.
That was three years ago. The Spains and daughters Elizabeth, 11, and Ann Taylor, 9, have since made the North Main Street church's observance a family tradition.
On Thursday, a traditional Agape meal was held for all ages at 6 p.m. in the parish hall. The dishes, with a few added condiments, are like those Jesus may have shared with his disciples on the eve of his Crucifixion.
Foods included lamb with mint jelly, wild rice, pita bread and curried fruit.
Wine and bread were administered during the first part of the meal, re-enacting the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples.
Norma Spain said, ``During the Last Supper, it wasn't a sad time for Christ and his disciples. They enjoyed their fellowship and friendship. Our meal starts off with that atmosphere.''
Tables were placed in a U-shape, and the Rev. Vance Mann and lay readers stood at the ends.
``The meal begins with the Communion service, using regular bread,'' Spain said. ``Everyone has a small amount of wine. The minister talks about what is going on in the life of Christ at that time and describes the evening that Jesus had with his disciples. Then, we take turns serving ourselves at the buffet table.''
During the dinner, there was conversation among friends, and lay readers periodically talked to the congregation about their reflections on the Last Supper.
After the meal, the mood of the participants changed, however. Mann and the lay readers donned black robes before entering the sanctuary with the congregation.
``Silently, the ladies of the Altar Guild take everything off the altar except the cross,'' Spain said. ``Linens, candles and flowers are removed, and a black veil is draped across the cross while everyone stands and watches.''
This event is symbolic of the betrayal and arrest of Jesus that took place on that long-ago evening.
``We leave the church in silence,'' Spain said.
The sanctuary remained in an austere condition until it was decorated on Saturday afternoon for Easter Sunday's celebration.
Agape, used in modern terms to describe God's love for man, was a meal that early Christians ate together - a love feast. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Kent Spain, wife Norma and daughters Ann Taylor, left, and Elizabeth
come to St. Paul's Episcopal Church each year for the Maundy
Thursday ``love feast.''
by CNB