They travelled from Dixie Highway through downtown Clarkston carrying a cross.
Many were silent as they approached Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church on Good Friday with the cross.
Matisse Vitale, 10, explained why she wanted to take part of the Cross Walk during Holy Week.
‘So I could feel Jesus? pain,? she said. ‘But it was a lot more pain for Jesus.?
This was Matisse’s second year participating in the experience, a reflection of what they believe it was like for Jesus to walk through downtown Jerusalem on the way to his crucifixion. Her dad, David, has taken the walk for the past four years.
‘It’s fantastic, sharing it with my children,? he said after the walk. ‘It moves us a step closer to our faith and moves them to the place of understanding what Jesus had gone through. There is an act of humility.?
The Cross Walk began as a youth event.
‘It was amazing to see the different reactions and being in the open about Christianity,? said Kellee Keton, one of the youth leaders. ‘When I was their age, I don’t know if I would have done it. It says a lot about the humility they have.?
Each year the event has grown and recently families have joined in on the experience. They had the biggest turn out this year, with more than 50 people.
‘It says a couple of things,? said the Rev. Jonathan Heierman, pastor of the church. ‘One, people are really taking seriously wanting to pass the story on to their kids. The experience sinks more deeply when they experience it. Also, this year with the current situation, there is a lot of hope.?
During the walk, participants stop along the way and read the story. When they arrived at Calvary, they brought the cross into the church and took it to their Good Friday worship. The cross was carried to the front by the youth, and they held it there during the service.
‘Everybody who comes tonight has the opportunity if they wish, to be able to hold the cross,? said Heierman.
They tapped a person on the shoulder and took their turn holding the cross.
During the service, members pounded nails into the cross, representing their sins and burdens, and reflect on what Jesus did forgave them.
‘Any way we can experience it, instead of talk about it,? said Heierman.
‘Our hope is this kind of event will give people the experience of it’s not just something of the past, but it is something that is profoundly important for us today and to experience today.?