By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Bluffton Area Ministerial Association (BAMA) invites the community to participate in the April 18 Good Friday procession of the Cross beginning at 11:30 a.m. at English Lutheran Church, 111 Grove St. The procession stops at six BAMA member churches where blessings and prayers will be offered by local clergy.

This is a Bluffton tradition of 25 years or more. A cross made from the beams of a local barn belongs to the English Lutheran Church, where it is displayed in the sanctuary during Lent. Estimated to weigh some 200 lbs, it takes some 5-6 people to carry the cross, according to BAMA chairperson Rev. Jeremy Mann. 

At each of the six churches, the bearers put down the cross and clergy from one or more churches lead those present in prayer. Mann explains the theme is an approximation of the 14 Catholic stations of the Cross–with fewer locations.

Participants may follow in the entire procession or join at any location or portion on the route.

English Lutheran Church, 111 Grove St. - Grove towards Jackson; right on Jackson.

St. John’s United Church of Christ, 223 W College Ave - Right onto W. College; left onto S. Main.

Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 N Main St - Church St towards Jackson.

First Mennonite Church, 101 S Jackson St, - Cross Church St.

Bluffton Methodist Church, 116 Church St. - Right on Jackson, left on Vine, right on Lawn

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 160 N. Spring - final stop

Upcoming BAMA activities

Thursday, May 1 - National Day of Prayer, Bluffton Presbyterian Church gazebo, noon

Sunday, May 4 - Blessing of the Bikes (trikes, scooters, motorcycles, etc), English Lutheran Church parking lot, 1:00 p.m.