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Pilgrimage by the combined Oamaru churches to mark Good Friday
This pilgrimage was prepared and sent to us by Rev Russell Thew of Oamaru.
It uses landmarks on the way in their town but could be reordered and modified for any community setting. People were invited to take their time , either silently or in quiet conversation with their neighbor, to walk and reflect on the first Easter. At the conclusion of the walk people were part of a Combined Churches’ Good Friday Service.
1. Take time to walk the circuit of the Harbourside Garden. Notice the high stone wall next door and the view of the town center.
Jesus left the city and went, as he usually did, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples went with him. When he arrived at the place he said to them “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22:40)
As you leave the garden notice the grinding stone at the gate.
Jesus said,”I am telling you the truth: a grain of wheat remains no more than a single grain unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it does die, then it produces many grains.”(John 12:24)
2. Leave the garden, take care crossing the road, enter the station yard and walk down towards the stream. Proceed to walk under the historic Thames Bridge and listen to the sound of the water.
Remember the Good Shepherd who:
“Leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths as he has promised. Even though I walk through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, ,for you are with me”. (Psalm 23:2-4)
3. Notice the flax bushes: feel their touch as you walk by. Remember the triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
“Some cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds walking in front of Jesus, and those walking behind, began to shout, “Praise to David’s son! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God!” (Matthew 21:8-9)
4. Take care as you cross the steam using the stepping stones. Does anyone need your assistance?
“In the future when your children ask you what these stones mean, you will tell them about the time when Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground. Tell them that the Lord your God dried up the water of the Jordan for you until you had crossed, just as he dried up the Red Sea for us .Because of this everyone on earth will know how great the Lord’s power is, and you will honour the Lord your God for ever”. (Joshua 4:21-24)
5. Climb up and enter Bank’s Park. Do you see the Council Chamber Clock? It was in the courtyard outside the High Priest’s house that the Council met to put Jesus on trial. It was here that the cock crowed and
“Peter remembered what Jesus had told him: ”Before the cock crows you will say three times that you do not know me”. He went out and wept bitterly”. (Luke 22:61-62)
6. Do you see the signs SMASH PALACE and HERITAGE DEALERS?
Does either expression cast light on Good Friday?
7. Cross the road at the crossing, turn left and proceed up the footpath. Look for two signs: a fish shop and a locksmith.
Remember the challenge to Simon Peter:
Jesus calls him to be a disciple:
“Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching men”. They pulled up their boats on the beach, left everything and followed Jesus”. (Luke :5 10-11)
and
“So I tell you Peter, you are a rock and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven”. (Matthew 16:18)
What opportunities are open to you being a follower of Jesus today?
8. Notice the new cobblestones.
“Then some of the Pharisees in the crowd spoke to Jesus:” Teacher”, they said ,”command your disciples to be quiet!” Jesus answered,” I tell you that if they keep quiet the stones themselves will start shouting”.(Luke 19:39-42)
What is “ good” about Good Friday?
9. At the next intersection notice the sculptures of the penguin and the lion.
In the Peaceful Kingdom.
“God will rule his people with justice and integrity. Lions will eat straw as cattle do. Even a baby will not be harmed if it plays near a poisonous snake. On Zion, God’s sacred hill, there will be nothing harmful or evil. The land will be as full of knowledge as the seas are full of water”.(Isaiah 11:5,7-9 and 65:17-25)
10. Look at the trees up and down the streets. See how the leaves are turning.
- Do you remember a tree in the Garden of Eden?
- A tree that became a cross?
- A vision of a new city?
“The angel also showed me the River of the Water of Life, sparkling like crystal and coming from the throne of God and the Lamb, and flowing down the middle of the city’s streets. On each side of the river was a tree of life which bears fruit twelve times a year, once every month, and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. Nothing that is under God’s curse will be found in the city”. (Revelation 22:1-2)
What needs healing in our town and in our country?
Maybe something in this morning’s pilgrimage has captured your imagination. Something new, something old. Is there some way you could express that?