The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Cross Walk unites congregations, faithful
Stations of the Cross re-enacted on Good Friday
People passing by downtown Willoughby along Euclid Avenue April 14 may have witnessed the makings of a miracle.
It’s on this day that a group of area churches have been re-enacting the Stations of the Cross over the last two decades as an affirmation of their congregations’ faith by carrying a wooden cross through town to mark Good Friday and Jesus’ journey to Calvary, where, according to the Bible, he was crucified.
“I think it’s a twofold thing,” said the Rev. Don Perks, pastor of Willoughby United Methodist Church, shortly before the procession started from the steps of Willoughby Bible Church and made its way down Euclid Avenue to the gazebo at Point Park. “For one, I think it’s a visible presence in the community that 2,000 years ago, Jesus gave us his sacrifice. And, second, it’s, for me, at least, a personal reminder that we’re called to live a life of sacrifice as we try to serve and to love.”
As the group of about 80 from
various area churches proceeded along the sidewalk next to Euclid Avenue, they stopped to observe each Station and honor Jesus’ sacrifice.
“We want to give public witness of what Jesus did for us on Good Friday — giving up his life for us and offering eternal salvation to every human being,” said Mike Currier, pastor of Willoughby’s Body of Christ Community.
Perks agreed, adding that it’s a relief for many people, in today’s tumultuous global climate and the fear that often comes to people in it, to be able to place their faith in Christ.
“We live in this world that seems to be in great fear today,” he said. “So it’s nice to know that there are people this morning who recognize that Jesus came in peace to bring peace to the world. It’s just a great reminder that Christians can make a difference in the world by offering peace.”
Both pastors agreed it’s a great thing to be able to gather folks from different churches for this event.
“We may be people from different churches,” Currier said. “But we’re one in Christ. And we want people to know that — that we are one in Christ.”
As the Cross Walk wound down and Currier addressed the crowd, which grew to around 100 onlookers at Point Park, with some parting words, one local family agreed it’s nice to see representatives from so many congregations get out and do something to affirm their faith during this holy time of year.
“I think it’s just great,” said Willoughby resident Kristy Somerlot, who participated Good Friday with her daughter, Brittany Lachina and her two grandchildren: 4-yearold Mason and 3-year-old Madelyn. “I take off Good Friday and we come every year. It’s just such a treat. I brought my daughter when she was younger and, now, we bring the grandchildren.”
Somerlot said her motherin-law, who is 88, usually joins them on Good Friday, but skipped this year because she was feeling under the weather.
“So it’s a tradition for four generations of our family,” she said, adding that she appreciates the fact that numerous churches are involved. “It’s neat because this is all different churches here. It’s really a nice community thing.”
Lachina said she appreciates the fact that it happens outdoors and that it’s an active tribute.
“I love it,” she said. “And I think it’s great for the kids because it’s moving and not just sitting in a church. So I think they get more out of it.”
She said she also appreciates the fact that multiple churches participate.
“I also think they get more out of it because it’s different churches and they get to meet
different people they don’t see at church regularly,” she said. “And I think it’s good for them to see that, too.”
As Currier thanked the Lord for the beautiful weather and remarked that it seemed like the crowd was the biggest he’s seen in the Cross Walk’s history, Perks said he hopes people who caught sight of it but didn’t know about it would reach out to learn more.
“I think that, in the world, we have all these symbols, and when we see symbols, they stir up memories. For example, when people see a flag, they may remember people who have fought and died for our country,” he said. “So, when people see a cross, I hope that will be a memory and that memory will bring some joy to them. And, if they saw us today and that causes them to ask questions, maybe next year they’ll come be a part of it. We’re always looking for someone new to join us.”
And, like Lachina, Perks said he appreciates the fact that the Cross Walk gets people outdoors.
“For most of us who grew up with religion, especially older people, it’s always involved going into a building and sitting in a pew,” he said. “I think that, in today’s world, people want more than that. They want to do something. This gives them a chance to get out of a building. And I also think it’s an expression of their individual faith. Sometimes we can’t put into words what we believe. But we can participate in something like this as an expression of our personal faith so we can experience what we believe.”