March for Jesus held in Coshocton
COSHOCTON – About 25 people in Coshocton from all churches and denominations gathered together on Friday, April 19 to boldly take the name of Jesus Christ through the streets of Coshocton. The group met in the Aldi’s parking lot and walked down Second Street, many holding crosses, and convened at the gazebo at the court square for a short service.
Friday marked the Christian celebration of Good Friday, which is always held the Friday before Easter and celebrates the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as he took it upon himself to die for our sins. Christians celebrate this holiday and believe that because of this sacrifice that anyone who believes in him can be saved and will spend eternity in heaven.
Although it was cold and rainy, that didn’t stop the voices from being raised to the heavens in praise and adoration during the service. Pastor Bryan Kittner, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, passionately proclaimed the Word of God to those who had gathered with many an “Amen” and “Thank you, Lord” being heard throughout the service.
“We wanted to demonstrate that in Christ, although we might have different ecumenical beliefs, that the cross unifies us in Christ,” said Kittner. “That is what unifies us together – the body of Christ.”
The group began the service by singing the first verse of “Amazing Grace” and Kittner read several passages of scripture. The group also lifted up praise and sang, “Lord, Remember Me When You Come Into Your Kingdom” and “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord”. Kittner then administered anointing oil in the shape of a cross on each person’s forehead.
“This demonstrates our oneness in Christ,” said Kittner. “Forgiveness is available to every person in Coshocton if they would just come to Christ. It’s his heart’s desire that all be saved.”
Those who had gathered then stood together in a circle and sang, “Sanctuary” and after Kittner delivered the closing prayer, the service closed with “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”.
“Those who walked appreciate the walk that Jesus walked to go to the hill,” said Kittner. “He carried a cross and suffered a lot more than we did. We just wanted to bear witness to one another and to those in the community.”
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