Easter Tradition at Katonah — Bring a Flower for Jesus
Contact: Deborah Moore
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Church: Katonah United Methodist Church
Each year at Katonah UMC, the day before Palm Sunday, we erect a rough seven foot wood cross on the church's lawn. It's loosely wrapped with wire which is nearly invisible. It stands there all week reminding the world of Jesus' sacrifice. For a few weeks before Easter, the bulletin reminds the congregation to "bring a flower for Jesus" on Easter morning. As people arrive at church Easter Sunday, each one hangs a flower on the cross (this is what the wire wrapping is for). This transforms the cross from a symbol of suffering, humiliation and death into a symbol of resurrection, love and victory.
It's our congregation's powerful witness to all who pass our church. We know we're having an impact because, for the past few years, the Presbyterian church down the street has begun copying us. At dusk on Easter Sunday, when the flowers begin to droop, we take it down and store the cross for next year.