The Making of ....Six Panel Cross for Lent to Easter

Please contact fccsj.com for close-up (original size) photos from this collage if you plan to make your own.

---click the photo to see in full size:

Construction detail of Easter 2014 cross of 6 weekly panels:

About 14' high and panels of mesh, added from bottom to top, crowned by text panel at topmost on Palm Sunday.

Re-bar arches pin the four corners of the box frame and angle stays connect to tree collar as security against west winds hitting the back of the frame during the stormy weeks of March and April.
---feature story in local weekly newspaper, the Clinton County News on April 13, 2014.

Easter story, panel 6: CRUCIFYING WORDS

We remember the times that we responded as one with a crowd shouting hurtful words.  We remember the words of Jesus, “… just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matt 25:40, NRSV)

see also Palm Sunday's cheer and waving of palm leaves, http://youtu.be/VkKxcgTPljs

Look for "the making of..." (photos of the hardware and footings that secure the 14' project) to follow this article.

Easter story, panel 5: ROYALTY

This panel shows that a cross made of dirty nails is not fit for a king, but it also reminds us of the effects of our sins, which scar and smudge every part of our lives, … until we secure them in Christ.

Crown meant as disrespect, but ironically signifying the reverse.

Easter story, panel 4: SMALL CROSSES

This panel represents our prayers to God and the larger cross covers all of our sins.

Easter story, panel 3: JUDAS HOLE

This panel reminds us of the 30 pieces of silver that Judas received for turning Jesus over to the authorities (Matt 26:15).  This represented about 4 months’ wages, and was also the price of a slave.  Remember, we were all slaves to sin before Jesus paid the price for us.

Easter story, panel 2: SCATTERED SHEEP

This panel recalls the words of Zechariah 13:7, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”  The rooster reminds us of Peter’s denial of Christ (Matt 26:74) despite his pledge of faithfulness.  Christ knows that we will fail.  Because of his great love, we can leave them at the cross.

Easter story, panel 1: THE GARDEN

The cross went up this week amid the old hard snow and earliest hints of spring.
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week-1 "The Garden"

The Garden (Panel 1) reminds us of the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before his arrest (Matt 26). Though he asked the disciples to pray, they were too tired, and fell asleep.

Easter panel cross at 14 feet high; Rev. Olson

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---feature story in local weekly newspaper, the Clinton County News on April 13, 2014