JOHNSTOWN —
A local cross walk is growing thanks to a newly formed ministerium.
“Bearing of the Cross: Walk in Christ’s Footsteps” will be presented by Greater Conemaugh Ministerium churches beginning at noon Friday.
The cross walk will begin at Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, 217 Fourth St., where a blessing will be given, and end at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, 427 First St.
“We started this cross walk with seven churches within East Conemaugh last year,” said the Rev. Richard S. Williams, who is in charge of the cross walk and pastor of Heavenly Sent Ministries at 429 Second St.
“My wife, Donna, who is co-pastor, and I went to the churches to break down the walls of bias and separation. After we contacted the churches, we worked together and had 60 people come.”
Williams said the cross walk starts on Fourth Street and goes down Third, Second and First streets, stopping at each church.
“We want to bring the people together,” he said. “The walk is about a mile. We carry a cross and stop at every church for prayer. Those who can’t walk can meet at St. John’s for a blessing.”
After the success of last year’s walk, Williams wanted to resurrect the Greater Conemaugh Ministerium, which disbanded years ago.
The new ministerium has been in existence eight to nine months, and 15 churches will participate in this year’s cross walk, more than twice as many as last year.
Williams sent out announcements about the cross walk to churches in the Greater Conemaugh area, and members and pastors who wish to attend will come on Friday.
The ministerium also works to raise money for local food pantries.
“The Lord put this on my heart,” Williams said of his growing cross walk. “All are welcome to come, not just those in East Conemaugh, and even those who may not go to church. I always say ‘If you have no cross, or problems, in life, there is no crown.’ ”
Other participating churches include Church of the Transfiguration, 220 Oak St.; Conemaugh Church of the Brethren, 1256 William Penn Ave.; Conemaugh First United Methodist Church, 414 First St.; Fountain of Life Full Gospel Church, 225 Second St.; Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, 1421 Clapboard Run Road; Mount Sinai Institutional Baptist Church, 111 Cambria St.; St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church, 3513 William Penn Ave.; St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1020 Caroline St., Nanty Glo; St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mundys Corner; Summit Chapel United Methodist Church, 2142 William Penn Ave.; Vinco Brethren Church, 123 Adams Ave., Mineral Point; and Nanty Glo Church of the Brethren, 915 Caroline St.
Information: 418-1106.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
