"The Sheep Will Be Scattered" is an impressive Maundy Thursday communion service. It involves the symbolic recreation of the Upper Room experience through an easy-to-create Last Supper tableau.
Members of the congregation, invited beforehand, make up the tableau.
The service focuses on the tensions and circumstances surrounding the disciples on this night. It encourages worshipers to identify with those tensions in their own faith lives.
Elements include a suggested order of service, a brief commentary, introduction of each guest at the table, holy communion, a reading from Mark (for one to three voices), and a conclusion. The reading is the NRSV of Mark 14:26-50.
Don Wiltfong, Veedersburg, Indiana, is a pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Veedersburg. He is a graduate of Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. He has served churches in Oregon, Illinois, and Indiana.