Jesus meets Mary on the road to Calvary, as depicted in a mural by James Marshall located at the Stations of the Cross walking path adjacent to St. Joseph's Home in Riverside. Churches in the city are preparing for Easter Observances.--News Photo Collin Gallant
@MedicineHatNews
For several decades a unified Good Friday service has been staged in Medicine Hat, but this year the city-wide evangelical observance will move to the city’s largest stage.
Co-op Place will host the event on Friday morning, with the Medicine Hat Evangelical Association stating the change should make the event more accessible and add dimension to the “interdenominational church service in a hockey stadium.”
“The goal is to bring unity to Medicine Hat and make the message of Jesus Christ known to the community,” said pastor Derek Letwenetz, of River Valley Community Church, one of the organizers.
“It’s open to all members of the community.”
For several decades the association that includes more than 40 pastors, representing more than a dozen churches, has held the annual event at the Cypress Centre at the Medicine Hat Stampede Grounds.
This year at Co-op Place, doors will open at 9:30 a.m. ahead of the 90-minute ceremony that begins at 10:30 a.m., and will include several sermons, music and a video presentation for children.
While the Good Friday service will be held jointly, Easter services for congregations are hosted at individual churches.
Stations of the Cross
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church will observe the Stations of the Cross at the mural garden in Riverside at 11 a.m. on Friday, ahead of Good Friday services at noon and 3 p.m. that day.
The church and many others will provide typical schedule of Easter observances, including vigil on Holy Saturday and Easter masses at usual times on Sunday.
