First Baptist Church of East Aurora

HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE A CRUCIFIXION?

Why do churches celebrate an event that remembers the dark and cruel hours of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion? It seems to be a paradox that the words celebration and crucifixion would even be used in conjunction with one another. Yet, for centuries Christian churches have celebrated a time of Communion that recalls the unbearable beatings, whipping and nails through Christ’s hands. We celebrate with two central symbols though done in different ways with different liturgies and traditions. Irregardless of our differences the central concept of partaking of the bread and cup is universal. Through these two symbols each Christian tradition or denomination celebrates on regular basis the Body of Christ given for us and the Blood of Christ shed for us. Where did the tradition begin? What is behind it and why do we do it?

Most Christians would answer that we celebrate communion because Jesus commanded us to remember him in this way. True but why did Christ use bread and a cup of wine? The reason is all in the historical event known as the Last Supper. On that evening Jesus sat down with his disciples to partake of the Passover meal. During the Passover meal he took a piece of unleavened bread and broke it. Why did he do that? Jesus also took a cup and passed it to his disciples. Did this cup represent something very different to these Jewish believers?

On Maundy Thursday two local churches will merge their different traditions to remember of the central event of Christianity—the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. First Baptist Church of East Aurora and St. Luke’s Anglican Church are joining together to present a “teaching” Seder followed by a traditional Communion service. A “teaching” Seder follows all the traditions of the meal and the ancient format laid out in the Old Testament. These are the same steps Jewish families use today to celebrate the Passover meal.

During the “teaching” seder, Pastor Tim Ayers of First Baptist Church of East Aurora and Father Seth Brooker of St. Luke’s Anglican Church will teach the significant Christian meanings behind each item on the Seder plate and each step of the meal. Those attending will learn which piece of unleavened bread Jesus took and why it has such significance to today’s Communion service. Attendees will also learn that Christ took one of the four cups of wine and passed it. Why that cup of wine? Another question that will be answered by Father Seth and Pastor Tim are why is a sprig of parsley dipped into salt water and eaten? Both churchleaders feel that understanding the Passover means that the Christian will understand and appreciate our Communion Celebration more. This is a must-attend event for any Christian. The entire community is invited to this “teaching” Seder that begins at 6 p.m. on Maundy Thursday. The open-to-the-public event will be held at the First Baptist Church facility at 591 Porterville Rd. where both congregations meet on Sunday morning. St. Luke’s service begins at 8:30 a.m. and First Baptist’s service is at 10:30 a.m.

Following the “teaching” Seder, the two churches will join together for a joint time of Communion where they will blend their two styles of taking the bread and cup. The Maundy Thursday Communion Service will end with the traditional “Stripping of the Altar.” This meaningful evening is designed to help you grow in your knowledge of your faith and will enhance you worship experience.

If you have always had questions about your faith, are in the midst of rediscovering your relationship with God or are simply curious then seek out some answers through this educational and worshipful event. The churches do request that you make reservations for the Seder so they can have a place set for you. Call 652-2145 to make reservations or for more information.