Hassocks marks Christ’s ‘walk of suffering’

Hassocks United Reformed Church, West Sussex, hosted a service focussing upon the Stations of the Cross – a tradition more often associated with Catholic and some Anglican churches. The event was one of a series organised by Churches Together in Hassocks. Forty people from the various local churches attended.

The Revd Darryl Sinclair, URC minister, explained: “The Stations of the Cross have formed part of Christian devotion at Passiontide for many centuries, enabling people to engage actively with the path of suffering walked by Christ. They originated when early Christians went to Jerusalem and followed in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s home to Calvary and pausing for prayer at various points.

“Not everyone was able to visit Jerusalem, so pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries in the forms of carvings, banners and pictures which were used to mark the way.”

During the service, people moved from one Station to the next, hearing Bible readings, praying and reflecting on Christ’s journey to Crucifixion.

Photo: Darryl Sinclair and the Station depicting Jesus asking John to care for his mother, Mary.