Community trail

There is a tradition of walking the way of the cross. This route is called the Via Dolorosa and winds through Jerusalem’s streets stopping at the places associated with the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Over time markers were erected and the route became one used by pilgrims from all over the world. Even today visitors walk the route, stopping along the way to read the appropriate section of the Bible in each place. Many churches created their own stations of the cross, sometimes as paintings and sometimes as carvings and sculptures so that those who were not able to visit the holy land could walk their own way of the cross. 

This set of stations is a series of images that have been produced by local primary school children. It gives us an insight into how these young children have responded vividly, carefully and enthusiastically to the story of Easter. It is an opportunity for all of us to pause and respond in different ways.

Each station has a webpage deliberately designed to help us pause for thought using simple words and questions to ponder. It allows us to start wherever we are and gives people the choice to reflect as deeply as they wish to. This allows people to come with a lot or a little knowledge, at any stage of our faith journey and at any age. 

You may choose to use it as it is or adapt the words or questions for your specific context. 

A special thanks to the schools who have provided our artwork:

• Clifton upon Dunsmore CofE Primary School
• St Nicolas CofE Primary School, Nuneaton
• Wootton Wawen CofE Primary School
• Radford Semele CofE Primary School 

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So what's the trail?

The trail we have created includes 15 pieces of artwork, primarily created by local school children. These can be put up around your community, church or even your home. Each has a QR code that can be attached that links to a Bible passage, pause for thought and questions to ponder.

The idea is that parishes put the images up for people to see and engage with. You may:

• Ask houses around the parish to put them up.
• Put them up outside your church/in your churchyard or space.
• Put them up inside your church.
• Choose one prominent place and change it every few days so people can travel through the stations.​​
• Share one daily on your social media page.

They can also be used for services or personal worship:

• Use the images in a short guided service at church, online or at home in a printed booklet.
• Request our booklet on the 'Resources' page to send to people or use together. (this is a duplicate of the online station pages)
• Print the images and use them for personal reflection in your own way.

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The details

The installation is designed to run from Passion Sunday until Easter Sunday (21st March – 4th April). Each piece of art work will be linked to a web page by QR code. The trail is fully populated, so you can see each station using the dropdown above (Walking the way of the cross then Community trail then choose the station) or through the QR codes.

Click here for the resources page where you can request a set of images and the booklet.

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Behind the QR code

The responses appear using the QR code. You point the camera of a smart phone at the QR code box and it will give you the option to open the link.

The link is also available through the menu above. Go to Walking the way of the cross and then Community trail and the stations will appear in a list.

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Linking in

The community trail is a way of involving a wide number of people from your community. Some will simply notice the images, others will see where the QR code leads and others will begin to seek out the different stations. Do consider how your trail links in with your wider Lent and Easter offering, ideas might include:

• Connecting the trail to the 'At home' offering on this website.
• Inviting people along using social media to other services and events you will be running.
• Asking your local schools, shops and community buildings if they will host one of the images.
• Mentioning the trail in collective worship at school or sending them a short piece they could include in their newsletter to explain to families what is happening.