|
Christians
in Cross Plains band together displaying 100 crosses
Wanda English Burnett
Editor
The story of Christmas is never old to Rev. David Gingerich, pastor
of the Cross Plains Baptist Church. This year, it has even more
meaning as he sees the world creeping in and starting to steal some
of the joy the season is all about.
Rev. Gingerich referred to the situation in Franklin County where
the town of Brookville has a nativity scene on the courthouse lawn.
A Wisconsin foundation wrote a letter to the governing bodies of
the county saying it is unlawful for them to maintain, erect
or host a holiday display that consists solely of a nativity scene...
They went on to say given its prominent location at the foot
of the flagpole, any passerby would conclude that the creche is
the focal point.
Citing that incident and others where Christ has been taken out
of schools and more, Rev. Gingerich says its time Christians
stood up. His idea of a simple white cross for every yard
was born and it quickly caught on in Cross Plains.
The Baptist pastor, who has been in the business of pastoring for
53 years, began making wooden crosses, small ones, about 18 inches
by 9 inches and asking anyone who would to place them in their yards
as a statement to the world we believe and serve Jesus Christ.
He told The Versailles Republican this is an appropriate time of
the year, as any time would be, and wants people to remember that
Christ came to earth as a humble babe who then died for the sins
of the world. Thats why he made the crosses - because the
creche is the focal point of Christmas.
Rev. Gingerich said no one told him no when he began
asking people if they would display the simple white cross in their
yards. What began as just a few quickly escalated and
at press time, he had made and distributed 100 crosses. He even
made a bigger one and lit it for his yard as did another member
of his congregation.
The pastor said displaying a cross is a sign for all to see that
the scripture is true. He referred to JH 3:14, and as Moses
lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the Son of
Man be lifted up.
The white crosses are catching on with more and more of them cropping
up. The pastor encourages all Christians to take a stand and place
a cross in their yards this season.
|
WANDA
ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO
Rev. David Gingerich takes a stand for
Christ as he poses in front of the 18' wooden lighted cross
in his front yard. The pastor of the Cross Plains Baptist
Church has started a campaign that has put over 100 crosses
in focus for the Christmas season.
|
|
|