STEUBENVILLE — Churches from across the Ohio Valley will gather at the Sycamore Youth Center at noon on Friday for the 17th-annual Christ Walk.

For approximately two decades, the Christian community has been taking part in this unique event fostering unity and fellowship.

Participants have included Christians from various walks of life, including local residents, visitors from out of state and friends from Kenya, Nairobi and India, officials explained. Those interested in attending should prepare to lace up their shoes and join in this powerful expression of faith.

“This year, we are excited to bring together individuals to set aside their differences and commemorate Good Friday as a unified body of believers,” organizers commented.

The event will kick off with a brief period of worship being led by John Airhart and the Impact Praise Team. The praise team consists of talented sound technicians, including David and Paulette Woody, and musicians Judy Ennis, Rico Collins, David Voght, Rich Kimble, Jenna Porter and Bella Thompson.

Porter is the worship leader at Faith Community Church in Bergholz and Thompson the worship leader for Blaze youth group.

Following worship, the Rev. Chad Thompson of Faith Community Church will deliver a brief message and Family Care Ministries will share what the power of God can do. Attendees will begin their seven-mile journey of prayer and fellowship at 12:30 p.m. Amanda Thompson, creator of the Christ Walk, stated, “This walk is to display that all the Christian churches, although sometimes different in denomination and worship styles, are in agreement on the most important tenets of our faith. That is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for our sins, defeated death and rose on the third day.”

Support will be available along the walk, organizers noted, saying vans will follow the group for those who need to take a break. Grace Lutheran and Starkdale Presbyterian churches will provide facilities for walkers.

The Huddle Bible study group, led by Steubenville High School student Camden Greiner and the Rev. Jason Cline from Refocus Church, will lead additional prayer stops. Those unable to join the walk are invited to a post-walk service at the Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville at approximately 4:30 p.m. The service will feature a time of worship, being led by North River worship leader Amber Eiler and Thompson, serving as vocalist.

Musicians include Mazey Stiles DiPalma of Family of God Christian Center, keyboard and vocals; Coty Shingle of Refocus Church, lead guitar and vocals; Darrell Keeton of Crossroads Christian Church, acoustic guitar and vocals; Jordan Crew of Crossroads North River, rhythm electric guitar; and Ian Youngkin of Sycamore Tree Church, bass guitar. Communion will be offered to those interested.

“Every year, this event becomes a cherished tradition for many, with participants like Vienna, an 11-year-old from Sycamore who helps spread the word and participates in the planning,” officials concluded. “Christ Walk is truly an event where everyone is welcome, and Jesus is Lord!”