This week was focused on the meaning of the Cross.  Drawing on the good work of MICHAEL NOVELLI we developed a evening of thinking and experiencing the reality of the Cross.

We intentionally stayed out of the youthspace until it was time for our big group gathering.

Upon entering the space, students were encouraged to find a comfortable spot to spend some time reflecting on the journey that Jesus took between his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the events of Spy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

As an act of corporate worship we shared in communion.  As the time for communion approached we took the t-shirts that the students had brought, ones that were representative of their persons and tore them into 2 pieces.  each student was given a  piece and then together they  tied those pieces together.  the resulting ribbon of shirts was then nailed to the cross as a symbol of our being a community of broken individuals who share in Christ’s death as a part of our own spiritual journey.  We used this video from the Passion of the Christ to remind all of us of the brutality of the Cross.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  ~Isaiah 53:5

We were reminded as the events of Good Friday were read, that for many it was the first time they had truly considered the weight of what Jesus Christ bore for those that call on His name. As a reminder of our time and of the love of Christ, each small group leader presented their students with a small handcut nail.