All are invited to a Prayer Pilgrimage for Justice and Peace in Lansing Good Friday

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lansing invites community members of all ages, faith backgrounds and walks of life to join them for a Justice and Peace Stations of the Cross Good Friday, this Friday, April 15. This ancient devotion originated with pilgrims in Jerusalem retracing the traditional steps Jesus is believed to have followed on his way to the cross on Good Friday.

For centuries, Christians have made a spiritual pilgrimage known as the “Way of the Cross” or as the “Way of Sorrows” in order to relate to the suffering of their Lord. It is a profoundly meaningful and cathartic experience for many.

The approximately one-mile, one-hour walk will begin at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 480 Diagonal Street in Lansing, at noon this Friday, April 15. Carrying a large wooden cross, the group will meander through town making 12 stops at places symbolic of suffering today. At each, they will ponder the deeper roots of pain, lament, sing and pray for the healing of the world. The final stop will be at the Mississippi River representing the promise of resurrection and new life.

The event will include music by soloist Aaron Gentes as well readings and prayers led by the community and members of Kee High School’s newly formed Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), also known as the Inclusivity Club. The root of every GSA group is to create a safe and inclusive space for every student.

This aligns with the mission statement of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, which begins: “We welcome all because God welcomes all!”

Participants are invited to carry signs bearing messages of justice, peace and solidarity, such as “Stand with Ukraine”. The church will be open for an hour before the event, beginning at 11 a.m. for those wishing to make their own signs. Poster boards and art supplies will be provided.

This is the second annual Justice and Peace Stations of the Cross pilgrimage offered by Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. This year, there will be a special focus on prayers for peace in Ukraine. An offering will be taken to support the Ukrainian relief efforts of The Good Life Gallery Frame Shop store owner, Leysa Ryzhenkova. Checks may be made payable to “Ukrainian Relief Fund” and brought to the event or dropped at the gallery during business hours.

A map of the 2022 Justice and Peace Stations of the Cross route can be found at LansingLutherans.org. Participants are welcome to join in at any point in the walk or travel the stations by car. Following the Stations of the Cross, a video will be posted at the church’s YouTube channel.