'Last Supper' Painting Comes to Life

Actors portraying Jesus and his disciples will each share his unique story, reflecting upon significant events in Jesus' life and how the gospel was carried into the world following the resurrection. After the disciples have shared the Passover meal, they will invite attendees to celebrate in the communion feast. An expanded worship choir also will participate in the service

"We re-create the painting as near as we can," says Steve Nielsen, the church's director of worship and music. "It's really a beautiful thing."

The congregation enters the sanctuary in near total darkness to the sounds of Gregorian chant, Nielsen says. Throughout the evening, lights focus on different disciples at the table, while the rest remain in darkness. At one point, the lights go down until a light pierces the darkness where Jesus sat. After the end of the service, the congregation is ushered outside one door and around the building where they will see Jesus praying in Gethsemane, Nielsen says.

The congregation performs a musical every year, Nielsen says. The church also performed DaVinci's Last Supper in 1996, 1998 and 2000.

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