Have you ever wondered what happened in Jesus’ life during Holy Week, the week before Easter? Come experience Easter like never before at Faith Lutheran Church’s Journey to the Cross all sensory event. We are excited to present this event for the whole family. Everyone is invited to this one-day event. Join us rain or shine Saturday, April 12 and walk in Jesus’ footsteps as you travel through different stations.

We will travel in small groups, so you’ll need to reserve the time that is best for you, and your family. We are handicapped accessible to make it fun for all. Our tour guides will walk you through the different areas, while you participate in this authentic hands-on experience. Since the format is international travel, we will provide you with a passport to keep. You will receive a visa sticker for each area that is visited, along with your picture, just like an actual passport.

Stations to be toured include the perfume that Mary Magdalene put on Jesus’ feet, the palm branches that were waved on Palm Sunday and the donkey that he rode. Also, sample taste the Seder meal, or the Passover meal, and feel the weight of the 30 pieces of silver that Judas betrayed Jesus for. Pray at the Garden of Gethsemane, hear the whip and touch the thorns, hammer a nail into the cross, and peek into the triumphant empty tomb, all suitable for children.

"We are encouraging adults, as well as children to take this opportunity to share in a sensory way, our Savior’s last week before his crucifixion and resurrection. We think this will make everyone’s Easter experience much more meaningful” said Faith Meinzen, event coordinator. “Smell, taste, touch, hear, see, and experience Holy Week in new ways. For this real-life event, we will have Jerusalem themed presenters in period clothing, along with Roman Soldiers on horseback in the parking lot!”

So that you don’t travel hungry, there will be a free pancake breakfast before your departure, along with a free Easter Egg Hunt at the end of your journey. Tours depart in groups of 8 every 10 minutes, beginning at 8:30am to 11:30am. Allow 30 minutes prior to your departure time for check-in and enjoy your free breakfast.

This event will take place Saturday, April 12, between 8am – 12 noon, at the Faith Lutheran Church Life Center, located just off the round-about by Cox Hospital. The entrance and plenty of parking are in the lower parking lot, just look for the Roman soldiers on horseback! “It’s really a unique chance to open your heart and eyes while experiencing some of the sensations that Jesus did” Meisen remarked.

There is no charge for the breakfast, sensory tours, or Easter Egg hunt. Due to a limited number of tours, and the overwhelming success from last year, be sure and register early for this amazing Journey to the Cross event at https://faithbranson.org, or call 417-334-2469 for additional information. Check out https://www.facebook.com/faithlutheranbranson page for video. We hope to see you and your family there!