GREENFIELD — David Fretz has been creating a stucco and stone backdrop to recreate the site of the Last Supper. He’s been shaping rock-looking structures for a tomb scene.
It’s all part of bringing first-century Jerusalem to life. “It’s going to be just enough that it gives the feel” of being there, Fretz said.
This is the third year Park Chapel Christian Church has offered such an event. The hope of those presenting “Walk with Jesus” is to help people reflect, as Easter draws near, on Jesus’ death and resurrection.
“We were really wanting to focus on things families could experience together,” said Carole Miller, director of kids ministry at the church. “It’s good to just pause and remember this time of year what he’s done for us.”
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Earlier tours at the church were known as “Road to Resurrection.” This year’s “Walk with Jesus” still chronicles some of Jesus’ last days on Earth, but some of the scenes presented will be a little different, Miller said.
Church members dress and play the part of people in the Bible stories. There are other interactive elements along the way. Young visitors to “Walk with Jesus” can color palm branches to wave as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Later, in the Upper Room after the last supper, parents can “wash” their children’s feet with wipes if they wish, remembering the Biblical account of Jesus washing the feet of the 12 disciples.
The scenes begin with Jesus entering Jerusalem (minus the donkey ride) and conclude at the empty tomb. Miller has seen people exit that final scene moved.
“There would be people come through and have some tears,” she said. “It was very thought-provoking.”
After the tomb scene, tour groups are led to a café area. There are punch and cookies, invitations to Easter services, and the chance to receive a free family devotional book.
Deborah Horn remembers going to the event in the past and thought it was well done.
“It was very nice,” she said. “It gave the kids (and adults) a glimpse into what it would have been like in biblical days and what Jesus would have experienced in the last days,” presented in an age-appropriate way, she added.
Fretz walked through with his grandchildren a couple of years ago and said the oldest one has asked to go again this year.
Presenting the scenes with his props and the actors is a way to take the Easter story and “make it a little more personal,” he said.
“Ultimately the desire is that they will become closer to Christ.”
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"Walk with Jesus" presents a series of scenes from Bible times: Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, the cross, and the empty tomb.
Each guided tour through the scenes takes about 45 minutes. Tours are available from 1 to 5 p.m. April 13 at Park Chapel Christian Church, 1176 E. McKenzie Road, Greenfield.
A new group enters the series of scenes every 15 minutes. Anyone interested in going can sign up for a time slot online at parkchapel.org. Scroll down to "Walk with Jesus" and select it to see a list of time slots.
After their tour, visitors end up at a café area with punch and cookies and can receive a family devotional book.
The event is free.
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