Stations of the Passion

Introduction

We offer a series of stations to take participants on a journey through Lent. The stations reflect the stages of Jesus’ journey to the cross, and ultimately to his resurrection. They offer us an opportunity to spend time thinking about each of these stages in relation to our own lives.

The stations draw inspiration from some of the symbols that are associated with Jesus’ journey to the cross and the resurrection. Instructions are given below for how to set up each station. A reflection and action for each station is on the downloadable pdfs below. You can print them off and cut them up to have the relevant text at each station.

Using the stations

You might set out tables around your worshipping space, displaying the image alongside the response items, with cards showing the reflection and response activities. Or you might find items for each station to set out so that people can touch and feel each of the instruments of the Passion as they make their way along the journey.

Or if it is difficult to move around your space, you might use the images as a PowerPointTM display, inviting people to listen to the reflections.

The stations can work together as a complete service, or you may wish to hold two different services using the first seven stations during Lent or Holy Week and the final two stations during the Easter season – the resources are flexible and can be adapted according to your needs. The reflection and action is set out in separate boxes on the downloadable pdfs below so that they can be printed, cut up, and placed at a station with the items suggested.

Set up

Lent Station 1 | Silver coins

You will need: a handful of silver (10 pence, 50 pence) coins.

Place a pile of silver coins on a table for people to pick up and hold.

Lent station 2 | Rooster

You will need: cut lengths of cord or string around 15cm long; audio clip of a rooster crowing (optional).

Play the audio clip every 30 seconds or so. In the worship space, place the threads of cord or string on a table for people to touch.

Lent station 3 | Purple robe

You will need: a length of rough, purple cloth – perhaps with pieces already ripped out.

Place the cloth on a table, ensuring that it is easy for people to rip.

Lent station 4 | Thorns

You will need: a vase of roses with the flower heads cut off and the rose petals kept.

Scatter the petals around the worship space and leave the leaves and stems containing thorns in a vase on a table.

Lent station 5 | Wood

You will need: craft/lolly sticks; approx 15cm lengths of string, thread or ribbon.

Set out the sticks and string.

Make one cross with two sticks and weave the string across the intersection to hold the cross together. Place this sample cross on a table along with sticks and string for people to make their own cross.

Lent station 6 | Nails

You will need: a wooden cross made from two rough pieces of wood tied together with thick string or rope; a hammer and nails.

Set out the hammer and nails alongside the cross. You should consider all health and safety issues and we suggest that a responsible adult supervises this station.

Lent station 7 | Sponge

You will need: a large bottle of vinegar and some cups or glasses; a jug of water.

Set out the water, vinegar and glasses on a table.

Easter station 8 | Stone

You will need: a large stone and some chalk.

Set out the stone and chalk. Or, if the environment allows, draw out a stone pavement on the floor.

Easter station 9| White cloth

You will need: a large sheet of white cloth, with small squares cut from the same fabric.

Set out the cloth and offcuts near to the area of the stone.

Conclusion

After this series of stations, you might like to share a time of collective worship. If you’re using the prayers in two separate sections, the Lent stations should end in a quiet, refl ective and calm way, perhaps using the following prayer (provide copies for all participants).

Jesus our life,
we’ve walked with you on this agonising journey to the cross.
Keep us prayerful in these days as the world carries on its daily work.
Remind us that these days are holy and special,
and that the cross is carried daily by so many.
Help us to walk with them too.
Amen.

If you use the Easter stations, it can be good to end with a bigger celebration (perhaps even with an Easter waterside breakfast – see John 21.10-14!). Again, a communal prayer can help to draw the worship to a close.

Risen Lord!
We’re called to live in the brilliance of Easter, thank you!
Thank you for the wonder of new life,
for an end to sin and despair,
and for the chance to truly live.
Help us as we try to be Easter people
to be shining examples of hope and peace.
Alleluia! Amen.