Images of Christ's Last Supper have become familiar icons of Christianity, gaining meaning each spring as Easter approaches.

With help from these images, Christians can reflect on events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus.

For the last 20 years, one church has done more than reflect: First United Methodist Church on East North Street has hosted a Service of the Shadows in which the supper is re-enacted. The service is held on Maundy Thursday, the day preceding Good Friday.

Aided by silence and dramatic candlelight, congregants can find a spiritual link to the Last Supper as they partake of Holy Communion at the altar, becoming a part of the live scene.

"It's a very solemn, quiet service," said Cat Loeffler, an office administrator at the church. "It's very powerful," she added, explaining the silence and low lighting help to enhance the mood of reflection.

As the annual service begins, low music is played while visitors enter the sanctuary. A sturdy table where the altar usually stands is laden with food and unlit candles.

When all are seated, the lights are dimmed. Moments later, the lights are raised, revealing Jesus alone at the table.

One by one, the 12 disciples enter the sanctuary. An anonymous narrator in the balcony describes each robed figure as he enters, lights a candle and takes his seat at the table.

Although the figures interact as they dine, they do so in silence. The sanctuary is dark except for the twelve candles and minimal ambient lighting.

When all the disciples have taken their seats, the narrator invites visitors to approach the altar and partake of Holy Communion, at which point the actors cease to move - resembling a freeze frame in a movie.As congregants approach the communion rail, they become an interactive part of Biblical history, Loeffler explained."The service signifies when Jesus broke bread and (drank) wine with his disciples - and we're coming down to take part with Jesus in his Last Supper," she said.Once congregants have returned to their seats, the disciples leave the sanctuary two by two, each extinguishing his candle on the way, until Jesus, lit by a single flame, remains.The lights dim. When they are restored, the table is empty. A spotlight shines on the empty seat that had been occupied by Jesus. Visitors typically leave in silence, Loeffler noted.Jim Shuster of Butler Township has attended the service since 1996, often portraying John the disciple - but also as a spectator. Both roles allow for involvement, he said."As a participant, it's an extremely moving thing to put yourself in that disciple's shoes. It's a fairly dramatic thing," he added. "I find myself slipping into what it would really have been like for John."As a spectator, Shuster said taking Holy Communion also involves the parishioners. "You can find yourself, as the sanctuary slowly darkens, being pulled into that time and feeling you're actually witnessing this. It's quite moving.""Regardless of denomination, anyone would be welcome to come and see it," he added. "I think it would be a very spiritual, moving time for anyone.""The night of the Last Supper depicts how the message has never changed: how tenderly Jesus dealt with his disciples (is) how tenderly he continues to deal with all of us," Loeffler said.The service is set for 7:30 p.m. March 24. For more information, call Loeffler at 724-283-6160.