Cairns are piles of rocks laid down over the years by passersby on mountainous trails or paths, and used as way-finders when weather is bad or darkness falls, or on trails above tree line.  Often years in the making, hikers leave stones on the piles left by others;insome areas of the world they are also known as  prayer towers, as the stones and rocks left by hikers and pilgrims represent a prayer or petition.  Cairns help us find our way in difficult conditions and difficult times; they also remind us that we are not lost as we navigate through darkness or barren landscapes. 

 

This Lenten season, stone by stone together, we will build a cairn in Memorial Chapel. We will build a cairn to help us find our way as we journey through Lent, seeking to walk in the way of Jesus. Stone by stone, prayer by prayer it will grow throughout the six weeks of Lent. We will have stones available in Memorial Chapel but you are also invited to bring stones from your travel whether that be in your own back yard or as far away as Nicaragua.

 

We are building a cairn during Lent to help us find our way, but also because a cairn is what we hope this church is and will continue to be into the future for people out in the community and in the world. Build stone upon prayer-filled stone, we hope that this church on the corner of Collins Road and Beacon Street will be a signpost for all who are trying to find their way. A signpost leading to a welcoming community of healing, servant-hood, truth telling, witness, trust and new life.