Stations of the cross

The Stations of the Cross represent a devotional practice that traces the journey of Jesus from his condemnation to his burial, typically consisting of fourteen stations or scenes. This practice has its roots in the early centuries of Christianity but became more formalized during the medieval period. The stations grew out of imitations of the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, symbolizing the path Jesus walked to Mount Calvary, and aims to help us understand suffering and how Jesus was able to travel faithfully even in sorrow and death.

The stations of the cross are represented with hand painted slates that were left-over from the roof. Hand painted slates were done by parishioners of Trinity.

I Jesus prays in the Garden of Olives

painted by Karen Henneman

Jesus enters the garden in preparation, intending to face his fear by facing his God. This is the prayer of hope and desperation, of acceptance and commitment, the cry for strength and endurance, the prayer that he might live, and if he must die, to die with hope. He prays to be faithful to what God wants.

II. Jesus is betrayed by Judas

painted by Rev. Cathi Benken

Judas uses his privileged relationship with Jesus to enable the religious and political system to destroy life. We are reminded that whenever we use our religion to arrest the voice of truth or destroy others, then we are Judas.

III.Jesus is condemned to death by the Sanhedrin

painted by Sandy Adkins

Jesus is a source of hope for the majority of the people, who live as slaves in occupied territory. Jesus is thought to be dangerous to society and to the status quo. Jesus stands condemned, yet does not defend himself.

IV. Jesus is denied by Peter

Painted by Sharon Welsch

This is Peter’s test, his chance to give witness, to speak truthfully

and stand with his teacher, his Rabbi and his friend. Peter is afraid he will be drawn into the net of hate. He is ashamed of being associated with Jesus. When faced with the prospect of pain and suffering, Peter resists and decries the very goodness of Jesus.

V. Jesus is judged by Pilate

Painted by Sandy Atkins

Pilate interrogates Jesus. Silence is Jesus’ firm response in the face of lies and accusations. Somehow Jesus has affected him, and he wants to release him. But he’s a weak man; he is at his core a politician, careful to secure his own position of power and control of the people. He will not stop the killing of an innocent man.

VI. Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns

Painted by Kati Shepard

The way becomes fraught with terror. Jesus is led into the arena of abuse, torture, and mindless dehumanizing him and making him bleed, inflicting pain for the sake of inflicting pain.