WILMETTE, IL (March 1, 2012) – The Stations of the Cross experience at Winnetka Covenant Church has been two years in the making, says Denise Johnson, the congregation member who initiated the devotional walk.
Johnson brought this idea to the church’s Clergy and Worship Resource Committee, all of whom gave their enthusiastic support. “Our team was excited about this idea but wanted to make sure we gave enough thought about how best to implement this project to encompass all it’s aspects and allow artists enough time to create their work,” says Johnson.
The church will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday during Lent for people to “journey” through the 14 stations, which will be set up in the narthex. Artists from the congregation created works for each station, and an accompanying companion guide with meditations and Scripture is available. Participants are invited to conduct this experience alone or with others. Each evening, members from the congregation will provide contemplative music for quiet reflection in the sanctuary either before or after walking the stations.
Johnson has walked the stations at a Catholic church in Chicago for several years. “I found it to be a very moving experience,” she says. “I thought it would be a good experience to share with our congregation.”
Johnson hopes people gain a better understanding of other Christian practices and church history. “While this has been a traditionally Catholic experience, we wanted to draw on the rich heritage we share with other Christians as a way of enriching our journey through this season of Lent,” she explains.
In addition to the stations, the church also is offering a Sunday school class during Lent that focuses on the historical significance and traditions of the stations. Mary Veeneman, assistant professor of biblical and theological studies at North Park University, is teaching the class.
For more information, visit the church website www.winnetkacovenant.org.
