March 16, 2023
In times marked by divisions, three churches join together to honor Good Friday, and they extend an open invitation to the whole community.
Good Friday is the most solemn day for Christians. It commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Christians believe Jesus, the human incarnation of God, came to end our vicious cycles of blame and violence. He taught alternative ways of compassion, forgiveness, peace, and humble service. He said nothing was more important than loving God and loving others. He identified with victims and those who suffered at the margins of society. In solidarity with all who are rejected, scapegoated, betrayed, or powerless, Jesus was crucified by the Roman Empire. Christians believe Jesus was then raised from the dead on Easter Sunday, opening the way of freedom and life to all.
On April 7, Good Friday, at 5:30 p.m. three Camarillo churches are joining together to walk Christ’s Way of the Cross for peace and healing in our world. An invitation is extended to all in the community who wish to join them for a two-mile prayer walk. They will carry a large wooden cross, along with all the prayers for peace and healing that are sent to them at CamarilloCross@gmail.com. Meet and park at Camarillo United Methodist Church (291 Anacapa Drive) at 5:30 p.m. The walk will depart from Camarillo UMC and proceed along Las Posas Rd., pausing at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church (1251 Las Posas Rd.), and ending at Mount Cross Lutheran Church (102 Camino Esplendido) with a 7 p.m. service where the Passion of Christ will be read, interspersed with musical interludes. The event is organized by the pastors of Camarillo United Methodist Church, St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, and Mount Cross Lutheran Church.
Quotes:
The Rev. Mark Asman of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church said, “In a world increasingly divided by fear, we walk together to lift up the God of compassion and mercy who invites all persons to God’s way of peace, love and justice.” (Mark.Asman@StColumbaCA.com; 805.482.8831)
The Rev. Dr. Elbert Kim of Camarillo United Methodist Church said: “Walking together in the footsteps of Jesus, we share in carrying one another’s burdens and lifting our prayers for the world to be one, reflecting the peace of Christ to all people.” (pastor@camarilloumc.org; 805.482.4312)
The Rev. Julie Morris of Mount Cross Lutheran Church said, “As we walk with the cross of Christ and hold the prayers of the community, our hope is that everyone will experience God with them and for them. God’s love is given freely to all people, absolutely everyone.” (pastorjulie@mountcross.com; 805.482.3847)
