by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (April 7, 2019) – This year’s “Stations of the Cross” prayer walk will mark the third Good Friday that Lansing churches and community members have shared a sacred tradition.
Rev. John Holyer of Trinity Lutheran Church introduced the idea to Lansing in 2017 and made it an outdoor, community event. Other local pastors who have participated in the event include Pastor Dave Price of First United Methodist Church, Pastor Michael Eberly of Cornerstone (First Baptist) Church, and Pastor Leroy Childress of Grace Church. When Father Bill MacFarlane was at St. Ann Catholic Church, he also participated, and this year St. Ann’s new priest, Fr. Mark Kalema, will join as well.
The walk is open to all of Lansing, to any faith tradition or anyone spiritually curious. Participants meet in the parking lot of St. Ann (3010 Ridge Road) at noon on Good Friday, which is April 19 this year. Participants are led by a large wooden cross carried south on Chicago Avenue, and then west on Ridge Road, and north on Glen Terrace, ending at Trinity Lutheran Church. A police escort is provided, so the group can stop at 14 different points to read Scripture and recite a prayer.
Approximately 200 people participated last year, and Pastor Price would love to see the tradition grow. As Yoly Tellez, a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, said last year, “It’s nice to see the community—and the religious community—come together.”
