Stations of the Cross -- COVID style

Deep breaths ... we are coming to end of the pandemic. Millions of people are being vaccinated every day. In my sphere, I see between five and ten posts on FaceBook of friends becoming vaccinated.

Meanwhile numbers of new cases are still climbing, or at best, plateauing.

It is just not time to bring large crowds together to gather.

Last year the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville (PCOL) built a labyrinth in the cemetery. This year there was still snow on the ground when it would have been time to lay the ropes. 

This year they created Stations of the Cross. Each one had a unique QR code linking to a two-part video. Part one talked about the biblical context, and part two brought it to life in the 21st century.

As with last year, palms were available for pick up at the curb. I brought one up to Ashley.

As I type this a couple of weeks later, I realized I should have taken notes.

The stations started on the front steps of the church. Even in non-COVID times, most people enter from the parking lot side.

"The Stations of the Cross refer to the journey Jesus took from his arrest in the garden to his death on the cross, and the placing of his body in the tomb. Each station focuses on one particular step along his journey. People of all faiths and beliefs are invited during this Lenten season to reflect on Christ's suffering and sacrifice through these seven interactive outdoor stations."

Station 1: the cross. Take a rock from the bowl, pray for someone in need, and add the rock to the cross.

Station 2: hard to tell, but that is a puzzle in the center with many faces of people from the church. Take a picture out and pray for the person.

Steps of the manse next door.

Station 3: Pray for those suffering from food insecurity -- a bigger issue than we tend to realize.

At the Giving Pantry.

Station 4: pray for those facing long prison sentences. The images are of people (mostly Black males) who were wrongfully accused of crimes, and endured (in most cases) decades in prison before being freed.

Behind the church.

Station 5: write what God means to you and add it to the board.

Art installation on Main Street.


Station 6: Black Lives Matter

In front of the church.

Station 7: by the obelisk: pray for those who have died.

In the church cemetery.