As a prelude to Holy Week, we have placed a number of small wooden crosses on the front lawn of the church in memory of those who have died from COVID-19 in our state. We have placed 1,600 crosses on the St. John’s lawn near Highland Road, along with a banner that says, “In Memory…Each cross represents one life lost to COVID-19 in Louisiana.”
The crosses serve as a prayerful, heartfelt witness to our community that our church family recognizes both the collective and individual grief and loss we are experiencing.
Our COVID-19 memorial crosses will remain on our front lawn throughout the Easter season until Pentecost Sunday, May 31. St. John’s will give away the crosses with an event on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.
Along with the crosses on the church lawn, St. John’s members have been invited to mirror that witness in their neighborhoods, by placing small wooden crosses in their yards during Holy Week and the Easter season. Though we were unable to observe Holy Week and Easter face-to-face this year, the crosses on our yards connect us to one another during this holy season, as they also connect us to the crosses placed on the church lawn.
The church provided a 3-foot wooden cross for each household, along with fabric drapes in the colors of the season: purple for Lent, black for Good Friday and Saturday, and white for Easter and the days following.
Thanks to the team of carpenters making the crosses including Donnie, Susan, and Tori Lambert; Troy Prevot; Phil Sprunger; Bill Perry; Darren Stubbs; David Dollar and more.
In the News
Our COVID-19 crosses have been highlighted in the local news.
The Advocate included a photo package about them.
NBC 33 and FOX 44 ran a news story, as did WBRZ, although it isn’t online.
Read messages from Pastor Lane about COVID-19 and read our COVID-19 FAQs.