Groups carry holy cross through Hampstead, Westminster on Good Friday

Five-year-old Noah Latta raced to catch up to the cross at the annual Cross Walk in Hampstead Friday. He wanted to keep it in his sight and even stretched his hands up to help carry it.

"I do it every year," he said. "It's fun."

Westminster and Hampstead both held annual Good Friday Cross Walks. Groups walked through the two municipalities holding wooden crosses, taking time during their travels to stop and worship.

Noah was part of the dozens who gathered in Hampstead for the Cross Walk, hosted by the North Carroll Cooperative Parish and Wesley United Methodist churches. The group made its way around Hampstead carrying a wooden cross and hearing the story of Jesus' final hours retold.

The Rev. Melissa Rudolph, lead pastor of the North Carroll Cooperative Parish, started off the Hampstead Cross Walk with a prayer wishing for everyone to remember the weight of the day as well as the promise of new life.

Her husband, the Rev. John Rudolph, associate pastor with the North Carroll Cooperative Parish, said carrying the cross is "an active remembrance," where people can get a better feeling from the biblical readings.

Dan Latta, of Hampstead, carried the cross along with his son, Noah. The walk means more to Noah each year because he better understands the importance of the day.

"I just feel like this is a really good way to get in touch with what Good Friday's all about," Dan Latta said.

Charles Skiles, of Hampstead, held the heaviest part of the cross during the walk. He said it's always a privilege to carry the cross.

"I love what it commemorates," he said.

Kaitlyn Davey, 16, of Hampstead, said the cross was very heavy. Carrying it gives her the opportunity to experience what Jesus experienced, if only to a lesser degree, she said.

"To feel what he felt, but he was much worse off," she said.

The Good Friday Cross Walk is a sad celebration before the happy celebration on Easter Sunday, Davey said.

"It's a really nice, spiritual holiday," she said.

More than 100 people gathered at The Church of the Ascension Friday to start their four-stop journey through the streets of Westminster.

During the Westminster walk, volunteers, including many children, carried the cross from stop to stop. The group reflected on scripture and sang hymns.

At the first stop, the Rev. Glenn McCrickard, of the Westminster Church of the Brethren, spoke of the crucifixion of Jesus. On the second stop, in front of Westminster United Methodist Church, St. Paul's United Church of Christ's the Rev. Marty Kuchma spoke of justice.

He said Friday's walk, centering on the symbol of the cross upon which Jesus was crucified, reminds them that Christianity was never meant to be a comfortable faith.

"I encourage you to make it all matter by doing something today to make the world a better place," he said. "To show God's love in some way in your real life."

Megan Bittner, 16, of Finksburg, said she loves the Cross Walk and enjoys being able to participate in carrying the cross each year.

"I just like being able to remember what Good Friday is all about," she said. "It's nice to do something to commemorate why we have this holiday."

Nine-year-old Allison Louque, of Westminster, said she wanted to help carry the cross because it was good exercise and created a symbol of God.

"It's showing that you love him," she said. "Easter is about Jesus Christ, not only about the gifts."

The Rev. Ann Schlossnagle, who led the reflection at the third stop, said she took part in the very first Cross Walk. Since that time, more people have come out to gather at the foot of the cross.

The walk is their own version of the stations of the cross, Schlossnagle said.

"We have to go to the funeral before we go to the celebration," she said.

During her reflection, she spoke of mercy and Jesus' selfless act of love on the cross for our sins.

"God has shown us great mercy through this act of compassion on the cross," she said.

Susan Ripper, of Westminster, brings her son and daughter to the Cross Walk each year. Her son, David, loves to carry the cross.

Ripper likes that the reverends from different faiths speak during the Cross Walk. She enjoys hearing their different points of view and perspectives.

"We try to remember this is the day that Jesus died," she said. "It's necessary for the children to learn it's not just another Friday - it's the day he gave up his life for us."