Good Friday Cross Walk

submitted by Pastor Yme Woensdregt and Gerry Sobie

This Friday – Good Friday – at 10 am citizens will come together in Cranbrook for the ninth annual CrossWalk.  It is a spiritual pilgrimage through the streets of downtown Cranbrook.  We come together to pray for our city and people as we stop at significant markers in the downtown remembering various interest groups and segments of our population. 

            The CrossWalk begins at the Clock Tower under the Spirit Tree at 10 o’clock in the morning where prayers will be offered for our city, our people and businesses.  From there, we walk down Tenth Avenue to City Hall where we remember our governments and aboriginal justice.  Continuing on to Rotary Park, we pause at the War Memorial to ponder the need for peace and wholeness in our city, nation and world.  From there, we stand at the Spirit Square nearby to remember the arts, culture and all that enriches our common life.  Crossing 11^th Avenue, we gather at the Court House to reflect on justice, righteousness and restorative justice.  Collectively walking down First Street South, we come to the Canadian Mental Health Association building at the corner of 13^th Avenue.  There we will lift up intentions for our health caregivers, food banks and the hungry in our city.  Across the street, we come to Community Connections and pray for victims of abuse, homeless people, families, youth and children.  Finally, we gather at the labyrinth beside Christ Church Anglican to ponder the needs of our churches, temples and all faith groups. 

            Why do we do this?  We do it as a faithful witness to the grace and compassion of God.  We hold up our city in prayer so that the Almighty’s love might surround and embrace us with healing grace.  We journey together thinking about God’s vision for a world that is a community of compassion and companionship; where power resides in service and self-giving love, not in might or coercion.  It’s a vision of healing and restoration so that all people may live together in peace with justice.  You are invited to join us.