Commemoration supper: Seder symbolism

Parishioners seated at tables for Commemoration Supper

     
     Fr. Thomas with Andrew Reed                          Pastor giving blessing at supper

Fifty some parisioners gathered in Boeke Hall for a Commemoration Supper on Wednesday evening. 

The supper was a Christian Seder Meal with the focus on the rich symbolism of the Jewish story of the exodus from Egypt,.  The pastor, the Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas, explained the symbolism of each food at the Seder meal.

Each food served at the Seder meal has meaning.

Matzoh, also spelled matzah.  (unleavened bread) is used because when the Israelites learned that the pharaoh had agreed to let them leave Egypt, they did not have time to bake bread for their journey.

There were bitter herbs represented by horseradish, to show the bitterness felt by slavery. There was Charoset (crushed nuts, fruit and honey), which represents the bricks and mortar of slavery. There is parsley, to show the coming spring.  On the table was a dish of salt water, to represent the tears the Jews have shed.

The bitter herbs (horseradish) and Charoset were spread on matzoh bread.

The egg (hard-boiled deviled egg given to the pastor) is  a universal symbol of springtime, new beginnings and rebirth -- all themes that are echoed in the story of the Exodus.

Seder is the traditional Passover Week Dinner celebrated by the Hebrews since the Exodus. It is the Hebrew Thanksgiving (also known as Feast of Unleavened Bread), giving thanks to God for deliverance and redemption, commemorating the protection of God.       

The last supper was a Seder, a Passover meal.  What significance does that have for the Christian?  There has been increasing interest among Christians in this ancient festival. and  renewed awareness of the importance of the Old Testament Scriptures as Christian Scripture.
       
Following the Seder Meal there was a regular entree of chicken and a large array of desserts.

The St. Paul supper also was a family affair. Fr. Thomas (above) holds baby Andrew Reed who was at the supper with his mother Kelly and aunt Terry Roush and children and grandmother, Peg Snyder.  There were a number of children at the supper.