Churches mark Good Friday with downtown cross walk

The Downtown Council of Churches will celebrate Good Friday with its 10th annual Way of the Cross march through Cape Girardeau.

Last year's event was moved inside due to severe weather, but this year the weather should be sunny and near 80 degrees. The walk begins at noon today at Old St. Vincent's Church.

"The atmosphere is serious but also joyful as we celebrate Good Friday," said the Rev. Dan Johnson, pastor of Evangelical United Church of Christ.

As the group makes its way through the streets of downtown, participants from many area churches will take turns carrying a large wooden cross.

"We have a lot of families that carry the cross together," Johnson said.

For those who aren't able to walk the entire route but would like to participate, a bus from Centenary United Methodist Church will provide transportation. Bottled water also will be available for participants.

The group will make 14 stops to coincide with the 14 Stations of the Cross included in the traditional Roman Catholic devotion.

Scripture readings, prayers and hymn sing-alongs will take place at each stop. Locations include the Red House, the riverfront, the Main Street clock, May Greene Park, city hall, the federal courthouse, Family Counseling Center, the fire station, the Salvation Army, old Jefferson School, the River Campus, Indian Park and Old St. Vincent's Church.

"Along the way we'll be praying for the downtown area," Johnson said.

An Easter morning sunrise service is also being planned by the Downtown Council of Churches at 6 a.m. Sunday at the old bridge overlook at the end of Morgan Oak Street.

For more information about other area Easter services, visit www.semoevents.com.

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

150 S. Spanish Street, Cape Girardeau