March a reminder of Easter holiday’s spiritual meaning

STEUBENVILLE -- More than 100 Christians of various ages stepped out on Friday afternoon to bring attention to the spiritual meaning of Easter as they marched behind a wooden cross representing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The seven-mile trek started at the Sycamore Youth Center and concluded at Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville, with stops for prayer at Starkdale Presbyterian Church and Grace Lutheran Church.

Several volunteers carried the 5-foot cross, each for about a mile.

Worship services, with traditional hymns and contemporary Christian music, were held at the start and end of the march.

It was the 14th year for the event, which was organized by the Rev. Chad Thompson of Faith Community Church of Bergholz and his wife, Amanda.

She said while various Christian denominations have divergent views or approaches, they share the belief that Christ sacrificed his life for the sins of all.

She said 75 to 125 members of more than 20 churches have participated in the walk.

During the opening service, her husband read 2 Corinthians 4, which calls upon Christians to reveal the meaning of Christ's death through their own lives.

The Rev. Bobbyjon Bauman said the Sycamore Youth Center was pleased to host the service that kicked off the march.

"I find it very meaningful personally. It's great to honor the death and resurrection of our lord as a community,' he said.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)