The Journey of the Cross and Candles

In the Spring of the year of our Lord 2020, a great sickness swept over the whole earth.  In order to slow the spread of the disease, known by many as the corona virus, the  people of God were ordered to stay in their homes.  The people of God continued to gather on their computers and phones, to pray and worship together from home, but it was not the same.  

The Children’s Cross and Candles grew lonely and sad, sitting alone at the back of the empty church.  They wanted to do the jobs for which they were created!  They wanted to lead God’s people into worship!  They wanted to help God’s people pray!  

One day, the priest had an idea.

“Cross and candles”, the priest said, “the time has come for you to undertake a journey.  If the children of God cannot come to church, you must go to them.  During this time, you must make your home with them, and you must help them make their homes the church!  And they, in turn,  must help you do the work for which you were created!  The children of God will help you lead the People of God into worship, wherever they are!”

And so the Children’s Cross and candles began their journey.  ​

Each week, the Children’s Cross and candles traveled to the home of a different family from St. Mark’s Church.  Throughout the week the children cared for the cross and candles, including them in their games and their prayers, so that the Cross and the candles were not forgotten.  Then, on Sunday morning, the children carried the cross and the candles in procession (around their house, or their driveway, or yard) as all the people of God--in their homes throughout the city and across the world--joined together in singing the same song of praise to God.  When the Sunday service was over, the Cross and candles continued their journey...making their way to another house, to share the home of another family for the coming week.

In the weeks to come, you can visit this link follow the journey of the Cross and the Candles….and remember that in times of great sickness and in times of health alike, God’s home is with you, wherever you are!  

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The Journey of St. Mark's Cross & Candles
​Chapter 1: Week 1 (April 26-May 3, 2020)

On the first week of their journey, the Cross and Candles made their home with the Ribeiro-Elsenheimer family.  The children in the family kept the cross and candles busy throughout the week...they carried the cross and they sang songs ("We 3 Kings of Orient Are" was among the most popular), they proclaimed the Gospel, and they preached sermons about creatures and caves from high up on their improvised pulpit. With eager anticipation, the children helped the cross and candles prepare to lead worship for the people of God on Sunday, when the Bishop would be joining the people of St. Mark's for his "virtual visitation."  

To be continued....

Check this link next week for an update on the journey of St. Mark's Cross and Candles!