Warren Scott Glorifying Christ — In remembrance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, many area Christians will participate in a Friday walk, stretching five miles from North Fourth Street in Steubenville to Springdale Avenue in Wintersville. A cross of ft. was carried. They are among the Christians around the world who celebrate Easter Sunday.
Written by Warren Scott
staff writer
STEUBENVILLE — More than 100 area residents set out on a nearly seven-mile trek from downtown Steubenville to Wintersville on Friday to remember the spiritual meaning of Easter.
Some carried 5-foot-long wooden crosses to remind them of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of the holiday, and stopped to rest at Grace Lutheran Church and Starkdale Presbyterian Church. He then headed toward Springdale Avenue and Crossroads. Christian church.
Participants began at the Sycamore Youth Center on North Fourth Street, where they gathered for worship songs and prayers.
There, Chad Thompson of Faith Community Church in Bergholz reflected on the origins of Crosswalk, now in its 16th year.
Thompson said his wife, Amanda, noticed the divisions between various Christian denominations and wanted to show that despite our differences, “we are all united in Jesus Christ.”
“This is an easy time to show unity,” he said, noting that Christians share a common respect for Christ and the celebration of his death and resurrection on the cross as atonement for the sins of all humanity.
“Try to focus on your love for Jesus every step of the way,” Thompson advised participants.
“Are you ready to celebrate the love that our Savior has shown you?” he asked, to cheers.
As in previous years, the walk drew people of all ages from both sides of the Ohio River.
Jessie Birch, from Refocus Christian Church in Follansby, said the walk was “a great experience”.
Asked whether the ritual could help offset the fact that many people are currently focused on baskets of goodies and hunting for eggs, he said: “It’s fun to do those things, but… We must never forget the real message.”
“It’s just a way to honor the sacrifice of Christ, what he did to forgive our sins,” said Jacob Gardner, a teenager from Bergholz.
The march drew friends and family as well as members of several area churches.
Among them was Susan Overhugh, a Steubenville native now living in Germany, who went for a walk with her sister Christine Exterovich during a family visit. .
Overhugh, a former Army nurse, said she met her German husband while serving in Texas and moved to her home country with him more than 40 years ago.
The sisters said they were excited to spend the day together in this way.
Bob Baker of Bloomingdale, a member of the Word of Life Fellowship in Steubenville, was unable to participate in the entire march as in previous years due to mobility issues, but he used the church van to help. He said he transported many of his fellow members there.
“When I did it, it felt good doing it,” he said, adding, “The most important thing about this is that He (Christ) did it.” He took up that cross and I’m honored to be able to do that. ”
(Scott can be reached at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)
