For this year’s Easter Journey in Ōpōtiki, the Church of St John is diving into the heart of Jesus’ words: “I Am the Way, the Truth, the Life.” (John 14:6).

The church’s first interactive station has been erected on the road front consisting of some road signs with this verse displayed to capture people’s attention as they drive by.

From tomorrow until Sunday, between 9am and 2pm, St John’s lounge and sanctuary will be transformed into a space for everyone to come and reflect on the meaning of Easter.

The lounge will be a relaxed café and creative hub with passersby invited to stop by for coffee, tea, and snacks in a cozy atmosphere.

“We have several stations for people to get creative with local artist Jodi Collins facilitating. We also have author Clive S. Wilson joining us with his new book Learning to see the Invisible God,” said Jess Suisted.

“The coffee machine will be cranking and fresh baking coming from the oven.”

She said the backyard would be a high-energy “messy” space with interactive stations designed for kids and the young at heart (weather permitting).

“We’ll have the gazebo set up with bean bags for families to stop and read Easter stories together. Kids will be challenged with being blindfolded while playing tenpin bowling and there will be an outdoor Easter art station where visitors can create Easter gardens using natural resources.”

Meanwhile, the sanctuary will be a quiet, reflective space featuring art and creative displays focused on the cross and resurrection.

“Visitors will be able to work through the seven arches with red curtains flowing over them,” Ms Suisted said.

“These are to represent the seven times Jesus bled for us on the way to the cross, which will be paired with a moving poem Seven Times Shed for Me by writer David Tait.

“We also have art by Whakatane artist Brian Phipps on display including his works, Love, Great Love Great Suffering, Presence and the Trinity.

This event is open to all.

“Our hope is to share the Easter story with everyone in creative, interactive, reflective and fun ways.

“There will be something for everyone.”