Interfaith Seder With Jewish Chef Returns To Vienna Church

VIENNA, VA — The spring season brings a number of religious holidays the region's diverse population celebrates, from the recently-ended Ramadan for Muslims to the upcoming Passover for Jewish people and Easter for Christians. One Vienna church will bring back an interfaith tradition with a Seder meal ahead of its Easter events.

The Church of the Good Shepherd, a United Methodist church, will hold a Maundy (Thursday before Easter) on April 17 featuring a Seder meal.

Pastor Eric Song started the tradition last year, inviting his friend Jason Tepper, executive chef for Alexandria City Public Schools, to share his Jewish faith traditions and prepare a Seder meal. The United Methodist Church's Book of Worship encourages Christian-hosted Seders, allowing Jewish and Christian people to share a meal together with respect for Jewish traditions.

The popularity of last year's Seder meal prompted the church to do it again.

"Last year’s Passover meal was so wonderful that we wanted to celebrate it in the same way this year," said Song. "We have a lot to learn from each other, and it’s great to have friends share their traditions with us."

"May this Passover meal be a time of joy, reflection, and shared blessings," added Tepper.

Advance signups are requested by April 15 by emailing office@goodshepherdva.com or calling 703-281-3987.

That leads into the weekend of one of the church's key holidays. On Good Friday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m., the church will hold a Tenebrae in the sanctuary, and it will be live-streamed online.

The church will host its Easter Sunday SONRise service in the church’s outdoor worship area at 6:30 a.m. on April 20.

A brunch in the church's Fellowship Hall will follow at 9 a.m. before an Easter egg hunt.

There will be another 10:15 a.m. Easter Service, which will also be availalbe online. Following the Easter service, Song will release about 70 live butterflies for children to enjoy near the church’s outdoor Living Cross.

The church is located at 2351 Hunter Mill Road. For more information, visit www.GoodShepherdVA.com.